Newsletter Term 2 Week 3 - Friday 9th May 2025

Dear families, 

With the passing of Pope Francis, we remember a shepherd who walked humbly with his people and constantly called us to look after those on the margins and to care for our environment. The election of a new Pope marks a profound moment in the life of the Catholic Church, offering a time of reflection, renewal, and hope. Pope Leo XIV takes on the immense responsibility of guiding over a billion Catholics worldwide with wisdom, compassion, and courage. His leadership will shape the Church's response to the spiritual and moral challenges of our time, fostering unity, justice, and peace. The faithful now look to him with prayers and open hearts, trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide his steps as he begins this sacred mission.

Loving God - 
We thank You for the gift of our new Pope. 
Bless him with strength, wisdom, and a heart filled with love for all people. 
May the Holy Spirit guide his every decision and inspire him to be a beacon of truth, mercy, and peace in our world. 

Amen.

This morning we celebrated all the women connected with St Mary’s who ‘mother’. What a blessing it was to be with so many mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, aunties and special women who have loved and mothered the children in our community. The students in Jo Price’s Junior Learning Community led us beautifully in prayer. Thank you. 

We know that each mother is, whether she knows it or not, one of the greatest, strongest and most lasting teachers her children will have. Motherhood is a gift and a privilege – the most awesome responsibility a woman can have.

I wish all of those who mother, for mothers gone before us, for those who could never mother and for those who long to mother a very blessed day on Sunday.  

We are now taking enrolments for Foundation 2026! If you are an existing family with a younger child starting in Foundation, we will send an enrolment form out to you. Please fill it in and return it as soon as practicable. Please encourage new families to attend our Information Session on Tuesday 27th May at 6pm and/or book a private enrolment tour to see our school in action. If you could share the social media posts promoting the Info Session that would be appreciated. 

Every blessing for the week ahead, 

Roxanne 

TERM 2

Week 4 Friday 16th May - led by MLC1
Week 5 Friday 23rd May - led by SLC1
Week 6 Friday 30th May - Catholic Education Week
Week 7 Friday 6th June - led by MLC2
Week 8 Friday 13th June - led by SLC2
Week 9 Friday 20th June - NO WSP
Week 10 Friday 27th June - led by JLC2

PINAFORES

Fosters Mensland are currently in short supply of winter pinafores. We have a couple of families looking for size 12-14 pinafores. If you have one or know of anyone that has one and would like to sell, please contact Jess via email jpraag@smararat.catholic.edu.au and we can pass your details on.

Thank you!

TERM 2

WEEK 4
Monday 12th May
SLC Science Incursion

Wednesday 14th May
Student Free Day
Black Ranges Cross Country @ St Arnaud

WEEK 6
Tuesday 27th May
Black Ranges Winter Sports - North Park, Stawell
2026 Foundation Information Evening @ 6pm

WEEK 8
Monday 9th June
King's Birthday Public Holiday

WEEK 9
Monday 16th June - Wednesday 18th June
SLC Sovereign Hill Camp

WEEK 11
Friday 4th July
Last Day of Term 2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to the following students this fortnight

Holly L, Clay T, Jemima M,
Ryley J, Oscar F & Josh H