Term 2 Week 6 2024
Principal's Message
Pentecost: The Birthday of the Church
Last Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday, which is an important day in the Christian calendar. It happens fifty days after Easter Sunday. For Catholics, Pentecost is all about the Holy Spirit coming down to the apostles and other followers of Jesus. You can find this account in the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-41).
Imagine this: It’s during the Jewish festival of Pentecost, and the apostles are in Jerusalem. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit shows up like fiery tongues! It’s like a superpower that helps them speak different languages. They start telling everyone about Jesus, no matter where they’re from.
Why is Pentecost so special? Well, it’s like the Church’s birthday! The early Christian community got a big dose of the Holy Spirit, and they were ready to spread the word about Jesus everywhere. So, on Pentecost Sunday, Catholics have special Masses. The colour red reminds us of those fiery tongues. And guess what? We talk about the Holy Spirit’s gifts, like wisdom and courage, and the fruits of the Spirit, like love and kindness.
In a nutshell, Pentecost Sunday is a time to celebrate the Holy Spirit’s presence in our Church and in our own everyday lives, reminding us about the universal nature of the Church and the call to embrace diversity, whilst working together for the common good.

The Holy Spirit can be a confusing concept for students to understand but to recontextualise this abstract notion into everyday language for your child/ren, this is how I would explain it.
The Holy Spirit can be described as the following:
- Helper and Comforter: Tell your child/ren that the Holy Spirit is like a helper and comforter. When we feel sad, scared, or lonely, the Holy Spirit is there to give us courage and peace. It’s like having a warm hug from God.
- Guidance and Wisdom: Explain that the Holy Spirit guides us in making good choices. Just like a GPS in our cars or on our phone helps us find the right way, the Holy Spirit helps us know what’s right and wrong. When we pray, the Holy Spirit whispers ideas and wisdom to us.
- Gifts and Fruits: Share with your children that the Holy Spirit gives special gifts, like love, joy, kindness, and patience. These gifts help us be better people and show God’s love to others. It’s like having a superpower to spread kindness wherever we go.

Parent Engagement Forum
Thank you to those parents who braved the cold and attended our recent Parent Engagement Forum: Strategic Plan, 2025-2028! The draft presented was well received with clear feedback that we need to make this into parent-friendly language. We totally agree! Moving forward, we aim to rework the document and present so anyone reading our Strategic Plan will know exactly what we want to achieve over the next 4 years. We will continue to share with the executive of the PEN for their scrutiny and input and hope to present our final product at our 150 years celebration.
Our next 150 years meeting is Wednesday, 29th May at 3.30pm in the boardroom. We would love to share further how we are progressing in our plans! All are welcome.
God Bless!

God Bless!
Emma Timmins
Principal
Religious Life of the School

Following in the Footsteps of Jesus
Last week Year Two went to the church to lead a beautiful liturgy about following in the footsteps of Jesus. They have been learning about Jesus' ministry and have reflected on how we can make Jesus real to those around us through our actions, words and deeds.
How can I follow in the footsteps of Jesus? Here's some ideas from the Year Two students:
- being kind and safe
- helping family
- say sorry
- loving each other
- listening
- being grateful
God our Father, you show us how much you love us by giving us Jesus. May we go out to help whoever we can, so that all will know and feel your love. We make this prayer through Jesus your Son, Amen.






St Mary's Celebrates our Mothers
We love our mums and everyone who does the role of mother here at St Mary's. Our mums and dads have the most important job in the world and we value you all. We held a very special liturgy led by Year One and enjoyed a wonderful picnic on our school grounds. Thank you to Mrs Doyle and Ms Hopkins for preparing the Year One students for the liturgy to celebrate and say thanks for our mums.
Also, thank you Mrs Lisa Willi and Mrs Rhianna Ryan and their helpers for organising our Mother's Day Stall so the students could all spoil their mums.


















































Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
On Wednesday, 29th May, all of our St Mary's students will join Assumption College students and Kindy students in a Walk for Reconciliation. We will join Assumption College students, at approximately 2pm, as they pass our school and walk to the Church for a Reconciliation Liturgy. All families and community members are welcome.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

Upcoming Events
Reconciliation Walk to the church - Wednesday 29.05.24 2pm
Year 4 - Friday 07.06.24 9am Mass
Prep - Thursday 13.06.24 12pm Liturgy
Year 5&6 - Friday 14.06.24 9am Mass
Year 1 - Thursday 20.06.24 12pm Liturgy
NAIDOC Celebrations - Friday 21.06.24. Liturgy at 2pm led by Year 2.
Parish News
Parish Masses
Please note a new church time, starting this weekend, for Saturday nights. For the next three months Saturday night Mass will be starting at 5pm. Sundays will continue to be 8:30am. There is also Children's Liturgy on Sundays during Mass time (not through school holidays).

Sacramental Program - Confirmation
Please continue to pray for the students preparing for their Confirmation. May they be blessed with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Their confirmation will be celebrated on Tuesday 4th June 2024 at 7pm.

May God bless you,
Sharon Young
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
'Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.' - Catherine McAuley
Curriculum

SMW Joins the 2024 National Simultaneous Storytime!
📚 Bowerbird Blues: The Chosen Book for NSS 2024
This week, St Mary's students participated in the 2024 National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) event! On Wednesday, 22nd May, students from Prep to Year 6 gathered in the MacKillop Centre to join in the live stream with over 2 million students from around the world.
This year’s NSS book was “Bowerbird Blues” by Aura Parker, published by Scholastic in 2023. The story follows a beautiful bowerbird on a quest for the color blue. As the bowerbird soars across the sea, sky, and city, it collects vibrant treasures for its nest. But soon, something greater and more fulfilling unfolds—a connection that goes beyond mere objects. The book beautifully captures themes of longing, imagination, and community - all of which we value strongly at St Mary's.
🌏 A Global Reading Experience
NSS is not just an Australian event—it’s a global celebration of reading! In 2023, over 2 million kids participated in NSS, with the aim to engage even more young readers this year. The adjusted time of 12:00 pm AEST allows librarians, teachers, parents, and caregivers from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world to come together and share the joy of reading.
📖 Why NSS Matters
When we read together, we foster language development, enhance learning, and promote literacy. NSS shines a spotlight on the vital work that libraries do every day. It’s not only educational but also a lot of fun! Let’s continue to encourage our children to explore the magic of books and imagination.
Many thanks to Mrs Al-Eidani and Ms McGrath, our tireless library staff, for their work in organising SMW's participation in NSS! Many of our students could be heard commenting afterwards about how much they'd LOVE to see their own stories become a book someday!


Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This is an Australian government-mandated process. St Mary’s is currently working through the collation and moderation processes involved in the NCCD. We encourage all parents to read the information sheet below, and let us know if you'd like to learn more about how this looks at SMW.
Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight!
Jess Harper
Middle Leader: Teaching and Learning
Positive School Culture

Border District Eisteddfod
Congratulations to our wonderful choir for their sensational singing at the Border District Eisteddfod. We are very proud of our students and their hard work was rewarded with a Highly Commended. We are very grateful to Mrs Lawson for her singing leadership and Ms Timmins and Mrs Barkle for their support of our choir.


Student Awards
Exceptional Learning Award | Making Jesus Real Award | |
Prep B | Milton G, Cameron M | Lachlan G, Angus D |
Prep W | Ezekiel S, Jackson F | Addalyn D, Leo F |
1D | Zariah-Lea B | Molly R |
1H | Mahaelia S, Oscar A | Oliver V, Macy A |
2S | Ben N, Mason R | Cooper V, Asta B |
2D | Leo F, Riley M | Oliver M, Liliana H |
3L | Jayden M, Aalia C | Blaire M, Sebaga K, Molly T |
3B | Madison B, Maison A | Lisna J, Marlee L |
4ML | Alana P | Maggie B |
4K | Nicholas P | Demi S |
5/6D | Harmi C | Robbie S, Grayson H, Bonnie C |
6H | Kobi M, Mia M, Zahara H | Halle-Belle T, Sophie R |
Spotted Rising Up

Congratulations to all the students who have been 'Spotted Rising Up'. The prize winners were Jahmari S and Jackson F, which was announced at Assembly on Friday, 24th May.
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

St Mary's Enrolments
Enrolments are open for 2025 - please encourage your friends and family to come and be part of the St Mary's School community. Please see our school office for an enrolment pack or visit our school website to enrol - https://www.smwarwick.catholic.edu.au/enrol
School Uniform
Please make yourself familiar with our uniform policy and our expectations for our students. Changes for the Winter Uniform:
Girls Formal Uniform - Additions to normal skirt/skort and shirt:
Pullover - bottle green v neck
Jacket - St Mary's jacket, green with gold sections
Black tights (weather appropriate)
Boys Formal Uniform - Additions to normal uniform:
Pullover - bottle green v neck
Jacket - St Mary's jacket, green with gold sections
Sports Uniform - Additions to normal uniform:
Pullover - bottle green v neck
Jacket - St Mary's jacket, green with gold sections
Tracksuit pants - green with gold stripes
Scarves, beanies and gloves - can be worn but must be bottle green. Long sleeved shirts are not to be worn under formal shirts, unless it is an extremely cold day and must be bottle green. First option for warmth should be jumper and/or jacket.
Other particular things to note:
- students must wear a hat to play
- wearing of correct school socks
- hair needs to be worn up if it touches shirt collar whether you are a boy or girl
- hairstyles such as mohawks, mullets, zig zags/lightning bolts cut into hair, buzzcuts (shorter than a number 2 blade) are not acceptable
- only small sleepers or studs may be worn (single only)
- bottle green skivvies can be worn on very cold days but are not a replacement for a jumper or jacket
Please name everything so it can be returned to your child, particularly jumpers (and lunch boxes and drink bottles). We have a big collection of unnamed items in our lost property if you are missing something.
The second hand uniform shop is available at the school office so please do not hesitate to contact the office if need some items.
School Fees
**REMINDER** School Fees for Term 1 were due on Monday, 20th May and are now overdue. If you have not already done so, please make payment as soon as possible. If you have a direct debit or payment plan set up that are scheduled to cover your fees please use your statement as a check on your payments.
Parent Engagement Network (PEN)
Hello Parents and Carers,
We are the Parent Engagement Network (PEN) executives. It is part of our role to assist the Principal and School Leaders to engage you, as parents and carers, in the school community so you can be actively involved in this special journey of your children’s education.
Thank you to all of the parents that participated in our PEN survey. Your feedback is invaluable and please keep a look out in the newsletters as we will address things over time. The PEN executives have met with the Leadership team and are working together to discuss raised ideas and issues.
We (the executives) meet regularly throughout the year with our Principal, Ms Timmins, Fr Franco and school leaders to discuss the plan for the school and how the PEN can support with the up keep of our school, required resources, events, funding etc.
Four times per year we hold a “Forum”.
These Forums each include a certain topic, involving a guest speaker or presentation. Some of them may be based on school business such as policies, procedures and strategic planning. Others are focused on topics that are educational and beneficial to us as parents/carers in raising our children.
The topic of each upcoming Forum is advertised in the school newsletter.
After each topic or guest speaker concludes, there is usually an opportunity for you to hear the Principals report, any business arising, coordinating of events or a report from the chair of the PEN.
These “Forums” make up our “Parent Network meetings”. You, as parents and carers are the “Parent Network”.
Regards
Fiona Ah-Loy, Emily Cross and Mandy Moretto



Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge
We’re very excited to confirm that the annual Premier’s Reading Challenge is now underway. Every student has received a Reader Record form, which they can use to record the details of books that they read between 7 May and 23 August. Students are encouraged to choose books of interest at an appropriate reading level. Recommended reading book lists can be accessed online at https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/. Many of these recommended titles are also available as ebooks and audiobooks via our school subscription to ePlatform by Wheelers: https://toowoombaresourcecentre.wheelers.co/. Students can select from a broad range of contemporary titles using their St Mary’s login credentials.
Completed forms can be returned to the library or school office and all students who complete the challenge will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
See https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/ for this year’s recommended reading book lists and more details.

Sport
Athletics Carnival
Our school Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday, 17th June at Hamilton Oval, Warwick State High School. All students get dropped off at Hamilton Oval by 8:30am. All other information is in the note below.
Please complete the Sentral Activity Permission for all your children. This gives your child permission to attend and also information about the events they will compete in and for the Juniors (8 years and under) their pick up arrangements. Please complete this permission as soon as possible.
Notices

Out of School Hours Care - Winter Vacation Program
Bookings are now being taken for the school holidays. These days always fill up quickly so please book soon. The OSHC will also operate on the Pupil Free Day - Monday, 8th July.
