Family & Faith News

SPaR   

Our next SPaR (Stop, Pray, Reflect) will be Friday 21st October 2022 at 9am – the theme is ‘Paint and Sip - A Tribute to Mary ‘ as we honour Mary during this month, the month of the Rosary. This SPaR will run for approx. 90mins as there will be a painting activity involved. 

Plan ahead and be sure to schedule the Term 4 SPaR dates in your diary.

SPaR – Term 4 2022

…Pray about everything.

Tell God what you need and Thank Him for all he has done.

If you do this, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, 

Will guard your hearts and your minds….

Phil 4:6-7

Kindergarten Orientation #1 - Thursday 20th October, 2022

This morning we welcomed our Kindergarten class of 2023. 23 very excited preschoolers meeting their Year 5 buddy’s for the first time. After reading the story ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ the new Kindy students joined their Year 5 buddy’s on a Bear Hunt around St Margaret Mary’s. Following this they spent time in their Kindy classroom participating in various activities with their buddy’s. It was fun morning had by all and we look forward to having all the Kindy students and their families as a part of our St Margaret Mary’s community. We look forward to seeing everyone again on the 10th November, 2022 for Orientation Day 2.

Thank You Charlotte!

Although our St Vincent de Paul School Winter Sleepout was cancelled this year, one committed Year 6 student made a significant contribution to the Winter Appeal. Thank You Charlotte for your generous donation which has been forwarded to the St Vincent de Paul Randwick Conference to assist those in need in Randwick.

Calling any crafty parents or carers

There is a project for World Teacher’s Day (celebrated on 28th October, 2022) which  I require some assistance with from any parent or carer who may be good at craft or beading. If you have a special talent in this area and may be able to help, please send me an email at lucille.gravina@syd.catholic.edu.au. Thank you.

Socktober - Thursday 27th October 2022

This year St Margaret Mary’s will celebrate Socktober on Thursday 27th October, 2022 during Mission Week. On this day we ask that all children wear crazy / multi coloured / patterned socks to school and contribute a gold coin donation. This year’s focus is Ethiopia and our contribution will support families in Ethiopia facing malnutrition and food insecurity. During Mission week the children will be making soccer balls out of used plastic shopping bags, like the children do in parts of the world less fortunate than ourselves. Why soccer? Well the world game of soccer has the rare power to unify people of all ages and backgrounds and nowhere is this clearer than in the balls used to play. Socktober weaves these concepts together, celebrating the values inherent in sport, but reminding students that we have the power to change injustice and imbalance in the world. 

On Thursday 27th October, 2022, the children will use the soccer balls they have made to play in the playground during their breaks and all other balls will be unavailable for use. This is a great opportunity for the children to experience what it is like for children in many countries who do not have access to the extensive array of equipment available to us at our school.  What we need from you? Please start collecting clean used plastic bags and ask the children to bring them to school for their class so that during Mission Week we have enough bags to make our soccer balls.

All Souls Day - Wednesday 2nd November, 2022

On Wednesday 2nd November, 2022, we will celebrate All Souls Day. Your child will come home with a butterfly shaped card next week. We ask that together as a family, you write the names of loved ones you would like remembered during our prayer service on All Souls Day which will be led by Year 3. All Parents and families are welcome to attend our prayer service which will be held in St Margaret Mary’s Church at 9am on Wednesday 2nd November, 2022.

Novels for the Homeless

We are looking for used books that are no longer needed to provide the homeless with reading material. Should you have any novels (crime and violent free) that you no longer need, please drop them off to the Parish Centre so that we can transfer them to Sr Fidelis at the Rocks, who is co-ordinating the program.

Term 4 Family Mass - Sunday 27th November, 2022

Look forward to all families joining us for our last Family Mass for 2022 on Sunday 27th November, 2022. This happens to be the first Sunday of Advent and will also be the last opportunity for our Year 6 students to attend their last Family Mass at St Margaret Mary’s. 

St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup 

The St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup will run every Wednesday morning from 9am – 10:30am during school term. If you have children starting at St Margaret Mary’s in 2023 or beyond, please join us. 

Monday Pilates with Nicolette

Nicolette has been teaching Pilates at St Margaret Mary’s for 6 years. Pilates classes are held weekly.

Day: every Monday

Time : 9am - 10am

Location: St Margaret Mary’s Parish Centre

Cost: $20

For more information contact Nicolette on 0411 553 429 or nmoutopoulos@gmail.com

Friday Yoga with Trish at Centennial Park

Trish started off practicing pilates on and off for more than 10 years and in 2015 she found yoga. By the end of 2016 she became a certified yoga instructor. Trish noticed that there was an element of “je ne sais quoi” after practicing for several months that had to be experienced and felt, rather than explained. Trish really believes that elements of yoga practiced on the mat can also be used off the mat in our daily lives, and this is what she would like to share with everyone. So do come along and dedicate one hour to yourself. Deepening your awareness and appreciation of your body by connecting your mind to your breath and body.

When: Fridays after school drop-off 

Time: 9:45am to 10:45am

Where: Centennial Park, The Labyrinth

Cost: $18/person

What to bring: An open mind, a Mat,

Optional: block(s), a strap

Contact: Trish

Mob: 0478 651 800

Email: pkbernardo@gmail.com

Enjoy a restful Term 3 break with your families and look forward to seeing you in Term 4.

Go gently, every blessing,

Ms. Lucille Gravina

Family Educator