Dear Parents and Families,

A very warm welcome to Week 6 at St Mary’s. How the term is racing on. Despite the very wet weeks the students have been fantastic and managed to engage in imaginative play and activities during the wet days in class. 

Mission Week
Mission Week was a great success last week as each class set about to raise money for the country of Thailand in a variety of creative ways.

Stage 1 made their own sock puppets and they did a wonderful job although there was lots of craft materials in classrooms for the students to clean up. The children loved making their puppets and then voted for their favourite creation with the winning puppet raising the most money.   

Stage 2 students had a mufti day and painted a ceramic mug which they then sold to a family member with all money going to the Missions.

The students in Stage 3 had a fun pyjama day. They ran a trash and treasure stall, and watched movies with all funds going to the Missions. A very big thank you to all the families, staff and students through your generous support we raised $992.55 towards helping to make life better for many people in Thailand.

Year 4 Preparation for First Eucharist
The students in Year 4 are very excited to make their First Eucharist at a special Mass this coming Sunday. They have been preparing for this most important Sacrament for many weeks. All Year 4 students participated in their retreat day in the PAC today as a final preparation for Sunday. The students took part in a variety of engaging activities in relation to the Eucharist and enjoyed a BBQ lunch together. We especially thank Father George who has given so much time and support to the students this term and guided them at Mass and during practice.

The students would also like to thank Mrs Hampson, Miss McCormick and Mrs Kenny for teaching them about the great gift of Jesus in the Eucharist. 

Remembrance Day
Classes at St Mary’s were able to pray for and listen to stories of bravery in past World Wars. We spent time praying and giving thanks for those who fought in wars and those who died fighting for the freedom we have today. “We will remember them, lest we forget.”

Christmas Giving
It’s that time of the year when St Vinnies need our help. If you could spare a grocery item or two to make someone’s Christmas a little happier it would be greatly appreciated. If you can help, we ask that each child brings something that would be enjoyed at the Christmas table and leave their gift with their class teacher by Week 8 thank you.

Operation Christmas Child
The organiser for Operation Christmas Child has made an appeal for St Mary's to contribute to their gift giving program to children in Third World Countries. Gifts for this charity are placed in a shoebox, blessed at Church before being shipped to countries in need overseas. Suitable items to purchase for the shoeboxes are small t-shirts, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, soap, handballs, cars, small dolls etc.

The shoeboxes are due back at school by the end of Week 8 also, thank you. 

Thank you as always for your kindness and support to those who find the Christmas season especially hard.

O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those whose memory we cherish,
and those whose names we will never know.
Help us to lift our eyes above the sadness of this broken world,
and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope, now and forever. Amen.

Have a very happy and safe week.

In all things may God be glorified