Welcome back to Term 3! We hope this message finds you well and that you had a restful, warm and enjoyable break.

We are excited to start this new term with our students and continue to provide a safe and engaging learning environment. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to supporting your child's growth and academic success.

We have planned various student activities and events this term, including excursions, fundraisers, feast days and sporting events. We encourage you to stay up-to-date with our school newsletter, calendar, Compass, school website and our social media pages so you know when these events are on.

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Today we welcomed the new Executive Director of Catholic Education to St Mary's Primary. Mr deCarvalho enjoyed a tour of all classes, engaged with students and was impressed with their engagement and focus on all tasks. He remarked on their exemplary manners and respectful interactions with him. We hope Mr deCarvalho will visit us often and share in the wonderful work we do here as St Mary's school community.

Important dates to note:

Tues 19 Aug - Community Council/P&F Working party meetings 6pm & 7pm

Fri 22 Aug - Northern Region Public Speaking

Thurs 21 Aug - CECG Athletics at the AIS

Tues 2-Thurs 4 Sep- Book Week

Fri 5 Sep - St Mary's Feast Day

Fri 12 Sep - Yrs 2-6 at CHS Careers/STEM Day Expo

Fri 19 Sep - Kinder/Year One Showcase 

Fri 25 Sep - Final day of Term Three for students

We look forward to working with you this term to ensure your child has a successful and fulfilling experience. 

Welcome and Congratulations

This Term, we have welcomed two new students to our School community. Shailah (Yr6) and Alyssia (Yr2) have settled in beautifully and are acclimatising smoothly! 

During the holidays, Mr Edwards and his wife, Harriette, welcomed a baby boy to their family. Baby Atticus was born on Thursday, 10 July and has begun his work creating their new role as Mum and Dad!

We wish them all the best and can't wait to meet him. Mr Edwards is taking Parental Leave for Weeks One and Two, with Mrs Davis and Mrs Nicole McCormack working with Yr 3 Green.

Thank you

Over the last few weeks, we have been lucky to have some proactive parents stepping in to offer help with some maintenance jobs. Our front garden was looking weedy and messy until Pip Frost took it upon herself to weed and mulch it one afternoon. It now looks spectacular.

Cole Davis noticed we had a dangerous tripping issue with lifting cement at our front gate. During the holidays, he borrowed machinery to grind it back and so ensure all our students and visitors safely enter the school grounds.

Thank you, Pip and Cole. We appreciate you!

The School Explorers  - School Readiness Program

Is your little one starting school in 2026? Help them embark on an exciting educational adventure with "The School Explorers" commencing this term on Friday, 15th August.

"The School Explorers" is a comprehensive school readiness program designed to familiarise children commencing school in 2026 with our caring staff, friendly students, state-of-the-art facilities, and the exciting world of the NSW curriculum key learning areas. This program aims to make the transition to primary school smooth, enjoyable, and filled with confidence!

All preschool-aged children are invited to attend regardless of school choice. Come along to all or as many sessions as suits you. Parents are welcome to stay for the session, leave your child in our capable hands, or a combination of both.

To register or for more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Belinda on 48321592. We can't wait to welcome your child to St Mary's!

Public Speaking Competition - Yrs 3-6

In Week Three, each student will have the opportunity to present a speech to their class. This allows our students to gain valuable experience in public speaking within a comfortable and familiar setting. It also allows them to engage with their peers, share their ideas, and practice their communication skills.

The speech topics are as follows:

Year 3 - If animals could talk, what would they say? - 2 minutes

Year 4 - A much needed invention- 2 minutes

Year 5 - What would I do with a time machine? - 3 minutes

Year 6 - What mistakes teach us - 3 minutes

Following the class presentations, five representatives from each year group will be chosen to present their speeches to the entire school during Week 4. These finalists will compete to be one of the two chosen speakers for their respective year groups.

The selected speakers from our school will then move on to represent St Mary's at the Northern Region Public Speaking Competition on Friday, 22nd August. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and compete with other schools in the region. This event will be hosted here at St Mary's.

We encourage all students to participate enthusiastically in their class presentations and make the most of this valuable learning experience. Public speaking enhances communication skills and boosts confidence, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Parents and families are welcome to attend the school competition and show their support for our budding speakers. Confirmation of timing will be communicated closer to the date.

Winter Uniform reminder