Term 2 Week 5 2025

Principal's Message

Parent Forum

Our fantastic PEN (Parent Engagement Network) have organised an amazing forum for this term with international speaker, Karen Young. This will be held in the MacKillop Centre on Wednesday, 28th May. Hot drinks will be served from 5:45pm and the forum will begin at 6pm. Child minding will be available on the night. All in our community are invited so please let interested friends and family know.

This will also be an opportunity for you to raise any ideas you have for improving our school.

This is a really important topic and to have such a sought after speaker coming we really encourage you all to attend.

We promise you will be home in time for the State of Origin kickoff!

Warwick's Favourite Teacher

What a wonderful surprise and honour to be named Warwick's Favourite Teacher through the votes of cherished parents and past students. It has been an overwhelming week but it has given me the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a teacher at St Mary's. 

As a teacher for 25 years, 16 of these at St Mary's, what I love about teaching is the joy I still receive from going to school every day. It is a privilege to be a teacher at St Mary's School, where I am surrounded by an exceptional leadership and teaching team. 

We have such a supportive community with parents who really care about having the best opportunities for their children. At our growing school, some of our families have been here for five generations so we have a wonderful link to history mixed with many new families to Warwick.

This year, as well as being the Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity, I have the gift of being able to teach some of the Religious Education curriculum to our students and I love the belief and questions that come from our discussions. Being at a Catholic School it is a blessing to be able to share my faith and values.

I love seeing our students learn and laugh every day. I love being able to create an environment where our students and staff can RISE UP - where together we can be respectful, inclusive, safe, exceptional, understanding and prayerful. 

I always say to our students that I have an important job - to make sure that they are safe and happy so they can do their best learning. Teaching is a vocation and I couldn't think of anything I would rather do.

And don't worry, I am well grounded - these were the responses to the award from home: My very quiet husband said, "that's very good"; Mr 13 year-old asked, "if I was even a real teacher and should have received this"; and Miss 11 year-old asked if this will be on social media and is mortified that someone will ask her about it!

But I am very proud - we have the best team here at St Mary's and I hope this has been recognised! It was a privilege to be nominated alongside so many other St Mary's teachers. These are some of the positive comments with their nominations: 

• Miss Box St Mary's Primary School Warwick such a kind & caring teacher who puts 100 percent into her students. She's made my little girl's transition into prep this year so easy.
• My kids loved Miss Walker from St Mary's but we have to agree that we love all the staff there.
• Miss Walker and Miss Twidale both from St Mary's are absolutely wonderful.
• Mrs Harper - best Auslan teacher.
• Mrs Fox is a lovely teacher.
  
• Mrs Lawson from St Mary's and Mrs Sullivan from St Mary's Kindergarten - amazing teachers.
• Warwick is full of amazing teachers. I know because I work with 20 of the best at St Mary's School.
  

We are so proud of our work and the community we create at SMW for all, so your recognitions have been so deeply valued and appreciated!

Staffing Update

Emma Timmins continues her leave and hopes to return to school next week.

Religious Life of the School

Reconciliation Week

This week is National Reconciliation Week (NRW). This year's theme is Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Last Friday, our school joined St Mary's Kindergarten and some representatives from Assumption College for our annual Reconciliation Week to the church. Fr Bony led us in prayer and a reflection on the scripture from John about Jesus' commandments to love one another.

We pray that we walk together in a spirit of reconciliation and unity. 

It is with much sadness that we farewelled Miss Morgan on Friday. The First Nations position is currently being advertised on Seek - Support Officer Job in Toowoomba & Darling Downs at Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools - SEEK. The role description can be found at role-description-tcs-so-first-nations-l4.pdf Please let your interested family and friends know.

Year 6 Camp

A combination of fabulous students, fantastic staff and a great Apex Camp meant we have had the best three days. The enthusiasm, encouragement and exceptional behaviour our students demonstrated has helped them grow their leadership and to have memories to treasure. See Facebook for more photos and others have been shared by email with Year 6 parents.

Date Claimers - please join us where you can

Year 3 to attend Parish Mass - Friday, 30th May at 9am in the Church

Prep Box to lead Assembly - Friday, 30th May at 2:15pm in the MacKillop Centre

Year 2 Liturgy - Thursday, 12th June at 12pm in the Church

Year 4 to attend Parish Mass - Friday, 13th June at 9am in the Church

Year 5D & Kindy B Liturgy - Wednesday, 18th June at 12pm at the Kindy

Year 1 Liturgy - Thursday, 19th June at 12pm in the Church

Year 5F & Kindy A Liturgy - Wednesday, 25th June at 12pm at the Kindy

Prep Liturgy - Thursday, 26th June at 12pm in the Church

NAIDOC Celebrations - Friday, 27th June. Liturgy led by Year 3 at 2:15pm in the MacKillop Centre 

Parish News

Confirmation Workshops – Continue this Thursday, for the next two weeks, in the Parish Office at 4pm. Confirmation will be celebrated on Friday, 6^th June at 6pm.

Parish Mass Times - Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 8:30am. Children's Liturgy during Sunday Mass (not during school holidays). Saturday Mass will change to 5pm for winter, starting this Saturday 31st May until the 30th August.

May peace be with you,

Sharon Young

Acting Principal/Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity

“Peace be with you all!
Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to all the earth. 
Peace be with you!”

Pope Leo XIV Inaugural Mass

Curriculum

Term 2 Curriculum Overviews

Thank you for your patience in receiving this term’s Curriculum Overviews, which were sent home last week. We know how much our families value these one-page summaries, and we are pleased to provide you with this clear outline of what your child will be learning throughout Term 2. These documents include curriculum highlights, key learning areas, classroom focuses and important dates to help you stay connected with your child’s learning journey. Digital images of the overviews are also available below, and we encourage you to revisit these documents throughout the term to support conversations at home.

Updates to the Teaching and Learning Framework

Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) has recently updated its Teaching and Learning Framework; a guiding document that outlines expectations for curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and reporting in all schools across the diocese. The goal is clear: to ensure that every student, no matter their background or location, receives access to a high-quality, consistent education.

In line with these updates, our school is placing an updated focus on student engagement, resilience, and persistence in learning. As we prepare for Semester 1 Academic Reports Cards (to be released in Week 10), we encourage families to take note of the revised effort criteria on the A–E achievement scale below. These criteria reflect the level of effort and commitment students bring to their learning at St Mary's.

We ask parents to have open conversations at home about the importance of giving their best effort, even in tasks they may find challenging or less enjoyable. This is an essential life skill and helps prepare children for future success in both their personal and professional lives. If you have queries or concerns about your child's engagement in class, please don't hesitate to get in touch with their class teacher. 

Assessment Period and Reporting

As students move into the assessment period over the coming weeks, regular school attendance, adequate sleep and a balanced diet will go a long way in supporting their wellbeing and performance. Teachers are currently working exceptionally hard to design and mark assessments that accurately reflect your child’s abilities and progress. Their dedication ensures that the reports you receive are a true and honest picture of your child’s learning journey. We thank you for your continued partnership and support in your child’s education. Together, we can build strong, motivated learners who understand the value of persistence and personal growth. 

Jess Harper
Middle Leader: Teaching and Learning

Positive School Culture

Mystery Reader

Wow we have some great readers in our community!

Please remember that anyone with children under school age are invited for this special story time. Invite your family and friends.

Doctor John Davis

Dr Davis entertained the students with the story, 'Zog and the Flying Doctors' and his bag of medical tricks.

Layla-Rose Wolfenden

Miss Wolfenden read an aboriginal story with a great message and shared some really special artefacts with the students.

Student Awards

Spotted Rising Up

Congratulations to all the students who have been 'Spotted Rising Up'. The prize winners were Jahmari S and Samantha G, which was announced at Assembly on Friday, 16th May 2025.

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. 

Sport

Southern Downs Touch Football

Congratulations to Ashton S who trialled at the recent Southern Downs Touch Football trials. He demonstrated exceptional skills and has been selected to trial for the Darling Downs team. Best wishes Ashton.

Broncos Cup

Parents in Years 5&6 have received Parent Permission for their child to attend either Netball, Hockey, Rugby League or Football (Soccer). If you have not yet completed this please do so by Friday. This is an interschool competition and we encourage all of our students to participate whether they are beginners or advanced. It is always a great day of learning new skills and a day out with friends. It will be held on Friday, 6th June.

Rugby League students will need mouth guards and footy boots; 

Hockey students will need mouth guards and shin guards (we have spare hockey sticks);

Football students will need shin guards and soccer boots (some are available at school if needed - if you have any old pairs at home they would be appreciated for those students who don't normally play).

Students are to bring this equipment to school for the training session on Friday, 30th May at 12:30pm.

Athletics Carnival - Date Claimers

Friday, 20th June will be our annual Athletics Carnival at Warwick State High School Oval.

The 1500m will be held the afternoon before, Thursday, 19th June at 3:45pm, also at Warwick State High School Oval.

More details to follow soon.

Administration

Uniform Policy

As the weather gets cooler, please review the uniform policy for the changes for Winter. PLEASE ALSO ENSURE TO NAME ALL JUMPERS AND JACKETS ARE NAMED. We often have cooler mornings and need our jumpers and then as the day warms up little ones discard their jumpers. If they are named can they can easily be returned.

School Fees

School Fees have been emailed out, please let the office know if you have not received them or if you have any questions or concerns. Due back by 26th May 2025.

Signing your child in and out of school

Parents bringing their children to school late MUST sign the children at the Administration Office Kiosk.  If a child is collected during the day, they must be signed out from the Administration Office Kiosk and if the child is returned to school (perhaps after a dentist/doctor visit) parents/caregivers are required to sign the child in the Administration Office Kiosk on their return.

Changes to pick up for your child/children

If there are any changes to the pick-up arrangements for your child/children please notify your child's teacher through email, Class Dojo or contact the office.  This includes Bus arrangements, after school care and appointments.

Absenteeism

At St Mary's we have specific guidelines to follow in regards to students who are absent.

We are required to ensure that all students are accounted for everyday whether at school or absent.  If we have not been notified by a parent/caregiver of the absence of a student, teachers are to mark the roll as 'unexplained'.  In each case of an unexplained absence, notifications to parents/carers must be made by the school as soon as possible.  

We therefore ask that if you know that your child will be away from school prior to the date please contact the office or add it to Sentral, so a scheduled absence can be put into the roll.

If your child is away due to illness, an expected appointment etc. please phone the school before 8.45am on the morning of the absence or enter the absence via Sentral for Parents app.

We thank you for your co-operation in this important matter.

Transport Assistance Scheme

The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland.

The Scheme has two programs.

• Bus Fare Assistance: assisting families who pay more than the weekly threshold in bus or ferry fares.
• Students with Disability: supporting students with a disability who have demonstrably different transport needs from other students of the same age.

Applications for Semester 1, 2025 close on 31st May 2025. To learn more about the scheme, including eligibility for both programs, visit https://www.schooltransport.com.au.

NSSTAS is a joint initiative of QCEC and Independent Schools Queensland and is funded by the Queensland Government.

Notices

Research Study

This is an important research study that could make a difference to the dental services provided in our community. Please consider spending some time with Kesaobaka, one our school mums, to share your experiences of dental services in Warwick.