St Mary's War Memorial School West Wyalong eNewsletter

Courage is the quality shown by someone who decides to do something difficult or dangerous, even though they may be afraid.

At St Mary's we are committed to educating children who are Courageous, authentic and spirited in their faith, learning and actions.

Courage helps us face temptation and to be strong enough to do the right thing. It is one of the gifts that we recieve in Confirmation, helping us to stand up for our belief in Christ.

As we reflect on this Lenten season we think about what Jesus did for us on the cross. We are reminded that Jesus shows us bold and courageous actions by knowing the fate of the cross and following through in Gods plans of redemption. Jesus is a great example of being courageous in the face of death. The last hours before Jesus’ death were spent with his disciples, in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus spent time in anguished prayer, anticipating the events that would soon occur.

We see that in this moment faced with fear of what was to come, we see Jesus not fleeing from fear, but he fights fear to follow the will of His Father through being bold and courageous. Jesus is the ultimate example of courage as he was faithful during the midst of trial and the action of the cross.

How to Build Courage in Children:

Sometimes, ‘safe and certain’ might be the perfect place for our children to be, but so much growth and enrichment in them will happen when they let go of the handrail, even if just for seconds at a time. Here are some ways to nurture their brave:

Speak of their bravery as though they're already there.
Give permission for imperfection.
You won't always feel ready. That's why it's brave.
Try something new.
Be the example.
Give them space for courage for thought.
Give space for their intuition to flourish – and teach them how to use it.
It’s never too late to change … anything.
The outcome doesn’t matter as much as the process.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Sir Winston Churchill

Second Week of Lent

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Tereesa, a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school after falling pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.

Seeking a better future for her family, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing and psychological support. Through Baabayn, Tereesa was also able to hear stories from Indigenous Elders and reconnect with her culture.

Today, Tereesa is studying a certificate in Community Services so that she can strengthen her skills and give back to her community. Tereesa now works at Baabayn, providing support to young mothers and mentoring the next generation of young people.

Watch a short film about Tereesa’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion:

Donate to Caritas

This year the parish will be undertaking the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the First Eucharist for students in Year 3 and 4. The important dates to remember are shown below, please note there will be one information night for both Sacraments.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Thursday 27 April -	Welcoming and Information Night
Thursday 4 May -	Reconciliation Retreat
Thursday 11 May -	Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sacrament of Eucharist

Thursday 27 April -	Welcoming and Information Night
Sunday 28 May -	Commitment Mass @ 9.30am
Thursday 1 June -	Eucharist Retreat
Sunday 4 June -	First Eucharist @ 9.30am

The recipients of our Whatever You Do, Do Well awards this week:

Piper Hoye	Rylee Hill	Bowie Loudon
Karlani Caygill	Halle Lashbrook	Hendrix Stewart
Lola Glasgow	Louis Morton	Ciara O'Meley
Pippa Cuthbertson	Cooper Miles	William McDonell
Molly Gaynor	Larna Pilon	Marlee Wendt
Evie Cuthbertson	James Dean

Our assembly will be held in the school hall on Friday afternoon at 1:50pm.

Date and Day	Teacher on Leave or PD	Class	Relief
Mr Nielsen will be attending a Principal's Retreat from Tuesday to Friday this week.

St Mary's wishes Mrs Emma McGee all the best for her maternity leave while she prepares for the birth of her second child. Good luck Emma, we will see you when you return.

Parents are requested to ensure that their childrens hair and uniform complies with school policy. The policy can be found on our website in the school handbook.

The handbook states the following:

"For health and safety reasons hair is to be worn tied back if shoulder length, this applies to both boys and girls."

"Hair adornments must in a colour scheme that matches the uniform and be kept to the minimum."

Please help St Mary's remain a school to be proud of by ensuring your children are clean and tidy in our school uniform.

This year St Marys is celebrating St Patricks day with a dress up day on Friday 17^th March.

Come dressed in all your green coloured clothes and celebrate all things Irish. We will have some games and food on offer.

A $2 coin donation, or 4 x 50c pieces if we want to reach Mr Nielsen's weight, is required for all children and these coins will be collected in the morning and the money will be donated to Caritas.

Please send your children with extra coins because at recess we will have green food and treats for sale. There will be a "Guess the number of lollies jar" for 50 cents.

Mrs Emma McRae our counsellor will be visiting our school this week on Wednesday 8th March.

If you would like to make a confidential appointment for your child please contact the office.

Happy Birthday to

Ella Patton

who celebrate's her birthday during this week.

We hope you enjoy your special day.

Our school cross country will be held on Friday the 31st of March.

Students in Years 2 to 6 will compete at the West Wyalong Showground. Permission via Compass is now required for these students as they will be transported by bus. Volunteers are required at the showground so please nominate on the permission form if you can help.

Kinder and Year 1 will participate in cross country games on the school oval. No permission is required.

Students can wear house coloured shirts to school on this Friday.

Parents are welcome to attend.

Year 2 - 6

Cross Country Information

West Wyalong Showground

Departing the school at 9.00am, returning 12.00pm.

Students will be transported to and from the showground by bus.

Students should bring a hat, a water bottle and recess.

9.15am Students walk the course the run in the following order:

Race 1 - 8 & 9 years 2000 metres

Race 1 - 10 year 2000 metres

Race 3 - 11 year 3000 meters

Race 4 - 12 year 3000 meters

Western Region Cross Country will be held on Friday 28th April in Grenfell. Archdiocesan Cross Country will be held at Stromlo on Friday 19th May.

Kinder and Year 1

Cross Country Information

School Oval

Races will begin at approximately 9am.

Students in Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 will travel to the Altina Wildlife Park in Darlington Point NSW on Wednesday the 29th of March.

The bus will leave the front of the school at 7am sharp and return between 3:45pm and 4:15pm. Parents will need to drop off and collect their children at the school bus stop. Arrival time will be communicated via SeeSaw and text message.

Students should wear sport uniform and bring recess, fruit, lunch, water bottle and a hat.

This excursion will cost $18 per child and permission and payment is via Compass. The cost of transport is covered by St Mary's School.

Please logon to Compass to given permission and pay for your child to attend.

Canteen Roster

Monday 13 March	Friday 17 March
Kate Dean Baking: Kate Dean	Anna McCoullough & Tracey Robertson Baking: Both
Monday 20 March	Friday 24 March
VOLUNTEER REQUIRED	2 X VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Monday 27 March	Friday 31 March
Lisa Sturgess Baking: Lisa Sturgess	2 X VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Award Winners

Some pictures of our award winners this week.

HLB Snippet_T3 2020_Kids and calcium.jpg

The following events are in the calendar in the next few weeks.

The Compass Calendar is updated to show Mass times, sporting events, important events.

The SZAPP calendar is no longer updated, please do not refer to this calendar for important dates.

Day	Event	Location
Monday 6 March	Healthy Harold - Kinder, Year 2 and Year 3	At School
Tuesday 7 March	Canberra Goulburn Swimming Carnival. For athletes that qualified only.	Queanbeyan
Tuesday 7 March	Healthy Harold - Year 4, 5/6 Hope	At School
Wednesday 8 March	Healthy Harold - Year 1, 5/6 Faith	At School
Wednesday 8 March	School Counsellor Visit	At School
Tuesday 14 March	Canberra Goulburn Rugby League Trials	Canberra
Wednesday 15 March	School Counsellor Visit	At School
Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March	NAPLAN testing in this period for Year 3 and Year 5	At School
Friday 17th March	St Patrick's Day Dress Up, Gold Coin Donation, treats for sale	At School
Wednesday 22 March	School Counsellor Visit	At School
Tuesday 28 March	MacKillop AFL Trials	Wagga Wagga
Wednesday 29 March	Altina Wildlife Park (more information closer to the date) Kinder, Year 1, Year 2	Altina Wildlife Park
Wednesday 29 March	School Counsellor Visit	At School
Wednesday 5 April	School Counsellor Visit	At School
Thursday 6 April	Last day of Term 1
Monday 24th April	First Day of Term 2 TO BE CONFIRMED
Tuesday 25 April	ANZAC Day Public Holiday. Our students participate in the march and service in West Wyalong.	Main Street and S&C Club
Thursday 27 April	Reconciliation and Sacrament of Eucharist Enrolment (Year 3/4) @ 5pm	At School

WEST WYALONG JUNIOR NETBALL

Welcome to West Wyalong Junior Netball for the 2023 season. Our Monday afternoon netball will commence on Monday 22nd March 2023 (Week 9 Term 1). We will have a 3 week break during the Easter Holidays and recommence on Monday 1st May with our grand final and presentation day being Monday 19th June 2023.

It will also save the confusion with those involved with Saturday netball competitions. The format will be similar to last season and run in 3 age groups provided we get the amazing support we had last year.

Net Set Go 5-7 years (Preschool but must be turning 5, Kindergarten and Year 1)

8-10 Years modified Net Set Go rules (Years 2,3 and 4 at school)

11+ Years (Years 5 and 6 at school)

We will be organising teams for the competition which will involve some setting up, packing up and canteen shifts this season as I am back at work full time again this year.

We are looking forward to another great season of netball. Registrations are completed through the Play HQ format now which is similar to Junior Basketball. Active kids vouchers can be used. If you have any questions just shoot me a PM.

Please comment below if you are interested in registering your child or have registered your child with their name and age so we can begin forming teams.

Alternatively if you have already registered because you have used your 2022 active kids voucher please comment below so I can include your child in a team.

Registration Links -

Net Set Go 5-10 years

https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/8cd998

Junior 11-14 years

https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/eeca2a

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sacrament of Eucharist

Date and Day

Teacher on Leave or PD

Class

Relief

Canteen Roster

Award Winners

WEST WYALONG JUNIOR NETBALL