St Maria Goretti School, Inglewood eNewsletter

From the Principal

Dear parents & carers,

As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the next, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. The achievements we've celebrated, the challenges we've overcome, and the improvements we continue to make all contribute to the vibrant and nurturing learning environment we strive to maintain at St Maria Goretti.

I would like to send a thank you from all the staff for the support from our parent community over the last school year. Working together so positively only strengthens us as a school community, and we will continue to build on this in the new year.

We have the most exceptional group of young people at St Maria Goretti. Our students have grown not just academically, but also in character, kindness, and compassion. They are great examples of how to authentically live and breathe our school values of Faith, Service, Hope, Kindness and Respect.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to our teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment and dedication. Their hard work and passion have created a nurturing environment where our students thrive and grow.

I would like to wish the Year 6 students a "see you later" as they leave us and move onto the next chapter in their school adventure. I have no doubts that they will continue to make us all very proud as they move to secondary school.

I look forward to celebrating the end of the school year with our community in the following ways:

- Awards Night, Monday the 2nd of December, 5:30pm at Our Lady of the Southern Cross Church. This will be followed by a dinner under the school catered for by the Parent Engagement Network.

- Graduation Mass, Wednesday the 4th of December, 9:30am at Our Lady of the Southern Cross Church. This will be followed by the cutting of the graduation cake.

MacKillop Way Awards Term 4 - Work with constancy and courage (Mary MacKillop)

Nate Hobbs P/1

Nominated by Miss Spencer

Nate always puts in his best effort into each activity he undertakes despite the level of difficulty. If he is unsure of something, he always asks for clarification or assistance to ensure he is producing high quality work. In all activities, Nate is focused and uses his time well in class. He is well organised by ensuring his homework is completed neatly, listens to instructions and ensures he has the appropriate equipment ready to begin an activity. Throughout the day, he responds to the transition bells by being at his bag promptly ready to learn.

Jessie Apted 2/3/4

Nominated by Miss Barnes & Mrs Osborne

Jessie consistently demonstrates courage and dedication, always striving for her best. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she approaches every challenge with a positive attitude. Jessie is punctual, organised, and always ready to learn. Her unwavering commitment to her studies and her willingness to take risks make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Madeline Apted 5/6

Nominated by Miss Key

Madeline works with constancy and courage as she consistently puts in her best efforts across all learning areas. She seizes all opportunities to grow as a learner and a leader. Madeline approaches learning tasks with enthusiasm and displays a love for learning and personal growth. She consistently seeks additional feedback to make improvements to her work and persists during challenging tasks. Madeline sets an example to others by responding promptly and positively to teacher instructions. Madeline displays self-organisational skills to ensure she has the required materials and that she meets task deadlines while producing work to a high standard. During break times, Madeline responds promptly to bell times and provides assistance to others during these transitions. In all areas of school life, Madeline embodies the MacKillop way and challenges others to do the same.

Homework & Uniform Policies

The following school policies were endorsed at the Parent Engagement Network meeting yesterday. These documents will be implemented as from January 2025.

St Maria Goretti Homework Policy

St Maria Goretti Uniform Policy

If you have any questions about either of these policies, or any policies that currently exist, please email me at casey.robinson@twb.catholic.edu.au

I would like to wish all of our children, families, and staff a wonderful Christmas break. I hope you have the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, create lasting memories, and embark on exciting adventures. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2025.

Yours in education,

Casey Robinson

Principal

Library News

Thank you for assisting with the return of student loans. All items are due now!

Please visit your local library for holiday reading material and add books to the Christmas wish list!

Details for our school online reading and viewing resources are:

Storybox Library www.storyboxlibrary.com.au

Username: SMG

Password: stories

Britannica School Online https://school.eb.com.au

AccessID: mariagoretti

Passcode: inglewood

AccessIt Homepage https://au.accessit.online/STS33/#!dashboard

ClickView https://online.clickview.com.au/

Username: student username@twb.catholic.edu.au

Password: student password

Wheelers e-Platform https://toowoombaresourcecentre.wheelers.co

Username: student username@twb.catholic.edu.au

Password: student password

Summer Reading Bags

Students have received a selection of activities, a packet of small pencils, a copy of the online reading resources and some bookmarks hand-made by Mrs Norma Murphy to encourage their reading and thinking over the Christmas holidays. Thank you Mrs Smith for contributing to and compiling these take home packs!

LIFE AND LEARNING IN THE LIBRARY

THANK YOU PEN!

As another school year comes to an end, I acknowledge and thank the Parent Engagement Network for providing funds for new library books. Students are always excited to borrow new additions to the collection! Providing engaging books is key to students growing as readers and being curious about the world.

Happy and Safe Holidays Everyone!

I hope you get to relax with a book when the business of the school year ends.

Take care of each other and all the best for 2025!

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian

Sport and Physical Education

What an incredible year we have had with sporting achievements and carnivals for 2024! To recap an incredible year, our students have been part of Swimming lessons, Athletics training, Netball, T-ball, Cricket, Tennis, Rugby League, League Tag and Touch Football. We have had visits to our school by trained professionals hosting NRL Clinics, a Tackle Ready program and we were part of a fantastic Gala Day competition with the Inglewood State School.

The Sport Award for 2024 has been an extremely tough decision for us as a staff as we have several very deserving students who have made us very proud in their sporting achievements for 2024. This award recognizes the skill and achievement of an individual in the area of sport however, it also takes into account attendance levels, sportsmanship in competition and in the playground and willingness to participate in every opportunity available to our students. When considering all of these areas, it was clear that one student in particular was the perfect recipient for this award, and I cannot wait to celebrate this individual on awards night.

I have really enjoyed watching each student find a passion for a range of different sports this year and I am looking forward to providing our students with even more opportunities next year!

Olivia Osborne

Sports Coordinator

Overdue School Fees

A reminder that school fees are now overdue. Please settle your account as soon as possible.

Some families will be receiving follow up correspondence in the coming weeks to double check their current situation or change of circumstances. Chasing up overdue fees is a very time-consuming task. Your prompt payment allows us to successfully pay for class resources and extra-curricular activities, such as school camp. It also enables us to confidently enter into the new year in a good financial position to continue to offer quality teaching and learning experience, updated facilities and desired staffing levels.

We expect some kind of regular payment commitment from all families and for debts not to be ever increasing.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the office to make an appointment with Casey.

Students of the Week - Week 7

Students of the Week - Week 8

Learning Disposition Certificates

Mathletics Certificate

Welcome to our school!

Enrol Now for 2025

Please visit our school website for information about enrolment https://www.inglewood.catholic.edu.au/enrol or call the office on 4652 1109.

Parent Engagement Network (PEN)

Parent Engagement Network

2024 Parent Engagement Network Executive -

Chairperson	Melissa Callaghan
Secretary	Gabe Groves
Fundraising Coordinator	Michelle Walker

Our next PEN meeting will be on:

Wednesday 19th February

Please contact Casey, Melissa, Gabe or Mandy to add an item to the agenda.

All parents are very welcome to attend the PEN meeting as a rewarding way to get involved with the school community and keep up to date with school events, policies and projects.

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