From the Principal….

On Friday the 23rd November, our Mini Vinnies students were invited to attend a “Sleepout” at school to raise awareness for homelessness. Mrs Christine Maltby (Chaplain), is to be congratulated for organising such a brilliant event. The sleepout began with all children arriving at 6pm with a pillow, one blanket, a bowl, cup and spoon. We all then walked to St Vincent De Pauls where we were greeted by Madeline, who is one of the very dedicated volunteers of our local Vinnies shop. During our time at Vinnies, the children asked a variety of questions about the vision of Vinnies and what they do to support those who are disadvantaged in our community. We thank Madeline for meeting us at the shop and sharing her wisdom with the children. Our Mini Vinnies then ventured back to school where we sat in comfortable companionship and shared a meal of soup and bread. We spoke about those who are disadvantaged and how blessed we are in our own lives. Mrs Maltby shared a book titled “Fly Away Home”, which was about a young boy and his father who lived at an airport. You could have heard a pin drop as the children listened attentively, then asked numerous questions related to the text. A collection of items were scattered on the floor surrounding a suitcase. The children had to decide what items they would include in a suitcase if they were homeless. We discussed in detail the difference between a need and a want. This was then extended upon to carefully consider what luxuries we all have in our lives. The children spoke about the luxury of having a hot shower, a soft mattress to sleep on and the unconditional love of their families. Each child was then able to select a piece of cardboard, which was to become their bed for the evening. Eventually…. All children settled down to rest. In the morning, we gathered and discussed once more the difference between needs and wants. We also spoke about how we, as Mini Vinnies can make a difference in the lives of many and the power of prayer. Thank you to all children who were able to attend this awareness raising event. We also would like to extend an ENORMOUS THANK YOU to Mrs Maltby for organising the most amazing Mini Vinnies Sleepout!

Colette Williams

Principal

Week 8| Term 4 | 2018

St Vincent de Paul was born on the 24th April 1581. The St Vincent de Paul Society members and volunteers reach out to the most vulnerable in our community through awareness raising conferences, special works and Vinnies shops. Members and volunteers assist people in need and do not discriminate against cultural, religious or political beliefs.

St Vincent de Paul’s Society assist over 2 243 261 people in Australia every year. We support our local St Vinnies and we thank them for all of the good works they do for those who are disadvantaged in our community.

God Bless

Colette Williams

APRE

YCDI Awards

Congratulations to the YCDI Awardees for Week 7

L to R: Javier Mezieres, James Finn, Nick Dayrit,

Bonnie Nane and Scarlett DeLacey—Green.

Principal’s Award Congratulations to the following students who received

Principal Awards:

Matilda Smith Prep—For filling people’s “buckets” by being a very

good friend.

Javier Mezieres Yr 1/2—For trying very hard to achieve great re-

sults in you assessment tasks.

Elle Gordon Yr 3/4—For speaking confidently during our Blessing

Ceremony.

Keeley Ninnes Yr 5/6—For approaching your assessment tasks with

such positivism. (Absent )

Happy Birthday to …

6th Dec Jayden Sablik

6th Dec Ivan Poljakovic

14th Dec Matilda Smith

16th Dec Harry Menzies

17th Dec Zac Lowcock

29th Dec Domingo del Solar

Term 4

8 October - 7 December

Week 8

29 Nov Swimming Carnival

Week 9

3 Dec End of Year Mass 9am

St Mary’s Library

3 Dec Graduation Dinner—Merinda Village

Hotel Function room

6 Dec Awards and Concert Night 6pm

St Mary’s Large Shed Area

7 Dec Mary’s Marvellous Big Day Out

9am—12 noon

Town Pool—Leaving from school.

News from School

Chaplain….Mrs Maltby

On Wednesday, the altar servers enjoyed a break-up

party to thank them for volunteering with participation

in the celebration of the mass and to help out Fr

Thomas. Thank you everyone for being part of the altar

servers’ programme.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal asks of us to

donate any non-perishable food item to go into

Christmas hampers for those families in our community

who need a little extra help during the festive season to

truly make Christmas a celebration. Donations may be

left in the office or in your child’s classroom or under

the tree in the church. Thanks for the wonderful

donations so far.

A Combined Parish Catholic Women’s League and St

Vincent De Paul Christmas function will be held on

Tuesday, 4th December at 6:30pm at the Larrikin Hotel.

There will be a two course meal, entertainment, raffles

and a cent sale. (Guests are asked to bring along two

cent sale prizes) Children are very welcome to attend.

For catering purposes, add your name to the list at the

back of the church or at the SVDP store or email

angelazyla@gmail.com

God is present in our lives not only as a distant

anonymous Creator of our living. More wonderfully,

God is actively present in our lives nearer to us than

our very selves. God is calling and loving us from

within our very selves into a personal relationship

with Him (God).’ (Catholic Leader)

My contact details: Phone: 47861203

Email: cmaltby@smbtsv.catholic.edu.au

I am available if you wish to have a chat.

Mary Our Help

2019 Office Hours Our school office will re-open Monday 21st January to Thursday 24th January, 2019

from 8.30am—3.30pm..

Friday 25th January, 2019 the office will be closed due to a Staff Professional Development day...

School will resume on Tuesday 29th January, 2019 at 8.30am. St Mary’s School Staff look forward to seeing you all in 2019.

NO SCHOOL BANKING

NEXT FRIDAY

7TH DECEMBER

Last Day of School Information—7th December, 2019

Students to arrive at school normal time prior to 8.30am

Bus arrives for pick up of all children 9am

Bus to Bowen Swimming Pool

Please bring a plate of food to share

Parents to pick-up children from

the Bowen Swimming Pool at 12noon

SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2018

Oh what fun we had on Thursday as we all ventured to the Bowen Pool for our annual swimming carnival. I was thrilled with the active participation from the students and they all tried their individual best. The Foley house was victorious on the day with a total of Foley 408 - 360 MacKillop points.

Thank you to all parents, family and friends who were able to attend our swimming carnival. We also would like to sincerely thank Mrs Catherine Antonio for coordinating our swimming carnival this year and for organising all swimming lessons prior to this event. You are one in a million Mrs Antonio!!!

Foley Swimming Carnival

Winners

Sheild presented to

Sports Captian:

Brayden Lee-Williams

Age Champions

8 yrs girls—Chloe Gordon

8 yrs boys—Chase Lowcock

9 yrs girls—Brianna Ninne & Elle Gordon

9 yrs boys—Lane Clem

10 yrs girls— Keeleigh Muir

10 yrs boys—Marcos del Solar

11yrs girl—Elysia Nane

11yrs boy—Oliver Green

12yrs girl—Aki Roth-Nisbet

12yrs boy—Brayden Lee-Williams &

Sharujan Selvakumar

SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2018