Yesterday we completed the final stage of our Registration and Compliance Review with Senior Officer of Family Services at CE, Brenda Foley. Brenda spent time here interviewing Executive Staff and ensuring all teaching programs for the last four terms were compliant with NESA requirements. The Compliance Review of Registration (and Accreditation) requirements are undertaken every five years by CECG. Evidence for School Management and Operation, Premises and Buildings, Facilities, Staff, Curriculum, Enrolment and Attendance, Safe and Supportive Environment and Discipline were uploaded and available for inspection. As mentioned in last week's email the School website has been updated within this process and we recommend it to you as a one-stop shop for all the links and information you need. Findings from our final report will be shared with our school community when it arrives.

https://www.stmarysc.nsw.edu.au/

I would like to thank all my staff for the dedication and commitment they gave the process leading up to this week. 

Illness

Thank you for your cooperation with the recent bout of illness we have experienced. Figures indicate we had at least a third of our student population absent every day this week. As well as the outbreak of Influenza A, we have also noted an increase in head lice amongst students. Please help us curb this spread by checking and treating your child's hair as soon as you can. 

Attendance

When not unwell we know that every day of attendance at school adds to your child's chances of success and achievement from kindergarten to high school. You play a key role in making sure your child attends school every day, and you do this because you understand that attendance leads to success, not just at school, but later in life. Every day at school counts towards your child’s learning.

As mentioned above we realise some absences are unavoidable due to health issues or other circumstances. However, we also know that when students miss too much school, no matter the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically. The more absences your child has, the harder it is for them to catch up on missed work and stay connected to their school community. Absences add up quickly. If your child is absent just one day every two weeks over a school year, this will add up to 20 days of lost learning. This is almost half a school term.

The following table indicates the levels of attendance.

Did you know you can check your child's attendance on Compass?

Go to your child's profile, then choose Attendance from the tab. Towards the bottom of that page can then see your child's collated absences and percentage rate.

Part of my job is to respond to all emerging absenteeism (<90% attendance) with support to improve attendance. This may involve an initial phone call, followed by letters and the creation of a Student Attendance Plan.

We want your child to succeed at school and know that you do as well. Please let us know if you require support in ensuring your child attends school on time each day. Feel free to contact me to discuss this or any other concerns.

Congratulations and best of luck

Tomorrow we have nine St Mary's students running as members of the Northern Region Cross Country Team at Mt Stromlo. We wish them all the best of luck and are very proud of this team accomplishment.

Run like the wind, Henry, Ollie, William, Tommy, Imogen, Cooper, Elizabeth, Khloe and Flynn.

Early Career Teacher Commissioning

Congratulations to our early career teacher, Miss Jayme O'Brien, who was inducted into CECG at a special Commissioning Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral last week.  Vicar General Fr Richard Thompson celebrated Mass and offered words of inspiration and encouragement. We are blessed to have such an enthusiastic and passionate teacher like Miss O'Brien in our school.

Trinity Catholic College Musical - Mamma Mia

Yesterday Yrs 5 and 6 attended the final dress rehearsal for their musical, Mamma Mia. All who attended were thoroughly entertained and could not help themselves singing along and toe-tapping!! The best part by far was knowing the stars of the show are St Mary's ex-students and how amazing they are. Pictured with Yr 5 and 6 are Yr 12 students, Rohan Gamble and Bryony McCormack. 

Enrolling now for 2025

Do you know someone interested in enrolling at St Mary's? Please direct them to our updated website for links that will allow them to access all the information they need.

https://www.stmarysc.nsw.edu.au/

The School Explorers Program