Term 4 Dates

Northern Region Public Speaking

Congratulations to our students who participated in the Northern Region Public Speaking Competition over the past two days. They all did us proud!

I am very pleased to announce that Sophie Culley has achieved first place in the Year 3 division and has been selected to represent the Northern Region virtually at the Archdiocesan Competition. This competition has been postponed until November, with the date to be confirmed.

William Waldron and Addin Grove both have been named as reserves for their year groups. 

Kindergarten 2022

Staffing

I am very pleased to share that I have been successful in attaining some additional classroom teacher staffing to support our large 2022 Kindergarten class. Next year our new students will be fortunate to have both Mrs. Alison Cummins and Mrs. Sally-Anne Croker as their classroom teachers. Alison will be in class full-time and Sally-Anne will be nearly full-time, with the exception of her Assistant Principal and Child Safe Advocate release. Mrs. Karen O'Keefe will join Kindergarten when Sally-Anne has this executive release time.

The 2022 Kindergarten class will also be well supported by Classroom Support Assistants. 

The students will also have access to an additional learning space.

Orientation and Transition

As each orientation scheduled activity approaches, parents and carers will be notified prior via email and Schoolzine message regarding whether or not the session can proceed. As you are aware, due to Stage 3 Restrictions, we are currently unable to go ahead with the orientation and transition sessions, however, we are hoping this will change as the weeks progress. 

School Counsellor

It is with regret that I inform you about the resignation of our school CatholicCare Counsellor, Sharyn Lynch. Sharyn has taken a position with the Department of Education and Training in Canberra and will pursue a Masters Degree in Public Health.

Yesterday, Jaye Corkeron commenced her position as Student and Family Counsellor for this term, taking over from Sharyn. Jaye has had a changeover meeting with Sharyn and will have access to the current referrals. 

Jaye comes with a wealth of experience. She is a psychologist who has previously worked as a school counsellor in Primary and High Schools in Canberra. She also worked in the Bushfire Counselling Program and EAP program for CatholicCare. Jaye has worked in a school as a psychologist, doing psychometric assessments.

At present, Jaye will do telehealth sessions, until restrictions ease, each Wednesday.

Drop-off and Pick-up

Please be aware that you cannot drop off or pick up your children in the Bus Zone at the front of the school. The Bus Zone is effective between 8.30am - 9.30am and 3.00pm - 4.00pm. This area is often monitored by highway patrol.

After the signposted Bus Zone, near the bottom gate, there is a short area marked with a 'No Parking' sign. You must not park in this area between 8.30am - 9.30am and 3.00pm - 4.00pm, however, you can stop for less than 2 minutes if you stay within 3m of your vehicle if you are dropping off or picking up passengers or loading or unloading items.

Return of School Technology

If you borrowed school technology during our remote learning period and have not returned it yet, may we please ask this is done as soon as possible as the students need these for use at school. Thank you.

CWA Project Results

Congratulations to all of the students who participated the CWA Project at the end of last term and to the following students who attained awards:

A special congratulations to Thomas Walsh whose project has been selected to move onto the next level of judging in November.

Operation Christmas Box

Each year, St Mary's supports the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Box by asking for donations to help fill shoeboxes with various items such as gifts, clothes, something for school and hygiene products to send to children overseas.

If you are able to help with donating items, please see below for a list of suggested items.