ST MARY’S CATHOLIC PARISH NORTH ROCKHAMPTON PARISH ADMINISTRATOR FR BRYAN HANIFIN WEEKEND MASS TIMES: SATURDAY VIGIL 6:00PM SUNDAY 9:00AM Parish email: rockhamptonnorth@cdor.org.au PH: 49285013

ST MARY’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: MR MICHAEL KELSO AP- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: MRS ROBYN BOURNE AP - CURRICULUM: MS JENNIFER HARRIS School Website: http://smnrrok.catholic.edu.au

NEWSLETTER FOR 22nd NOVEMBER 2016

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS Dear Parents As we draw closer to the end of term, there are many events on the school calendar to which all our parents and friends are invit-ed. On our Monday morning assembly, we fare-welled Mrs Dawn Stephenson who retires from teaching after almost a quarter century teaching in our Catholic Schools in North Rockhampton and Emerald. Mr Mark Effeney, former St Mary’s Principal and Assistant to the Director—Administration, presented Mrs Stephenson with a lovely gift of appreciation on behalf of the Catholic Education Office. Mrs Linda Sander, assist-ed by Koby Liddell, presented Dawn with a gift from our school and P&F Association.

On Thursday, we have the Yr 1 Nativity Play at 10:00am in Coolock and at 1:30pm our Instrumental Music Concert. On Thurs-day also, the Cakes and Lollies Crew will hold a baking day at the Emmaus College industrial kitchens. Many thanks to Aine Toman and Emmaus College for organising this. On Friday morning, there will be a general assembly before Coolock is set for the Par-ish Fair. We would welcome any help from parents from about 9:00am—3:00pm on the day setting up stalls and tents. Many thanks to those mums and dads who have already volunteered so much of their time in preparation for the Fair. Next Monday evening our Christmas Con-cert commences at 6:00pm in Coolock.

BYO Chair and a picnic tea if you like! Choirs, presentations to teachers who are leaving, Yr 6 Citizenship and Academic Awards are some of the items on the pro-gramme for the night! On the weekend, Bishop Michael an-nounced some changes for parishes. St Mary’s will join Holy Family and Park Ave-nue parishes under the leadership of Fr Matthew Moloney. We thank Fr Bryan Hanifin for his guidance and support over the last 12 months. Fr Raj, a familiar face around St Mary’s, has been appointed as Administrator of Emerald and Springsure Parishes. We will certainly miss our regular contact with Frs Bryan and Raj.

Have a great week, Mike

ST MARY’S PARENT LOUNGE PORTAL: https://203smnr.rok.catholic.edu.au/parentlounge

As we get closer and closer to Christmas we become more and more concerned about buying the perfect

gift for our families and friends. Finding the appro-priate gift is never easy!

For the next few weeks I would like to offer you some “Gift Giving Advice” and perhaps you may

choose to offer these gifts freely and consistently.

The Gift of Listening

Listen before you answer and do not interrupt while anoth-er is speaking (Ecclesiasticus 11:8). This is a precious gift. It means we must really listen. No interrupting, no walking away, no planning our re-

sponse…..Listening deeply to another often enables us to go beyond the words and hear the real message.

The Gift of Signs of Affection Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful (Ecclesiasticus 35:8). Sometimes a smile or a wave can make an enormous differ-

ence. Be generous with your hugs, kisses, pats on the back,

gentle squeezing of the hand. These tiny actions demon-strate so much. How many times have these simple actions

changed our outlook on life?

The Gift of a Note

A kindly glance gives joy to the heart, and good news warms the bones to the marrow (Proverbs 15:30).

As simple as ‘I love you’ or as complex as a sonnet. Leave the note as a surprise…in the lunch box, in his socks, in her

purse. A note of appreciation in the pigeon hole - it’s good to know we are appreciated.

The Gift of Laughter Gladness of heart is life to everyone, joy is what lengthens our lifespan (Ecclesiasticus 30:22). Laughter is a wonderful thing. It can work miracles. It can

change a mood, refresh your outlook on life and help us not

to take ourselves too seriously. Cut out a cartoon, clip a joke, copy a riddle.

Peace and Best Wishes,

Robyn Bourne (APRE)

Curriculum Corner Term 4 Week 8 Ms Jennie Harris APC (Assistant Principal – Curriculum)

Book Lists Book lists were sent home last week. You would have re-ceived two copies. If you wish to have your book list pack-aged through Capricorn Educational Resources (Alexandra Street) please return one of the copies to the school office. Unpacking Day Year 1, 2 & 3 A letter went home today to the 2017 Year 1, 2 & 3 regarding ‘Unpacking Day’. This is a great opportunity for you to assist both your child’s teacher and your child to settle into a new class and year. Please mark your calendar with the time and date and come to Unpacking Day on Friday 20

th January

2:00pm – 3:00pm.

Only 3 more sleeps until the St Mary’s Fair!!!! Have you volun-teered to help on a stall? If not, please contact Julie in the office to be rostered onto a stall. Thankyou! Letters to Santa Australia Post’s Santa Mail program is running again this year. It provides a wonderful opportunity for lower primary students to practise their letter writing skills by writing a letter to Santa. Each student who writes a letter via Santa Mail, and provides an Australian return address, will receive a spe-cial reply from Santa. For more information please go to aus-post.com.au/education/santamail

Parenting Ideas The topic for this week is… How to encourage your kids to be problem solvers - When parents solve all children’s problems we not only increase their de-pendency on adults but we teach kids to be afraid of making mistakes and to blame themselves for not being good enough. That’s fertile ground for anxiety and depressive ill-ness. So, how can we raise kids to be courageous problem-solvers rather than self-critical scaredy cats? Click here to read more. News from Year 4S With only a few days left of Grade 4 we have been really busy preparing ourselves for the move to ‘upper school’. This term in Science we have been learning about erosion and the affect it has on our landscape. We have been looking at how wind, water and waves can have a huge impact on our environment. We have started growing ‘Grassheads’ in class so we can see in action the importance of grass and vegetation to our environment. We are observing how the roots of the grass grip the soil and how that can protect the soil from being blown or washed away. In Religion this term we have been learning about The Ro-sary and in particular the Joyful Mysteries. We have enjoyed learning about the important role that Mary played in Jesus’ life. This week we begin to learn about Advent and how it is a time of preparation for Christmas. We have also been doing a lot of work with the “Daniel Mor-combe Child Safety Curriculum” and how we can know when our body is giving us ‘signals’ and how to protect ourselves. This is especially significant with the holidays coming up. Everyone in Year 4S knows that there are at least 5 adults that they can trust to help them if they are in need or just want a chat. Finally, we have begun to get into the Christmas spirit and in Art we have been learning how to make a fancy Christmas star. If you come along to the Carols Night you may just see some of our stars decorating Coolock Court. Thanks every-one for making 2016 a great year of learning.

The St Mary’s Year Ones

invite you

to be part of their

Christmas Celebration

“A CHRISTMAS STORY”

on

Thursday 24th November

at

10:00 a.m.

in

Coolock Court.

APRE NEWS - Term 4 Week 8 From Mrs Robyn Bourne—APRE (Assistant Principal - Religious Education)

ASSEMBLY ROSTER A general assembly at 8:40am in Coolock. WEEKDAY MASS We have a Parish/ school Mass every Tuesday morning at 9:00am in St Mary’s Church. All year 4, 5 and 6 students at-tend this regular Mass. We would very much like to see parents or friends join the staff, students and members of the parish. It is a very meaningful and peaceful way to begin the day

and usually takes about 30 minutes. MJR – Encouragement Use words to let people know that they are appreciated. Words like: terrific, fantastic, good job, thank you. Use them often and say them like you really mean it. Events There are many events in the coming week and it is a won-derful time to join our school community to celebrate all of the joy and enthusiasm at this time of year. Please consider coming along to the End of Year Mass at 9:00am and the Final Liturgy for 2016 at 2:00pm in Coolock Court.

2017 – School Calendar

Term 1 Mon 23 Jan – Fri 31 Mar 10 weeks

Term 2 Tues 18 April – Fri 23 June 10 weeks

Term 3 Mon 10 July – Fri 15 Sept 10 weeks

Term 4 Tues 3 Oct – Fri 1 Dec 9 weeks

Public Holidays

Australia Day Thurs 26 Jan

Good Friday Fri 14 April Easter Monday Mon 17 April Anzac Day Tues 25 April Labour Day Mon 1 May

Queen’s Birthday Mon 2 Oct Show Holiday Thurs 15 June

Term 1 Fri 17 Feb (Pupil Free Day - Bishop’s In-service Day) Term 3 Mon 16 Oct (Pupil Free Day)

IMPORTANT DATES/EVENTS TERM 4 2016

TUCKSHOP (CLOSED every MONDAY & TUESDAY)

The tuckshop stock is running down for the school holidays. Please add a second option to your child’s order each day. We require assistance on Fridays. If you are able to help on any day please call Chantelle on 0415 398 994. BREAKFAST CLUB Breakfast club is held Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. We are looking for volunteers to assist. If you are able to help please contact the school office.

BIRTHDAYS

Jai Hogarth, Isabella Cooper, Kaydence Cash, Tyler Ensby, Harrison Milne, Beau Blackburn,

Kyle Dorsett, Bailee McCaul.

PARISH FAIR NEWS RAFFLE TICKETS Raffle books are due back to the office By Thursday 24 November at the latest. RIDES Tickets for the all-night rides are on sale at the office and will close tomorrow Wednesday 23 November. We will have Sizzler, Drop Zone, Slide, Merry-Go Round, Pirate Ship and 2 Castles. Three hours worth of rides (6pm—9pm) costs $25 pre-purchased and $30 on the night. Please send money in an envelope to the office labelled “Fair Rides” and include the child/ren name/s and class. Cheques should be made payable to: St Mary’s Parish Fair (not St Mary’s School). Receipts will be sent home on the day before the Fair (Thursday 24 November). These receipts are presented at the ticket box on Fair night to receive the all-night wrist band. PARISH FAIR To spread the workload, classes are matched to particular stalls and a stall coordinator is appointed to organise the stall and volunteers on the evening. Each year, our families are most generous in one way or another to make this a really successful night for our school and parish. FACEBOOK Search for St Mary’s Christmas Fair, Rockhampton on Facebook and please share. You can help BEFORE THE FAIR BY:

Baking cakes/lollies, setting up tables Friday, sourc-

ing prizes for raffles etc, attending our Parish Fair planning meetings, selling raffle tickets.

You can help ON FAIR NIGHT by:

Volunteering on one of the stalls for one of the avail-able time slots, bringing some family and friends along.

If you can’t help on your own stall, but are free to help out another class, your help would be most appreciated. VOLUNTEER LETTERS Volunteer letters were sent home last week. Please return form as soon as possible if you are able to help.

FIRST AID OFFICER If you are able to assist in being a designated First Aid Officer on the night of the Fair, please contact Julie or Mike in the school office.

Arts & Craft Stall The craft stall is calling for donations of newly made craft items. Christmas themed items are especially sought af-ter. All types of craft are appreciated and encouraged so the stall can have a good range of products for sale. All dona-tions can be brought to the school office and any sale price recommendation or cost estimates are also welcomed. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call Beverley Schimke on 0421089093. CAKES AND LOLLIES STALL BAKING This year Emmaus College has kindly offered the use of their commercial kitchen for our “Baking Day”, which will be held on Thursday 24 November. If you are able to contribute even just an hour either day would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Jodie directly on 0431 268 615. If you cannot make these days but would still like to bake for the fair this year food drop off will be in the school library on Friday 25 November. Ingredients are available from the office. We also have trays and lolly bags. If you would like more ingredients please contact Jodie Holdsworth on Ph: 0431 268 615. Baking suggestions: Toffee, Fudge, Rocky Road, Marshmal-low, Sugared peanuts, Xmas cakes, Xmas pudding, Rum balls, Apricot balls, Chocolate balls, Cup Cakes, Shortbread and Cookies. ADVERTISING We have A3 and A4 posters available in the office if you are able to display them at your work, kindy etc. BBQ PRICES Steak Burger $7 Hamburger $5 Sausage on bread $2.50 1/4 Pizza $4.50

Garlic Bread $2

Date Start Time Event

23/11 Artslink - drumming

24/11 10:00am Yr 1 Nativity Play—Coolock Court

24/11 1:30 pm Instrumental Music Concert—Coolock Court

25/11 6:00pm Parish Fair

28/11 8:40am 5:30pm for 6:00pm

Special Assembly in Coolock. Christmas Concert in Coolock. Bring a chair or blanket and arrive early for a BYO dinner.

29/11 All day Yr 6 Cool Waters excursion

30/11 6:00pm Yr 6 End of Primary School Dinner

1/12 8:40am Sports Awards Presentation—Coolock

2/12 9:00am End of School Mass—Coolock

1:50pm Yr 6 Final Prayer Celebration—Coolock

Communities in East Timor, PNG and Kiribati are asking for educators, health professionals and trades people. They will provide opportunities for those who have not had the advantage of an Australian education and assist to develop processes and programs of organisations in vital sectors of local communities. This is one of the most effective ways of assisting community self-reliance and sustainable poverty reduction. There are very few costs for any who take up a mission placement with Palms. Orientation, living allowance and accommodation are provid-ed. Catholic Bishops also support a Lay Missionary Gratuity Fund that provides an extra payment of $2,500 for each year of service. Palms has been recruiting, preparing and supporting Australian Catho-lics who volunteer to share their lives and skills. They will provide out-standing support during application, in the field and upon return home. Application for 2017 placement is closing very soon. Please email palms@palms.org.au or call Christine on 02 9560 5333 now to learn more about this wonderful opportunity.

BRING HOME A BIG BROTHER OR SISTER AND BRING FRENCH CULTURE TO LIFE ! Why not volunteer to host an international student from France next year? We have a small group of delightful French students coming to Australia for 10 weeks to im-merse in local Australian culture, experience our High schools, sports, environment and lifestyle. All the French stu-dents are around 15 years old, speak excellent English, have their own spending money, cover all school expenses ,and we arrange all aspects of their program. They are looking forward to joining an Australian family for a short term. It’s fun and interesting to help these young people achieve their Australian dream. If you’d like know more, please email your interest to Rob at Inter Cultural Management on rob.lindsay@icm-education.com.au

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN 2017 Are you wanting your child to learn a musical instrument in 2017? Enrolments have now opened! All interested students can pick up an information note at their school office. Copies of these forms are also availa-ble at www.emmaus.qld.edu.au/instrumentalmusic . There is also an option to enrol online – just follow the link on the above webpage. Students currently enrolled in 2016 will receive their note in their instrumental music lesson in the next two weeks. New and existing students must enrol for 2017 and a $10 enrolment fee is payable at time of enrolment, either in a sealed envelope with the child’s name & INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, or directly to Emmaus College (either campus). Enrolment forms will not be accepted at your school’s of-fice after Week 7 – all enrolments after this time must be online, or handed to Reception at Emmaus College, Yaamba Rd campus. Any queries can be directed to Alexia Lally at Emmaus College (Yaamba Road)

Alexia_Lally@emmaus.qld.edu.au.

PIANO lessons Enrol now for 2017

PREP TO YR 6

For information and to enrol

collect the forms from the school office

& return to the school office with the $10 enrolment

fee as soon as possible

For more information or any inquiries

Jenny Hughes Ph 49281160/ Mb 0429841104

SOCIAL EVENTS UPDATE WEEK 8…………. Just a reminder that it is only 3 days until the St Mary’s Parish Fair and to make it a success

we need the help of many St Mary’s families. Please continue to sell raffle tickets, or pop

into the office if you haven’t already, pick up a book, put your name down for helping on

one of the stalls, come along on the night and support the stalls, buy your kids an unlimited

ride band, encourage others to come and most of all have fun.

Looking forward to seeing you all again on this wonderful occasion and finishing 2016 off

with a BANG.

Keyboard lessons Keyboard lessons will be offered in 2017. These les-sons are best suited for students with electronic key-boards, with focus on chord bass and utilising key-board voice and rhythm features. Group and individ-ual lessons are available for students in years 1 to 6. Continuing students are required to re-enrol. To enrol, please collect form from the school office and return as soon as possible. For more information or any enquiries please contact Leanne Voss 0447 414 730.

Hello, my name is Max Beutel and I am in Prep Green. My friends and I would like to raise money for the RSPCA so they have more money to save injured and sick animals and wildlife. We will be selling Prep Green Recipe Books to raise money. You can buy a Recipe Book next week for a gold coin donation. I hope you will support this fundrais-ing. Where: At Coolock Court When: Tuesday and Wednesday at first break

Thank you, Max

Movement Improvement

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPEED & AGILITY CAMPS

Movement Improvement Speed and Agility Camps will

help your children to move better, faster and have a

head start when it comes to their sport.

They will learn the components of running technique,

speed, change of direction, first step quickness, and

overall movement efficiency.

December - Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th

January – Monday 9th, Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th

Hegvold Stadium, Huish Drive, Wandal

Cost $65 includes 3 x 1 hour sessions, drink bottle, sports bag and

spikey ball

For bookings or more information phone 4923 7576 or

Email: reception@movementimprovement.com.au

OSHC NEWS The OSHC Vacation Care program is attached to this newsletter for the December/January school holidays.