Term 3 Week 8 2025
Principal's Message
As mentioned in previous newsletter I had the privilege of attending the ‘Australian Catholic Education Conference’ in Cairns with other leaders from within the Toowoomba Catholic Schools office. The Cairns Diocese led the mass where 1,400 delegates congregated and were witness to 1,200 students harmonising together to lead prayer and formation. What a prayerful experience it was!
The speakers were of high calibre from Dr Dylan Wiliam, educational expert; Sr Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ; and Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare MP. One of the inspiring aspects of this conference was to see the national impact that Catholic schooling has through the following statistics.
- 1751 schools
- 818,669 students
- 112,295 staff
- $100billion capital invested
- ATSI numbers have risen within Catholic school in last decade by 161%
- 8% of students have disabilities
- 38% of schools are located in regional, rural and remote areas
It is evident that Catholic schools are places of hope, that build and develop a wide range of relationships and more importantly “play a role in the dialogue between faith and culture that provides a moral education based on values and formation” (Sr Nathalie Becquart, 2025). One of the workshops I attended was in the space of AI and its role within Catholic schools, which provided some challenging moments of reflection by Professor Miriam Tanti. The key takeaway for me was that we need to place ‘human intelligence before artificial intelligence’; meaning that AI certainly has a place within schools but we have to be careful not to encourage cognitive off-loading by students from the use of AI and ultimately the erosion of critical thinking skills.
Dr Steve Constantino was an enthusiastic and engaging presenter on “Why Families Matter?” by highlighting the importance of why and how to engage families in school life.
The critical message from Dr Steve was that family engagement is not about doing more, just doing what we do, differently. Underpinning this is the thought that negative family engagement can arise when “students aren’t socialised in the importance of education” (Dr Constantino, 2025), meaning that at the heart of strong family-school partnerships is a shared understanding of the value of education. When students are not socialised—through conversations, experiences, and expectations—into seeing education as meaningful and empowering, it can inadvertently lead to disengagement not only from learning but also from the broader school community. This lack of connection can manifest in negative family engagement, where interactions with the school may be marked by frustration, resistance, or apathy.
Socialising students in the importance of education means helping them see learning as relevant to their lives, their futures, and their identities. It involves cultivating a culture where curiosity, effort, and growth are celebrated both at school and at home. When families and educators work together to reinforce these values, students are more likely to feel supported, motivated, and confident in their educational journey.
Importantly, at a school level we need to be aware of our own biases that we hold about why parents have different levels of engagement because we know that every family wants their child to exceed their own educational status in life and a ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t work.
To help us understand and reflect upon our current practices in relation to parent interviews, can you please complete the following survey?
https://forms.office.com/r/TaJPMbjJc8
Child Protection Week
The theme for Child Protection Week this year is a follow on from last year’s theme of “Every Conversation Matters.” As parents and carers, conversations between you and your children are vital – you are the most important people in your child’s life to advocate for them, listen to them, and share messages of safety and support.
This year during Child Protection Week we encourage parents and carers to speak with their children about their understanding of safety and their support networks. In particular, we encourage parents to educate themselves and have conversations with their children about online safety – an area we know that is a growing risk for our children and young people. You can access useful resources about online safety on the eSafety Commissioner’s website here: The hard-to-have conversations | eSafety Commissioner
During Child Protection Week our student will engage in a number of activities to reinforce safety messages – for primary school students, they were provided with two activities to complete in class time including a “Keeping Safe” activity and a “Circles of Yarns and Chats” resource to help them identify their personal safety networks.
Should any student be concerned about how they are being treated by an adult, or another child or young person, they are encouraged to speak up to a trusted staff member or one of our School Student Protection Contacts (SSPCs). All students were reminded who our SSPCs are, and that they are depicted on the ‘Keeping Safe’ posters located around the school.
Child Protection really is everyone’s business, and we are committed to making our school a safe, secure, and protected place of learning for every student.
God Bless
Emma Timmins
Principal
Religious Life of the School
Father's Day Celebration
Hey Dad, I love you, and all the things you do.
Hey Dad, I love you, just because you’re you.
Hey Dad, you’re the greatest,
The best there’s ever been.
Hey Dad, I love you and God loves you too!
© 2014, Michael Mangan, Litmus Publications.
On Thursday, we had a wonderful liturgy with the dads, grandads and other significant people led by our Prep students. Our special visitors then enjoyed classroom visits, a picnic and play.
Many thanks to Kathy Moses for the delicious treats for our guests and the fantastic Year 6 helpers who helped with sharing the treats and supporting our guests. They really demonstrated exceptional leadership.
A big thank you also to Rhianna Ryan, Lisa Willi and your team of helpers for putting together a fantastic Father's Day Stall. There were some very excited students about the gifts they had purchased.
Vinnies Youth Visit
Last week, we had a great visit from Vinnies Youth representatives, Caitlin and Jemica. They worked with our Year 2 classes about how they can be stewards of creation. They Year Two students were really engaged and learned some new ways they can help the environment at school and at home.
They also met with our Year 6 Charity Portfolio and Mini Vinnies group. They heard about our Mini Vinnies initiatives this year and also shared some ideas from across the diocese. These ideas have inspired the group and we are looking forward to meeting again next week to work on a plan for the rest of the year.
Relationship and Sexuality Education
This term, during Weeks 9 and 10, week starting 8th September, we will be teaching Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and Protective Behaviour (PB) with Catholic perspectives for students in Years P-6. Please read the attached letter and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Emma Timmins or Sharon Young.
Parish News
First Holy Communion
Congratulations to those students who will celebrate their First Holy Communion last weekend. It is a special occasion when these students have entered into full communion with the Church and we wish them every blessing.
There are also three St Mary's students who received their First Communion at the Anglican Church this weekend.
Please remember all these students in your prayers.
Baptism
Next term, Fr Franco and the Sacramental Team, will be running preparation for children and adults who may like to be baptised Catholic. If you would like your child or yourself to be baptised please contact the Parish Office or Sharon Young. More details will be available once we know if people are interested.
Parish Masses
This weekend Saturday night Mass reverts back to 6pm. Sundays continue to be 8:30am. There is also Children's Liturgy on Sundays during Mass time (not through school holidays).
Church Centenary Celebrations
Our Parish will celebrate 100 years of the beautiful new church next year, 16th March 2026. Fr Bony is looking for interested parishioners who could be recorded reflecting on their memories and the significance in their lives. Please advise the Parish Office, Fr Franco or Fr Bony if you are interested or know of someone who would be a good person to interview.
May peace be with you,
Sharon Young
Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity
“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."
Curriculum
A Refreshed Take on Writing at SMW
There’s a buzz in the air at SMW, and it’s all about writing!
Earlier this term, our teachers had the opportunity to learn from Sue Keefer (Education Officer: Curriculum) from Toowoomba Catholic Schools, who introduced us to a structured Writing Routine that helps students become more confident, independent writers. While the ideas behind it, like peer feedback and student roles in learning, aren’t new, the way we’re using them is purposeful, consistent, and designed to support every learner. We call it ‘Responding to Writing – A Student Routine’.
The routine gives students clear steps to follow during and after writing time, including specific roles and responsibilities. It encourages them to reflect on their own and others’ writing, give and receive feedback, and take pride in their progress. It’s not just about putting words on a page, it’s about thinking like a writer.
Here’s a quick look at how the routine works:
- Pre-reading the text – Both students read the same piece of student writing silently. The author begins thinking about what they want to say and whether anything needs changing. The reader can ask for clarification if something doesn’t make sense.
- Reading aloud – The reader reads the author’s writing aloud while the author listens and edits as needed. This helps the author hear how their writing sounds and spot areas to improve.
- Giving feedback – The reader shares what they liked about the writing and offers one or two suggestions for improvement. At SMW, we call these “Glows” (what worked well) and “Grows” (what could be improved). This language helps students give meaningful, constructive feedback in a way that builds confidence and encourages growth.
What’s been most exciting is seeing how students have embraced it. Across the school, students have been visiting the Leadership Team to share their writing and explain the routine in their own words. Their enthusiasm is infectious! They’re not just writing more, they’re writing with purpose, and they’re proud of it.
Teachers are noticing the difference too. Students are more engaged, more willing to take risks, and more eager to share their ideas. The structure of the routine is especially helpful for our diverse learners, offering clarity while still allowing creativity to shine.
Year 5 Poetry Samples
Take a look at some of the poetry our Year 5 students have been writing through the process, in preparation for Father's Day this weekend. We are just amazed by their work!
1.
You guide my footsteps,
Always there to help me up
Hero Dad you are!
2.
Dad, you’re very smart,
Though you’re bad at handwriting
You are super fun
3.
Love’s a guiding light,
You believe in all I do,
My true, guiding star
4.
For Grandpa
Roads that stretch far,
Yet our memories bring joy
And soon we’ll meet again.
5.
My dad likes poisoning firewood,
He loves riding motorbikes,
Fun to be around!
6.
Whose love is that?
I think I know.
Its owner is quite happy though
Full of joy, like a vivid rainbow
I watch him laugh, I cry ‘Hello!’
7.
He rises from his gentle bed,
With thoughts of love within his head.
He eats his jam with lots of bread,
Ready for the day ahead!
How Families Can Support Writing at Home
You don’t need to be a writing expert to help your child grow as a writer! Here are a few simple ways you can support the Writing Routine at home:
1. Ask about their writing: Try questions like:
- “What are you writing about today?”
- “What part are you most proud of?”
- “Did you get any Glows or Grows from a friend?”
2. Encourage reading aloud: Invite your child to read their writing to you. Hearing their own words can help them spot areas to improve - just like they do at school.
3. Use Glows and Grows at home: After listening, share one thing you loved (Glow) and one suggestion to help them improve (Grow). For example:
- Glow: “I loved how you described the setting—it felt like I was really there!”
- Grow: “Maybe you could add more about what the character was feeling?”
4. Celebrate effort and progress: Writing takes practice! Celebrate the small wins, whether it’s a new idea, a revised sentence, or a finished piece.
5. Make writing part of everyday life: Encourage writing in fun ways: shopping lists, letters to family, stories about pets, or even comic strips.
A Special Visit from Busta the Lamb
On Monday of Week 7, Year 3 had a very special visitor- Busta the lamb! In the lead up to his visit, Busta sent the cohort some mystery letters to spark curiosity and excitement. When the big day arrived, students had the chance to meet Busta, give him a gentle pat, and ask Farmer Jon plenty of questions about life on the farm. They learned all about how Busta is being hand raised and what it takes to care for a lamb. Afterwards, students reflected on the experience with a creative writing task titled “If I Were a Lamb”. It was a memorable day full of learning, joy, and woolly fun!
Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight!
Jess Harper
Middle Leader: Teaching and Learning
Positive School Culture
Mystery Reader
Students had a great time listening to Kia George last week as our Mystery Reader. Kia was wonderful with the children and had them very engaged! Together they enjoyed three stories:
- The Very Hungry Bear
- An Ice-Cream Story – about the connection between an ice cream and a special child
- Alpacas with Maracas
Sport
Darling Downs Athletics
Congratulations to the thirteen students who participated in the Darling Downs Athletics Championships this week. Our students competed with fairness and did their best on the day. We are very proud of you all!
To take part means that you are a gifted athlete.
To be a good sport means that you are a gifted person.
Warwick Ball Games Carnival
Next Friday, 12th September, we have 57 students competing at the Warwick Ball Games. Students in Grades 3-6 were asked at the end of last term if they would like to participate and due to overwhelming numbers of students wishing to compete trials and selections have been held. Those students who were selected have had a permission sent out on Sentral. Please have this completed on Sentral by this Tuesday.
St Mary's organises this event and there will be five other schools participating. The competition will be at East State School with the Ball Games starting at 11:45am. All are very welcome to come and cheer on our teams.
We have been training hard and having lots of fun learning Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball, Zig Zag and Corner Spry. Go St Mary's!
Basketball Competition
Students in Years 4-6 have the opportunity to participate in an interschool basketball competition on Thursday afternoons. It will run for seven weeks starting in Week 2 next term. Permission will be given through Sentral once we have a few more details. If your child is interested please let Mrs Young know so we can work out how many teams we will have. There will be a maximum cost of $50 to cover costs.
Administration
School Ball
The School Ball is always a highlight of the St Mary's calendar! All students have been busy preparing their dances for night and we would love to see you all there.
Student Safety
We have noticed a few unsafe behaviours in our school community and would appreciate your support in maintaining the safety of our students.
- Students should not be at school before 8:15am as there is no supervision. Once students arrive at school they are to be seated in the lunch shed until 8:25am when they can go for a quick run and play.
- Students are not to be in the nature play space before 8:25am and after school.
- Students should never cross Pratten St without an adult. Students are asked to wait with the supervising teachers until a parent collects them to cross this busy road.
- After school, there are two waiting areas for students. These are the places students should wait for their parents as they are supervised by our staff for student safety. For students in Prep and Year One, and their siblings they are to wait near the yarning circle. For all other students they wait in the waiting area on Pratten Street.
Stewardship Portfolio
Special thanks to Mrs Wendy Ryan, members of the Stewardship Portfolio and the gardening clubs, and our parents who have all been contributing to the wonderful environment we have at St Mary's. We are so fortunate to have a beautiful space full of vibrant nature and rubbish free.
Containers for Change
Part of how Mrs Ryan funds our beautiful grounds is through the Containers for Change project. We now have our own code where you can contribute your containers cash to our school using the code - C11594114 at the Containers Recycling on McEvoy Street or you can now drop your 10c containers to school into our new green bins. Please support this great fundraiser for our Stewardship Portfolio.
Term 3 School Fees – Now Overdue
A friendly reminder that Term 3 school fees are now overdue. We kindly request that all outstanding accounts be settled as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the office.
Asthma Week
This Asthma Week (September 1-7) Asthma Australia is asking parents to help flip the script and Attack Asthma for their child. It’s time we Attack Asthma before the symptoms start!
Asthma is one of the leading causes of children ending up in hospital. New research by Asthma Australia shows that while most parents feel like they are confident in managing their child’s asthma, nearly two thirds live in constant fear of an asthma attack.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
A daily preventer can help keep your child's asthma under control, reducing the chance of an attack. This means less time feeling sick or in the hospital and more time for them to just be a kid. Instead of waiting for symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing, use a preventer every day to help your child breathe normally.
Learn more about how to Attack Asthma here: www.asthma.org.au/attack
Keeping Everyone Healthy at School
To help protect our school community, please take a moment to read the attached information on infectious conditions. Some illnesses may require students or staff to stay home for a period of time to prevent the spread of infection.
If your child is unwell or showing symptoms of an infectious condition, please keep them home until they are no longer contagious. Together, we can help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Parent Engagement Network (PEN)
Term 3 Date Claimer - 'Real Talk'
The PEN has engaged 'Real Talk' who will present a workshop on helping caregivers foster healthy self-worth and respectful, flourishing relationships. The workshop will be particularly linked to the sessions they will be holding with our Year 5 & 6 students the following day but will be relevant to all parents and caregivers who want some up-to-date ideas on how to handle these tough and important parenting topics.
Topics covered at the Parent Night:
• Current culture;
• Developmental changes occurring with puberty;
• The digital world (including social media);
• Tips for how you can help navigate these years;
• What we’re going to discuss with the Year 5&6 students the following day.
The parent workshop will be Monday, 15th September at 6pm in the MacKillop Centre.
St Mary's Craft Connection Fundraiser
Get ready for a relaxing, hands-on evening of creativity and connection at the St Mary’s Craft Connection Fundraiser!
This special event brings together our school community for a fun, feel-good night filled with creativity, conversation, and purpose. Choose from three guided craft workshops - Painting, Wreath Making, and Bath Salts & Aromatherapy; or enjoy all three! No experience needed, just come ready to create and unwind.
✨ What makes this event special?
A warm, welcoming atmosphere for parents, staff, and friends
Take-home creations you’ll be proud of
Light catering included
Whether you're coming to craft, catch up, or contribute, this is an evening you won't want to miss!
Get your tickets by scanning the QR Code or clicking St Mary’s Craft Connection Fundraiser
Notices
OHSC Christmas Closure
Our Outside School Hours Care will be closed from 18th December 2025 through to 5th January 2026.
