Term 2, Week 5

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students and friends of St Mary Magdalene’s School,  

During the first few weeks of Term 2 we have been discussing with students the environment we are working towards together at St Mary Magdalene’s School; a safe, happy and productive learning community where every person is working to be the best they can be.  

As we work towards this we have been talking to students about RESPECT. Each class has been asked to reflect on what respect looks like, feels like and sounds like at St Mary Magdalene’s School.  

Our Year 1 class shared photos with the school about respect for self, respect for others and respect for our environment. What an amazing community we have especially when we show respect to ourselves, others and our environment.  

R.E.S.P.E.C.T find out what it means to me…and to everyone else in our school community. This term, in Religious Education, the Year 1 classroom have been focusing on the word respect and its meaning. We brainstormed what it looks like, feels like and sounds like in our school and discussed who and what we can show respect to. By having this knowledge of the word respect, it has made it easier for us to look at our A and B choices and decide whether or not our actions are respectful (A choice) or not respectful (B choice). The Year 1 students are able to voice how a person is being respectful to another, as well as acting out how we show respect to ourselves, to others and our environment. 

The colder mornings are certainly upon us and it really is that much harder to get out of a warm bed. With this in mind, we remind parents that regular attendance at school is very important. Going to school every day and getting there on time reinforces for children, that school is a significant experience. we cannot stress enough the value of arriving to school on time. 

Most classroom teachers set out the day’s routine, lunch orders, prayer, news, notes for the office, learning intentions and work expectations for the day. Missing out on these routines sometimes means that when a child arrives late, they are playing catch up for the remainder of the morning and are unsettled and unsure. If this happens regularly children can become anxious or even casual in their approach.  

It is also important for children to attend school regularly. Allowing children to stay home without a good reason sends a message that learning can be interrupted and isn't important. When children attend regularly, the teacher is able to build a sequence of learning for each child and children develop a sense of increasing success.

Attending school regularly also supports a child’s sense of belonging to the class, the school and helps them maintain friendships. We know that the cold mornings make for a slower start to the day; however we ask that families make the extra effort to be on time.  

Connecting Life, Faith and Learning

Chris, Ciara, Melissa and Leah

Celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia

Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820. Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school age students attending a Catholic school. 

The official national launch of the celebrations was held virtually on 18 February 2021 with local launches held across Australia during February. A National Mass is being celebrated in states and dioceses on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on 24 May 2021. 

As we celebrate this event here at St. Mary Magdalene’s School, we call to mind all those who have contributed to the life of our school since its beginning and have made it what it is today. This week students have also been learning the song, ‘Faith in the Future’ which was composed by Fr. Rob Galea for this special event. 

I wonder how Catholic Education has impacted your life. 

Reconciliation Week

National Sorry Day acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, communities and culture. National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.  

The 2021 theme for Reconciliation Week is: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action! 

During prayer staff and students reflected on this theme with a Christian lens. In the scriptures we are called to follow God’s way of justice in both word and action. In his footsteps, then, we bring our whole lives and efforts today to the work of healing and reconciling action. Students dressed in Aboriginal colours in recognition of this day and brought along a gold coin which will go to support Aboriginal Catholic Ministry - Otherway Centre. 

St Vincent de Paul Society

Vincent de Paul lived in France more than 400 years ago. He was born into a poor peasant family, but after he became a priest, he came to know some of the richest and most important people in France. Vincent was well known for his work among people who were poor, sick, abandoned, and in prison. Today the St. Vincent de Paul Society helps people just as Vincent did.  

This term we are working with St. Thomas More School to support the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. From Week 6 until Week 10 you will see two donation bins on our school site. We are collecting winter clothing and blankets to support those in need.  

Your donations are greatly appreciated. 

Sacramental Program 2021

If your child is currently involved in the Sacramental Program for 2021, please take note of the following dates:

• Week 8 Celebration of Reconciliation at St Thomas More Church
• Friday June 18 – 5pm – 6pm
• Saturday June 19 – 10am - 11am
• Sunday June 20 – 11.30am – 12.30am