LINKS: Term Four Week One
From the Principal
The gift of friendship and faith
I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to keep St Mary’s the amazing place it is during my leave. I was able to travel to Italy for three weeks with a friend I have known since school. I wonder if our students realise how important those people they go to school with each day will be throughout their lives?
I then went on a two-week pilgrimage through the Holy Lands with colleagues from Toowoomba Catholic Schools. This was a time of prayer, reflection and connection with both my faith and my colleagues. I feel truly blessed to have walked the same places that Jesus did throughout his life. Attending Mass in a boat on the Sea of Galilee is something I will never forget. I also had the opportunity to touch the place where Jesus both was born and died – such a memorable experience.
I must thank John Shaw, Karra Suhr, Bevin Goodes and Georgia King for stepping up while I was away.
Year 6 Camp
Thank you to our Year 6 teachers and Mr John Shaw along with our volunteer parents, Michael Offerdahl and Dwaune Mendes who accompanied our Year 6 cohort to Canberra prior to the holidays. It is a huge undertaking to take over 50 students such a long way from family for a week, while leaving your own family and home. Congratulations to the Year 6 cohort who represented St Mary’s with pride while they were away.
Starry Starry Night
“Chookas” to our performers in this Friday night’s Starry Starry Night. Thanks to Mrs Benita Klowss and Mr Sam Jessen for your leadership in making this event possible. I would also like to thank P & F for their contribution to the evening. I am sure it will be a huge success.
Miss Angela Collins
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Hello St Mary’s community,
In my last Links article, I mentioned that I would soon be heading to Canberra on the Year 6 trip. I am pleased to report that we all made it back safely and the staff survived! (Thank goodness it was the school holidays straight afterwards!)
Actually, it was a wonderful trip. It had a jam-packed itinerary, but all the sites we visited were well worth it and of great educational value. Our Year 6 students conducted themselves wonderfully (as did our Year 6 teachers!). I would like to thank our two camp dads who accompanied us: Micheal Offerdahl and Dwaune Mendes.
Our Year 6 students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $112.50 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. If St Mary’s School is successful in receiving the rebate, we will credit the amount to the Year 6 students’ school fees accounts to help offset the cost of the trip.
This term we will have our remaining camps for the year: the Year 1 Sleepover (1 night in Week 2), Year 5 Emu Gully camp (3 days/2 nights in Week 3) and our Year 3 camp at Camp Laurence (2 days/1 night in Week 7).
All the best for Term 4.
God bless,
John Shaw
Deputy Principal
Secondary News
Welcome back to what promises to be an invigorating and eventful final term of 2023! Despite the brevity, we are committed to maximising every opportunity for growth and learning each day. With a bustling schedule ahead, we encourage all students to make the most of the exciting offerings.
We are delighted to introduce some new members to our school community this term - a charming flock of chickens and a colony of native bees.
Two Buff Sussex and four Barnevelders chickens have joined us, enhancing our Agricultural Science program with hands-on experiences. Beyond their contributions of eggs and enjoyment, our goal is to showcase these fine feathered companions in agricultural shows, offering students valuable practical exposure.
Welcoming the Austroplebeia australis, commonly known as bush bees. These native bees are stingless, relying on a cleverly designed entrance for protection. At night, they craft a delicate curtain of cerumen, derived from plant resins and bee secretions, fortifying their colony against external elements. Witnessing this nightly ritual is a testament to their resourcefulness.
Our Happiness Chemicals
In our pursuit of happiness, it's essential to understand the four key chemicals that influence our well-being: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. While life's events can trigger these neurotransmitters, we have the power to intentionally activate them through certain actions.
Dopamine (Celebrate)
Dopamine is responsible for that great feeling you get when you achieve a goal. Breaking down big goals into little “sub-goals” creates lots of little finish lines. At each finish line dopamine is released (if it’s celebrated) and this provides the motivation to continue with determination (It’s crucial to actually celebrate in some way).
Oxytocin (Give)
Oxytocin creates trust and build healthy relationships. The cultivation of oxytocin is essential for creating strong bonds and improved social interactions. Interpersonal connections such as handshakes, hugging or giving somebody a gift can be used to keep oxytocin flowing and therefore strengthen work and personal relationships. It is sometimes referred to as the “cuddle hormone”.
Serotonin (live and re-live)
Serotonin flows when you feel significant or important. Unhealthy attentions-seeking behavior can be a cry out for what serotonin brings. Being grateful and reliving good experiences helps to produce serotonin because, they remind us that we are valued and have much to live for. So, create opportunities to reflect on past achievements, victories and special memories (photographs, music, smells can help).
Endorphins (exercise and laughter)
Endorphins are released in response to pain and stress and helps to alleviate anxiety and depression. It acts as a painkiller and sedative, diminishing our perception of pain. Exercise, dark chocolate, spicy foods and smells such as vanilla and lavender have been linked with the production of endorphins.
"When you change your state of mind, your whole life changes, nothing remains the same. Nothing looks the same because you have changed." ~Frederick Lenz
Throughout this term, let us embrace the opportunities for growth, celebrate achievements, and nurture meaningful connections. Your support is invaluable, and we anticipate a term filled with both hard work and joyous moments.
Mr Bevin Goodes
Assistant Principal Secondary
Religious Life
Welcome to Term 4! This is always an action-packed term that’s full of learning and concludes with lots of celebration. We also have a lot of religious celebrations, masses and liturgies planned throughout the term which you will find the dates for in LINKS and on the Term Four email that was circulated last week.
First Communion
This Sunday 8th October, 24 students will make their First Communion at the 9am Mass. Everyone is warmly invited to attend and support the students in this special celebration. I would like to thank the students and their families for their preparation in all three of the sacraments completed this year. Congratulations!
Crazy Sock Day
Friday 13th October 4L will present their liturgy about Catholic Missions, a not-for-profit Catholic organisation that this year is hosting Socktober to support children in Timor-Leste to have a brighter future. Students are invited to add crazy socks and crazy hair to their normal Friday sports uniform. It’s not a full free dress day. Normal school joggers and school hats are to be worn. We ask students to bring a gold coin donation to contribute towards Catholic Missions.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day is scheduled for Friday 27th October. We have made a change to this special day this year with grandparents for ALL year levels invited to join us for a special morning. The morning will commence at 8:45am and conclude at 11:00am. Please inform your grandparents about the details above, we would love to welcome them to our special day.
Karra Suhr
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Primary Sports Report
Sport for the year is drawing to a close.
Darling Downs Aquathlon
School trials for those born 2012, and 2013 are Friday, 6th October. Students are to meet me at the pool at 7.30am. Please bring togs, towel, running shoes and boys need to have a shirt/or tri suit, so that the torso is covered during the run leg. Distance is 1km run, 200m swim and 1km bike. Students who are interested, should of signed up on the PE noticeboard. The Darling Downs trials are in Dalby on Friday, 27th October.
P-2 Swim Carnival
The annual P-2 Swim Carnival has been set for Friday 3rd November, from 8.45 – 10.45. More information to come.
State Athletics Championships
Best wishes to Elkie Wood who travels to Brisbane next week, October 10th and 11th for the State Athletics Championships. Elkie will compete in the 800m and 1500m events.
“The biggest mistake you can ever make, is being afraid to make one”
Yours in Sport,
Kathy Spicer
Careers
In Week 10 of last term our Year 9 and Year 10 students participated in a weeklong work experience program where they went to their employer of choice and undertook the tasks and activities that they do if they were to work at a similar organisation. Work experience is an invaluable part of the curriculum and it enable students to experience for themselves what a particular profession may be like. Likewise, students may have thought they wanted to be one thing, went to their work experience week and found out that that particular job was nothing like what they thought it might be.
Work experience is like a sneak peek into the future, offering students a chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world. It's a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between education and employment, providing insights that textbooks simply can't convey.
During work experience, students have the chance to observe professionals in action, ask questions, and even get their hands dirty, all while gaining a deeper understanding of various career paths. This hands-on exposure helps students connect the dots between their academic studies and the practical applications in the workforce.
One of the most significant benefits of work experience is that it allows students to explore their interests and passions. It's like trying on different hats to see which one fits best. For example, a student interested in healthcare might discover a passion for nursing, while another with a knack for coding might find their calling in software development.
Additionally, work experience teaches essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. It fosters a sense of responsibility and independence as students navigate the workplace, further preparing them for the challenges of adulthood.
Work experience is not an optional activity; it's an invaluable part of a student's education. It broadens horizons, ignites passions, and equips students with the skills and confidence needed to embark on their future careers. So, seize the opportunity when it comes your way, and let work experience be your guiding light towards a brighter, more informed future.
We are very grateful to the following organisations who willingly agreed to have our students at their work places, Goondiwindi Maternal and Child Health, Goondiwindi Engineering, Laser Electrical, Goondiwindi and District Kindergarten, Wood Group and St George Veterinary Practice.
Rachael Reeves
Career Development Practitioner
Georgia at Goondiwindi District Kindergarten
Milly at Child Health
Parker at Laser Electrical
Tj at Woods Group
Guidance Counsellor
Nurturing your child through transitioning to Secondary School
Change is something we all must get used to and the excitement and anticipation of starting high school is easily mixed with fears about change. A new environment, different routines, a change in uniforms and in most cases, students will change from having a single classroom teacher to having several teachers. One minute you’re the top dog in Year 6 and the next minute you’re at the bottom of the pile. With change comes stress and your attitude on how you handle times of change will influence how your child approaches, experiences and remembers change. Every child is different and has their own way of responding.
Catholic School Parents Australia website has some great resources to help you through your nurturing role as a parent. Please take some time to read a valuable resource on the toolkit page to help you through this significant event, helping you to put into place some good planning to making the transition as smooth as possible.
Paul Fomiatti
Guidance Counsellor
P&F Term Three Meeting
Thank you to Rob and Lisa Hanna for kindly supporting the St Mary’s P&F through the tennis fundraising event. We will announce shortly how these funds are being allocated.
Also a big thanks to all those who have kindly offered help for Starry Starry Night, we greatly appreciate your time. We are looking forward to a fun, family night.
Next Wednesday is our Term 4 P&F meeting and we encourage anyone to attend, either in person or online via Teams (a link will be made available), or to submit an agenda item for discussion. We meet in the School library on Wednesday 11th October at 5.30pm.
For more information about the P&F, or to get involved contact us on GOOPandF@twb.catholic.edu.au
Denise Ellis
P&F President