Issue #14 20th August 2025
Principal's Update

Exciting School Improvements Ahead We are pleased to inform our school community that building works will commence in the coming weeks to construct six new classrooms, the refurbishment of some toilets and existing classrooms and an upgraded administration area. These facilities will provide modern, flexible spaces to support high-quality teaching and learning, and will be a valuable investment in our students’ futures. You may remember that this work was originally scheduled to begin in the second half of 2024. We have now received notification from North Construction and Building, that work will commence on September 3rd. During the construction period, there will be some noise and minor disruption, including adjustments to the use of certain playground areas. The first works to begin will be the new classrooms, which will join onto the current Year 6 block, next to the oval (where our current 'stage' area is, image provided). Please be assured that the learning, safety and wellbeing of our students will remain our highest priority. I will be working closely with the project team to minimise impacts and ensure school life continues as smoothly as possible. Although trucks will use the carpark to access the site, Fr Tomy and I have met with the North Team to ensure that disruptions for parents and parishioners will be kept to a minimum, and deliveries remain outside of key times.
I'd like to thank you all in advance for your patience and support as we take this exciting step forward together. These improvements will make a lasting difference to our school, and we look forward to sharing updates with you as the works progress.
Book Parade This Thursday is our Book Parade. Regardless of the weather, all students will still be wearing their Book Week Costume on Thursday. With the predicted weather we have two plans for how the day will go. We will make a final decision by 8.00am on Thursday morning and notify parents via Compass.
Plan A: Dry weather/not raining. The Book Parade will take place at 9.00am after our morning bell. This will be held in one of two places, depending on the overnight rain: the top playground or oval. If the ground is too wet for students to sit, all students will go to their classroom or the undercroft and be called grade-by-grade to parade in front of the parents. We will begin with Kinder. Once each class has completed a lap, they will return straight to their class. Parents will not be able to then go into their child's classroom.
Plan B: Wet weather. In the event of rain, we unfortunately will have no choice but to cancel the parade. Students will still attend school in their costume. During the morning, all teachers will take class and small group photos of all students, which will then be shared on social media to ensure all students are able to be seen. This is not an easy decision to make, and it will only be called off as a last resort. Thank you for your understanding.
Summer Uniform Next week (Week 6) is the last compulsory week of Winter uniform. From September 1st, children may choose to wear either their winter or summer uniform to school. From September 8th, we ask all children to have changed into their summer uniform.
Public Speaking Competition Last week's Public Speaking Competition was a huge success. The children who presented their speech were so impressive and well-spoken. We would like to thank our three adjudicators, Mrs Natalie Cooper: CSBB Learning Partner, Mrs Alison Newell: Head of CCD in the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, and Dr Amanda Eades: Assistant Principal at St Brigid’s College Lake Munmorah.
Congratulations to our placegetters for each grade. Kinder: 1st Lucy A, 2nd Thea B, 3rd Ruby M. Year 1: 1st Liam C, 2nd Cruz M, 3rd Jenson P. Year 2: 1st Bruno K, 2nd Rocco L, 3rd Tilly H. Year 3: 1st Remi B, 2nd Aria C, 3rd Oliver L. Year 4: 1st Sienna R, 2nd Harper W, 3rd Sophie A. Year 5: 1st Eli F, 2nd Katy-Leigh P, 3rd Finley G. Year 6: 1st Willow L, 2nd Zara B, 3rd Madison R. Both Willow and Zara will now complete in the Northern Central Coast Cluster Finals next Monday 25th August at St Brendan's. There, they will present their prepared speech and also an impromptu speech on an unknown topic. Good luck, Willow and Zara!








Staff Development Day A reminder that this Friday 22nd we have our Staff Development Day. All staff will be off-site. Thank you for your understanding and making alternate arrangements for your children.
Science Week Last week our students all explored, in their classes, the fun of science. There were webinars, experiments and lots of discoveries that took place. Thank you to Mrs Perry for coordinating the week.
Father's Day Volunteers On Friday 5th September we will be celebrating Father's Day. We are looking for volunteers to help prepare the breakfast on the Thursday afternoon and then help to serve food on the Friday morning. Below are the days and times that we require help:
Thursday 4/9/25: 1.30pm-3.00pm Friday 5/9/25: 6.30am-9.30am
We would also appreciate any helpers for the Father's Day Stall, on Thursday 4/9/25 from 9.00am.
Please contact the school office on 7256 2143 or email: smt@dbb.catholic.edu.au if you are available to help, even if it's only for part of the time. Days like this do not run without parent support and we appreciate the many parents that volunteer their time.
Father's Day With Father's Day just around the corner, we have an update of upcoming purchases and events: Thursday 4th September: Father's Day Stall: All items must be prepaid through the Qkr! App by the closing date Friday 29th August at 4.00pm. We are unable to allow for any late orders to be processed. Maximum of 2 gifts per child. The cost is $10 each. Friday 5th September: Father's Day Breakfast and Liturgy: Our breakfast is free for all dads/father figures (pops, grand dads) and students, however we can not cater for other family members. All food must be ordered through the Qkr! App by 4.00pm, Friday 29th August, so that orders with local suppliers can be finalised. Please order for your family under your eldest child's name. All food must be pre-ordered, so that we can ensure that we have enough food on the day. Once you arrive in the morning for the breakfast, please head to the designated area to collect your tickets, before you collect your breakfast. Unfortunately, we can not accept any orders after the 29th August.
Our liturgy will begin at 9.00am on Friday 5th on the top playground (weather pending), all dads are welcome to join us if they can.
School Disco We know our children had a wonderful time at our disco on Friday night. Thank you for coming, your behaviour was fantastic. I would like to acknowledge our staff who gave up their time to supervise, as it is only with their support that events such as this can go ahead. Thank you Mrs Hartge, Mrs Kyle, Mrs Vargas Mrs Doyle, Mrs Perell, Mrs Lee, Miss Evans, Mrs Perry, Mrs Cousins and Mrs Roach.
Broken Bay Athletics Congratulations and good luck to our 12 students who are representing our school next Thursday 28th at Broken Bay Athletics. We know you'll be fantastic Sophie A, Flynn B, Kohi B, Evie C, Amelia D, Sienna H, Matilda H, Madi R, Ivie T, Eva W, Kalira W and Isabella W.

Congratulations Madi Recently Madi participated in the NSW Primary All Schools Australian Football competition, representing NSW. Her team were undefeated through the competition and lost to Victoria in the final. The team placed 2nd and received a silver medal - a fantastic achievement.
Spelling Bee You will have heard about our upcoming Spelling Bee Competition which will take place during Term 3. Over the coming weeks, students will participate in various spelling activities during class. Words for the Spelling Bee may be selected from the list sent home, but could also include other words students have learnt the rule or pattern to in class. The class competition will be held in Weeks 5 - 7, with two champions from each class advancing to the Grade Finals in Week 10. Parents/carers will be notified if your child qualifies for the final.
Maths Olympiad Last week, St Mary’s participated in the Maths Olympiad, an international mathematics competition. Our school completed 13,066 maths activities, earned 23,897 stars, and ranked 33rd on the global leaderboard. What a phenomenal effort! Students loved taking part and strengthening their mathematics skills.
Strategic Plan Recently, our diocese announced our new Strategic Plan: Shaping Tomorrow, Together in Faith. If you are interested in learning more, the following link allows you to go to the diocesan website and watch a short video. Strategic Plan | Catholic Schools Broken Bay.
From Our REC
Confirmation - On Saturday 30th August many of our Year 3 students will make the Sacrament of Confirmation. Don't forget the practice on Thursday 28th at 3.30pm. Please keep these students in your prayers as they continue to prepare for this special sacrament.
Sacred Spaces - 4 Blue and 3 Blue have shared their learning in Religious Education. 4 Blue shared the amazing work of our Saints. They shared images and stories of some common and uncommon Saints. 3 Blue shared the work of Mary MacKillop and also their holiness hearts and how they can be living saints, living the Word of God through their actions.










Father's Day Liturgy and Photo Reflection - Father's Day is fast approaching. Year 2 are leading the liturgy on Friday 5th September. Mrs Hughes is putting together a photo reflection. Please send ONE high quality image of the significant males in your family to rebecca.hughes@dbb.catholic.edu.au. This will go on Facebook to share with those loved ones who can't be with us for our Father's Day celebrations.
Sister Sister - Our Parish is organising an event for the ladies in our Parish and school. If you are interested, please complete the QR code in the flyer below. The night is aimed to bring the women of our community together to build friendships and grow together in faith and connection. Come enjoy a child free evening!
Feast of St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop - On Friday 8th August Year 6 led us in celebrating the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint. Mary MacKillop was integral in the foundation of Catholic Schools in Australia and ensured all children regardless of their social standing had an education. Year 6 did a wonderful job with the various ministries.











Feast of the Assumption - On Friday 15th August Year 5 led our school in the Feast of the Assumption. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates Mary being taken to heaven body and soul. Our Year 5 girls led a beautiful liturgical movement reflecting on the life of Mary. Thank you to our Year 5 students and teacher for preparing a beautiful Mass.















Religious Creative Arts Prize Thank you to all those students and families who have been working on this years, Diocesan Religious Creative Arts Competition. Students have been working on visual art and short film entries in class. Students are also able to do these at home. Today is the final day we will be accepting submissions. If you are creating a piece of music or dance please have this to me with your explanation by the due date. If you are submitting a music entry it needs to include simple chords or score. No late submissions will be accepted. Just a reminder, the theme is WITNESS. "Receive power from the Holy Spirit... And you will be my witnesses." Acts1:8
Year 3 Sunday Parish Mass - Last Sunday our Year 3 students led the ministries at our Sunday Parish Mass. They did an outstanding job with the reading, really professing the Word of God. Our students preparing for Confirmation received a special blessing. Thank you to Elise, Eli and Willow who came and served at Mass. Thank you to our parents who brought their children to Mass, we really appreciate the time and effort you gave to our Parish.













Other news
Melanie Cuthbertson, a mum of students at our school, offers local violin lessons. Please reach out to her if your child is interested, all the information is below.