T3 W5 Newsletter 2021

From The Principal

Mary MacKillop (1842 -1909), now known as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, was an Australian woman of early Australian colonial times.  On 19 March 1866 at Penola in South Australia she, with Father Julian Tenison-Woods, founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites).  Mother Mary of the Cross was its first Religious Sister and Superior.  In her lifetime, Mary MacKillop established a number of schools and welfare organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand with a focus on education of the poor, particularly in country regions.  Conflict with Fr Tenison-Woods and other clergy resulted in Mary’s ex -communication by Bishop Sheil on 22 September 1871 for her alleged insubordination.

Consequently, most of the schools were closed and the Josephites almost disbanded.  On 21 February 1872, Bishop Sheil, as he lay dying, realised his mistake and lifted the ex-communication.  The following year in 1873, Mary MacKillop successfully travelled to Rome and attained Papal approval for the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  In 1875, after returning from Rome, she was formally elected Superior General.  Since her death in 1909, Sr Mary MacKillop has attracted much veneration in Australia and internationally.  Following recognition of the required miracles, she became Australia’s first saint on 17 October 2010.

My wife and I were lucky enough to have been in pilgrimage in Rome, which included us witnessing the Canonisaiton of Mary MacKillop.  This was an experience I will never forget.  It was spiritual and powerful; in essence a heart experience which strengthened my faith.

In life, Mary ALWAYS put the needs of others before her own.  Through her incredible example we pray:

May God bless my mind so that I may think of others.

May God bless my eyes so that I may see the needs of others.

May God bless my ears so that I may hear the cries of those in need.

May God bless my mouth so that I may speak words of encouragement and support.

May God bless my hands so that I may do good deeds to help others.

May God bless my heart so that I may feel love and compassion for those in need.

Thank you to year two and their teachers for leading us through a liturgy this morning marking the feastday of St Mary of the Cross.

Enrolments For 2022 Now Being Taken

ENROLMENTS FOR 2022  |  Enrolments for Prep are currently being taken for the 2022 school year.  If you have a child due to commence Prep next year, born between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, please complete an online enrolment form available from the school website: https://www.sasrok.catholic.edu.au/

Enrolments for Years 1—6 are also currently being taken for 2022.  Interviews will commence in Term Two. 

For all enrolments we need to sight the original birth certificate or have a certified copy please.

Crossing Supervisor Position

CASUAL POSITION VACANT

A casual position exists for a School Crossing Supervisor at ST Anne’s School.

The School Crossing Supervisor may be required to work five days per week in all weather conditions. The hours of work for School Crossing Supervisors are 1 hour a day and usually comprise of 40 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon Commencement date to be advised a Pay Rate of $30.34 per hour.

The successful applicants will be dependent on:

• The suitable outcome of a health assessment carried out by a GP of your choice according to the guidelines in the “Notes for Medical Practitioner” on the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme – Health Assessment Form; (this is paid by the Department)
• A Positive  Blue Card Notice (This is also paid by the Department and means you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position)

If you are interested in the position please collect an application form from the School administration or contact Karen Cantoni (Road Safety officer) on 49 518331.

The School Crossing Supervisors Application is to be returned to School for the school principals' recommendation.

Student Protection Contacts

Across The Curriculum

ICAS Testing Dates

THe ICAS assessments and competitions begin next week. Below are the days and times these have been scheduled, though as schools are, at times, unpredictable places, these are subject to change. Similar to NAPLAN, ICAS tests can be scheduled within a specific window of time, usually a period of one week. If your child is sick, we are able to reschedule, as long as it is within this window.

St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Annual Book Week Dress Up Day!

Date: Friday, 27^th August 2021 (Week 7)

Theme: Old World, New Worlds, Other Worlds. Dress up as your favourite book character or the theme! Students are still required to be in sun smart clothing with appropriate footwear!

The Good News

Sunday's Gospel Reflection - Matthew 6:25-34

Jesus tells us not to worry

A “one hit wonder” from 1989 was the song by Bobby McFerrin, Don’t Worry, Be Happy. It was a laid-back, a cappella song that still frequently appears in film and television soundtracks. In some ways, the song became the catchcry of a generation who were overwhelmed by the pace of change that was occurring in society, technology and the world in general.

A glance at Sunday's gospel may leave the reader thinking that Jesus, too, is basically saying to us, don’t worry, be happy. But the message of Jesus is not as simplistic as that. Instead, he says to us, set your hearts on God’s kingdom first and on following God’s will for justice in the world and, then, don’t worry, be happy. It is not the same throwing of one’s hands into the air as the 1980’s song. It is not an abandonment of responsibility. Jesus says to us, trust in God, work to bring about the kingdom in our lives and in our world and only then leave the rest to God.

This gospel passage was aptly chosen by the Church to mark the feast of St Mary of the Cross – Mary MacKillop. The teaching of Jesus, conveyed through the gospel passage, characterised much of the life and work of Mary MacKillop. Mary was a prolific writer, sending messages to her sisters in the schools and communities across Australia. We are fortunate that many of these letters have been preserved and provide an incredible insight into the attitude of Mary MacKillop.

One of the quotes attributed to Mary MacKillop that captures the essence of today’s gospel is, “Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” (1891) Surely this is a more energising and empowering motto for life than don’t worry, be happy?

Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of the Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues to today. A Saint for and of Australia!

(c) Greg Sunter 2021

Thank you to Mrs Holmes, Mrs Pietzner and the students of 2H for leading our Mary MacKillop Feast Day Liturgy today!

This week, the Year 5's have been learning about 'Solidarity'.

This means we stand together by being good leaders.

We've been learning about Catherine McAuley and Mary MacKillop and the actions they took to challenge injustices. As leaders in their own communities, they valued treating people fairly, equally and to work to build the Kingdom of God. 

Have a great week! God's love, peace and blessings,

Stuart.

Mr Stuart Presley

Assistant Principal - Religious Education

stuart_presley@rok.catholic.edu.au 

NATIONALLY CONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA ON SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY (NCCD)

Tuckshop Volunteers

Student Leadership

Leadership is a quality that all students of St Anne's Catholic Primary School are encouraged and supported to develop.  These experiences ensure that students perceive themselves as leaders and have the opportunity and confidence to take on leadership roles and find their voice.

Newsletter Report By Mattthew  |   To start off, the grounds are looking great so keep up the good work.  I have also noticed the great attitudes on the oval.  How we treat each other on the
sporting field, flows over to the classroom - keep looking out for each other.

We are having some cold days, so make sure you have your name labelled
on your jumper.

Congratulations to those that made their Confirmation last weekend.

Students Of The Week

Congratulations To Our Students Of The Week  |   Max D, Mia K, Bryce G, Tyler F, Zahliah C, Jed P, Memphis-Belle D, Liam B, Ellani K, Zane L, Georgia B, Archie V, Clare B, Summer V, Stacey G, Adalyn C, Skylynn G, Stella B, Anthony M, Nataya F, Mrs Douce, Mrs Martin

General Information

Did you know?

Missing one day a week of school from Prep to Year 10 means missing two years and one term of schooling. 

Being half an hour late to school each day from Prep to Year 10 equals missing one year and one-and-ahalf terms of schooling.

Being absent five days a term from Prep to Year 10 adds up to more than one year of missed schooling.

There is a direct correlation between attendance and achievement.

Frequent absences make it difficult for teachers who have to continually re-teach information and skills.

Patterns of attendance/absence are set up in the early years of schooling.

Poor attendance makes it difficult for students to form positive relationship with their peers.

Research shows that students who are often absent from school are more likely to end up homeless, are over represented in the Juvenile Justice System and likely to earn less than their peers as adults.

Regular attendance helps your child develop the skills needed to access the world of work and other
opportunities, learn the importance of punctuality and routine and make and keep friendships.

All absences from school must have a reason and be acknowledged by parents and caregivers.

Text messages to advise of absences are sent daily to parents from the school.

To advise of your child's absence, please only phone 4994 8285 or use parent lounge. 

Emails in the morning rush to teachers can easily be overlooked.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr Oches, Mr Presley or Mrs L Holmes.

New Schoolzine App for Reading Newsletters

Schoolzine SZApp  |  As you are aware, at St Anne’s we have implemented a new format for our newsletter this year called Schoolzine. We encourage families to download the free SZApp which will enable you to easily see our newsletter on any device and receive alerts when the latest newsletter is available. The newsletter link will also continue to be emailed out to parents. 

Once thge SZApp is downloaded, please complete your registration, using our school passcode 4818. More instructions on how to install the SZApp are below.

Community News

LOURDES HILL COLLEGE, BRISBANE - REUNION

 All students who attended Lourdes Hill College, Brisbane in:  

1966 – Year 8, 1967 – Year 9, 1968 – Year 10, 1969 – Year 11 and 1970 – Year 12, are invited to attend the Reunion of the 1966-1970 Cohort on Saturday 16 October at Lourdes Hill College.  

For enquiries, please contact:  

Maree Foley (Stanton) maree_foley@hotmail.com ,  events@lhc.qld.edu.au or phone Mary at LHC on 3399 0411. 

Relationships Australia Courses For Separated Parents and Children Of Separated Parents

Please see below flyers regarding the Parenting Orders Program and Poppers Group.
We will be hosting a Poppers Group in Sarina at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre commencing 6 October.
The adult’s program can be offered over phone or via Zoom if parents do not wish to travel to Mackay.