Term One is almost over. We have had an incredibly busy start to the school year and achieved so much. 

We have recently undergone our school’s Compliance Review of Registration, an extensive process completed by schools every five years to ensure they have evidence that meets NESA and CECG obligations.  

We welcome a new student Esther into Kindergarten. The girls in the class are especially delighted that another little girl has joined them! 

Attendance and 100% Attendance Party with Mrs O’Neill
Part of the Registration process was checking student attendance, explanations for unexplained absences and approved exemptions. As mentioned earlier in the term, parents are legally obligated to send their children to school every day and have satisfactory explanations for when they are absent. 

Since COVID, schools across Australia have noticed a significant drop in attendance and St Mary’s is experiencing the same. Absences on Mondays and Fridays being the most common.

One of our challenges is having explanations for absences within the required time frame. Can I please remind parents of how important it is to explain absences so they are not recorded as ‘Unexplained’. If you need any help with Compass, please contact your child's teacher or the Front Office. 

As a way of promoting and rewarding high attendance at St Mary’s, we have decided to reward excellent attendance with a 100% Attendance Party in the last week of each school term. 

In Term One, we have 31 students from Kinder to Year 6 who have attained the 100% mark. They have attended school every single day and had two or less late arrivals or early departures. These students will be acknowledged and treated to a special party next week. I apologise in advance if the children come home a little energised!

Parent Information Night 
Please mark the evening of Wednesday June 12 on your calendars for a special Parent Night at St Mary’s.

At the request of the School Community Council, we will be hosting an Information Night about Learning and Data at St Mary’s.

Mrs Heffernan will present an explanation of our Literacy and Numeracy Instructional Programs, the analysis of student and school data including NAPLAN and our school interventions.

We will organise child care for those parents who require it. More information will come home early next term.

First Reconciliation
Congratulations to the 15 students who will be making their First Reconciliation next Wednesday evening. With the support of their teachers Mrs Megan Grant and Mrs Alicia Hampson and our REC Mrs Gen Schofield, the students have gained a good  age-appropriate understanding of what the sacrament means. Through prayer, scripture, poetry and art, they have learnt about seeking and receiving forgiveness for their wrongdoings. We pray for Charlotte B, Reign C, Ryan F, Theodore J, Emilia K, Benjamin L, Bentley McD, Calvin M, Bernadette S, Evander S, Alonso V, Cooper VW, Patrick W, Harriet W, Elsie L and their families during this special time.   

Staffing 
Early next term, I will be taking three weeks Long Service Leave to spend some time with my adult children living in Queensland. During my absence, Mrs Sue Hefferrnan will be Acting Principal and Mrs Gen Schofield will be Acting Assistant Principal.

If you have any concerns during this time, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Heffernan.

We have employed Mrs Christine Greig to assist Mrs Schofield in Kinder as she will need some additional time off class. Mrs Greig is well known to all of the children at St Mary’s and she loves her time in Kindergarten.  

It will also be wonderful to have Mrs Jess Aflick back two days a week from next term. One day just isn't enough!

Gold Coin Mufti Day Fundraiser
A reminder that on the last day of Term One Friday April 12 we will be having a Mufti Day at school to raise money to go to Caritas to provide much needed water, food and medical supplies for the people in Gaza. 

For those parents new to school, a Mufti Day is a day when students can come to school in casual clothes and are asked to bring a gold coin for the privilege of it! 

Our Stage 3 students will hold a cake stall on this day and sell their iceblocks too. Please send along some extra money as the proceeds from the mufti day and the sale of these tasty treats will all go to https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/gaza-crisis/

Please make sure that your children wear closed in shoes for safety. 

Wishing you and your families a wonderful upcoming school holiday. Please stay safe and keep well. 

God’s blessings of you and your families

Mrs Noeleen O'neill​​​​
Principal