Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like to apologise for my recent string of absences from school. I have had a run of work and personal matters that have pulled me away from St Mary's, and these, unfortunately, will continue into next week. From Week Six, I will be more available. Thank you for your patience during this busy time.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow, Friday, 3 November, to share our Grandparents and Special Friends Day. The day will commence with Mass at 9.30am. Following Mass, our visitors will move to the MP Hall for morning tea. After morning tea, our students will perform on stage. Given it is 120 years since the roots of St Mary's Primary School were planted, our theme is 'Celebrating Our History'. After assembly, visitors may have a look around our fantastic school facilities and visit classrooms.
St Mary's is renowned for its incredible morning tea spreads; let us not disappoint this year. We ask families to donate a plate of food to share on this special day. Our Year 4 families, coordinated by Allison, Claire and Elise, are asked to support with the setting up and serving of morning tea.
Staffing Matters
Today, you should have received communication sharing that Mrs. Therese Skelly has successfully attained the Assistant Principal role at St Mary's from 2024. Therese will fill the role with an emphasis on Curriculum, Pedagogy and Pastoral Care. Therese's passion for teaching, learning and faith drives her to continually learn and grow as an educator. Members of the interview panel commented on how fortunate we were, for a small community, to have such a high calibre of applicants.
Congratulations Therese.
The Religious Education Coordinator position has now been advertised.
I am saddened to announce that Mr. Larry O'Kane has, after many years as part of the St Mary's School Community, decided to retire. Larry has been a valued member of St Mary's staff and a wonderful teacher to many present and past students. The staff will host a farewell lunch for Larry towards the end of the term, and a student assembly and tree planting will follow this.
Our permanent Year One Green teacher, Mrs. Sue Branson, has extended her leave until the end of the year. We are pleased to inform you that Miss Jayme O'Brien can continue in her absence, except for Weeks 5 and 6, as she has a prior commitment. Miss Churchill and Mrs. Davis, who are both familiar with our Year One Green students, will take the class during that time. We thank Miss O'Brien for her flexibility and for rearranging her schedule to create as much consistency as she can.
I am pleased to announce that we have been successful in our application to be part of the 2024 - 2027 National Student Wellbeing Program. This has enabled us to employ a government-funded Wellbeing Officer next year. Mrs. Stephanie Knight will be taking on this role and implementing the 'Feel-Good Friday' initiative at St Mary's. Steph will organise fun break time activities and be available to work with individual and small groups of students. Steph will undergo training through Catholic Schools NSW to implement this role successfully.
I am currently still in the process of organising staffing and classes for 2024.
I am thrilled to announce, however, that Mrs. Alison Cummins has agreed to be the Kindergarten teacher next year. Another staffing change relates to Mrs. Spackman, who will be moving into a part-time teaching position next year to allow time for her to care for aging loved ones. A part-time teaching position has been advertised.
Further staffing arrangements will be shared towards the end of the term.
Melbourne Cup Day - Tuesday, 7 November
In the spirit of fun, students may bring a different hat, other than the school hat, to school next Tuesday.
The School Explorers Program
Next week, our School Explorers - School Transition Program, re-commences. We look forward to welcoming our pre-school friends back to St Mary's from 9.30 am-11.00 am for a fun 'Make-It!' art, craft and construction session with Year Five.
School Fees
Term Four School Fee statements were sent out last week. These can also be viewed on the Compass Parent Portal. Please notify the School Office if you did not receive this. We appreciate your prompt payment of the fees. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require assistance. Fee remission paperwork is available upon request and always treated confidentially.
