Principal News
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Last Monday, our Year 4 students led us in a liturgical celebration of the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. St Mary MacKillop, is the first Australian saint and founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. She is remembered for her leadership in providing education and support for children especially those from poor backgrounds. St Mary’s exemplary life and her acceptance of all people irrespective of their religious, racial, or cultural differences, make her ‘a saint for all Australians’. This is especially important in today’s society.
Catholic schools in Australia continue to be inspired by the words and actions of St Mary MacKillop.
‘Do not be afraid. Love one another,
bear with one another, and let charity guide you in all your life.’
Book Week
On Friday August 23 we will celebrate Book Week at St Marys with our fabulous parade, Book Stall and Book Quiz. Book Week is always a highlight of the school year and families are invited to join the fun from 9am. This year's theme is Reading is Magic which allows for much imagination with costumes. Of course children can be dressed up in almost anything for Book Week, so please don’t go to a lot of cost with costumes.
This year, our School Community Council is organising the Book Stall. Families are asked to send in some books in good condition and their children will come home with new ones.
Multilingual Learners
Last week, I met with Ms Sam Chrzczonowicz, Teaching and Learning Officer from Catholic Education to discuss ways of further supporting our multilingual learners at St Marys. Many of our students have language backgrounds other than English and it is timely that our teachers develop more expertise in supporting them in the classroom. On the first day of Term 4, staff will be participating in a professional learning day with Ms Chrzczonowicz.
Tell Them From Me Survey
In the coming weeks, we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experiences of St Mary’s using an online survey. The surveys are an important aspect of our annual school evaluation and planning processes.
As we highly value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback through the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Mary’s.
You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below: The survey closes on August 23.
Parent Learning
Online Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
Parents and carers are able to access free online parenting courses developed in Australia by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, thanks to Australian Government funding. Below is a link to some online resources that may assist families with the everyday challenges parents and carers face raising calm, resilient and happy children. Topics include:
- Managing emotions/anger
- Anxiety
- Behaviour and Discipline
- Sleeping
- Technology
I encourage parents to also consider completing the online course for parenting under 12s.
Invitation to 'A Bluey Perspective'
A free family event with ‘Bluey’ creator Joe Brumm will be held at Merici College on Wednesday 11 September. Presented by Catholic School Parents Canberra and Goulburn with the support of Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn, the event aims to bring families from across the Archdiocese together, to listen to Joe talk about why he thinks Bluey has been such a success and the important role parents play in their child’s learning and development. There is an option for live streaming for parents and carers who are unable to attend in person.
Print: Bluey poster - print.pdf
Digital: Bluey poster - digital.pdf
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-bluey-perspective
Contact: sarah.rose@cg.catholic.edu.au or 0447888326 (Family Engagement Officer)
Mrs Noeleen O'neill
Principal