Hello Everyone, 

Last Thursday I sat in on our Parents and Friends group meeting and the enthusiasm within the room was fabulous to see. The current priority for the group is to bring together our school community by assisting new and existing families to make connections within the parent group. The group also spoke about some exciting initiatives and events that will soon be happening, so please stay tuned for further information. Whilst the past two years has brought about a level of disconnect between schools and parents, positive changes are being made and St Mary’s is on the right track.

Congratulations to our District Cross Country team who recently participated in the HDSSA event. St Mary’s placed equal 1st overall, and we wish those students who are competing in the next round this Monday in Yarram the very best of luck. 

Today the children participated in Walk Safely to School Day, an event recognised across the nation to promote active and healthy lifestyles for school aged children. Thank you to the parents and friends group and all our wonderful helpers who assisted with providing breakfast for the children. The children certainly enjoyed their special start to the day! 

I was recently asked at what age is it appropriate to allow your child to ride to school, and whilst at St Mary’s we encourage our students to ride their bikes and scooters to school safely, we do however acknowledge that there are many considerations to factor in. These include - the length of the ride, whether there are hills to contend with, traffic conditions and if there are roads to cross along the route. For the younger children, they can ride to school accompanied by their parents or carers at any age - right from Foundation. For the older children, there's no law governing what age children can ride to school on their own but it is suggested that around 10 years, most kids will have the necessary skills to manage the ride on their own.  This can only be judged by the parents - knowing their childs' confidence and abilities, and taking into consideration all the factors mentioned above on the school route. 

I look forward to seeing you all later in the term. 

Take care everyone, 

Lia 

Sunday 29th May 9am  ~  Commitment Mass

Thursday 16th June 6pm  ~  Reconciliation

A big thank you to everyone for their help this morning with Walk To School Day. 

Congratulations to all students who represented St Mary's at HDSSA at the Heyfied Wetlands on Monday 9th May.  With a return to sport and school activities, it's exciting to see our students enjoying inter school activities again.

Well done to the following students who have progressed to represent St Mary's at the Yarram Golf Course in the SSV Wellington Division on Monday 23rd May.  We wish you luck!!  Larni Burns, Anastasia Dwyer, Georgia Rawson, Ella Higgins, Alexa Potter, Ben Murphy and Mitch House.

In this edition of SchoolTV - RESILIENCE

Resilience is one of those skills that all kids need and should have. It refers to their ability to cope and adapt in situations when confronted with challenges such as adversity, trauma, tragedy, or even stress. It is essential to their mental health and wellbeing as part of their journey to adulthood. It is a skill that can be learned from an early age through the support of an adult role model.

However, being resilient does not mean your child won't experience any difficulties, but it will better equip them to manage those situations. Over-protective parenting can be viewed as being unhelpful towards the building of resilience. Although this may be a natural instinct, potentially experiencing failure is all part of the process. Encouraging children to take healthy risks will help them trust their capacity to deal with uncomfortable situations and increase their capacity for courage.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will gain an understanding of how to support their child’s brave behaviour to help them adapt and build resilience.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Resilience edition of SchoolTV
https://stmmaffra.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/resilience

Miss Samantha Zabaneh

Save the date!!  Our school photos will be on Monday 6th June.  Please be aware students are required to wear full winter uniform.

Please find below the following sports dates;

Monday 23rd May - Division Cross Country @ Yarram Golf Course

Friday 3rd June - HDSSA Winter Sports (Grade 5/6) @ Heyfield

** we are still waiting for athletics dates

National Reconciliation Week is 27th May - 3rd June. The theme this year is "Be Brave, Make Change".

Congratulations to  Matilda  (3/4B)  and  her family as they welcome a baby brother named 'Bowie'.

TERM 2 - Tuesday 26th April - Friday 24th June

TERM 3 - Monday 11th July - Friday 16th September

TERM 4 - Monday 3rd October - Tuesday 20th December

Key Assets Victoria is a Not For Profit foster care agency operating in the East, South & West of Melbourne.

There is currently a great need for new foster families and we would be very appreciative if you would consider placing the following ad in your school newsletter.  

FOSTER CARERS NEEDED

If you have thought about foster care, please get in touch and

ask the questions you have always wanted to.

Ring: Key Assets 1800 932 237 or 1800 WE CARE

Email: info@keyassets.org.au

Web: canifoster.org.au or keyassets.org.au

Interested families would receive a brochure, information and no pressure! 

I have also attached a graphic if space allows. 

Please call if you require any additional information and/or would like a Key Assets representative to visit and talk to your school community.

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   9:30am

Thursday      9:30am

Friday          9:30am

Saturday      9:30am

We have an exciting offer for new members of our Ritchies Community Benefit Program.

Please see attached the promotion we have on offer, please share this information with your school community and encourage parents to share with friends and family to get the new App or Card and nominate your school.  It’s quick, simple and easy to: Download, Register and Activate.