Dear families,

This week the Grade 3 and 5 students in our school began their NAPLAN assessments. Throughout the week they undertake four separate assessments; writing, reading, language conventions and numeracy.  I have been blown away by students completing NAPLAN, showing great resilience, effort and a positive mindset. The results for the assessments will be sent to parents later this year. I want parents to keep in mind that this is only one assessment and there are so many other things that help teachers to understand your child and how they learn. Please speak to your child's teacher if you have any questions about NAPLAN or your child’s learning.

Last Friday we held our first school closure for the year. School closures allow school staff to complete essential training and professional development that are vital to the safety, wellbeing and learning of the children in the school. Thank you for your support and understanding when these take place. 

I recently posted some information about the ECSI Survey on Dojo. I understand how busy families are but if you can spare the time to complete the survey it would be greatly appreciated. This survey is collected once every four years and gives us vital information to assist with decision making in the school. 

I hope that everyone has a fantastic weekend with their families.

Kind regards,

Julian

Congratulations and well done to all students who were nominated for their wonderful choices in the classroom or on the playground.  This is a fortnightly 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.

15/3/2024

Evie Killeen

Teddy Bristow

Samuel Gell

15th March ~ Riley Gallatly

Congratulations to Riley who recently competed in his first triathlon. Riley demonstrated great endurance when he crossed the finish line after completing all 3 legs of swimming, bike riding and running.  He powered through each discipline of this challenging sport. Riley was extremely proud of himself for being the first person in his family to participate in a triathlon.  Riley has shown great perserverance and determination to not give up when I'm sure at times his body would have wanted to rest.

What a fantastic achievement to complete such a taxing course.

Well done Riley!!

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.

As we continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community, it is imperative that we address certain concerns regarding traffic and pedestrian safety around our school premises.

1. Speeding is Not Acceptable Near a Schools: Speeding vehicles pose a significant threat to the safety of our students and pedestrians. We urge all drivers to adhere to the posted speed limits, especially in school zones. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in areas where children are present. Please be mindful of your speed and drive cautiously, especially during peak drop-off and pick-up times.

2. Correct Use of School Crossings at All Times: Our designated school crossings are in place to provide a safe passage for students and pedestrians. It is crucial for everyone to use these crossings correctly and responsibly. Students should be instructed to cross only at designated areas and to wait for the crossing guard’s signal before proceeding. Drivers must also be vigilant and yield to pedestrians at all marked crossings.

3. Crossing the Street Safely: Teaching children proper pedestrian safety is essential for their well-being. Parents and or guardians, please take the time to educate your children on safe pedestrian practices, including looking both ways before crossing the street, using crosswalks whenever possible, and making eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road. Additionally, encourage older students to serve as role models by following these safety guidelines themselves.

By working together as a community and prioritising safety, we can create a secure environment for everyone.

Let us all remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the well-being of our students both in and around the school premises.        

CAMPS SPORTS EXCURSION FUNDING (CSEF)

Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF) is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the cost of camps and sporting activities.  If you hold a valid means-tested concession card, you may be eligible for CSEF.

The closing date for Camps Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) applications is 15th April 2024.

Please pick up an application from the school office if you believe you are eligible.

No need to complete a new application if you previously held an eligible concession card.  

Our last day for Term 1 is Thursday 28th March and we will finish early at 2:20pm.

We welcome our school community to our annual Easter Bonnet Parade held on our basketball court.  This will be on the last day of term, Thursday 28th March.  Our students will parade around the court and show off creations they have made at home.

Thank you.

TERM 1

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

**  Please go to our school website for the full year of calendar dates.

TERM 1

1st February - 28th March

TERM 2

16th April - 28th June

TERM 3

16th July - 20th September

TERM 4

7th October - 18th December 

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

1st Friday of the month Healing Mass 11:00am