Term 2, Week 8 - 12th June, 2025
From the Principal
Dear families,
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible influence of our words—how they shape our interactions and, more importantly, our community. They carry weight, often more than we realise.
At school, this has been a key theme in recent discussions with our students, particularly around our core value of Kindness. We've explored the impact of words—not just what we say, but how we say it. Whether in casual conversations or meaningful discussions, the language we choose plays a vital role in shaping our school culture. This applies to both students and adults alike. Most importantly, the tone of our school is not set by our students alone, but by all of us—the adults in our community.
A simple greeting, a lighthearted joke, a quiet comment, or a heartfelt compliment—these words ripple through the lives of others in ways we may not even realize. As educators, we have a unique opportunity, and a deep responsibility, to help students understand the immense power of words and to lead by example in fostering kind and respectful communication. Every word spoken is like a stone cast into water, creating ripples that extend far beyond what we see. Our words have the ability to uplift or discourage in an instant, and we must choose to use them thoughtfully and with kindness. When we model empathy, respect, and thoughtful communication, our students notice.
A strong, positive adult culture provides the foundation for a thriving, kind student culture. By consistently using affirming, inclusive language and celebrating each other’s successes, we cultivate an environment where kindness can flourish.
One guiding question I reflect on daily is: How have I influenced the culture today? A culture is built with intention. As the principal of St Maria Goretti, I firmly believe in uplifting students, staff, and families—speaking positively about them rather than critically or dismissively. Words shape reality, and whether we’re fostering school culture, leading change, supporting students, or sharing a vision, what we say—and how we say it—truly matters.
How can you go out this week, and into the future, and make a positive difference with your words?
Master Planning at St Maria Goretti
In 2025, our school is going through the process of creating a Master Plan. This has been identified as a strategic priority in our 2025 Annual Action Plan.
A Master Plan is a document or series of documents principally designed to provide a framework and guidance in which a school can develop their facilities.
Please contribute to the master planning process by completing the survey below. https://forms.office.com/r/JZpMr1VgZ4
Coming soon: Your chance to help shape our schools
Every two years, families from our school communities share their views through the Shaping our future – Perception Survey. It’s a valuable way for us to reflect on how each of our schools are living out Toowoomba Catholic Schools shared purpose: enabling full and flourishing lives.
This year’s survey will be sent via Sentral on Monday, 21 July. Please keep an eye out for it – your feedback helps shape the future of all 32 Toowoomba Catholic schools.
We will also be asking our Years 5 & 6 students to complete a student version of the survey during Catholic Education Week at school (Term 3, Week 3).
For more information, please email me at casey.robinson@twb.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for your time and valuable contributions.
Yours in education,
Casey Robinson
Principal
From the Library
THE POWER OF FREE CHOICE READING FOR PLEASURE
The table below lists the benefits/outcomes of reading for pleasure. The role of the school library and the library team is to provide opportunities for students to engage with material that will lead to these outcomes. It is the most rewarding part of our role and we appreciate the support of parents/caregivers who encourage and share in this reading at home.
USING INFORMATION TO LEARN ABOUT OUR WORLD
All classes spend some time on developing their information skills during their weekly library session.
Prep and Year 1: We are using the Non-Fiction books to investigate to skin and hair of animals
Years 2, 3 and 4: We are using atlases, globes and Britannica School online to investigate Australia's place in the Southern hemisphere and our neighbours
Years 5 and 6: We are using selected text to answer specific questions on animal adaptations that enhance survival.
TERM 3 BOOK CELEBRATIONS
Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) celebrate their 80th year in 2025! Eighty years of volunteer workers spreading the joy of reading and promoting the wonderful books created each year by Australian authors and illustrators, now that is something to celebrate and to be proud of as Australians.
The theme for Book Week is "Book an Adventure!" We will explore how books lead to adventure. Our dress up parade will be held in Week 6 and we will share some fun, reading related activities on the day.
Week 7 in the Library
I hope you can find time to be cosy and read now that Winter is here!
Anne Anderson
Teacher Librarian
Our School Prayer
Communication Guidelines
School Success
If you are like most parents, you want your child to do well and enjoy their time at school. School can be a hectic place, for some children more than others. Listed below are several ways you can increase your child’s success at school.
- Establish good routines and create a stable home environment
- Help your child to be organised and encourage independence
- Read together and ask your child about their day at school
- Help your child to learn that it’s ok to make a mistake
- Support your child’s friendships and development of social skills
- Support your child’s wellbeing by encouraging good eating and sleeping habits, as well as encouraging physical activities
- Manage screen time and technology
- Encourage regular relaxation time, as well as time to connect and listen to your child
- Support your child to complete their homework and provide encouragement by noticing any hard work or effort made
- Communicate any concerns to your child’s classroom teacher or school principal
Other useful sites to visit for tips relating to school success:
How to help your child get motivated in school (Childmind.org)
10 ways to help your child succeed in primary school (KidsHealth.org)
Article provided by: Paul Fomiatti, Guidance Counsellor
Students of the week - Week 7
Sight Word Certificates
Reading Certificate
Upcoming School Events
Theme - Alphabet Disco (Dress as something starting with the first letter of your name!)
When - Thursday 26th of June from 5:30-7:00pm
Where - Upstairs classroom
Who - SMG students
$5.00 entry will cover the cost of food for the night. Students MUST attend school that day. Unlike previous years, parents are NOT required to stay. Prizes for best dressed!
Parent Engagement Network (PEN)
Parent Engagement Network
2025 Parent Engagement Network Executive -
| Chairperson | Melissa Callaghan |
| Secretary | Gabe Groves |
| Fundraising Coordinator | Michelle Walker |
| Tuckshop Convenor | Shaylee Huntly |
| Finance | Mandy Mead |
Our next PEN meeting will be on:
Wednesday 18th June at 3:30pm in the library
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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Our Colour Run is back! Please join us for a morning of fun & community building.
You can access the info pack by visiting the website link below -
https://www.inglewood.catholic.edu.au/community
Enrol Now for 2026
Please visit our school website for information about enrolment https://www.inglewood.catholic.edu.au/enrol or call the office on 4652 1109.
