Dear Parents,

What a joyful week we have had at St Mary’s! Earlier in the week, students and staff enjoyed a visit by Andrew Chinn, possibly the most talented musical entertainer of children in Australia. Today at our Mission Week Mass, the students sang two of his songs and are currently learning some more for upcoming Masses and liturgical celebrations.

Today's Mission Mass was a special occasion for the whole school community. Father George spoke of the importance of being missionary; sharing the Good news of Jesus with everyone we meet and doing things to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Our teachers and students organised some wonderful stalls to sell items and raise money for the people of Timor-Leste. A very big thank you to our wonderful parents who stayed up late at night, cooking cupcakes and treats for the class stalls. Many children have gone home with a new toy from the White Elephant Stall. It was also lovely to see so many parents, grandparents and parishioners join us to celebrate.

Term 4 
Term 4 is always a very busy one in schools. The students have returned from the holidays happy and ready for another great term of learning. With so much on in the next couple of months, as well as planning for 2024, it is important that we keep calm, happy and focused on finishing the year well. It is a very special time of the year, especially for our wonderful Year 6 students as they experience their final term of Primary School. The Stage 2 and 3 students are eagerly awaiting their upcoming excursion and camp.

Please keep the following Term 4 dates in your diaries.

Marg Croese’s celebration
Please join us on Friday November 17 at midday in the PAC, to celebrate Mrs Croese’s extraordinary contribution to the life of St Mary’s. Mrs Croese has been on the staff at St Marys for over 40 years and has taught nearly every child and many of their parents during that time.

We will commence with a special Liturgy and presentation and follow up with a family picnic lunch in our new playground area. Parents are asked to bring a picnic for their children and a plate to share with the community. I suggest bringing a picnic rug too, as we will not all fit on the seats. Those children, whose parents are unable to be here, should bring their lunch as normal and sit with their class teachers. 

We look forward to this very special occasion. Please feel free to invite grandparents and others who you think would like to be here to celebrate with Marg.

School Counsellor
Our school counsellor, Faith Costigan has now returned from leave. She works every Friday and alternate Thursdays at St Mary’s. Faith works with students who have been referred to her by their parents and teachers, who are needing additional support with managing their relationships, emotions, behaviour and anxiety at home or at school.

If you or your child is experiencing stress and you think counselling would help your child, please don't hesitate to ask for help. Please contact the office for assistance.

Swimming Program
As the weather warms up, the students are very excited about our upcoming swimming program. We are very pleased to be able to provide swimming instruction for all of our students from Kinder to Year 6 at no cost to parents. Our School Community Council covered the cost of the Swimming Instruction Training earlier in the year and is contributing to the cost of relief staff to cover the four teachers at the pool each Wednesday.

The cost of pool entry for the Swimming Assessment day and 4 days of the program  is $23.50. If your family holds a season pass or fitness passport card, then this may be used to cover pool entry.

If you haven't already, please complete the Google form from Mrs Megan Grant, so a COMPASS note can be created. Students without permission will need to remain at school.

2024 Term Dates

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Noeleen O'Neill
Principal