Dear families,

As we prepare for the end of the school year, there are still lots of exciting events and plenty of learning to take place. Next Thursday 8th December we will be celebrating Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is the feast day of our school. Families are invited to celebrate mass at 9:30am, followed by some fun activities at school.

On Tuesday 13th of December, students will be spending some time transitioning to their 2023 classes. The students will be placed in their new classes with their 2023 classroom teachers. This is an opportunity to get to know their new classmates and teachers. The 2023 classes will be communicated to students and families before the 13th.

On Monday we had a school closure and pupil free day. This was an opportunity for all staff to deepen their knowledge on the best practice for teaching of reading, spelling and writing. The day was very valuable to staff and will help to make a huge impact on student learning. I once again thank families for their understanding and support with this closure.

We have now moved into the Advent season as we prepare for the coming of Jesus on Christmas. This is a joyful and exciting time of waiting and also a great time to come together as families and celebrate.

Please have a great weekend.

Kind regards,

Julian

Congratulations and well done to all students who were nominated this fortnight for their wonderful choices in the classroom or on the playground.  This is a weekly award and all nominted children should be very proud of themselves.  

Congratulations to the following students who were drawn out of a box of nominees for this fortnights Positive Behaviour Awards.  St Mary's have introduced this reward system to acknowledge the wonderful behaviour of students who regonise our school values of Respect, Act and Learn.

10/2/2023

Mia Vardy

Bay Oldham

Darby Howard

17/2/2023

Marley Robson

Summer Domaille

Hudson Stubbs

25th August ~ Roy Wilkinson

Congratulations to Roy who demonstrated how his hard work and perserverance paid off when he bowled a hat trick while playing in under 12's cricket against Rosedale.  

Roy always tries his best when training and on game day.  He has shown how to keep pushing through when you can't be bothered and not give give up when things don't go quite right.

A hat trick is an amazing achievement for anyone and I'm sure Roy will talk about this for a long time to come.

Well done Roy!! 

2nd December ~ Hadley Parer

Congratulations to Hadley who thoughtfully moved a turtle off the road.  Not only did Hadley save the turtle but she showed kindness and awareness when relocating it to the dam next to her house.

Hadley has demonstrated great consideration and understanding when finding the turtle on the road and rehoming it to a suitable environment.

Hadley would like to be a vet when she is older.  I'm sure with the qualities she has shown when looking after the turtle, she is on her way.

Well done Hadley!!

To celebrate student's achievements, we will be presenting children with Star Of The Week awards.  This is a self nominated award of something a student is proud of.  It could be something academic, sports related, or a personal achievement. Have you learnt to ride a bike?  Won 1st place in a dance competition?  Read a book by yourself?  Anything that makes you proud!

Forms can be found on the link below.

Week 8/9

Last week in PE we started our unit on Cricket. All students showed a keen interest in all the activities. Our sessions have focused on developing the skills related to striking and fielding. Both sessions have ended with a game of modified cricket. It was fantastic to see students of all abilities having a go and enjoying themselves. A special mention to Patrick Butcher from Grade 2, for his presentation to his class about cricket. 

Local Sporting News 

Hot Shots Tennis

This Saturday will be the last Hot Shots Tennis session of the year. The weather is looking beautiful so it should be a great morning of tennis. 

Maffra Triathlon

Good luck to all our students competing in Sunday’s Maffra Triathlon. It will be a fantastic day out if even you are not competing. We wish all our students the best.

Congratulations to our Grade 3/4 girls Hooptime team who competed in Melbourne on Monday 21st November.  Mrs Bree Burgiel has done a wonderful job of coaching a great group of 7 girls throughout the entire competition.  Beginning with the local qualifying tournaments through to state finals.  The girls have shown great team work, tenacity, resilience and sportsmanship.  St Mary's are extremely proud of their efforts and how they have represented our school.  Congratulations and well done!

As we have 2 weeks of school before Christmas holidays, please ensure your child returns all library books ASAP.  

Thank you.

• THURSDAY 8TH December  St Mary's Feast Day.  Mass at 9:30am - all welcome
• FRIDAY 9TH December  Year 6 Graduation.  Mass at 5:30pm - all welcome (to Mass)
• THURSDAY 15TH December.  End of Year Mass at 9:30am - all welcome
• THURSDAY 15TH December.  Foundation Nativity Play 12pm - all welcome
• THURSDAY 15TH December.  P&F St Mary's Little Christmas event at school 5:30pm-7:30pm - all welcome
• FRIDAY 16TH December.  Last day for students 3:20pm finish

Friday 16th December - Last day of Term 4 (students) finish time 3:20pm

Buses running normal times

WEEKEND MASSES

Heyfield:

Saturday    6:00pm

Maffra:

Sunday    9:00am 

Cowwarr:

1st and 3rd Sunday   11:00am

Newry:

2nd and 4th Sunday  11:00am

Dargo:

5th Sunday   12:00noon

WEEKDAY MASSES

Heyfield:

Tuesday      9:30am

Maffra:

Wednesday   9:30am

Thursday      9:30am

Friday          9:30am

Saturday      9:30am

The Maffra fire brigade are seeking new juniors aged 11-16 for this upcoming season. This is the sport side of this field which can later be converted into fire fighting skills.

I think it would be a great sport for many to enjoy with the combination of competing and making friends from different towns all over Victoria. Yes, it may seem very competitive but it is much fun for everyone to enjoy and is really a friendly sport from all teams, from all towns. Maffra has open arms to everyone!  Come and enjoy the sport that present runners absolutely love.

Trainings are free and will be run on Mondays and Thursdays from 4pm to 5:30pm. (There may be a small fee for state and interstate competitions)

If you’re interested in finding out more information or wish to bring the kids along please Email Brent on  bm.mckenzie28@gmail.com

Maffra Neighbourhood House are establishing a Maffra gifting tree with the help of the Maffra and surrounds community.

With this tree, it would mean that we as a community, will do our best to ensure those who would have gone without on Christmas day will receive something special.

We are asking the community to come forward and help by donating unwrapped gifts, gift cards, wrapping paper, cards/labels or your time to help on gift wrapping days.  All items can be dropped off at either the Maffra Neighbourhood house or 42 Queen Street.

I am also asking for those in need to please reach out.  Your details will remain anonymous to the public.

You can either go to the Facebook group page and messageMary or drop a note into the mailbox at 42 Queen Street Maffra or to the Maffra Neighbourhood House at 31A Thomson Street Maffra.

All that is required is a first name, age (if gift is for a child please give their age, if gift is for an adult, please write adult).  Also, please write the persons interests or a reasonable wish list.  Finally, please write an address where to deliver the gifts to on Christmas Eve.

Feel free to nominate for those who you know will not speak up for themselves.

For any quetions or further information, please contact Mary on 0438 314 053.