Term 1 Week 8 2024

Principal's Message

Recently I came across this article highlighting research about how language bias and pressures to be perfect have a profound impact upon girls. I believe in today’s society it is crucial that we reflect upon the language that we use to ensure that our young people don’t unintentionally build an inaccurate view of self.

Study shows how pressure of perfection and language bias impacts girls’ creativity (educationdaily.live)

How does this relate to us here at St Mary’s? Not only through the use of our Reboot language to help students engage with their learning but also by strategically using feedback as another way to build confidence within students. At St Mary’s this year one of our Annual Action Plan goals is to embed effective feedback processes within our classroom pedagogy to provide real-time, authentic feedback to students to enhance their learning. John Hattie’s research confirms that with an effect size of 0.73, feedback is among the top-10 things that strongly influences student achievement (2015).

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (aitsl.edu.au) outlines the professional standards as teachers that we have to meet in our roles. Feedback is included in Standard 5 – Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning.  

At St Mary’s we utilise the following methodology for effective feedback:

In relation to Qu. 1 “Where am I going?” our teachers use Bump It Up walls to show a progressive skill set required for a learning task. This clearly demonstrates to students what they need to do to move within skill levels. Below are some examples of Bump It Up walls.

Questions 2 and 3, “How am I going?” and “Where to next?” is where we use feedback to assist with student growth. One of the strategies that we have collaboratively decided upon to use this year is ‘Grow and Glow’. Glows are where a student receives feedback about something they have done well, and Grows focus on what they can improve upon. This feedback can be given by both teacher and peers.

Next time you are in your child’s classroom, check out the Bump It Up walls and I encourage you to have a conversation with them about their learning. They might even be able to tell you about when they have received ‘glow and grows’!

Have a wonderful week!

Emma Timmins

Principal

Religious Life of the School

Harmony Day

A Prayer for Living in Harmony and in Peace

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your 
mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it; you shall 
love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two 
great commandments. (Matthew 22: 37-40)

Good and gracious God,
who loves and delights in all people,
we stand in awe before you,
knowing that the spark of life within each person
is the spark of your divine life.
Differences among cultures and races are
multicolored manifestations of your light.
May our hearts and minds be open to celebrate
similarities and differences among our sisters and brothers.
Please send your healing and reconciling Spirit in order to bind
the wounds created by racism and racial hatred,
and to promote understanding, justice, and love.
We place our hopes for racial harmony in our committed action
and in your living presence in our neighbor.
May all peoples live in peace!
Amen.
- adapted from the Sisters of Mercy

A Prayer for Living in Harmony and In Peace (chausa.org)

At St Mary's we will celebrate with a free dress day. Students can wear orange, the colour of Harmony Day, or something that symbolises the country of their heritage. These photos give some ideas from our past fun days. We invite students to bring in a donation to Project Compassion, who work in the world to help bring peace to the marginalised of the world.

Official Yarning Circle Opening

Our students have been enjoying our new Yarning Circle space both for their outdoor lessons and their play. On Harmony Day, Wednesday, 21st March, we will officially open our Yarning Circle with Mr Ken Brown who led the project. Our celebrations will begin at morning prayer at 8:35am and we invite parents and community members to join us. Throughout the day, students will participate in storytelling, art and learning in the Yarning Circle.

Holy Week Liturgy

Year 3 will lead us in a Holy Week Liturgy on Thursday, 28th March at 2:15pm in the MacKillop Centre. They will continue the Easter story with a Resurrection Liturgy on Tuesday, 16th April (first day back at school) at 11:30am.

Charity Portfolio Projects

This week our students will be launching their 'Guess the Easter Eggs' competition to raise money for Project Compassion. It will be 50c a guess and students will be taking guesses before school each day this week and next week. The winner will be announced at the Holy Week Liturgy.

Our Charity Portfolio has also worked hard to create Easter Booklets that will be shared with the St Vincent de Paul community to bring some Easter cheer to little people in Warwick.

Parish News

First Reconciliation - Tuesday, 19^th March at 6pm. Congratulations to the students who are celebrating this sacrament.

Fr. Periya - We welcome Fr. Periyanayagam Savarimuthu ALCP/OSS. Father is usually called Periya. Fr. Periya has arrived in Australia four weeks ago and will be working in the Toowoomba Diocese during his stay in Australia. He comes from the state of Tamil Nadu a southern state of India. Please make him welcome.

Volunteers for the Sacramental Program - For some years now the Sacramental program was directed first of all by Patrice Riordan and later when Patrice returned to teaching, by Fr. Bony. We now need to find other people who could assist with the coordination and direction of the program. It would ideal to have a team so that it would not be a burden on any one person. We need at least three volunteers. Could you please give this important ministry some thoughtful consideration. Another option would be to create a limited hour paid position for the weeks of the Program. If anyone is interested please ring the Parish Office at 46611033

Weekend Masses - Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 8:30am. At Sunday morning mass there is also Children's Liturgy during term time.

Easter Masses

Palm Sunday - St Mary's Saturday 6pm; Sunday 8:30am; Killarney Sunday 8am; Inglewood Sunday 9am

Holy Thursday - St Mary's 6pm

Good Friday - St Mary's Stations of the Cross 10am; Good Friday Vigil 3pm

Holy Saturday Vigil - St Mary's 6pm

Easter Sunday - St Mary's 8:30am; Killarney 8am; Greymare 10am; Gladfield 10am; Inglewood 9am

Sharon Young

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

Curriculum

NAPLAN 2024

As we conclude the first week of NAPLAN for 2024, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far. Our Year 3 and Year 5 students have shown remarkable resilience and focus, completing the Writing and Reading tests, along with make-up tests on Friday for those who were absent. The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the adaptive testing model, which tailors questions to each student's abilities, making the experience more engaging and less daunting. Next week, we will wrap up NAPLAN with the Conventions of Language and Numeracy tests.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Year 3 and 5 teachers for their professionalism, thorough preparation, and the compassionate support extended to our students. Your efforts have made a significant difference in easing any test-related anxieties and fostering a positive testing environment.

We also extend our gratitude to the rest of SMW’s staff and students for their cooperation in maintaining a quiet and respectful atmosphere around the testing areas. Your consideration has been invaluable in ensuring the smooth conduct of the tests.

Change to NAPLAN Timetable (Year 3 only)

We have had to make a minor change to our NAPLAN timetable that will affect Year 3 next week. Year 3 students will now complete the NAPLAN Numeracy test on Tuesday 19th March, rather than Wednesday. If your child is absent on Tuesday, we will include them in the make-up sessions later in the week. If you have any other concerns, please let us know.  

NAPLAN Results Update

This week, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) released a statement regarding NAPLAN results, and the move to publish results sooner. An excerpt from the statement is below:

The entire statement can be read here.

This news ensures that SMW’s use of NAPLAN data to help inform teaching and learning programs will be more impactful and relevant to individual student needs, and support can occur earlier where required. We will continued to keep you updated more around NAPLAN results in Term 2.

Red Rockets 3 Band

We had an awesome time with the Red Rockets 3 Band last week and our friends from St Mary's Kindy, Busy Bees and Little Tackers. A fun morning of singing, dancing and reading!

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Jess Harper
Middle Leader

Positive School Culture

Class RISE UP Trophy

Congratulations to the most recent winners of the Class RISE UP Trophy this fortnight!

Miss Butler awarded the trophy to Prep W in Week 7, after they impressed us all with their ability to move about the school safely during a week of wet weather. As the newest members of SMW, we are especially proud of these little learners and how much they're growing in their first year of school. Well done, Prep W!

Mrs Lawson awarded the trophy to 6H in Week 8, after they demonstrated significant respect towards NAPLAN testing that was occurring in the school. These students were observed moving quietly and effectively through the school grounds, ensuring our Year 3 and 5 students a testing environment free of noise and disruption. Exceptional work from our school leaders, great work, Year 6H!

Student Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received an Award for Friday, 15th March 2024:

Spotted Rising Up

Congratulations to all the students who have been 'Spotted Rising Up'. The prize winners were Isla R and Kylicia S, which was announced at Assembly on Friday, 15th March.

Please celebrate with your child if they have brought home a Spotted Rising Up slip. It means that they were 'spotted' displaying one or more of the RISE UP positive behaviours. 

Administration

School Fees

School fees for Term 1 are now overdue, please pay as soon as possible.  Please remember we have a direct direct system to pay for fees weekly/fornightly.  If you have any questions, please contact the School Office.

**Account Details when paying by Electronic Funds Transfer**

Name; Archdiocesan Development Fund (ADF)

BSB; 064 786 Account; 100018342

Please use your name and also your SMW invoice number shown on the Statement as the Reference.

Parent Engagement Network

Introduction to PEN executives 2024

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves as the new executives of the Parent Engagement Network. On 1^st February 2024, we happily accepted these roles, and we look forward to working with you, the parents, and the staff and the greater St Mary’s community. We consider our role to be largely focused on representing the goals and perspectives of the parent body and so we invite you to please approach us when you see us around the school to share any thoughts, suggestions or queries you may have.

We have compiled a short survey to get parents and carers' voice and would appreciate it if you could please complete it for the new executive by Thursday, 28th March. 

https://forms.office.com/r/sUNKCdfqcN

To assist you in recognising and getting to know us around the school, we have also compiled a short introduction for each new member of the PEN executive.

Chairperson – Fiona Ah-Loy

I was raised on a 5^th Generation family farm in Freestone. My husband and I have 2 girls that attend St Mary’s. We have been with the school for 5 years.

Being raised on a mixed farm (grain and cattle) I have knowledge of experience of hardship through, drought, fires and floods.

I have a background in the entertainment industry, retail, working with disabilities and have a diploma in counselling.

Between being a Dance Mum and School Mum, I help care for my aging parents on the farm who both live with Parkinson’s Disease.

I’m excited for this new role and hope to collaborate well with everyone to bring together some beneficial experiences and achievements for our school community.

Secretary – Emily Cross

I have lived in Warwick for 9 years, having spent time living in Brisbane and various parts of North and Central Queensland.

My husband and I have three children at St Mary’s and have been at the school for four years. I love the sense of community and positivity at the school. I have worked in the legal industry for sixteen years, and when I am not at work, or fulfilling Mum-taxi duties, I enjoy camping, the beach and boxing.

I look forward to assisting in the representation of the parent community at St Mary’s and hope you will all feel comfortable to say hello and share your thoughts and ideas when I see you around the school.

Committee Co-Ordinator - Mandy Moretto

I grew up on the Sunshine Coast, now my family and I live in Rosenthal Heights. We have been in Warwick for three years. Prior to moving to Warwick, we were in Melbourne. I love to travel! Living and working in Canada in America with my husband.

My husband Jeff and I have three children, who are all at St Mary’s.

I am an interior designer and love house renovations. I am passionate about our schooling community, our farm and my beautiful family.

I look forward to being a friendly face within the school community for you to share your thoughts and ideas.

Library News

Mystery Reader

Starting next term, Mystery Reader is coming to St Mary's Library. This is for all little ones under school age so please share with your family and friends. We are also looking for anyone brave enough to read to our little ones. Some invitations will also be sent out soon so please consider being a reader for this fun program if you are able to. Nurturing little readers one book at a time!

Sport

Interschool Hockey

Congratulations to our St Mary's School hockey team who has made the Grand Final in the Interschool Competition. It will be played on Monday, 18th March at 5:20pm at the Hockey Fields. There will be a sausage sizzle available from the tuckshop. Come along and support our St Mary's team.

Sport Representation

It has been a busy time for sport lately and our exceptional students have shone with their skills and their sportsmanship.

Southern Downs Basketball

Congratulations to Riley B who has been selected to trial at the Darling Downs Basketball later this term.

Darling Downs Cricket

Congratulations to Xavier F who has been selected to be part of the Darling Downs Cricket team. He will compete in the State Championships next term. 

Southern Downs Touch Football

Congratulations to the students who trialled for the touch football Southern Downs team. We have three students, Emily N, Sammy G and Harper B, who will have the opportunity to show their skills at the Darling Downs trials next term.

Darling Downs Netball

Congratulations to the three students, Emily N, Sammy G and Harper B, who competed at the Darling Downs trials recently. The competition was tough but all three students have learned some additional skills in Netball.

We wish these students all the best as they compete in these sports. Parents please don't forget we love photos of our students when they compete so please send them in.

Cross Country

Our apologies for any inconvenience caused due to us postponing our Cross Country from this Thursday. We received word secondhand last week that we would no longer be able to use the Warwick Golf Club. However, we are working on another great option and hope to have the details to you early this week.

Tuckshop

Parenting Ideas

Talking about tough topics with children

(Suitable for 2-8 years)

Why it’s good to talk about tough topics with children

Divorce, illness, death, natural disasters – they’re all part of life. Talking about tough topics is one way you can help your child deal with life’s difficulties.

If you encourage open communication about tough topics, your child learns that they can always talk to you. Your child will understand that you’ll be there to listen if something is worrying them. This is a great foundation for communication in the teenage years.

Talking about tough topics strengthens your child’s ability to think, solve problems and communicate. It also helps to build your child’s resilience.

And talking about tough topics with your child gives you a chance to explain values and beliefs that are important to your family.

Talking about tough topics can be important for children’s wellbeing. When children have the chance to express and work through feelings, it can help them to cope with stress and worry.

Talking about tough topics at different ages

The way you handle tough topics will depend on your child’s age and how your child makes sense of the world.

Toddlers and preschoolers
Toddlers and preschoolers understand the differences between feeling happy, sad, afraid or angry. But they need a lot of reassurance to understand new and more complex feelings. And they also think in very concrete ways and are still learning how concepts fit together.

This means that when you talk about tough topics with toddlers and preschoolers, it’s good to focus on feelings that they understand and explain things in simple language. For example:

• ‘Grandma has died and we won’t see her anymore. I’m very sad.’
• ‘We love you. But we think the family will be happier if Dad and I live in different houses.’
• ‘Babies grow in a place inside their mummies called the uterus’.
• ‘I was really scared too when that car crashed into us, but we’re safe now.’

School-age children
At this age, children have more emotional maturity and understand more complex emotions – but new emotions are still overwhelming for them sometimes. Their brains are developing rapidly, and they can absorb new information quickly. Their worlds have expanded too, and they might come across more tough topics through the media or conversations with other children at school.

This means that when you talk about tough topics with your school-age child, you can talk about more complex emotions and go into more detail. For example:

• ‘Death means not living anymore, like the flowers die so they don’t grow anymore. Or the dog died so he doesn’t eat and play anymore. All living things die some time.’
• ‘We both love you. But Dad and I don’t want to be married to each other anymore. Dad and I will live in different houses, but we’ll both look after you.’
• ‘To make a baby, a sperm from a man and an egg from a woman join together.’
• ‘I know it was scary when we had to leave home because of the fire. But remember how we followed our bushfire plan? And then people helped us know what to do next.’

It’s always good to be aware of what your child is seeing or talking about at child care, preschool or school, as well as what they might be seeing in the media. This can give you the chance to raise tough topics with your child before they ask and guide your child through them.

Planning for tough conversations

It’s a good idea to think about tough topics before your child asks. This way you’ll be prepared when a tough topic comes up.

Here are some tips to help you plan for difficult conversations:

• Tell your child sad or scary news yourself if you can, or ask someone who knows your child well to talk to your child. Tell your child as soon as you can after the event.
• If there’s time to plan ahead, choose a time when you’re both relaxed. If you can, choose a private and comfortable place to talk.
• Be honest. For example, ‘Yes, Dad is going to live with Sam now. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you any more’.
• Let your child know that they can ask you questions.
• Really listen to your child after you’ve started the conversation. Make eye contact and get down to your child’s level. You might find it useful to say your child’s feelings back to them to check that you understand what they’re saying.
• Use a past event to help your child understand a more recent one. For example, if you’re talking about a recent bushfire, you could tell your child what happened after the Black Saturday bushfires. You could reassure your child by focusing on how people coped and worked together to rebuild.
• Be ready to comfort your child with plenty of cuddles if you need to.
• Come back to the tough topic in a week if your child doesn’t raise it with you. Your child needs time to process what you’ve been talking about, but they might also need encouragement to talk about it again.

Storybooks can often be good conversation starters for children of all ages. Try your local library or search online for ideas.

Topics you have trouble with

There might be things you find really difficult to talk about. This could be because of your own background or your cultural and religious values. Or it could be because the tough topic affects you too, like divorce. If this sounds like you, you could consider talking to your partner or a friend about the issues that are difficult for you.

It’s OK to have feelings and to let your child know what they are. But if you show too much distress, it might not be good for your child. Your child might copy your reaction or find it upsetting.

If you get too distressed when talking or thinking about tough topics, talk to your GP or health professional. For example, if you’ve been through a traumatic event, you might find that talking about similar topics upsets you. You can also call Lifeline on 131 114 or a parenting hotline.

It’s important to talk about tough topics. If your child doesn’t understand the facts in a way that they can make sense of, your child might imagine things that are far worse than the truth.

Notices

Outside School Hours Care - Easter Vacation Care

The vacation care program is now out! Please see below. Bookings are now being taken. Please send your requests through to Xplor or alternatively email SMWcare@tckc.qld.edu.au your preferred booking dates and days.