Birth Announcement

Congratulations to Ashlee and Ben Picker on the safe arrival of their gorgeous baby girl, Claire Maddison, born on 27 March weighing a healthy 8 pounds and 3 ounces. Both mum and bub are well!

Cross Country Carnival

Year 4 Fundraiser - Rugby Barbeque 

A huge thank you to our Year 4 coordinators, Catherine and Dave Culley, Craig Croker, Marty Reynolds and Daniel Walsh, and all the families (Year 4 and other), for supporting our fundraising barbeque on Saturday. Unfortunately, the weather kept the crowds away and all of your efforts did not reap the usual benefits. Your time and effort is very much appreciated though!

Showcase of Learning

Tomorrow at 12.30pm Year Five and Year Six will present our first Showcase of Learning Assembly.  This will be held in our Old Hall. All welcome.

Year 6 Camp

Next Tuesday 9 April, Year 6 head off with Mrs Croker and Mrs Spackman to The Academy of Sport, Narrabeen. They are leaving from Trinity Catholic College at 7.45am and I would like to thank them for the kind donation of their bus, with Mrs Tarlinton at the helm. This has helped reduce the final cost of the camp.

We wish them a wonderful week full of safe adventures! We can't wait to hear all about it next term.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is during the last week of the school holidays on Thursday 25 April. We invite all students to participate in the ANZAC Day events, commencing with Mass at 9.00am and then followed by the March at 10.30am. The wreath is presented by our Captains and blessed at the Mass.

Students are asked to come along dressed in their full winter uniform. They are to assemble for the March in the RSL Car Park. The March moves down Goulburn Street to the Memorial Park for the ANZAC Day Commemoration Ceremony. Students remain assembled until this Ceremony concludes.

It would be wonderful to see many of our students at this special ceremony.

Uniform Matters

As our weather starts to cool the students are able to wear their full winter uniform, if required. It has been pleasing to note that students have not been wearing a mixture of our summer and winter uniforms this week, thank you.

Next term the students are to wear the winter uniform, however, a two-week leeway is given if the weather is still warm enough for the summer uniform. 

In preparation for the cooler months, you might like to order our school coat, which is a warm bottle green parka style coat, from our Uniform Shop. No other coats will be permitted, however, bottle green gloves and beanies may be purchased elsewhere. 

Some other reminders about our school uniform- hair accessories must be in the school colours only, earrings must be sleepers and studs only and no nail polish is to be worn to school.

Term 2 Dates

School commences for students - 30 April

Northern Region Cross Country - 3 May

Catholic Schools Week - 6 - 10 May

Scholastic Book Fair - 7- 9 May

Open Week Tours - 6 - 9 May

League Shield Gala Day - 7 May

Mothers Day Mass - 9 May

NAPLAN - 14 - 16 May

School Photos - 15 May

Athletics Carnival - 17 May

Dental Check - 30 May

Arch Cross Country - 4 June

School Explorers Program - 31/5, 7/6, 14/6 & 21/6

Stage 2 Showcase of Learning - 5 July

End of term - 5 July

Lent- A time to love and serve

Last week’s Gospel message was about God’s never-ending love, compassion, forgiveness and mercy for us. As followers of Jesus we are called to love God in return. And we are called to love and serve others with compassion just as Jesus did. We are called to make Jesus real and present to everyone we meet.

Who have you ‘served’ this week?

Have you taken time to listen to others? Have you reached out in kindness? Have you helped another? Let us take time out from busyness and over-indulgences to serve others compassionately as Jesus did… GIVE of Yourself… Give encouragement to the doubting, give praise to the insecure, show kindness to someone who could use a friend, and offer thanks to those whose service to others often goes unappreciated. Give the gift of your attention to someone who simply wants to be noticed. Don’t be stingy with your smiles—give them freely to everyone you meet. And most important, give your love to those close to you. Hug them, hold them, and tell them what they mean to you.

Weave moments of service into even the busiest moments of your daily life. See Lenten practice as part of, rather than in addition to, your ordinary hectic day. In this way you open your heart to God and others.

Have you made room for God in your life?

PRAY Your way through Your day… Say a little prayer whenever someone or something makes life difficult; when someone does you a favour; when you experience great service; or when something joyful happens—you will soon find yourself praying your way through the day. This habit will make you aware of God’s constant presence in your life and bring you peace.

Have you ‘fasted’ this Lent?

FAST every day from… criticism, gossip, judging others, or passing on rumours?

No matter how busy you are in life, with some greater awareness and new perspectives you can consciously pray, fast, and give of yourself for the remainder of this Lent—and you will be ready to celebrate joyfully on Easter

St Mary’s School will be leading and participating in Stations of the Cross next Friday 13 April in the Church at 9.30am. All are welcome to attend.

Project Compassion

Our Mini Vinnies committee would like to report that so far we have raised $238 for our brothers and sisters in need. Thank you for your continuing support. 

Cross Country

We were certainly blessed with perfect weather for our Cross Country Carnival last Friday.

Congratulations to all of the students who took part, you all showed determination and great support to one another.

Students who placed 1^st, 2nd and 3^rd were presented with their certificates and ribbons at Monday’s Assembly, as well as notes for students who had progressed onto the Northern Region level.

This year there was a VERY close House Point tally, with only 8 points difference. The winning house on the day was Lawrence, congratulations!

I would like to thank all of our staff and school community volunteers who assisted on the day. Your continued support at such events is greatly appreciated.

As this was the first year trialling the use of the bottom playground, we are seeking feedback from our school community about the carnival. If you have any commendations or recommendations about the 2019 Cross Country Carnival, please email me at rachael.croker@cg.catholic.edu.au

6yr Boys ready to tackle to 600m.

Legends of League Shield 2019 Rugby League

Canberra Raiders have invited St Mary’s to take part in the Legends of League Shield 2019 at North Park in Goulburn. The date is Tuesday 7 May, Week 2 of Term 2.

This year will see a new format for the Gala Day, with the option of students taking part in a Touch Football team no longer being an option, only tackle teams.

I have sent home notes today with students who have expressed interest in being a part of a 3/4 or 5/6 tackle team. All notes are due back by Tuesday 9 April, no entries will be accepted after this date.

Representative Sport- Canberra/Goulburn Archdiocese

This year there is a new format for registration of students at Diocesan and Archdiocesan level and for individual nominations for Sports, eg. Rugby Union

The website is up and running and all trial nominations for Archdiocese Representative sports trial must be completed by the parents/carers by the due date advertised on the website.

www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au

THOSE WHO HAVE PROGRESSED FOR HOCKEY AND SOCCER (10 MAY) ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO LOG ONTO https://www.csss.nsw.edu.au/nswcps-home.aspx TO FINALISE THEIR CHILD’S REGISTRATION and pay via Team App https://www.teamapp.com/

PLEASE NOTE – THERE ARE TWO SITES TO FINALISE REGISTRATION.

 -TEAM APP IS TO PAY FOR THE REGO

- THE CSSS SITE REQUIRES CHILD AND PARENT DETAILS AND PRINCIPAL APPROVAL.

Registrations received and Principal approved to date:

Boys/Girls Rugby

As well as Boys Rugby, MacKillop will be having trials for individual students for a Girl’s Rugby 7’s team.

Students who are interested in either BOYS or GIRLS are to register on the CSSS Website under Rugby.

Dates to Note for Cross Country

Northern Region Cross Country – Braidwood FRIDAY 3 APRIL

Archdiocesan Cross Country – Mt Stromlo TUESDAY 4 JUNE

Mackillop Cross Country – Eastern Creek  FRIDAY 15 JUNE

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER – ASD

Autism is different for every person on the Autism spectrum. It presents in a wide range of ways.

People diagnosed by professionals must meet a number of criteria. Sometimes ASD students can struggle with social skills and communication. Sometimes they have repetitive behaviours or strong areas of interest and knowledge. Early diagnosis of Autism is important as research shows that early intervention assists in the facilitation of positive behaviours.  This early intervention helps lead to better educational outcomes for students with Autism.

ADD/ADHD

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is made up of three core behaviours:

• Inattention
• distractability
• impulsivity
• and in 60% of cases hyperactivity.

 There are other behaviours that can be associated with ADD/ADHD including:

• Social awkwardness
• Poor co-ordination
• Disorganisation
• Mood swings
• Poor self-esteem
• Specific Learning Disabilities
• Language difficulties

ADD can be hereditary and is six times more likely to occur in boys than girls.

Year 4 – Aylish Parsons

Year 5 - Sienna Charnock, Ellie McCormack & Chloe Salt

Year 6 - Isabelle McCormack & Fynella Parsons

School Spirit Awards

Archie Pursell for demonstrating responsible behaviour.

Fynella Parsons for always showing care and concern for others.

Awards are presented at our Monday morning Assembly in the Old Hall at 9.05am.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Friday 5 April: Jackie Blowes, Angella Cuskelly, Claire McCormack

Monday 8 April: Jenifer Heffernan, Dave Culley, Jo Grove

Please remember it is your responsibility to find a replacement if you cannot do your allocated shift.

Term 2 roster is available on Skoolbag or attached below. Please review it early and find a replacement if you cannot do your allocated day. Any changes to the roster are to be advised to Rechell Naughton who can be contacted via email on Rechell.Naughton@justice.nsw.gov.au

Please note there will be no student banking for Week 11.

It will recommence in Term 2.

Parish Office

For Parish and Sacramental matters please forward your enquiries to Parish Secretary, Janet Haynes or Pastoral Associate Sr Rosemary via email or call into the Parish Office at the Old Convent Building on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Email: Crookwell@cg.org.au

Phone: 48321 633

Address: 55 Wade Street (the Old Convent Building)

Altar Roster

7 April- Ashleigh Bachta & Olivia Anderson

14 April- Nathaniel Waters & Oliver Gray

21 April- Bella Croker

28 April- Eliza & Chloe Kemp

5 May- Ashleigh Bachta & Olivia Anderson

Please arrive 15 minutes before Mass to help Father prepare.

Kids On Keyboards

Vacation Care provided by Crookwell Neighbourhood Centre

School Holiday Craft at Crookwell Library

Archdiocesan Marriage Family Relationships

The Archdiocesan Marriage Family Relationships team sees great value in providing opportunities for women, be they teachers, parents or local parishioners, to relax and connect with each other.  There are several opportunities currently on offer in the local Archdiocese for women to connect & reflect.

Billeting can be arranged for women from regional areas

For more information see http://bit.ly/EatConnectPray or contact lara.kirk@cg.org.au

Ability Links

If you are interested in a Government iniative called "Ability Links", please see below. Belinda has the details of the local Ability Linker. Please note this service is available to all.

BDCU Fun Run