Dear Parents

On Wednesday, 11th November we celebrated and reflected Remembrance Day. The atrocities of war and the impact on society will live forever but so too will the spirit and commitment of Australian soldiers who helped shape the country we live in today.

On the 11th November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to end the First World War. In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades.

At school we observed one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. Our school leaders led a prayer and silence was displayed during the playing of the Last Post. We will remember Them.

Currently our staff are working together in adapting the Diocese of Sale (DOSCEL) Behaviour Management Policies to suit the needs of our school. Our three key wide expectations- Respect, Act and Learn developed from the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support have been instrumental in formulating clear, consistent and logical consequences and expectations for all students and staff at St Mary’s Maffra. Next year when hopefully COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease our Parent Information Session will focus on a learning session for parents which is also highly relevant to our obligations for Child Safety. If any parents would like any further information given we cannot meet in the current climate please be in contact with the school and either Liz Coleman or myself would be happy to meet with individual parents for clarification on our policies and procedures for Child Safety and Behaviour Management.

With the further easing of restrictions we can move ahead with Foundation 2021 Orientation. Children will have the opportunity to come to school next Friday, 20th November and the Friday after on the 27th November. Because of COVID-19 we are only able to run sessions in small groups. Next year the teachers who will be working in the Foundation / Grade 1 will be Virginia Hellings, Kerry Barton and Serrin Stobie. It will be fantastic to see the little ones come to school as they prepare for next year.

Staffing at St Mary’s for 2021 is nearly completed and will be made available to the school community before the end of the month.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Jason

Foundation & Grade 1 wall:

On the 11th of November, the Foundation and Year One students made little poppies to remember all the people who sacrificed themselves to make our country safe. The Grade One and Foundation students engaged really well with this task because it looked really good in the end. 

Written By The Foundation and Grade One students.

Grade 5/6 wall:

Please remember St Mary's has a 'No Hat - No Play' policy.  All children must wear hats in term 1 and 4.  If they do not have a hat they will have to spend recess or lunchtime under the shade of the gazebo.

Icy poles will be available to buy every Friday until the end of this term for 50c.

Are you leaving? 

Our annual school photos have been taken and are now ready to order.

Arthur Reed Photos uses an online ordering system where you can view your photos prior to ordering.

On photo day all students received a flyer which includes a code unique to them.

You will require this 2020 code to register online and view your photos.

If you have already registered, you will receive an email or SMS from Arthur Reed Photos with a link to view your photos.

If you have not yet registered, please go to order.arphotos.com.au and enter your code to complete your order.

If you have misplaced your registration code, please contact the Arthur Reed Photos customer service team directly on 5243 4390 or customerservice@arphotos.com.au

Please note that you will need to register online with your 2020 photo code to gain access to this year’s images.

All photo packages are being sent home in 2020, so please ensure that you enter the correct details and nominated shipping address upon checkout.

If you require any assistance ordering your photos, please contact Arthur Reed Photos directly on 5243 4390 or email customerservice@arphotos.com.au

WEEKEND MASSES

Heyfield:

Saturday    6:00pm

Maffra:

Sunday    9:00am & 4:30pm

Newry & Cowwarr:

2nd and 4th Sunday Newry:  11:00am

1st and 3rd Sunday Cowwarr:   11:00am

5th Sunday Dargo:   12:00pm

WEEKDAY MASSES

Heyfield:

Tuesday      9:30am

Maffra:

Wednesday   9:30am

Thursday      9:30am

Friday          9:30am

BOOKINGS FOR WEEKEND MASSES ARE ESSENTIAL

Wednedsday 16th December, 2020 is the last day of term 4 for students.

TERM 1 - Thursday  28th January - Thursday 1st April

(students return Monday 1st February)

TERM 2 - Monday 19th April - Friday 25th June

TERM 3 - Monday 12th July - Friday 17th September

TERM 4 - Monday 4th October - Friday 17th December