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St Mary's School, Warwick

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173 Palmerin Street
Warwick QLD 4370
Subscribe: https://smwarwick.catholic.edu.au/subscribe

Email: smwarwick@twb.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 07 4661 1872
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Term 4 Week 6 2024

  • Principal's Message
  • Religious Life of the School
  • Curriculum
  • Positive School Culture
  • Student Awards
  • Spotted Rising Up
  • Administration
  • Tuckshop
  • Sport
  • Notices

Principal's Message

Welcome to Week 6!

Last week as I attended our termly ‘Leadership Forum’ I was challenged by the address from Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director of Toowoomba Catholic Schools based on ‘living full and flourishing lives’. In relation to education, Dr Pat was asking us to consider how we can achieve this within our school communities and what may be the generative tension that may lead to rewards or risks. A crucial element was that first we need to understand the 4 pillars of Education for life in the 21st century: 1. Learning to know; 2. Learning to do; 3. Learning to live together; and 4. Learning to be. My reflection and grappling with this has led me to highlight that it is our moral imperative to educate students, not only the curriculum requirements but also about ‘faith, hope and love’. One way we can do this is through the Gospels and more specifically through the profound source of wisdom, the Beatitudes, which is a set of teachings by Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew.

Kevin Treston (2024) has written a book based on the Beatitudes to find a way to live a Christian life in an ever-increasing secularised world called “Choices for Life: The Beatitudes for Daily Life”. His writings prompt you to look at the Beatitudes as an orientation for practical living.

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

The first Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” is a profound teaching that offers deep spiritual and practical insights.

According to Treston, being ‘poor in spirit’ is more about highlighting “a consciousness about our vulnerability, our fragility and awareness of the life situation of others”. Within a school environment it is imperative that our approach is one from a community service perspective, rather than attitudes of selfish individualism and ensuring that we aim for the good of all.

Furthermore, a ‘poor in spirit’ virtue encourages us to recognise that everything we have in life is gifted, that we should live in relation communion with others and creation. The African proverb – ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is a perfect example and reminder of our interdependence within a school community.

Having faith allows us to encourage our community members to learn from others, challenge each other through questioning but most importantly, to foster a sense of belonging and care within SMW. Hope and love remind us continually to develop a positive mindset for our school community, to be grateful for our blessings and appreciate what we have.

I was reminded at our recent School Ball of the many reasons we should be grateful as our school community came together to celebrate dance and music in a communal way. As a long standing tradition, the School Ball promotes our interdependence with each other as we celebrate the learning outcomes of our students in a creative way. Nights such as these do not magically happen and it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge those who helped create the night that it was. Firstly, thank you to Mrs Anita Wright who has worked with students to deliver creative dance pieces and organisation for the night. Thank you to the teachers who worked tirelessly to teach the ‘traditional dance’ to their students. Thank you to Mrs Young for putting together the PowerPoint and practice sessions. Finally, a big thank you to the Parent Engagement Network for providing a social, food option for after the ball, it was much appreciated.

A quick update on 2025 – I have been delayed this year in being able to finalise staffing decisions and class lists for 2025. Rest assured we are working on this and will advise as soon as possible.

God Bless

Emma Timmins

Principal

Religious Life of the School

Remembrance Day

On the 11th of November St Mary's School remembers.

Remembrance Day marks the end of World War 1 over a hundred years ago. Although it a long time ago, it is an opportunity to remember all those who have died in wars and conflicts since then. We pray that we value the freedoms that we enjoy today and commit ourselves to creating peace in our world by recognising that peace begins in our own families, classrooms, schools and communities, and it begins with us. Each one of us can make a peaceful world. 

Our students and staff will gather on Monday, 11th November for a Liturgy, led by Year 4, to commemorate Remembrance Day.  

Lest we Forget.

Prayer for Peace 

Lord, help me bring peace to others. 

Where there is hate, help me show love. 

Where there is hurt, help me forgive. 

Where there is doubt, give me faith. 

Where there is sadness, help me bring joy. 

Amen. 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal

This Christmas, your support can make wishes come true.

Once again the St Vincent de Paul Society is holding their annual Christmas appeal and we, at St Mary’s, will be joining in to help make a difference to people’s lives by donating goods that can be made into hampers. Your contribution to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal can help families.  Your donations help to provide so much more than the basics.  It makes wishes come true.

Each class has been given a basket to place donated goods into. You are all asked to contribute to our food hampers by donating goods.  Please ensure that all donated food items are not perishable and not due to expire for another six months.  If you wish to donate perishable items such as ham or chocolate, it is best to do so by donating a gift voucher so that families can select what they want.

Some other goods the wonderful St Vincent de Paul Conference members say are great for magical Christmas hampers include: jelly, custard, small puddings, chocolates, lollies, cordial, potato crisps, cake mixes, biscuits savoury and sweet, such as pretzels and Jatz.

They are very appreciative of your support so that they can support those in our local community who need a hand up this Christmas.

Class Liturgies in the Church

Prep Friday 29th Nov 12pm

Year 1 Wednesday 20th Nov 12pm

Year 2 Wednesday 27th Nov 12pm 

Please note some of these dates and times have changed from what is on the calendar. These are the new times.

Parish Masses in the Church

Year 3 Friday Parish Mass 15th Nov 9am

Year 4 Friday Parish Mass 29th Nov 9am

Year 5 Kindy Buddy Liturgies 13th Nov (Group A) and 20th Nov (Group B) 9:30-11:00 - at school

Year 6 Friday 22nd Nov 9am Retreat in Assisi Place (TBC due to the work happening in Assisi Place) 


Families are very welcome to join us for these special Liturgies and Masses.

Date Claimer – Nativity Liturgy

This year we will celebrate our school Nativity Liturgy on Tuesday, 3rd December at 6pm in the MacKillop Centre (school hall). It will begin at 5:30pm with a sausage sizzle. Orders are available through Flexischools. If you are able to help cook or serve the BBQ please contact Sharon Young on 0429 921 200. Many thanks.

All children will have a part in the liturgy. We hope it will be a lovely way to help celebrate Christmas with our school community. Children are encouraged to come as a Christmas character (Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherd, angel, wisemen, etc) or wear Christmas clothes (a Christmas t-shirt, red/green/white/gold clothes etc). 

Christmas Cards

The Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC), a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy in Kenya, is organizing a fundraiser to help the marginalised youth in the slums by selling Christmas Cards.

By purchasing a packet of 10 cards and envelopes for $15, you're not just getting beautiful Christmas cards designed by young Kenyan artists but also making a significant difference in the lives of marginalised youth in Nairobi slums. The inside message is written by Sr Maureen Mohen RSM and Sr. Kathy Kettle RSM.  Your support will go a long way in empowering these young individuals. 

All proceeds from the sales go towards the vocational training program. Your support is invaluable, and MPC is deeply grateful for your consideration. Please use the details provided on flyer for orders.

Christmas_Cards_Flyer_2024.pdf

Parish Events

Parish Christmas Party

Saturday, 23rd November is the Parish Christmas Party. Mass starts at 6pm and the Christmas Party will follow in Assisi Place (the back of the Old Church) at approximately 7pm after mass. There will be a shared BBQ dinner and families are asked to bring along a salad or dessert to share.  

Advent Candles 

Our parish has a beautiful tradition of families carrying in the advent candles for each week of Advent (the four weeks of preparing for Christmas). It involves carrying the advent candle for that week in with the priest and waiting out the front while the special advent prayer is said. If your family would like to participate in this please contact Sharon Young on 0429 921 200. 

Christmas Eve 6pm Mass

Christmas Eve 6pm Mass is a special family mass for our parish. Children dress as the characters of the Christmas Story and act out the Christmas story. The children also read, sing and carry in the offertory. All are welcome. If you will be attending the mass and your child would like to participate please contact Sharon Young. More details about a practice during the holidays will be sent out soon.

May peace be with you,

Sharon Young

Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity

'Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.' - Catherine McAuley

Curriculum

Push to the Finish - Ionic DeZign Studios

Finishing Strong: The Final Push!

As we approach the end of Term 4, our students and teachers are embarking on the final push to the end of the academic year. As always, this is a very busy time, filled with the finalisation of subject achievements and standardised assessments. To help your child feel at their most confident and comfortable over the next few weeks, have a read through the tips below: 

  • Encourage a Consistent Routine:
    • Follow a regular bedtime to ensure adequate sleep.
    • Set aside specific times for homework, but also for REST and RELAXATION! The next few weeks will be taxing for all, and it's important to promote taking time for self-care. Without well-timed breaks, negative mindsets towards school can form that can be hard to change, even into the future. 
  • Prioritise Healthy Habits:
    • Encourage a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
    • Promote regular physical activity, such as outdoor play or exercise.
  • Foster Positive Attitudes:
    • Offer words of encouragement and support.
    • Celebrate their efforts and achievements, no matter how small.
    • Model resilience to your child by talking to them about your work, and how you go through 'busy periods' throughout the year. Be honest with them about your struggles, but more importantly, share with them how you made it through - you are their heroes and who they aspire to be like as they grow. 

Conversation Starters to Support Your Child

  • Check-in Regularly: Ask open-ended questions to spark conversation and understanding.
    • What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
    • What was the hardest part of your learning today? How did you get through it; what was your strategy? Did it work? What could you try next time? What has worked for me that you could try is ...
    • What are you looking forward to next week?
    • How would you rate your effort towards learning at school right now? Is there any part of your studies that you know you could be trying harder at? What could help you do this?
  • Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Help your child develop a growth mindset by emphasising effort and learning over outcomes.
    • You worked really hard on that project! What are you most proud of?
    • What was a problem you solved on your own today? No matter how small, any development towards independence is worthy of praise!
    • Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow upon what we already know.
  • Offer Practical Help: If your child is struggling with a particular subject or task, offer specific assistance.
    • Help them organise their thoughts or break down a problem into smaller steps.
    • Sit with them while they study or do their homework - body doubling is a great strategy for multiple people to stay focused and on task - both children and adults! 
    • Support your child in developing their self-advocacy - practice using multiple strategies to solve a problem, as well as modelling to them how we can ask others for help.

Celebrations of Learning in Prep Walker!

At SMW, we believe in fostering a love of learning from the very beginning. For our youngest learners in Prep W, we're committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment where every child feels valued and motivated.

One way we do this is through our Class Dojo rewards system. By recognising and rewarding positive behaviors like active listening, teamwork, and perseverance, we encourage our students to strive for their best. When the class reaches a reward goal of 50 points, they celebrate together with a special event, such as a class disco, slime party, or a picnic with the teachers!

While these rewards provide a fun and tangible incentive, we also understand the importance of intrinsic motivation. As our students grow, we aim to develop a lifelong love of learning that comes from within. We encourage them to take pride in their own accomplishments, no matter how big or small. By combining both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators, we strive to create a well-rounded learning experience that inspires our students to reach their full potential, both now and into their future. 

Keep up your wonderful efforts, Prep W, and a sincere thanks to Miss Walker and Mrs Roche for their dedication and support! 

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Jess Harper
Middle Leader: Teaching and Learning

Positive School Culture

Class RISE UP Trophy

Congratulations to the two most recent winners of our Class RISE UP Trophy!

In Week 5, Miss Butler was on the lookout for the class who best demonstrated care of our school environment. This included disposing of litter, putting all personal items and sports equipment away, and using our outdoor environments respectfully. We were thrilled to see the trophy go to Prep Box, some of our youngest learners in the school! We are so proud of you all!

In Week 6, Mrs Lawson's goal for the students was around our RISE UP values of RESPECT, INCLUSIVITY and UNDERSTANDING. One of the simplest ways we can brighten someone's day is by greeting them, and asking how they are. Mrs Lawson challenged our students to step out of their comfort zones and greet others first, then go beyond that and check in how they're feeling. SMW students rose to this challenge, and many staff reported a notable rise in adult-student interactions. Well done, every SMW student; but this week the ultimate winners of the trophy were our Year 6 cohort! With only 20 school days remaining until they embark upon their high schooling years, we are proud of their growing maturity and self-confidence.   

Student Awards

Exceptional Learning Award

Making Jesus Real Award

Prep B

Charlotte C, Aaron H Charlie G 

Prep W

Emilin T, Gregg V Oliver K, Scarlett M

1D

1 Doyle 

1H

Oscar A Rahma A 

2D

Huxley S Hamish J 

2S

Henry T, Emilia RHunter B 

3L

Mckenzie F Molly T 

3B

Darcy S Naomi L

4ML

Swayze S Matthew D 

4K

Marnie R Brady R 

5F

Zane WClare W, Rory F & Isabel H 

5/6D

Connor B, Willow D, Joshua M Charlotte G, Pollyanna Y

6H

Alex MAsher R

Spotted Rising Up

Congratulations to all the students who have been 'Spotted Rising Up'. The prize winners were Flynn C and Luke P, which was announced at Assembly on Friday, 8th November 2024.

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

2025 School Fee Schedule 

School_fees_2025.pdf

2025 Booklist Resources 

2025_Booklist_Amounts.pdf

Tuckshop

Next week is Meal Deal Week at Tuckshop. On Wednesday, 20th November, you can choose from a hot dog or 6 nuggets. On Thursday, 21st November, the choices are chicken burger or fish fingers.

These Meal Deals come with a choice of drink and a choc chip cookie. There are also Gluten Free and Vegetarian Options available. All orders need to be placed by 7:30am the day of your order (and can be cancelled up until that time if your child is away) at www.flexischools.com.au

If your child is sick or not at school on a day you ordered Tuckshop please cancel the order by 7:30am or contact the school office after 8am.


Tuckshop helpers for the next three weeks:

Wednesday, 13th November - Jana H; Thursday, 14th November - Jared K

Wednesday, 20th November - Stacey G & Mandy M; Thursday, 21st November - Emily C & Stacey W

Wednesday, 27th November - Amanda B; Thursday, 28th November - Jo M.

Thank you, helpers. Your help is really appreciated.

Sport

Swimming

Swimming will continue for all students Prep-Year 6. This is covered by the School Fees Activity Levy.

This swimming note has all the details, including dates and what to bring.

We have also secured a date for the 9-12 year old swimming carnival next year - Monday, 3rd February 2025.

2024 Swimming Parent Letter.pdf

Notices

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