St Mary's School Donald Newsletter

Term 2 Week 1 2024

St Mary's School Donald

Principal: Mrs. Melissa Drum

VISION STATEMENT

St. Mary's community, with Jesus as our inspiration, aims to educate and nurture the development of the whole child.

MISSION STATEMENTS: 

Catholic Culture

As part of St. Mary's Parish, and inspired by our Catholic faith, we care for all people and creation.

Community Engagement

Work in close partnership with families, parish and the Donald community to enhance faith, student learning and well-being.

Learning and Teaching

Provide opportunities for each student to achieve their academic potential in an engaging, contemporary educational environment.

Well-Being

Ensure a child-safe, respectful and inclusive environment that celebrates achievement, promotes dignity and resiliency.

Leadership and Stewardship

Be educators, with a clear sense of purpose and direction, who work collaboratively to deliver quality outcomes for all students.

Prayer

The Risen!

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Welcome back everyone to Term 2,

I hope everyone had a lovely break with family and friends. The weather was certainly enjoyable!

Auslan 

Monday teaching staff attended the Auslan Conference in Ballarat with over 200 teachers in attendance from across our Diocese. This was an introduction for our new teachers and all would agree that it was a great day of learning.

Go well and be well,

Melissa Drum

ANZAC Day Thursday 25th April

ANZAC Day Public Holiday is on Thursday 25th April and students are not required at school on this day.

All students are invited to represent St Mary’s at the ANZAC Day Service in Donald at the Cenotaph on April 25th. All the Grade 6 school leaders, will lay a wreath they have prepared on the school’s behalf. All students are to wear full school uniform if in attendance please, and join in the parade.  Assemble at the Cenotaph at 10:50am. 

Whole school Cross Country

Our school Cross Country will be held on Friday 26th April at the Donald Football Oval. We will commence the Cross Country at 1:30pm with an early lunch at school before we commence.

School Photos - Monday 29th April 2024

Book in your haircuts - School Photo Day is happening on Monday 29th April 2024! 

Catholic Education Week Wednesday 1st May at St Joseph's, Charlton

St Joseph’s will host our annual Catholic Education Week celebrations this year alongside St Patrick’s St Arnaud and St Mary’s Donald. We will gather for Mass on Wednesday 1st May at 10:00am in the Charlton Parish Church. A special Olympics themed sports session has been planned to entertain the students between Mass and lunchtime. Students need to wear their school sports uniform on this day and bring along their usual fruit and snacks for recess. Lunch will be provided for the students. 

Mother's Day

We will celebrate Mother's Day on Friday 10th May commencing at 2:30pm. A Liturgy and High Tea will be provided for our special visitors. Mothers, grandmothers and other very special females in our students’ lives are warmly invited to join us for this occasion.

Foundation 2025

Do you have a child due to start Foundation in 2025?  If you have not already done so, please contact the office as soon as possible to ensure their details are registered on our waiting list.  Whilst the enrolment process will commence in Term 2, siblings of current students are prioritised and this early information assists the School in forward planning for the 2025 school year.  

Child Safety

In compliance with Ministerial Order 1359, we also revisited the staff code of conduct as part of our Child Safety program, ensuring that we adhere to all legal requirements. Families who work with us in volunteer capacities such as the School Advisory Committee, Parents and Friends group and those who attend to help in classrooms will also have to sign a new code of conduct form for the new school year. These forms are in the front office.

NO BUSES

Please note that on Tuesday May 7th there will be no buses running due to closure days for DPS and DHS.

School Closure Days 2024

At St Mary's Primary School we are committed to Professional Development of our team.

Students are not required at school on the following days in 2024;

  • Monday 20th May - RE: Prayer, Liturgy & Sacrament
  • Friday 20th September  -Tony Dalton, Learning Walks & Community Engagement
  • Monday 7th October  - Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Monday 4th November - Assessment & Reporting

Public Holidays are 

  • Thursday 25th April - ANZAC  Day
  • Monday 10th June - King's Birthday
  • Tuesday 5th November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.

Days of Religious Celebration Term 2 

150 YEARS

The logo for the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat incorporates the diocesan logo and the bough of a tree drawn by Sr Anne McMillan rsm in 1985. The words Anne had used with this drawing were, “If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come”. It is an old Chinese proverb, which could be interpreted as a reminder to keep hope alive and a call to open our hearts to all. The bough of a tree symbolises growth, interconnectedness and life. The leaves could symbolise the communities, the parishes, the people of the diocese.

The text Communities: Remember, Revitalise, Hope reflects various aspects of the anniversary.

The word “Community” highlights the fact that a diocese is essentially a community drawn together by Christ, a large community made up of many local communities. The word “Remember” refers us to the history of the diocese. In this remembering, we acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of that history, celebrating the achievements and recognising the failures to live our Christian faith to the full. The word “Revitalise” calls us to invest ourselves in bringing new life to the community today. The word “Hope” encourages us to look forward to the future with confidence in God.

The Scripture verse chosen for our 150th anniversary year reflects various elements of our vocation as a Christian community. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). The words are drawn from a passage in St Paul’s letter to the Romans in which the apostle lists qualities appropriate for a community inspired by Christ. As the years go by, the community experiences times of trial as well as times of gladness. Through it all, their trust in Christ makes them joyful in hope and patient in affliction. They recognise that they need God’s help in all they do and so they are faithful in prayer, seeking God’s help day by day.

HANDPAN

Did your child mention a beautiful sound this week? It may very well have been the Handpan from the Junior Room. This sound is soothing and relaxing for students. We were fortunate to purchase some wellbeing instruments to add to our classrooms.


Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader - Lauren Swan

A SPECIAL REPORT: Wellbeing Barometer Survey: 2024

We are asking parents to complete the following online survey, to help us understand the concerns within our school community. 

The Wellbeing Barometer survey has proven to be an invaluable tool for schools, providing insights into the state of youth mental health and wellbeing. 

Participating in this year's survey, will assist in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention. 

Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year. Its aim is to capture a comprehensive picture of young people's lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.

We encourage you to take a few moments to complete a survey for each of your children. This will help us determine the nature and extent of your concerns and how best to support families in the months ahead. Responses remain anonymous and will only be reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in the last 12 months.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Lauren Swan

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

Here is the link to your special report:https://smdonald.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2024-au

SCIENCE WITH MRS DRUM - THE JUNIORS MADE WIND SOCKS!

Student late arrival, early departure, temporary absence procedures




All student late arrivals, early departures or temporary absences must be recorded in the Passtab iPad located in the foyer.  Please ask office staff for assistance.

Change of Emails/Addresses/Phone Numbers

Could families please inform the school if they have changed their mobile number, address or email. It is vital that the school has the most up to day information, to enable us to contact you when needed.

ASSEMBLY

NO ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK

AUSKICK 2024

Please find attached flyer for Auskick this year, starting first week of Term 2.   Wednesday at 3:45 pm.

Cheers,

Mark CONNELL

AEDC

Australian Catholics Magazine

https://www.australiancatholics.com.au/current/aust-catholic-magazine

HIGH FIVE AWARD 2024

This year Mr. D we continue a 'High 5' Award.

Each week, students that have attended everyday will receive a certificate to acknowledge they have been at school for the whole week. 

After a quick photo the certificates will be placed in a box where they will stay until the end of the year, when one lucky student will have their name drawn out and will win themselves a new bicycle.

Every full week equals another ticket in the draw. Every ticket in the draw is another chance to win the prize.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to these students who celebrate their birthday in the month of April: 

Obie

Jaxon



East Wimmera Health Services newsletter

https://ewhs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EWHS-Community-Newsletter-2-Issue-2-March-2024.pdf

CARITAS

BULOKE SHIRE

Child Safety Plain Language

STUDENT ABSENCE NOTIFICATION

Under Department of Education Regulations, typically the only acceptable reasons for absence from school are illness and medical or dental appointments that cannot be arranged outside of school hours. It is a legal requirement that parents contact the school regarding any student absences or lateness.

In the event of any absence, a brief note, phone call, or SMS text explaining the reason is required. This must be done before 9:30am. 

Any absences not advised by 9.30am, will be followed up via SMS or phone call.

The number to use for text messages regarding your child’s absences is 0418 701650. Absences may also be advised via the form on the Skoolbag App., via telephoning the school, or by email.

VICTORIAN EDUCATION ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES:

During 2017 the Minister for Education reviewed the Attendance Guidelines. An updated Attendance Guideline document has been completed. A copy of the full document will be placed on the School App and Website.  

·         Schools must advise parents/guardians of unexplained absences on the same day, as soon as practicable.

·         In accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, schooling is compulsory for children and young people aged from 6-17 years.

·         Families are reminded that they can use the School App to record absences, ring the school from 8.30am on 54971116 or 0418 701650 or email  principal@smdonald.catholic.edu.au

Please note that if you have not contacted the school by 9.30am to advise of your child/children’s absence, the school will make contact with you, either by a telephone call or a text message.

ACKNOWLEGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung  people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land.  We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We thank them for sharing their cultures, spiritualities and ways of living with the land in this place we all now call home.