Term 4 Dates

St Mary's School Board

Next week the St Mary's School Board meet for the final time for 2021. I would like to thank the Board for their continued support this year. I would particularly like to thank our parent representatives, Andrew Pursell, our current Board Chairman, and Sally Gamble, who complete their tenure due to their children finishing at St Mary's. Both Andrew and Sally have had a long association with St Mary's and have, along with our other School Board members, been instrumental in assisting with the refurbishment of our Mercy Building. 

The St Mary's School Board is governed by the Catholic Education Commission Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn and follows the Constitution for Catholic Archdiocesan School Boards. The following excerpt is taken from the Constitution regarding memberships for Parish Primary and Central School Boards.

The Parish Primary and Central School Board shall normally have no more than twelve (12) members:

1. The Principal is an ex officio member and its Executive Officer.
2. The Parish Priest is an ex officio member. The Parish Priest may nominate an alternate to attend in his place.
3. Up to two (2) representatives of the P & F appointed by the P & F.
4. Up to two (2) members of staff elected by the staff.
5. At least one (l) and up to three (3) parent members appointed in accordance with the Constitution.
6. As many as two (2) other people were appointed by the Board for their expertise, eg Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Committee, building management skills, student body (Central School).
7. A representative of the Catholic Education Office (when requested by the school community or the Director of the CEO).

Currently, our School Board consists of:

1. Principal - Sarah Lowe
2. Parish Priest  - Fr Joshy Kurien
3. Parish Associate - Sr Rosemary Hart
4. P & F representative - Daniel Walsh
5. Staff - Belinda Tarlinton (Secretary) and Rachael Croker
6. Parent members - Andrew Pursell (Chairman), Sally Gamble and Marty Reynolds

With Andrew and Sally's departure, we now call for the nomination of up to two parent representatives. If you are interested in finding out more about this position a Constitution can be forwarded to you for your perusal. A term of membership for the School Board is two years and members may be elected for a maximum of three consecutive terms. If more than two nominations are received our parent body will be asked to vote to elect their representatives.

Nominations are to be emailed to Sarah Lowe sarah.lowe@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday 26 November. 

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day marks the end of fighting on the Western Front on November 11, 1918. On Remembrance Day at 11.00am we remember the service and sacrifice of those who have died since World War I.

Our School Captains, Bridie and Seth, joined me at a Commemorative Service held by the Crookwell Subbranch of RSL NSW to lay a wreath.

Our students at school were unable to participate in a School Ceremony together, however, they took part in individual services in their classrooms at 11.00am.

Showcase of Learning

It is with great delight that Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two will present their Showcase of Learning Assembly via recordings on MS TEAMS. As you are well aware, we are still unable to host performances or assemblies with audiences, however, you will be able to view the performances by going to the GENERAL channel in your child's class MS TEAM (the same platform we used during remote learning). The videos have been recorded and will be uploaded for your enjoyment by 1.00pm tomorrow, if not before.

Orientation 

This week we commenced our Kindergarten 2022 Orientation program with two half days. The students, welcomed by their Year 5 friends, had a terrific start to big school life. 

• One fully vaccinated parent or carer per child will be allowed to enter the school site and report to a designated drop off and collection zone to support their pre-schooler as they start Kindergarten orientation. 

• Parents or carers must be well and free of any flu-like symptoms. Parents and carers are asked to maintain physical distancing and check-in using a QR code.

• Parents and carers should not remain on-site for longer than 10 minutes.

• Students will be brought to the front of the school by 3.00pm to meet their parents/carers or to catch their bus home.

Sheep Muster