Principal Talk with Mrs. Sally-Anne Croker
NAIDOC MASS
Last Thursday, our Year Five and Six School leaders represented St Mary's at the Regional NAIDOC Mass held at Ss Peter and Paul's Cathedral. This is a highly valued event on our school calendar, and I was extremely proud of the respect and the manner in which our students conducted themselves during each element of the Mass. From the smoking ceremony welcoming all to the land, through to the enthusiastic participation in the Mass and then the reverence and respect they showed to all the Award winners. So wonderful on all accounts.
THANK YOU to our REC, Mrs Rachael Croker, who was charged with the planning and organisation of the event. She coordinated and collaborated with our Regional schools to ensure all schools were involved in the Mass.
CONGRATULATIONS to Year Five students, Lacy Starling and Jesse Costello, who were both recognised for their Sporting achievements with the NAIDOC 2025 Awards. Thank you also to their families, who were there to support and celebrate this with them.
Public Speaking Competition - Yrs 3-6
This week our Primary students have had the opportunity to present a speech to their class.
Following these class presentations, six representatives from each year group have been chosen to present their speeches to the entire school next Monday, 11 August at 12:00pm. 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.
Parents and families are welcome to attend the school competition next Monday and show their support for our budding speakers.
NSW PSSA Boys Netball
Next week, Year Six student, Harley White, will participate as a member of the Western Plains team and compete at the PSSA Netball Comp in Coffs Harbour.
Thursday 14th August
Time |
Court |
Vs Team |
Live Streamed |
9am |
3 |
Sydney Basin |
Yes |
10am |
1 |
Southern Inland |
Yes |
11am |
3 |
Mid-North Coast and Inland |
Yes |
12.30pm |
2 |
Northern Coastal and Inland |
|
1.30pm |
3 |
South Coast |
Yes |
2.30pm |
1 |
Sydney Basin |
Yes |
Friday 15th August
Time |
Court |
Vs Team |
Live Streamed |
9am |
2 |
Southern Inland |
|
10am |
1 |
Mid-North Coast and Inland |
Yes |
11am |
3 |
Northern Coastal and Inland |
Yes |
12pm |
1 |
South Coast |
Yes |
Link for Streaming
https://nswschoolsport.brightcovegallery.com/category/videos/live?page=1&count=24
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
This week, we welcomed a new student to our School community in Year Six. Nethil Waisundara has been made to feel welcome as a senior student, and we wish him and his family a smooth transition to life in Crookwell.
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.
For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Belinda on 48321 592. We can't wait to welcome your child to St Mary's!
2026 TERM DATES
The dates below are student attendance dates.
Term One - 31 January - 2 April
Term Two - 21 April - 2 July
Term Three - 21 July - 25 September
Term Four - 13 October - 17 December