A note from the Principal
Dear Parents & Caregivers
As we come into Week 8, during this time of lent, it is important that we understand the meaning of Easter. Catholic preparations for Easter are full of meaningful traditions and spiritual activities.
It all begins with Palm Sunday, which starts Holy Week. On this day, Catholics remember Jesus' grand entrance into Jerusalem. People get blessed palm branches, symbolising the ones laid before Jesus as he rode into the city. These palms are often kept at home as sacred items, and burned to make ashes for the next year's Ash Wednesday. Our community will be celebrating a Palm Sunday with Mass in the Church at 10am on Sunday 13th April.
Another important part of getting ready for Easter is the Stations of the Cross. This practice involves reflecting on fourteen key moments from Jesus' journey to his crucifixion. Many churches hold special services where people move from station to station, thinking about Jesus' suffering and sacrifice. Our Year 5/6 students will be leading Stations of the Cross at 2:30pm on Friday 11th April in the Church. The community will also gather for Stations of the Cross and Celebrations of the Lord’s Passion on Friday 18th April at 10am in the Church.
The highlight of Easter preparations is the Easter Masses. The Easter Vigil, being held at 7pm on Holy Saturday 19th April in the Church, is the most important service of the year. It starts in darkness, symbolising the world before Jesus' resurrection. The Paschal candle is lit, representing the light of Christ. This service includes several scripture readings, the singing of the Exsultet (a special Easter song), and the celebration of sacraments like Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist for new church members. On Easter Sunday, Catholics celebrate Jesus' resurrection with joyful Masses. Our community service will be held at 10am 20th April in the Church and will feature festive music, the reading of the resurrection story, and the renewal of baptismal promises. Churches are often decorated with flowers, especially lilies, which symbolise new life and purity.
These traditions help Catholics prepare their hearts and minds for Easter, deepening their faith and understanding of Jesus' resurrection. We invite all our families, friends and community members to join us this Easter.
3Yr Old Pre-Kindy Parent Meeting
On Thursday 3rd April at 9:30am in the Kindy room, Mrs Fiumano will be hosting a Pre-Kindy parent/student session for students commencing next term. If you are interested in finding out more about our Pre-Kindy program, please contact the office on 97324700. Pre-Kindy will commence on Thursday 1 May in Term 2.
Swimming Carnival
On Friday, our Year 3-6 students will compete in the Faction Swimming Carnival being held at the Recreation Centre. This year, our Year 4-6 students will have the opportunity to compete in more events and for championship points. Whilst the carnival will have a competitive nature, it will be important that the carnival runs in the same spirit that it always has. Whilst considerations for swimming styles may evoke discussions, disqualifying students will be a last resort. Thank you to those parents who have nominated to support on the day.
Interim Reports and Parent Meetings
Term 1 Interim Reports will go home tomorrow via SEQTA engage. These reports give you information on your child’s school behaviours and social and emotional development, as well as their progress across the main learning areas. Following this, parent teacher meetings will be held on Wednesday 26th March. Teachers may request meetings with parents, and parents will have the option to do the same.
Easter Raffle and Bonnet Parade
This year’s Easter Bonnet Parade and Raffle Draw will be held on Wednesday 9th April at 9am. Easter Bonnets must be made at home in preparation for the parade. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase for $1 each outside the Multi-Purpose Room before school each day from 8.30am - 8.50am and during recess as of Monday 31 April. All money raised will go to Caritas Australia Project Compassion.
Project Compassion
In 2025, Caritas continues its mission to alleviate poverty and promote justice globally. Students can support this cause by donating funds through Project Compassion boxes in their classrooms, helping vulnerable communities access essential resources and opportunities. It would be great to have all our students and families support this worthy cause.
Assembly
Our next assembly will be held at 9am on Thursday 3rd April in the MPR. All parents and friends are invited to join us.
Luce Colouring Competition
You may have heard your children taking about “Luce” and the colouring in competition. Luce is the official mascot of the 2025 Jubilee and was inspired by the Catholic Church’s’ desire to connect with the youth of today. The winner of the colouring competition, which aims to support students in learning about Luce and this Jubilee year of hope, will be announced at our next assembly. This exciting initiative is being coordinated by Mrs Wright and our Year 6 Leaders.
ANZAC Day 2025
This year ANZAC Day, Friday 25th April, falls on the school holidays. Regardless, we are hoping to secure a large number of students willing to represent our school (in full winter uniform) and participate in the community parade and service. We will meet outside Ayres Garden at 9:15am ready for a 9:30am march to the RSL Memorial Park.
Additional to this, our school will reflect on ANZAC Day with a service on Wednesday 30th April at 1:30pm on the basketball court. All parents and friends are invited to join us.
Year 6 Camp Fundraising Meeting
Thank you to the Year 6 parents who recently met to discuss plans for Camp fundraising in 2025. On the cards is a Year 6 Disco, Wood Raffle, Bake Sale and Cash for Cans. We ask that all parents support our Year 6’s and their parents in their fundraising efforts.
Ring Central Telephony System
Recently, St Mary’s, along with Catholic Education WA (CEWA) has transitioned to Ring Central Telephony systems. The initial transition has been relatively smooth though there have been some processes we are still learning. Please be patient with us during this time.
NAPLAN
This week, our Year 3 and 5 students completed NAPLAN assessments. Despite a few technical challenges along the way, the students proved eager to sit the assessments and all were completed in a timely fashion. NAPLAN provides schools with standardised information on teaching and learning that can support decision making.
Bishop of Bunbury
We now have a new Bishop of Bunbury with Fr George Kolodziej SDS being ordained yesterday at St Patrick’s Cathedral. As a school, we took a small representation of staff and students to join in and celebrate this occasion. We look forward to working alongside Bishop George and welcoming him into our community.
Term Two
Term 2 commences for students on Wednesday 30th April. Please note this in your calendars.
Mother’s Day
This year, we will celebrate our Mothers with a Liturgy and morning tea being held on Friday 9th May. In preparation for the Mother’s Day Slideshow, can you please email a family photo to admin@stmarysdbrk.wa.edu.au to be included in the slideshow.
Important Dates
Please make note of the following dates regarding pupil free days:
Monday 28th April – Staff Professional Development / Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 29th April – Staff professional Development / Pupil Free Day
Friday 30th May – Catholic Day / Pupil Free Day
Monday 2nd June – WA Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 3rd June - Staff Professional Development / Pupil Free Day
Monday 25th August - Staff Professional Development / Pupil Free Day
Monday 3rd November - Staff Professional Development / Pupil Free Day
Friday 12th December – Last day for students
All other dates are aligned with the Department of Education and can be found HERE
School Website
Our school website can be found HERE and contains much information regarding school operations and procedures.
Parent Information
An updated parent information booklet, including teacher email addresses and school operations, can be found on our school website under the school information tab or by clicking HERE.
Term 1 Calendar
Please take note of the Term 1 calendar found HERE for all upcoming events. Term 2 Calendar will be put up on the website soon.
Enrolments
St Mary’s is open for enrolments and has places available across all year levels. Please share this information with prospective families, and contact the office on 97324700 should you be interested in a tour with the principal. More information, including an introductory video, can be found on our school website at www.stmarysdbrk.wa.edu.au
As this is the last newsletter for this term, I take this opportunity to wish all our families a blessed Easter, and a safe and restful break.
Thank you
Andrew Gammon
Principal
St Mary's School Donnybrook
Email: admin@stmarysdbrk.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stmarysdbrk.wa.edu.au
Location: 30 Bentley St, Donnybrook, WA, 6239
Phone: 08 97324700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Catholic-Primary-School-Donnybrook-1835840293345149/
