Dear Parents & Caregivers

It is crucial to prioritise and care for our mental health due to its significant impact on overall well-being. Just as we tend to our physical health, attending to our mental well-being is equally vital. By practicing self-care, such as engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep, we can enhance our mental resilience. Additionally, nurturing healthy relationships, seeking emotional support from loved ones, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can contribute to mental wellness. Seeking professional help when needed and reducing stressors in our lives are also essential steps towards safeguarding our mental health. Prioritising self-care and seeking support not only benefits us as individuals but provides a positive model for our children and contributes to a more compassionate and empathetic society.

Reconciliation

Last Thursday night, some of our Year 3 students participated in their first Reconciliation. Reconciliation is a time where students reflect on their mistakes, practice forgiveness and restore their relationship with God and themselves. Carrying hurt over time can impact us negatively and reconciliation supports us in dealing with and healing our mistakes. We congratulate Alice, Charlotte, Georgina, Mary, Olivia, Michael, Thomas and Arthur on receiving the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time and thank Mrs Eileen Thomson and Father Joseph for the thorough preparation the students received.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

This week is Random Acts of Kindness week. It is a week where we reflect on our lives and actively seek ways to reach out positively to others. Tomorrow, Friday, we will celebrate our efforts with a free dress day and reflect on the importance of being kind to others at the assembly.

National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day happens on the 26th May each year. It is a day to acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. We will be reflecting on this occasion in prayer at our assembly.

National Simultaneous Storytime

On Wednesday, our school participated in National Simultaneous Storytime. This is an annual event held by the Australian Library and Information Association. Every year, a picture book that is written and illustrated by an Australian author, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. This year, Mrs Wright read, “The Speedy Sloth” to the whole school.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion is a significant Catholic sacrament where Catholic children in Year 4 receive the body of Jesus Christ in the form of bread for the first time. It is a sacred sacrament that marks their initiation into the Church and strengthens their spiritual journey. Our Year 4s have commenced preparations to make their First Holy Communion on Sunday 11th June. We wish them all the best as they prepare to receive the sacrament.

Winter Carnival

On Friday the 16th June, our Year 4/5 and 6 students will compete in soccer, netball and football at the Winter Carnival in Bunbury at Hay Park. We wish our competitors all the best. Information has been sent home to parents already. Parents, please contact Mrs Pettersen if you can help on the day.

Disco!

It’s disco time! Our Year 6 parents and students are organising a disco for Friday 23rd June. An information flyer has been shared across social media. Unfortunately, Mr Gammon will not be able to attend, but he has promised that there will be another world class DJ there ready to get people moving (wink, wink). It promises to be a great night.

Cross Country

Cross country is coming up at the end of term. Whilst our students have started training at school, students are encouraged to train at home under the supervision of their parents. Running is a great activity that supports people in building both their physical and mental health.

Wardandi Gift

On Tuesday 9th May, our Year 4/5 students participated and competed in the inaugural BCC Wardandi Gift. The day supported students in learning about and better understanding Aboriginal histories, traditions and cultures in a fun and exciting way. As a bonus, we even walked away with the inaugural cup! Well done to all involved and thank you to BCC for hosting the initiative.

Pupil Free Days

There will be no school on Friday 2nd June (Pupil Free Day) and Monday 5th of June (WA Day long weekend). Please enjoy this time with your families.

Kindy 2024 Enrolments

We are currently taking enrolments for our Kindergarten 2024 program. If you know of anyone looking for Kindy places next year, please encourage them to consider St Mary’s or even pop in and take a look. Children eligible for Kindergarten in 2024 are also able to attend our 3-Year-Old Mini Marvel’s playgroup this year. This program is a parent involved program that is designed to support our future Kindy students in their transition to school, and to support our parents in building relationships with other parents. Mini Marvel’s is held each Thursday morning from 9-10:30am in the Kindy room and is taught by Miss Moore. For more information or to book a school tour, please contact the office on 97324700.

Enrolments

We are currently open for enrolments across all year levels for both this year and 2024. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please ask them to contact 97324700 and I will give them a personal tour.

P&F OP Shop PINGO night

The P&F is busy organising a fun filled night for adults of PINGO (BINGO with Prizes) to support and raise funds for St Mary’s P&F. $20 per person (tickets will be available for purchase through the school office). Come dressed in your favourite OP Shop outfit on Saturday 5 August 2023 to the Donnybrook Football Club. There will be a silent auction, Prizes for best OP shop outfit as well as games throughout the night. Donnybrook Football Club will have their bar open. Doors open at 6pm, with Heads Down at 7pm. Keep an eye on the P&F Facebook page as well as the next newsletter. Flyers will be sent home soon!

Andrew Gammon

Principal