Dear families,

It has been a spectacular start to the beginning of the school year. I take my hat off to the staff and students who have navigated through a changing timetable as swimming lessons have taken place over the past two weeks. Every classroom has continued to thrive; as I walk around the school and visit classrooms I am blown away by the learning that is taking place. A special shout out needs to go to our new staff who have already made such great connections with the students in the school. 

One of the key aspects that has helped such a smooth transition into the new school year has been the whole school focus on establishing routines. Routines at school play a vital role in enhancing children's education. Consistent daily schedules provide stability and predictability, helping students feel secure and focused. When children know what to expect, they can better manage their time and responsibilities, leading to improved well-being, safety and academic performance. Routines also promote positive behaviors, encourage self-discipline, and foster a sense of belonging within the school community. By incorporating structured habits into their daily lives, students develop essential skills that not only support their learning but also prepare them for future challenges.

At the beginning of the year I want to remind families that the relationship between school and home is vital to children’s educational success. If you ever have any concerns about your child’s learning, feeling of safety or well-being please reach out to their teacher, myself or one of our leadership team members. We are all here to support your child.

Please have a great weekend with your families.

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.

7/2/2025

Klea Oldham

Nate Hayles

Jimmy Weatherley

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.

Welcome to our 2025 Foundation Stobie Students:

Angus, Elsie, Ellena, Remie, Ari, Billy, Amelia, Laurie, Bridget, Thomas, Eden, Luca, Ray, Rocco, Zakylah, Liam, Henley, Ziggy, Matthew, Maggie, Sophie and Annelise.

Welcome to Our New Families:

Tory  (3/4 Fixter)

Margot  (3/4 Holmes)

SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Anastasia Dwyer & Elke Horsford

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MACKILLP (GOLD) HOUSE CAPTAINS

 Willow Matthews & Cooper Battista

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CURRAN (RED) HOUSE CAPTAINS

Ben Murphy & Larni Burns

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CORBETT (GREEN) HOUSE CAPTAINS

Lockie Gallatly & Tex Morgan

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STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

Jacinta Shoenmaekers, Chevy McMahon, Mack McMahon, Roy Wilkinson, Luke Vardy & Anushka Hollingsworth

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SPORT CAPTAINS

Monte Loadman-Morgan, Harri Murphy, Max Roberts & Payton Robson

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GREEN TEAM

Emmanuel Rodriguez-De Groot, Percy Heinrich, Milla Battista, Lucy Foat, Estelle Chilton & Darby Howard

Every 25 years the Catholic Church celebrates a Year of Jubilee, where people of God are invited to deepen their faith. Pope Francis has named this Year of Jubilee 'Pilgrims of Hope.'
On Christmas Eve last year, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in Rome and invited people to       journey through it in the Jubilee Year.
This year, the doors we open in our everyday lives can also be Holy Doors and Doors of Hope.

 We can be ready to meet God behind them and share that love with others.
Throughout this year at St. Mary's we will be celebrating this message and learning how we can be 'Pilgrim's of Hope' in our community.

Come and check out our very own 'Door of Hope' display in our school foyer created by our     talented art teacher Mrs Koeninger.

Over 130 riders from 40 local schools and kindergartens across Gippsland made the most of the lovely weather on Wednesday at the 'Interschool Equestrian Challenge' which was held at the Maffra Showgrounds.  Riders selected six events that could range from showing, showjumping, novelties and obstacles, showcasing their skills and partnership with their horses throughout the day.  Representing St Mary's Primary School was Sunny C, Edith H, Evie K and Willow P.  The girls came home with a selction of ribbons after a very successful day.

School Photos 2025 – St Mary’s Primary School

Annual school photos will be taken at St Mary’s Primary School on Tuesday April 1st, 2025.  Students are required to wear full summer uniform (includes new or old uniform).

More details will be shared closer to the date.  

School begins:  9am 

Recess: 11am - 11:20am

Lunch Playtime:  1:40pm - 2:20pm

Dismissal:  3:20pm

If your child is absent from school please call or use the school app to let us know by 9:30am each morning.  We have very strict procedures to account for all children each day.

• Call the school on 5147 1334
• Use the Absent Form on the school app
• Via PAM (Parent Access Module)

If you have not contacted the office by 9:30am, our administration staff will contact parents.  Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Children are not to enter or leave the school via the front office entrance unless accompanied by an adult.  The front office can be a very busy time before and after school, so we would appreciate you encouraging your children to follow this rule.

Children are asked to assemble at designated stations before leaving the school grounds.  Children leaving with parents by car or walking are to wait at the gate in Laura Street.  Town Bus children, Before and After school care and bike riders are asked to use Duke Street gate.

Children are not to leave the school grounds unless dismissed by a teacher.  All children being picked up are asked to be accompanied across the road by an adult.  Country Bus children are to use the back gate located on Laura Street.  Again, children are not to leave the grounds unless dismissed by their teacher.

To ensure the safety and accountability of each child we have an ipad located on the counter at the office.  Children arriving late are to be signed in and parents wanting to take their child/children from school during the day e.g. for an appointment, must also sign out at the office.  If they are returning to school, they must sign them back in. 

If someone other than yourself is to pick up your child from school, or if bus or car arrangements have changed for the day, please notify the school.

Please remember St Mary's has a 'No Hat - No Play' policy.  All children must wear hats until 30th April.  If they do not have a hat they will have to spend recess or lunchtime under the shade of the gazebo.  

Hats can be purchased from Stobie's Land & Surf, Maffra.

Any prescription medication that a child must take during school hours must be signed in at the school office.  NOTE:  All medication must be prescribed by a Medical Practicioner and have the child's name and dosage on the bottle/package.  Any other medication or creams are not permitted at school.

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 2025.

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.  

Please note 2025 school fees will be issued via email next week.  Please check your spam.

Thank you.

If there is a change to your child's attendance please advise the office and Gumnuts so there is no confusion.

Please find attached the current price list for our school lunch orders.  Lunch orders will run every Thursday unless otherwise notified.  Insulated lunch bags are available for purchase at the office for $13 (cash only).

TERM 1

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

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

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 to Saturday  9:30am