Dear Parents and Carers,

This week has been the highlight of the 2022 school year. I am sure you would agree that our musical Peter Pan was phenomenal. Despite some serious setbacks over the past two years, our amazing staff and students came together to share their talents on stage. 

I truly believe that it is the staff at St Mary’s that sets us apart from other schools. We have a close knit and fun loving team of teachers and support staff who continually go that extra mile for our students and families.

A whole school musical with an extended cast of more than 200 primary school age children involves a lot of commitment, hard work and energy. Congratulations and well done to all our students for their singing, their dancing and acting… it was fantastic! To all involved in the production, thank you for all your commitment, energy and unwavering determination to ensure that every student had the opportunity to shine and take part.

Congratulations to the entire Peter Pan cast and crew! 

Without the help and support of parents, we would not have been able to produce such a quality musical. We hope that many of you can join us on Monday morning.

If you haven't already done so, please let the office know if you can attend.  

Kinder Orientation
A reminder that we have our final Kindergarten Orientation on Wednesday November 23. Mrs Schofield and Mrs Stephen have planned another great session for the children to help them feel welcome and settled at St Mary’s. The children's Year 6 buddies for next year (current Year 5) will be involved this time. The relationships between Kindergarten and Year 6 students is something very special and we are currently revitalising the Buddy Program. If you hear of any parent who is still undecided about Kindergarten for next year, please encourage them to come in and see us so they can attend on Wednesday.

Transition Days for New students
In 2023,  we have several new families joining us at St Mary’s. Where possible, we invite the students in to spend time with us. This gives the new children an orientation into daily life at St Mary’s and our students the opportunity to get to know them. 

Classes and staffing for 2023
Based on enrolment numbers and the needs of our students, we have made the decision to implement the following class structure for 2023. Teachers have been allocated to classes with consideration given to their preference and professional growth, and whole school needs.

We  have begun the process of placing students into classes. These decisions are based on the best interests of the students’ social and academic development. Each student will be asked to nominate a couple of learning partners (classroom friends) that they would like to be with next year. Every student will have at least one learning partner in their class.

I have asked teachers to highlight any potential conflicts of interests with the makeup of their classes e.g. cousins, close family friends. Wherever possible, we try to separate teachers from their own children and those of their closest friends. This is important for both the children's wellbeing and independence and for the teachers' professional independence. Of course we value our small "family like" environment at St Mary's where all children are known and cared for by our wonderful staff.   

If you have any questions or concerns about classes for next year, please feel free to email me or pop in for a chat. We want to set all of our students up for success.

Pilgrimage
The Principals Professional Learning Program at Catholic Education has been set up to partly support school leaders with their spiritual and professional development. As part of this, I am privileged to be participating in a pilgrimage to Italy and Spain in late November.

Following visits to Lourdes, Montserrat, Assisi, Montecassino and Siena, I will be attending Christmas Eve Mass with Pope Francis at the Vatican, something I have always hoped to do.

I am also excited about visiting St Mary's Primary School on the Isle of Wight in the UK. Following the dreadful bushfires, the Head Teacher contacted me about organising a fundraiser for our school. Her small school community raised nearly $1000 for us and I am so pleased to have the opportunity to thank them in person. 

Mrs Sue Heffernan will be Acting Principal for the last couple of weeks of this term.   

These next few weeks will fly by quickly. Wishing you and your families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Noeleen O'Neill
Principal