Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a fabulous week celebrating the end of a very busy and exciting first term at St Mary’s.   

Tuesday’s K-2 Eggstravaganza was a very special day for our school community. Our senior students put a lot of energy into organising the Easter activities for the students in K-2, their younger siblings and preschool aged friends. Many of our parents and visitors commented on the wonderful leadership shown by our Stage 3 students and the quality of the EGGstravaganza activities. A special thank you to Mrs Carla Durnan, Mrs Fran Devonald, Mrs Jessie White, Mrs Gen Schofield and all of the staff who contributed to organising the day and making it so great.  

Yesterday's K-12 Combined School’s Mass was a very special occasion for the students and staff from St Marys, St Bernard’s and Carroll College. Our students were beautifully behaved and reverant throughout the Mass. Being able to mix and play with their friends from St Bernard’s while eating Easter Snacks was the icing on the cake! Thank you to Mrs Gen Scholfleld and the other Religious Education Coordinators for organising such a major liturgical celebration.

A Special Welcome
We welcome Skyla and Milah as they join us at St Marys. The students in Years 1 and 3 were excited to have another child join their class. Both girls look like they have been with us for years!

Staffing
From the beginning of next term, Mrs Carla Durnan will be teaching Year 2 together on Fridays. Mrs Devonald and Mrs Durnan will continue to have their own Year 2 classes on Mondays to Thursdays although most teaching is done together. We thank Mrs Wendy Hackett for her work with Year 2 and wish her all the best for her long awaited trip overseas. Mrs Hackett will be back teaching casually with us later in the year. 

Open Day Kindergarten 2024
Please see attached our flyer for our Open Day this year, Wednesday 3 May. Our Open Day is a great opportunity for prospective and current families to see our school in action and hear about our supportive and nurturing school community. We will be having a presentation and information session, and it will be an opportunity to meet our leadership team, staff and current student leaders. Our senior students will be taking visitors on tours around the school.

Special School Lunch
Last week, I had the honour of taking ten St Mary’s students out to lunch because they deserved something a bit special. These children were chosen by Mrs Heffernan and myself because they have been noticed for being particularly kind to others. 

It was lovely to be able to sit down and chat with the children and watch them interact with each other. Several members of the community commented on their beautiful manners and behaviour. Congratulations to the children and the parents of Nicholas A, Ginger R, Billie B, Lewis McA, Mackenzie H, Nathan B, Lucy T, Fiona S, Isaac B and Axel S. They are a credit to you. 

Next time, Mitchell W and Neiva P will join the ‘I am Safe’ students, as they were absent on the day.