Wednesday, 24 August 2016 —Term 3, Week 5

Dates to Remember:

22—26 August Book week

25 August Rugby clinic

26 August OSHC Assembly 8.40 am

29-31 August Year 5/6 camp

2 September Fathers Day Liturgy and P&F

movie night from 5.30 pm

4 September Fathers Day

6-7 September Goal Setting Meetings

9 September Assembly Room 14 8.40 am

St Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral

90 Smith Street, Darwin

Weekend Mass Times: Saturday (Vigil) 6.30 pm

Sunday—7.30 am/9.30 am/7.00 pm

May The Road Rise Up To Meet You

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

(traditional gaelic blessing)

Read more: http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/may_the_road_rise_up_to_meet_you.html#ixzz4IDbO2azn

Good bye and God Bless

Mrs McLaughlin

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Dear families

This week our school community will farewell Mrs Seosaimhin McLaughlin, Assistant Principal of

Religious Education, with her last day of work Friday 26th August. Seosaimhin and her family are

returning to Ireland in September to prepare for the birth of their second child. Seosaimhin has greatly enriched our community and touched the hearts of staff, students and families. A farewell

Mass for Seosaimhin will be held in the Cathedral on Friday 2nd September at 10.45 am. Families are encouraged to join us for this special celebration as we honour and thank Seosaimhin

for her outstanding leadership, teaching and support for St Mary’s school community. Light refreshments will be

available for families following the Mass.

Year 5/6 Camp: On Monday our Year 5/6 students and teachers are heading to Batchelor Outdoor Education vil-lage for St Mary’s annual school camp, returning Wednesday. Camp provides many wonderful learning experiences

for students including kayaking, rock climbing, high ropes, canoeing, orienteering, archery and damper making.

Camp activities support students enormously in developing confidence, resilience, organisation, getting along and persistence. Our Parent meeting tonight at 5:30pm in room 14 will provide further information for par-

ents in relation to our school camp.

Father’s Day Liturgy and Movie night: Exciting news is that Bishop Eugene has confirmed his availability for our Father’s Day liturgy next Friday 2nd September commencing at 5:30pm with a BBQ.

This will be the first time we have held our Father’s Day liturgy after school hours so we look forward to

seeing as many dads and families as possible. Our liturgy will be followed by our movie night on the oval. Please join us as we celebrate and thank God for the wonderful gift of our dads, grandads, uncles and other

significant men in our lives.

St Mary’s Family STEM Expo: It was wonderful to see so many families join us for our STEM expo

last Wednesday afternoon in celebration of Science week. Families enjoyed participating in a range of ‘hands on’ activities including Robotics, Lab Rat experiments and Builders Boulevard. Special thanks To

Miss Tagan and Ms Farrell for their coordination of this school event and to the parent helpers, particularly Mrs Clalia Mar for her support.

Made In the Image of God – Human Sexuality Program: Human Sexuality units are being taught to Year 1-6

students throughout the school this week and next. Information with an overview of the program was sent home to

all families. If you have any questions, please contact our Assistant Principal of Religious Education, Seosaimhin McLaughlin.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Pokemon Go: Pokemon Go craze has hit Darwin! Attached to this week’s newsletter is an interesting article for

families written by Michael Grose-parenting expert. Please take the time to read it.

Vacation Care 2017: St Mary’s Early Learning and Outside School Hours Care will be operational until Friday 23rd December, 2016. Our Early Learning Centre-Community of Learners will be closed for two weeks from 23rd Decem-

ber and will not be reopening until Monday 9th January, 2017 (as per our Operational Plan).

In previous years St Mary’s Vacation Care for school students has not been offered in January due to the low demand and staffing shortages. I have had an inquiry from a parent in relation to Vacation

Care for January 2017 and seeking information from families to determine whether there are sufficient families requiring care.

Parents are requested to complete the Expression of Interest attached to the newsletter and return it to school by Friday 16th September. Vacation care can only be offered in the event that we have more than 20 fami-

lies requiring care and sufficient staff to support the service. Thanks in anticipation of your prompt response.

This week is Book Week. We have been celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators.

St Mary’s Book Week parade will commence at 8.40 am on Friday, 26 August.

Students are asked to dress as a book character from their favourite book. Come along and check

out all the incredible book characters including those of the staff.

May God bless you and keep you safely in his care,

Jacqui Langdon

Principal

Expression of Interest for Vacation Care—January 2017.

Name:

Contact details:

Number of Students who would require care:

Dates of care required (January 2017 only):

Please return this form by 16 September 2016.

Thank you

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

RE News:

For your Information and Interest

TraditionalTraditional Student FriendlyStudent Friendly

‘‘I am the Lord they God, thou shaltI am the Lord they God, thou shalt There is only one GodThere is only one God——We should not make or worship We should not make or worship

not have any strange gods before Me’not have any strange gods before Me’ pretend Gods.pretend Gods.

‘Thou shalt not take the name of the ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the God’s name is special and not be used disrespectfully. God’s name is special and not be used disrespectfully.

Lord thy God in vain.’Lord thy God in vain.’

‘Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.’‘Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.’ Remember Sunday is a special day to rest and say Remember Sunday is a special day to rest and say

thank you to God.thank you to God.

‘Honour they father and mother.’‘Honour they father and mother.’ Listen to your parents and take care of them.Listen to your parents and take care of them.

‘Thou shalt not kill.’‘Thou shalt not kill.’ Do not hurt others.Do not hurt others.

‘Thou shalt not commit adultery.’‘Thou shalt not commit adultery.’ Love and look after everyone in your family.Love and look after everyone in your family.

‘Thou shalt not steal.’‘Thou shalt not steal.’ Do not steal/take things that do not belong to you.Do not steal/take things that do not belong to you.

‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against Do not say things that are not true. Do not say things that are not true.

thy neighbor.’thy neighbor.’

‘Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife.’‘Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife.’ Honour and respect your husband or wife.Honour and respect your husband or wife.

‘Thou shalt not covet they neighbor’s goods.’‘Thou shalt not covet they neighbor’s goods.’ Be happy with the things that you haveBe happy with the things that you have

Upcoming:

Friday 2nd September, 6.45pm- Father’s Day Liturgy led by Room 3 on the oval followed by Family Movie Night

Seosaimhin McLaughlin, APRESeosaimhin McLaughlin, APRE

The Catholic Ten Commandments

In the Old Testament’s book, Exodus, it is stated that the Ten Commandments were

handed down by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai, as he was leading his people to freedom in

the Promised Land (Israel) from Egypt. They were considered to be the Law of God for

his chosen people and even referred to by Jesus in Matthew (19: 16-21). Although they

can appear in different order and sometimes divided inconsistently, The Catholic tradi-

tion uses the division of the Commandments established by St. Augustine as follows.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Congratulations to Charlotte Elcoate for her selection in the Darwin Region Track and Field Champion-ship Squad. Charlotte will participate in the School Sport NT Track and Field Championships hosted by School Sport NT at the Arafura Stadium in Darwin on Friday, 2 September 2016.

Charlotte is our only representative from St Mary's and we wish her well as she competes in the Under 12 girls long jump competition.

Congratulations and good luck to Jack Rieniets and Emily Moore who will be competing in the NT Cross Country Championships on Thursday, 1 September 2016.

Over the next few weeks students in Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7 will be involved in Jump Rope for

Heart. This is an exciting and non-competitive program which encourages children to become more active through skipping, learning new skills and raising vital funds for heart research and community health programs.

Sponsorship forms will be sent home with students this week, or alternatively, you can regis-ter online at:

http://jumprope.everydayhero.do/jumprope2016/?group=St-Marys-Primary-School-DARWIN-NT-116209

Sarah Muller, PE Teacher

Oral Health Services NT encourages all Territorians to take the first step on the road to good oral health by following the five key oral health

messages of “stay, play, brush, eat and drink well”. These Messages focus on encouraging regular dental check-ups; wearing mouth guards

when playing contact sports; twice daily brushing; eating healthy food; and drinking lots of waters.

All Territorian families can access dental services by either contacting their private dentist or for eligible clients, the public dental service at

Oral Health Services NT. Children of families receiving the Family Tax Benefits are also eligible to access the $1000 of dental treatment avail-

able through the Child Dental Benefit Scheme. This can be done either through the family’s private dentist or through the Public Dental ser-

vice.

In the Northern Territory, families with children from birth to 18 years who attend secondary school, can access public dental services by

phoning 89226466 (Top End) and 89516713 (Central Australia).

Oral Health Services NT encourages all Territorians to take the first step on the road to good oral health by following the five key oral health

messages of “stay, play, brush, eat and drink well”. These Messages focus on encouraging regular dental check-ups; wearing mouth guards

when playing contact sports; twice daily brushing; eating healthy food; and drinking lots of waters.

All Territorian families can access dental services by either contacting their private dentist or for eligible clients, the public dental service at

Oral Health Services NT. Children of families receiving the Family Tax Benefits are also eligible to access the $1000 of dental treatment avail-

able through the Child Dental Benefit Scheme. This can be done either through the family’s private dentist or through the Public Dental ser-

vice.

In the Northern Territory, families with children from birth to 18 years who attend secondary school, can access public dental services by

phoning 89226466 (Top End) and 89516713 (Central Australia).

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Student of the Week Awards

Room 1

Malachi Foote

Raymond Eliorda

Jack Christie

Oliver Smith

Room 2

Maria Develos

Marcus Kunnikorn

Thomai Mostris

Room 3

Abby Stegeman-Sexton

Yuvaan Pala

Oliver Ledek

Catrina Meldrum

Luke Brady

Room 4

Ella Brady

Evvie Tsikouris

Room 5

Daisy Wilson

Addrian Jayanth Daniel

Room 6

William Reeves

Kaiden Castle

Room 7

Rhianna Lopez

Tushya Vaghela

Room 14

Caitlyn Meldrum

Andrew Tilbrook

Room 15

Rex Coleman

Brody Reed

Stephan Biro

Kangaroos

Xander Manning

Jethro Van Dyck

Declan Walker

Congratulations to Jack Rieniets (room 14) who will be competing in the NT

BMX Titles in Alice Springs in October this year.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Invitation to all Dads and

Male Father Figures

To Dear dads, grandads, uncles, big brothers and father figures

You are all warmly invited to attend our Father’s Day Liturgy

Here we will reflect upon all the wonderful reasons why Fathers and male role models are so important and special.

We really hope you can share this special time with us.

When: Friday the 2nd

of September 2016

Time: 5.30pm BBQ with Liturgy at 6.45pm, followed by a movie night

Where: St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Oval

We look forward to seeing you at our class Father’s Day Liturgy for 2016

From Room 3 Children and Miss Pollock.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Movie Under The Stars

Fathers Day Movie Night Friday 2nd September

Pre purchase your tickets from the office prior to the event.

Odd ball

Admission Prices:

Tickets $25 per family or $10 per adult, $5 per child

BBQ, Drinks & Treats available prior to commencement of

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Thank you to the families who have supported the Athlete’s Foot School Re-

wards Program. We recently received a cheque for $110 from the sale of

shoes to St Mary’s families.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

P&F NEWS

2016 Twilight Fete Sponsors

PLEASE SUPPORT THESE BUSINESSES AS THEY SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

St Mary’s Primary School

Book Week Parade

Come dressed as your favourite book character

and celebrate Book Week 2016

Friday August 26th on the E Deck after

the Assembly.

Prizes for the most creative costumes.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Transition 2017

Does your child turn five by 30 June 2017?

If so they are eligible to start Transition in

January 2017.

Please contact the school office for an en-

rolment package.

Enrolment Information Package for Year 7,

2016 at Darwin Middle School are now available

from the office.

Please contact Julie if you are interested in receiving

a package.

Thank you

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Term 3, Week 5

Has your child gone Pokemon wild? Submitted by: MICHAEL GROSE21 July Pokemon Go! What a craze!

Beats just about any fad I’ve seen including yo yo’s, swap cards and the original Pokemon Gameboy way back in the old days –

remember the 90’s.

While Pokemon Go is geared toward adults and teenagers it’s taken off among primary aged children –even some pre school

kids – as well. Both genders are playing the game, but a rough count among colleagues and friends indicates that it’s boys

more than girls that are hooked on the game.

Pokemon Go has plenty of psychological hooks to make boys love it. The roam and search nature of the game appeals to the

hunter-gatherer that exists in most boys. There are plenty of things to collect which appeals to a boy’s fundamental need to put

order and control in his world.

And the competitive element embedded in the game makes it almost irresistible to many boys who love nothing better than to

better someone else.

How can we approach this craze?

Many parents have asked me how they should approach the Pokemon Go craze, particularly when their children are besotted by

it.

Start by accepting that Pokemon Go, like all fads, has captured your child’s interest. It’s hard to fight against or even stop your

child from being involved in games that ‘everyone is playing’.

That leads to two parenting requirements. First, find out all you can about the game so you know what you are up against. Ask

your child to explain what it’s all about. Figure out which parts of the game are age-appropriate and which parts are going to

present you with headaches. Once kids are old enough to have their own phones and transportation, they’re certainly old

enough to play the game without help. Pokémon Go gives users plenty of chances to spend real money, so you probably will

want to limit in-game purchases.

Lures, an aspect of the game, can present tricky situations for parents. A player can set out a lure to attract pokémon, but be-

cause these lures can be seen by any nearby player, you’re not sure who they are attracting. Revisit those Stranger Danger

lessons with your kids.

Second, you need to meld your existing family technology rules with the expectations and opportunities that Pokemon Go pre-

sents. These include, how much time children are allowed to spend on technology; consider what activities Pokemon Go takes

kids away from (including homework); and be aware that's is not healthy for your child to be hooked on one activity at the ex-

pense of everything else.

So if your kids are old enough to wander unsupervised some quick reminders of safety rules maybe in order, such as crossing a

street with a phone in their pocket and only playing the game with kids their own age.

If you join in the craze then be prepared to drive your players around as many Pokemon stops are in interesting places such as parks, historical markers and other gathering spots. Different places have different Pokemon things to collect…..yes, it can get complicated, which is the intrinsic value of the craze. So my advice for parents is to approach Pokemon Go positively and intelligently. Discover about it as much as your time, your current circumstances and your kids will allow. Join them if possible. Remember, it’s a lot of fun; it does get kids exercising more than their thumbs and there are some great learnings (maths, nature and even history) built in to the game. On the other hand, ensure that kids keep a balance in their activities so that a fun craze doesn’t become an absolute, all or nothing obsession- which can so easily happen with boys.