Term 3, Week 1 2025 - 15th July 2025

Principal's Reflection

Developing Excellence Through Dedication and Challenge

In the early hours of Monday morning, I woke at 3am to join millions around the world to watch the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final between Jannick Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. After 4 scintillating sets, the world celebrated Jannik Sinner’s remarkable Wimbledon triumph—a moment that crowned years of dedication, passion and perseverance. His journey to this milestone reminds us that excellence is not achieved overnight, but through consistent effort and faith in the process.

Equally compelling is his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, which continues to elevate both athletes. Just weeks ago, Alcaraz won the French Open in what is the longest Grand Slam final in history—an epic battle of endurance, skill and heart. These two young men, though competitors, are united in their pursuit of greatness. Their rivalry is not simply about defeating one another but about pushing each other to greater and greater heights. It’s a beautiful example of how challenge and competition, when rooted in respect, can help us grow.

In our school community, we are called to a similar journey. Each student, staff member and family has unique gifts and passions. Like Sinner and Alcaraz, we are invited to pursue these with courage, discipline and joy. We are also called to support and challenge one another, helping each other become the best versions of ourselves.  As we reflect on this inspiring story, let us remember: 

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot

May we work hard, dream boldly and walk together in faith, always seeking excellence in all we do.

Blessings for the week ahead,

Wes Rose
Principal

From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose

Welcome to Term 3
I hope that you all had a good school holiday break and are ready for the many great learning activities and school events that we have scheduled in Term 3.  Some of our events include;

School News

• Please note that the school tuckshop is closed this week. Due to this, our school P&F will host a pizza day this Friday at second break.  Students can order online via Quickcliq
• We welcome Mrs Katy Eden as the Year 5F classroom teacher (Wed-Fri). Katy is an experienced teacher who has most recently been working at Glenella SS. Katy is also a current parent at St Mary’s (Oliver in Yr1) and I am sure she will thoroughly enjoy her time at St Mary’s 5F.
• We welcome Mrs Rebecca Burchill to teach 3M (Mon-Wed). Rebecca is a past student of St Mary’s and has most recently been working as a primary teacher in Brisbane Catholic Education schools before the arrival of her daughter, Eleanor. Rebecca and her husband, Jim, have recently relocated to Mackay and is really looking forward to teaching at St Mary’s. Mrs Berardi will continue to teach 3M Thu-Fri.
• This Thursday, our Year 4-6 students will attend a session of Whitsunday Voices. This annual literary festival is always a great opportunity for our students. 

School Uniform Guidelines – Update
I advise that following consultation by our School Board, please see below a copy of our updated Uniform Guidelines.  Minor changes have been made, and I ask all families to familiarise themselves with the guidelines.  A summary of amendments include;

• Boys formal uniform - plain white ‘crew’ socks to be worn (please note, that this will be phased in throughout 2025, i.e. boys can wear grey or plain white ‘crew’ socks for the remainder of 2025. From 2026, all boys to wear plain white ‘crew’ socks.)
• No make up to be worn.
• Jewellery and hair accessories to be minimal and in line with the guideline.
• Parents, please read through the hairstyle expectations in the guidelines and advise your child’s hairdresser of what is appropriate.

Maintenance over the Holidays
The following maintenance items were undertaken over the school break;

• External washdown of F Block
• Air-Conditioner servicing of Early Years and F Block
• New garden edging was installed near the sacred garden
• The old house on the MacDonald St block has been removed and cleared. Over the coming weeks, we will work to reclaim this block to enable more play area for students.

Parent/Teacher Interviews – Week 2
As previously advised, Semester 1 student report cards are available via parent lounge.  Following the release of these reports, I ask all parents to make a time to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss their progress and areas for improvement.  See article below for more details about booking your interview. 

Baptism News
Congratulations to Adeline Cunningham (Yr3), who was baptised at St John’s Walkerston over the school holidays. 

Challenge Cup Rugby League/Netball
All the best to the students participating in the Diocesan Challenge Cup competition in Yeppoon this Wed-Fri.  This carnival is always a great event and I look forward to our students representing their school with pride and determination.  I thank the following staff members for coaching/managing the teams; Phil Clancy,  Rob Townsend, Belinda van Lint and Lisa Sorbello.

Centenary Sacred Garden – Blessing & Opening
I warmly invite all families to attend the official blessing and opening of our Sacred Garden on Tue 12^th August from 8:45am.  Bishop Michael McCarthy and Fr Matthias will preside at this service, with morning tea provided afterwards.  If you are able to attend this event, please RSVP here.

Quote of the Week

Parent Teacher Interviews

Bookings for next week's Parent Teacher Interviews will be open for bookings from 4.30pm today (Tuesday 15th July) through the Parent Orbit App.

Classes will have their interviews after school during week 2 Monday 21st to Friday 25th July. There will be 10 minute time intervals where parents are invited to talk to their child’s classroom teacher about their child.  This will allow teachers to be fully informed about each child’s needs and strengths. If more time is needed, this can be arranged during the interview.  

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

Tuckshop Pizza Day

PLEASE NOTE: You must choose the date 18 July in Quickcliq, then select different pizza options in the 'Select Meals' area.

From our P&F

Sport News

At the end of last term we celebrated our P-2 Athletics carnival. It was a fantastic morning which saw students participating with great enthusiasm, energy and team spirit. All students had the chance to showcase their amazing running, throwing and jumping skills in our races and modified field events. Thank you to all families that came to support the students throughout the morning.

Our placegetters for the 65m sprint were:

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