Welcome to Term 3 2023.  We hope that you have enjoyed having your children at home for the recent Winter break.  Whether parents and carers were able to have holidays and a break from their work while their children are on school holidays, it is always a great opportunity for a change from the usual busy time that the school term and routine brings.  We hope and pray that Term 3 is a healthy time for all families. 

Term 3, like all school terms, is a busy time.  This term the events that will keep us busy include:  STM Fete, Wakakirri performance, NAIDOC incursion, Sacrament of First Holy Communion, Soccer Gala Day, class excursions for Year 4 and Year 6 and Kindergarten, Father’s Day, masses, liturgies and many learning and teaching opportunities.  Included in this newsletter is a calendar of major events.  Please continue to check your Compass notifications regularly for updates for all that is occurring at STM School.

Thank you again to the STM Parents and Friends Association for providing an opportunity for a coffee and a chat before school last Tuesday.  The P&F Association is providing great support to the 2023 Fete Committee with all of their hard work and efforts.  With the STM Fete less than three weeks away, all staff coordinators and helpers are asked to attend a Fete General Meeting (instead of the regular P&F meeting) next Monday 24/7/23 evening at 7.00pm.  Please refer to Compass for all Fete updates regarding the purchase of ride bands, raffle tickets and opportunities to donate to the White Elephant Stall (‘Trash and Treasure’ stall).  Please note that there is a list of second goods that will and will not be accepted for the White Elephant stall.  Thank you to all who have done so much already for our 2023 Fete.  The success of our Fete relies heavily on the parents and families of our school.   

Thank you again to those who attended parent teacher interviews at the end of Term 2.  If for some reason you were not able to attend the parent/teacher interview please contact the school where a convenient time for you can be arranged to discuss your child's progress for Semester 1 2023.

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who made their Confirmation on the last day of Term 2.  This is such an important milestone in the faith journey of these young people.  Bishop Brian and Fr Michael conferred the sacrament of Confirmation upon the students, which was witnessed by family and parishioners of our community.  

STM’s NAIDOC acknowledgement and celebration for 2023 will include a special prayer at our Monday morning assembly next week and then on Tuesday all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will participate in activities at school provided by Koomurri Aboriginal Incursions. Students will be involved in activities like song and dance, storytelling, didgeridoo show and aboriginal artefacts, weaponry and bush survival.  We are looking forward to a great experience.

NATSICC (National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council) is the peak advisory body to the Australian Catholic Bishops.  The NATSICC website contains some information surrounding the upcoming referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.  Please access this link for further information.  One Journey Together  

Dear Lord
We pray for a bright and just shared future for all who call Australia home.
We ask that Your grace of acceptance and compassion will guide us.
Let the Creator Spirit lead our journey with the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of this land.
May we share Your Spirit more deeply; celebrate the gifts You have given us.
Help us appreciate true harmony and peace just as our Old People did;
Keep us strong, make us resilient and remember us in this time.
Now is an opportunity to change our Nation’s history for the better.
Walk with us as we write a new chapter together and
may we be one in Your love.
Amen.

Sports Days for Term 3 2023

Grade / Class	Days to wear Sport uniform
Kindergarten	Wednesdays and Fridays
Year 1	Tuesdays and Fridays
Year 2	Tuesdays and Fridays
Year 3	Mondays and Fridays
Year 4	Wednesdays and Fridays
Year 5	Tuesdays and Fridays
Year 6	Mondays and Fridays

Best wishes for the coming week,
Philip Barrington 
PRINCIPAL