Stage 2 Wellbeing program
This term, we have been fortunate to have staff from The Family Place at St Mary’s working alongside our Stage 2 teachers and students. Binin.gala is a Social and Emotional Wellbeing program, focusing on developing Bravery, Resilience and Empathy. Through Art and Drama activities, students are supported to develop their self-regulation skills, a deeper connection, respect and empathy for others. Our students have responded well to the workshops and we thank The Family Place  and NSW Office of Regional Youth for their support.

Thanks to our creative parents for helping out with the costumes and coming along for the fun on Wednesday.  

New playground update
The new natural play space is nearing completion. This week the new shade structures were installed and logs and granite rocks were placed to create a wonderful and unique play experience compared to traditional play equipment. We can’t wait to see the end result and let the students experience what will be an incredible addition to our school.

Vietnam Veterans Service
Last Friday, Mrs Butler and I had the privilege of taking two of our School Leaders, Cooper H and Indi T to Batemans Bay for a special Eurobodalla Vietnam Veterans’ Day Service. Initially surprised at how many Bikies were in attendance, Cooper and Indi came to understand the importance of the gathering, especially as this year marks 50 years since Australian troops were withdrawn from the Vietnam War.  We were especially proud of the way the students confidently shook hands and thanked the veterans for their service. 

Special Lunch 
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of taking twelve very happy students to lunch at Tukka Cafe. The students were chosen by the Leadership Team because they have shown us that they are consistently Doing their Best in the classroom and on the playground.

It was lovely to sit down in the sunshine with the children and watch them interact with each other. Congratulations to Ashley H, Zane C, Theodore J, Akeyla F, Tessa H, Anthony M, Cooper C, Callum T, Kye N, Evie G, Quade McD, Noah B-T.

We look forward to choosing more students later in the term for the next I am Kind Awards. 

My hope is that over a two year period, all children at St Mary’s will have had at least one Special Lunch outing.

Principal REC and Clergy Day 
On Friday this week, Father George, Mrs Schofield and I will join other Clergy, RECs and Principals across the Archdiocese for the annual Catholic Key Leaders Day in Canberra. The focus will be on Church and system priorities and direction for 2024. The link between Direct Instruction and the teaching of Religious Education is also on the agenda.

Staffing
Mrs Jo Matthews and Mrs Fran Devonald will be on leave until the end of Term 3. As the Year 2 cohort is of a normal class size, Mrs Carla Durnan is currently teaching the students together. Students will remain in their small Spelling Mastery and CMC Maths groups.

Mrs Jessie White will cover some of Mrs Matthew’s role as Learning Support Teacher and Mrs Wendy Hackett will teach Year 1 on some afternoons. 

Mrs Georgia Veneris was due to return to St Mary’s later this term, following her Parental Leave. Unfortunately for us, Georgia has made the difficult decision to transfer to St Bernard’s to be closer to home and family. We thank Georgia for the wonderful job she did here at St Mary’s and wish her well for the future.  

Currently, Ms Bridget Tegart is teaching Performing Arts for us and the students are thoroughly enjoying the dancing.

As you would know, there is currently a chronic shortage of teachers in Australia  and we are affected like all other schools and communities. Generally, we do quite well at St Mary’s as we have additional staff,  but occasionally when there are many teachers who are sick, we have no choice other than to combine or split classes. 

And so….please encourage young people to consider teaching as a profession. Despite its present challenges, education is and will always be a brilliant career!

Kindergarten 2024  Orientation Days
Dates have been set for 2024 Kindergarten Orientation sessions.

Wednesday November 8 and Wednesday November 22.

Invitations will be sent home soon to families who have enrolled their children at St Mary’s next year.  

God’s blessings on you and your families

Noeleen O'neill
Principal