Term 4 /Week 1 Wednesday, 17th October 2018
IMPORTANT DATES
OCTOBER
Thu 18-Fri 19 Years 3-5 Camp
Fri 19 Year 1 & 2 Sleepover commences 5.30pm
Sat 20 Year 1 & 2 Sleepover concludes 7.30am
Tue 23 KMS Year 7 Parent Information Night 6.00pm
Wed 24 Volleyball Carnival for Years 4-7
Thu 23 Bread Roll Day for Catholic Mission – gold coin
donation
Fri 26 Assembly 9.00am
NOVEMBER
Thu 1 Term 1 2019 Reception students transition visit
9.00-11.00am
Whole School Mass @ Wallaroo Church 9.30am
Fri 2 Sports Day
Wed 7 Year 6-7 Camp
Thu 8 Term 1 2019 Reception students transition visit
9.00-11.00am
Fri 9 Year 6-7 Camp returns
Sun 18 Stay on the New Green
Mon 19 PUPIL FREE DAY
Tue 27 Music Recital 6.30pm
Parish Weekend Mass Times
Star of the Sea, Wallaroo Saturday 6.00pm
St. Francis of Assisi, Moonta Sunday 8.30am
Sacred Heart, Kadina Sunday 10.30am
We welcome back a term with renewed energy and green
leaves, we celebrate a significant anniversary for our patron
saint, we send out a call for help and we provide some
important information about the on-line world.
This is Week 1!
WELCOME BACK:
It’s great to be back! I know we say it all the time, but as we
enter Term 4 and with only 8 ½ weeks of the academic year
left, I am continually scratching my head about where the year
has gone. We welcome back all of our families, our staff and
our community in general. We welcome the green leaves on
our trees and the sun shine (which has disappeared for now!).
As always, we have a bumper term ahead, kicking off this week
with our Year 3-5 camp and Year 1-2 sleepover. I strongly
encourage you to read our regular newsletters to stay up to
date with all of the information and upcoming events as the
term proceeds.
ST MARY MACKILLOP CANONISATION:
Today marks the significant anniversary of the Canonisation of
Mary MacKillop. This is the day on which Mary was ‘officially’
declared a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Basilica in
Rome. Even before her death Mary’s extraordinary life and
faith were widely acknowledged throughout Australia and
beyond. It was this widespread recognition which led her
Josephite Congregation, the Archbishop of Sydney and the
Conference of Australian Bishops to request that Mary’s
holiness be acclaimed by the wider Church. Mary was beatified
in Sydney on January 19, 1995 by Pope John Paul 11. This took
place in the presence of many thousands of people who had
travelled from all over Australia, New Zealand and many parts
of the world. Her canonisation in Rome followed 16 years later,
giving Australia its first canonised saint.
St Mary MacKillop School
NEWSLETTER
PRINCIPAL: Mr James Quigley
10 Bagot Street, Wallaroo South Australia 5556
PO Box 16, Wallaroo South Australia 5556
Telephone: (08) 88232549
Facsimile: (08) 88232561
Outside School Hours Care:
Telephone: 0437 659 137
www.stmm.catholic.edu.au
Mission Statement Inspired by our Catholic faith and in partnership with families and our wider community,
St Mary MacKillop School creates opportunities for encountering life in all its richness.
From the Principal
Since then people from many cultures, from different faiths and traditions, and from all walks of life have been inspired by her
example of faith, service and love for all. Her love of the country and her passion for Catholic Schools therefore made it fitting
that a school in our Pt Pirie Diocese was named after her. As such, in 2010, Bishop Greg O’Kelly decreed that our school,
formally named Kalori Catholic School would be named St Mary MacKillop School at around the same time as Mary was made
a Saint.
Next year of course, we celebrate our 150th birthday. We have been very proud to have offered a Catholic Education to families
in the Copper Coast since Mary MacKillop sent some Sisters of St Joseph to begin a school in Wallaroo in 1869.
SOME MAJOR EVENTS REQUIRE YOUR SUPPORT:
Over the course of the next month or so, we have some major upcoming events which we need your support with.
Firstly, on Friday, 2nd November (Week 3) we will hold our annual Sports Day. Going home today with all families is a separate
insert regarding both lunch and parent support which is required on the day. Even if you have never helped out before, we
would appreciate as much parent help on the day as possible.
On Sunday, 18th November, our Parents and Friends will once again host a community connection and fun day – this year
entitled STAY on the New Green. Like last year’s event, which was extremely well attended, we will have live music, kid’s
entertainment, the big bash cricket game for students, old scholars and parents, bar and BBQ facilities, coffee and cakes and a
whole lot more.
You can help us first and foremost by being present on the day! We would also ask that you promote this event with your
family and friends and ensuring that as many people attend the day as possible.
STRATEGIC PLANNING:
Thank you to the many parents who placed thoughts and suggestions about our new Strategic Planning either through our on-
line survey or via the large bits of butcher’s paper left in the MPLA in the last few weeks of term. We are now coming to the
end of the data gathering phase of our Strategic planning and most thoughts and ideas have been collected and collated. The
summaries can be found on the wall in the Board room. I would encourage you to have a look at the information currently
collated and add any further considerations you have to these bits of paper. We will be closing this off as of Friday of next
week. Thanks again for your valued opinions and thoughts – I can ensure you that they are being listened to.
HOLIDAY TALK:
As I wandered around the school chatting to the students about their holidays over the last couple of days, I must say I was a
bit worried and concerned with a number of conversations I had with students about the amount of time they spent on
‘screens’ during the holidays.
In particular, the game Fortnite continues to be a topic of conversation amongst staff, students, parents and many
psychologists. I don’t want to be seen as the ‘fun police’ so I encourage you to take this information with the grain of salt it
needs to be taken with, but I also think sharing this information is important for all parents.
Fortnite’s game rating is 12+, this means that it is not appropriate for most primary aged children and for many good reasons.
Below are some excerpts from psychologists across the world who are now querying if this game is in fact, changing the minds
of our children;
”You must have the courage to say: This is not a good thing. Kids need to learn face-to-face social skills. They need to be
physically active, preferably outdoors. They need to get a good night’s sleep. A kid obsessed with Fortnite is less likely to be
doing any of these things.” Psychology Today
“………. Games like Fortnite are designed to exploit the brain’s vulnerabilities in the same way poker machines do” Professor
Yucel, a clinical neuropsychologist
“The American Academy of Paediatrics has concluded that games in which killing others is the central theme – a good summary
of Fortnite – are not appropriate for children. Video games should not use human or other living targets or award points for
killing and that parents should not allow their kids to play games which violate this guideline. In case you haven’t seen it,
Fortnite is a game in which the object of the game is to kill other humans.” Psychology Today
At St Mary MacKillop we focus on our School Norms, restorative practices and student wellbeing. I would ask the question,
how does Fortnite enhance the personal, social and psychological development of your child?
I was also interested to hear of information about how many hours’ student spent on-line and on social media. One of the
absolute keys to all of this of course – is parent interaction. Have you sat down and watched your child play Fortnite yet? And
had a conversation with them about its themes and goals? Have you and do you monitor daily your child’s social media accounts
and speak to them about their interactions with others?
Getting outside and exercising is such an important element of success in our lives. Fitness is a key holistic element of well-
being, strongly correlated with positive outcomes such as success in school, better sleep behaviours and reduced stress. When
we move more, we are happier and healthier. If you wish to discuss gaming and the possible effects on your child’s learning
please feel free to see me.
As always, my door is always open and I am always happy to listen to and hear about your thoughts about our school and your
child’s progress and development should you wish to discuss any aspects of it with me.
Kind Regards,
James Quigley
Located within 100 metres of our school green
space, at 9 Young Street, is the original white
cottage in which the very early Sisters of St
Joseph lived. It was extremely close to the first
church which was built in 1867 where our
green is now located. It was convenient for the
sisters to walk to the church every day, set it
up as a classroom for their pupils for the school
day. At the conclusion of the day it would be
returned to its original purpose as a church!
Mary MacKillop stayed for an extended time in
this little white cottage in 1871 when she
became ill. She came from to Wallaroo by
sailing ship originally in order to inspect the
new school here, run by sisters who belonged
to her newly formed, in 1866, Sisters of St
Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
CELEBRATING 150’ RECIPE & MEMORIES BOOK
Thanks to those students who submitted their recipe during the school holidays for our special ‘150 Cook Book’. A friendly reminder all students are required to submit a recipe before the deadline on Friday, 26 October (end Week 2, Term 4). Recipes can be submitted on online at http://www.createacookbook.com.au (it’s easy) or dropped into the front office on the recipe template sheet as distributed to each student at the end of Term 3. Please see Julia Agnew for another recipe form or for assistance with the online process.
The Vine
Welcome back to an active last term! We hope that your holidays were most enjoyable.
Welcome Back Prayer Gathering
*There are a few changes to the Welcome Back Prayer Gathering which will not take place, as usual, on the Friday of Week 1
as the Year 3 -5 classes will be enjoying their camp at Monarto at that time. Instead, the first assembly, organised by the
Specialist teachers in Week 2, Friday 26 October, will have a deeper prayer focus. Families are warmly invited to join us.
Month of the Rosary Over centuries, October has been the Month of focus on the Rosary, the traditional prayer of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The Rosary includes repeated praying of the Hail Mary, the central prayer of the Rosary. Rosary beads are used to help follow the structure of the repeated prayer. The Hail Mary is very heavily based in Luke’s Gospel. Through this prayer, we express praise of the mother of Jesus, the woman who brought him up, who taught him how to relate to others, who educated his heart to become so compassionate and who was the first one to talk to him about God and prayer. Many other religions, such as Buddhism, also use prayer beads to help with focussing on prayer.
The 8th anniversary of the Canonization of St Mary MacKillop occurs today 17 October. St Mary MacKillop continues to have
relevance in our lives, inspiring us to new ways of following Jesus and loving God. St Mary MacKillop was passionate about
bringing fairness to those in need in a gentle and caring way so it is appropriate that during October there is a world-wide focus
on compassionate justice. It is traditionally observed as Mission Month in the Catholic Liturgical Year.
“Act for Justice, Have Less Day”
Plain Bread Roll Day for Catholic Mission:
Thursday 25th October
For World Mission Day 2018, Pope Francis says “Never think that
you have nothing to offer, or that nobody needs you. Many
people need you. Think about it! Each of you, think in your heart:
many people need me.”
Catholic Mission, the official mission aid agency of the Catholic
Church, is compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ to reach out, give life and call people to act for justice and
love.
* Thursday, 25th October, is our “Act for Justice, Have Less Day”. Through our actions we hope to help to change the lives of children and families in Myanmar, the former Burma. They have struggled through civil war and poverty. We will reach out to the children in in the remote northern town of Hakha who will benefit from the care provided by teachers from St John’s School, built by Catholic Mission.
We encourage the students of our school to stand in solidarity beside the students in St John’s School by fully and generously participating in our Social Justice event – Act for Justice, Have Less Day –a plain bread roll for lunch.
We are asking all of our students to forgo their yummy snacks and big lunches and drinks on that day and instead have water
and a lesser snack for recess and for lunch, a plain bread roll which the school will provide.
All that is asked is a gold coin donation which will be directed to Catholic Mission for the
support of those students in northern Myanmar.
The Vine
It is intended that our “Have Less Day” is an overall experience for the students e.g. also have less recess on this day, while
they investigate the location, culture and needs of Myanmar. This may in some small way help them to think about action for
acting justly in our world while caring for and being generous to others.
Parish Whole School Mass
Families are also invited to join our school community at the parish whole school Mass on THURSDAY 1st November, All Saints
Day. It will take place at 9:30am in Star of the Sea Church. We will give thanks for the legacy, in our lives, of saints of the Church
and the call in the Gospel, to live as a just and fair community.
Bernie Thomson APRIM, Pastoral Care Support
The P and F Provider – “The place for all your P and F news!”
FRIDAY LUNCHES
Attached below are the dates we require volunteers for lunches this term. If you can spare just one hour on a Friday between
12.00pm-1.00pm, then we need you! You will be a support person in getting the lunches ready.
A police check clearance is required to assist with lunches.
Miranda Giles Lunch Co-ordinator
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PARENT AND FRIENDS - FRIDAY LUNCH VOLUNTEERS – TERM 4
Friday, 19th October Time 12pm – 1pm Megan Liddy
Friday, 26th October Time 12pm – 1pm Name…………………………………………………………………..
Friday, 9th November Time 12pm – 1pm Name: ………………………………………………………………..
Friday, 16th November Time 12pm – 1pm Name: ………………………………………………………………..
Friday, 23rd November Time 12pm – 1pm Name: ………………………………………………………………..
Friday, 30th November Time 12pm – 1pm Name: ………………………………………………………………..
Friday, 7th December Time 12pm – 1pm Name: ………………………………………………………………..
Please return the reply slip by Friday, 19th October. Thank you for your support.
2018 PHANTOM MELBOURNE CUP (CALCUTTA CUP)
The Knights of the Southern Cross have asked us to waitress for their dinner on Saturday, 27th October at the Kadina Golf Club.
We did this last year and it was a lot of fun. Volunteers are to arrive by 6.15pm and should be home by 10.00pm. If you are
able to help us on the night, please return the reply slip by Friday, 19th October. For further information please see Sam Iveson.
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2018 PHANTOM MELBOURNE CUP (CALCUTTA CUP)
I am able to help waitress at the Kadina Golf Club on Saturday, 27th October.
Name: _____________________________ Signed:_____________________________
UP Choir
Our UP Choir has one more local performance at the Heritage Service under the Stars at the old Moonta Mines School on
Saturday, 10th November at 6.30pm (please note change of time). It is organised by the Moonta RSL who are celebrating
100 years. Prior to the service there will be family activities including food stalls, entertainment, drinks, train rides, music, the
Sweet Shop and the Museum. Up Choir members please return your attendance slips by Friday. Thank you!
St Mary MacKillop Singers Term 4 engagements are as follows.
Date Time Event Place
11th November Sunday 11:00am SMM Singers Remembrance Day Wallaroo War Memorial
8th December Saturday 10:00am SMM Singers Wallaroo Community Carols Foodland complex, along with Wallaroo Kindy and Sing Australia
6/7 Class & SA Ambulance
Yesterday our Year 6/7 students were lucky to spend some time at Wallaroo with some of the SA Ambulance volunteers
learning about CPR, using a defibrillator and general advice about what they can do in an emergency. A great ‘real-life’
learning experience!
Thanks to the great team from the Wallaroo station for your great support of our school and town.
SAPSASA Athletics Day
Congratulations to Mikayla, Harry, Hunter, Devonte and Jorja who represented NYP at the SAPSASA Athletics day in Adelaide
on Monday, 24th September. Well done to Hunter receiving a silver medal for Shot Put and Jorja, a bronze medal for Long Jump.
Reception Class
During Term 3 the Reception class were learning about the seasons through sensory play....Summer, Autumn, Winter and
Spring.
Music Recital
Tuesday, 27th November 6.30 pm
MPLA
All Welcome
Students not having lessons with Michele Giesecke or Paul Boakes are welcome to perform on the night. RSVP to Karen in the front office by Friday, 26th October, advising if instrumental/vocal and song to be played/sang.
Performing students to wear neat casual clothing Performing students please provide basket supper
OSHC
What a fun filled 2 weeks
the students had during
Vacation Care! From
excursions to jumping in
mud puddles. Check out
some of the photos from all
the fun we had.
OSHC hours
3pm-6pm
Vacation Care hours
8am-6pm
Just a reminder if your child is
booked into OSHC and not
attending or is absent from
school, you need to inform
OSHC staff before 1pm or you
may be charged. You can either
call or send a TXT to
0437 659 137.
In the Kitchen next to the sign in/out
sheet, we have our survey book. Please
fill out the current survey so we can open
Vacation Care during December/January
when required.
Thank you,
Lisa Cooper
OSHC Director
VACATION CARE
Community News
WALLAROO TENNIS CLUB – HOTSHOTS for 3-7 year olds. Commencing on Thursday, 18th October, 4.00pm at the Wallaroo Tennis Courts. Register at www.hotshots.tennis.com.au For further information contact Emily on 0416 105 581. KADINA TENNIS CLUB – HOTSHOTS. A fun introduction to tennis for kids aged 5-12 years. 8 week program starts 8th November and runs for 4 weeks, then continues Term 1 next year. Thursday, 3.45-4.30pm. Cost $40.00 per participant. Enquiries to Jane Oster, 0438 316 211.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Charlotte – Year 1/2 19th October Mrs Nitschke 19th October Matilda – Reception 21st October Caitlin – Year 1/2 21st October India – Year 4/5 22nd October Joshua – Year 6/7 27th October
NEWSLETTER INSERTS
1. Sports Day information note 2. The Witness magazine 3. Year 3-5 camp note 4. Year 7 Graduation note If you have not received any of the above hand-outs, please write a note in your child’s diary for a copy to be sent home.
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