Issue #12 23rd July 2025
Principal's Update
NAIDOC Week NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This morning, we welcomed Tim from Girri Girra back to our school to lead us in a special Smoking Ceremony. During the morning Tim shared some stories and songs with the children to celebrate NAIDOC week which was in the school holidays. It was a wonderful experience, and we thank Tim for leading this.
Grandparent's Day This Friday we welcome our grandparents back into our school grounds for the afternoon on Friday July 25th. At midday, grandparents can enjoy a liturgy our children have prepared online (this will be in classrooms, grandparents must choose a classroom to visit first), before having time to be with their grandchildren in their classrooms. There will also be a break for afternoon tea. Grandparents may wish to take their grandchildren with them for an early mark from 2pm (please provide a permission note). Due to the business of the day, there will be no lunch orders on Friday. The canteen will be open for snacks as usual.
If you would like to help Victoria, our Parent Engagement Coordinator, set up and serve cake and tea, please call the office.
Athletics Carnival Next Monday we hold our Twilight Athletics Carnival at Mingara from 2.30pm-4.30pm. This was an opt-in event, due to the changes of event circumstances, and event nominations have now closed. Thank you for your understanding and support through these changes.
School Disco On August 15th we will hold our disco at Wyong League Club (please note that this is a different venue to 2024). We will have two sessions: K-2 from 5.15pm-6.15pm, followed by Years 3-6 from 6.30pm-7.45pm. To cover room hire and our DJ (Bop Till You Drop), we have a $2 entry for each child, which will be collected at the door on the night. We can't wait to have a great night!
New fencing in our bus bay You will have noticed that new fencing in our bus bay was installed during the school holidays. The 30m of fencing will establish a safer walkway for children as they move on and off the school buses, as well as a safe area as they move across the pedestrian crossing and onto our playground.
Kinder: 100 Days Brighter! Next Friday, August 1st, we celebrate our wonderful Kindergarten children reaching a HUGE milestone - 100 days of Kinder! To celebrate, they are asked to wear bright clothes next Friday, as they spend the day completing activities based on the number 100. We are so proud of how grown our Kinders have become, and how much they have already learned!
Playgroup We have two dates for Playgroup this term; August 6th and August 26th. Playgroup is held in our library and is specifically developed for those children who will be joining us in Kinder next year. Our next playgroup on Wednesday August 6th will feature a Teddy Bear Picnic theme – please RSVP by clicking here.
**Children are encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy bear for a delightful morning including a teddy bear picnic, a themed storybook reading and fine motor skill activities tailored to early learners.
School Photos Our school photos have arrived and have been sent home. If you opted for the photos to be collected from the office (while you were ordering), they are waiting in the office for you to collect them.
NAPLAN Earlier in the year (March), our Year 3 and Year 5 students completed NAPLAN. Results of these tests were delivered to school this week. Each child's individual results, which are sealed in their own envelope, are being sent home with your child today.
AI Parent Webinar In our growing use of technology, there is a parent webinar organised by the CNA titled 'AI and the Digital Generation'. This may be of interest to you. Details and RSVP link are here AI & the Digital Generation (Parent Webinar) | CNA.
Dates for 2026 We have preliminary dates for the start of the 2026 school year. Year 1-6 2026 will begin school on Thursday 29th January, and Kinder 2026 will begin their first day on Friday 30th January.
Sport News Last term, during Week 10, Josi C, Evie C, Sienna H, Lennox K, Amarli M, Phoebe N and Madi R represented St Mary’s and Broken Bay for Touch Footy Polding trials in Port Macquarie. They all played brilliantly and should be so proud of their achievement. Madi R was selected for the Polding Team and will play in Dubbo in August. Congratulations to you all.
From our REC
Masses, Liturgies and Sacred Spaces in Term 3
Below is a picture of our Masses, Liturgies and Sacred Spaces this term. Please join us if you are able to.
Confirmation - Year 3 students and students in Years 4 - 6 who have been baptised.
Confirmation classes will begin next week. If you would like your child to make the Sacrament of Confirmation please reach out to Sr Jiji. Classes will begin next week. Confirmation is the next sacrament to make after children have been baptised. Many children are confirmed by the Bishop in Year 3. It is also open to children in Years 4-6. Please complete the form using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/YFpfSk2YWe
ICAS Assessments 2025
We will again be offering ICAS Assessments to students in Years 2-6. These are optional assessments to extend students. This is the last week to purchase ICAS Assessments. Please read the attached flyer if you child is in Year 2 or above.