Dear Parents

Yesterday we came together as a school for Remembrance Day. It was the first time in a long while where we were able to reflect together because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Remembrance Day marks the end of fighting on the Western Front on November 11, 1918.

At the time, the anniversary was known as Armistice Day, in reference to the formal agreement the German leaders signed to end the war.

The name was changed to Remembrance Day after World War II ended in 1945.

It has since become a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have died since World War I.

Every year, one minute of silence is held at 11am (local time) on November 11.

This is the time to remember a relative, friend or ancestor, or reflect on the sacrifice of those who have served and died in war.

Attendees at public services are asked to stand for a reading of The Ode, which is from the poem For the Fallen by Laurance Binyon.

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Next week (Friday, 19th November) we commence Foundation 2022 Orientation. Serrin Stobie will be the Foundation teacher next year. The class will be a ‘stand alone’ class with 21 students. We are looking forward to welcoming the children to St Mary’s.

Unfortunately due to the weather our Colour Explosion could not go ahead today. Hopefully next week we will have a sunny day to complete the course. It has been very well supported through donations and thank you to Di Austin for her organisation.

Over the next two weeks some of our students will receive the Sacrament of Eucharist. This has finally been able to occur. Well done to all of our families and teachers who have prepared the children for the special days.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Jason

School Photos 2021 – St Mary’s Primary School

Annual school photos including sibling photos will be taken at St Mary’s Primary School by Arthur Reed Photos on Tuesday November 16th, 2021.

There is no need to return any forms or money to school.

Unique image codes will be issued to all students on/after photo day so families can register online to view images when they become available in the webshop. 

Registration is simple, just follow the 3 simple steps on your child’s personalised flyer once you receive it and remember to add the codes for all your children attending this school.

Even if you registered last year, it’s important that you do it again this year using your child’s 2021 image code to link their images for the current year with your contact details.

When images are ready to view and in the webshop, all parents who have registered will be notified by SMS and email.

Once registered, please wait for notification that 2021 images are online to view before making your purchase. 

Notice to all families that School Photos will take place on Tuesday 16th November 2021.

Please find the dates below for the Sacrament of Eucharist;

• Saturday, 13th November at 1:00pm
• Saturday, 20th November at 1:00pm
• Saturday, 27th November at 1:00pm

I thank you for your continued understanding as we make adjustments to our program.

God Bless,

Dianne Austin (REL)

Term 4 School Closure Dates

Monday 1st November - Report Writing Day

Tuesday 2nd November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Last Day Term 4

Wednesday 15th December - 3:20pm finish

Staff First Aid

Thursday 16th December

Friday 17th December

Wednesday 15th December - 3:20pm finish

Financial concessions are available to eligible families. It is important to note, when concessions are provided, there is no impact on the overall school funding situation.

These concessions may include the Camps Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) of $125 per child. Concessions are available through the following two categories.

Category 1: Eligible, means-tested Centrelink Concession Card holders:

A family in which the fee payer holds an eligible, means-tested Health Care Card (HCC) or Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) is automatically eligible for a school fee concession. There is a simplified application form and streamlined approval process.

Category 2: Special Consideration:

A family experiencing genuine financial difficulty and not eligible under Category 1, is encouraged to apply for a fee concession. This application requires detailed information in order that an equitable assessment may be made of eligibility for and level of a fee concession.

Application forms are available from the school office and only need to be completed if this is a new application.  Current concession holders do not need to reapply.

School Fees 2021 - updated information

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   12:00pm

WEEKDAY MASSES

Heyfield:

Tuesday      9:30am

Maffra:

Wednesday   9:30am

Thursday      9:30am

Friday          9:30am

Stretton Park:

2nd Friday  10:00am