Emergency Training

Yesterday, I attended an Emergency Training Day at Hennessy Catholic College, Young, facilitated by the Catholic Education Office and Bounce-Readiness Emergency Management Services.

We are currently in the process of updating some of our emergency procedures to prepare for unexpected situations. You may also notice new evaluation maps and new fire safety equipment around the school. 

We encourage all parents and guardians who volunteer at St Mary's to familiarise themselves with our emergency procedures, including lockdown and evacuation protocols, and to act quickly and calmly in an emergency.

Our emergency training includes lockdown and evacuation procedures, which are critical in a crisis. We will be practising these procedures with the students each term. 

Lockdown procedures involve securing classrooms and other areas of the school and ensuring that students and staff are safe from any potential threats within the building. Evacuation procedures involve quickly and safely moving students and staff to a designated safe location outside the school building. Extreme Weather Evacuation occurs upon notification from the bus company or ULSC of impending road closures due to snow or flooding. When this occurs, a group message will be sent via text email to affected families. Please note that we will not send any student home on a bus without your assurance that you will be there to collect your child. 

We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students and staff.

Finance Transformation: Notice of Finance System Changes

The payment of school fees directly into a school bank account will no longer be possible in the new system, and the school bank account is being centralised across CECG. If you make regular payments of school fees via Direct Debit, please note that these will be cancelled on 28th April 2023, and you will need to ensure that you move to an alternative payment option.

School Police Liason Talk

On Thursday, 11 May, our School Police Liason Office, Senior Constable Barbara Beard, will visit St Mary's to talk with the students. The Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two students will have a session on Community Safety, and Years 3/4 and Years 5/6 will each have a session on Cyber Safety. After the Year 5/6 session, Year 6 students will stay behind and be provided with additional content about the laws related to sending inappropriate images. Please let me know if you do not wish your child to participate in this additional session.

Condolences

We extend our deepest sympathies to the McCoramck family for the loss of Perry, a beloved member of our community and a devoted mother, grandmother, parishioner and supporter of St Mary's Primary School.

Perry touched the lives of many with her warm smile, kind words, and generous spirit.  We offer our prayers and support to Bridie and the McCormack family during this difficult time of grief and loss. 

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her.