Issue #9 12th June 2024
Principal's Update
Year 6 in Canberra
Year 6 spent a wonderful three days in Canberra. It was an extremely busy excursion, visiting a long list of highlights including Old Parliament House, The War Memorial, Parliament House, Mt Ainslie, The Electorial Commision, The Mint, The Dinosaur Museum, AIS and of course, Questacon! While at Parliament House we were able to meet our Member for Parliament, Emma McBride; and were lucky enough to see 'Parliament in Action' as Emma was called for two divisions while she spoke to the children! The children were super stars the whole three days - their kind natures, helpful dispositions and knowledge of Canberra and the Government really shone through. Congratulations on being such fantastic representatives during your time away, we hope you had the best time.
A big thank you to our wonderful Year 6 teachers Mrs MacMahon, Mrs Doyle, Mrs Cheek and Mrs Perell, who spent three days away from their own families to make sure the students could have this wonderful experience. We also thank our two parent helpers, Mrs Turner and Mrs Hughes, for their amazing support - we appreciate you!
Canberra 2024 Photos
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Reports and Parent Teacher Meetings
Next Friday 21st June, school reports will become available on Compass (at approximately 3.15pm). These reports celebrate the learning gains your child has shown over the last semester, and also areas of continued focus.
Parent/Teacher Meetings are available the week of 24th-28th June. These are 15 minute timeslots to discuss your child's progress and learning behaviours with their teacher. Bookings for these close next week, so book now through Compass, if you haven't already done so.
Gala Days
We have two upcoming gala days later this term, a Stage 2 (28th June) and Stage 3 (21st June) Netball Gala Day. These are fun non-competitive days of mixed ability teams. Please make sure you have returned your permission via Compass.
Uniform Shop
This week is the first week of our Uniform Shop becoming online, as we now have joined the other Catholic Schools in working with Cowan and Lewis through their online platform. A 'price guide' and 'how to order' form have been added to our school website (these were also sent out on Compass last week). If you are having any problems, please call the school office and we can support you with this changeover.
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Building Works Update
Our building works, to replace the Year 5 demountables, is still on track (at this stage) to begin late 2024, building throughout 2025. When I have more information about the start dates, I will let you know.
Athletics Carnival
Our Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday 3rd July at Mingara Athletics Track. This is a compulsory, fun day for all students K-6. A note was sent home last week on Compass for permission, this note is due now. We encourage any parents who can volunteer for a job to please let us know. Unfortunately, no parents are able to move with students on the inside of the track (for fun events), however there are plenty of viewing opportunities from the outside of the track.
Playgroup
Our next playgroup is next Tuesday 18th June in hall, 9.15am-10.30am. Please join us!
Last Day of Term 2/First Day of Term 3
The last day for students this term is Thursday 4th July, Friday 5th July is a Diocesan-wide Staff Development Day. The first day back of Term 3 for students will be Tuesday 23rd July.
Our Term 3 Calendar will be attached to next week's newsletter.
Staffing Change
Last week Mrs Mel Rosser finished her time with us at St Mary's, in her role as Collaborative Coaching Release. We thank Mel for sharing her wonderful skills with the students and staff this year, best wishes for the future. Ms Taylah Rogers returns to us this week in the Collaborative Coaching Release position, teaching in the 'green' classes. Welcome back!
Canberra: Students from our school have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
From our REC
First Eucharist
Congratulations to all our students who received their First Eucharist last weekend. A special thank you to Sr Jiji and the Sacramental team who made the ceremony so special.
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Confirmation
Last week our Parish Sacramental Team held information and enrolment sessions for Confirmation. This sacrament is offered to students in Year 3 and above who have been baptised. It is not too late to enrol. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like your child to be involved in this sacrament.
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Sacred Heart Mass
Last Friday our Kinder students lead the school in our Sacred Heart Mass. They did an amazing job in all ministries. We especially enjoyed them singing, Sacred Heart by Timothy Hart. Thank you to our Kinder teachers and our parents for preparing them so well.
Year 3 Sunday Parish Mass
On Sunday 23rd June Year 3 will be leading our Sunday Parish Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together. We ask all families to bring a plate of food to share with our community after mass. Our Year 3 teachers will be handing out ministries soon.
ICAS 2024
We will be offering ICAS Assessments again this year. Please read the letter below including how to sign up and pay for these assessments. ICAS Assessments are optional and are targeted at students who wish to extend themselves academically. These assessments are held before school at 8am in our library. All assessments are online.