Principal Talk with Mrs. Sally-Anne Croker
Attendance Concerns
When not unwell we know that every day of attendance at school adds to your child's chances of success and achievement from kindergarten to high school. You play a key role in making sure your child attends school every day, and you do this because you understand that attendance leads to success, not just at school, but later in life. Every day at school counts towards your child’s learning.
As mentioned above we realise some absences are unavoidable due to health issues or other circumstances. However, we also know that when students miss too much school, no matter the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically. The more absences your child has, the harder it is for them to catch up on missed work and stay connected to their school community. Absences add up quickly. If your child is absent just one day every two weeks over a school year, this will add up to 20 days of lost learning. This is almost half a school term.
The following table indicates the levels of attendance.
Did you know you can check your child's attendance on Compass?
Go to your child's profile, then choose Attendance from the tab. Towards the bottom of that page you can then see your child's collated absences and percentage rate.
Part of my job is to respond to all emerging absenteeism (<90% attendance) with support to improve attendance. This may involve an initial phone call, followed by letters and the creation of a Student Attendance Plan.
We want your child to succeed at school and know that you do as well. Please let us know if you require support in ensuring your child attends school on time each day. Feel free to contact me to discuss this or any other concerns.
School Uniform
We have a school uniform at St Mary's that we are proud of and one that shows we belong. Unfortunately, we have noticed many children not adhering to the correct uniform attire and arriving at school in a very dishevelled and untidy manner.
The way in which the school uniform is worn has a strong influence on how we feel about ourselves and the ways in which we are viewed by others. Every student’s standard of dress and grooming is expected to reflect well on both the individual and the school as a whole, even if outside of school hours.
As a staff, we are constantly reminding students to tidy themselves up. Shirts must be neatly tucked in at all times, except when involved in sport or active recreation during recess or lunch times. Ties tied correctly and pushed up to sit neatly inside the shirt collar. It is the responsibility of the student to wear the uniform neatly without needing to be reminded.
We would really appreciate your assistance and encouragement with this.
Buddy Bench
First Eucharist
It is fitting that our children preparing to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus will make their First Holy Communion at Masses in Goulburn, Taralga and Crookwell this weekend (the Feast of Corpus Christi). We wish Charlie, Georgia, Mylah Samantha, Beau, Max, Vinnie, Donovan, Rory and Killian a holy first Eucharist. My thanks to Mrs Rachael Croker for the time and effort she has given to prepare these children.
Celebrating Reconciliation Week with Aboriginal-themed Literature Activities!
This week our school has been abuzz with activities centred around our Aboriginal community's rich culture and heritage.
Reconciliation Week, which takes place annually from May 27th to June 3rd, is a time for us to come together and celebrate the importance of building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. This year, our school decided to embrace the spirit of Reconciliation Week by organising a roster of students to read an Aboriginal-themed story over the school PA system for all students to enjoy simultaneously, thus providing students with a wonderful opportunity to learn, engage, and appreciate the stories and wisdom of the oldest living culture on Earth.
The stories aimed to immerse our students in Aboriginal culture and foster a deeper understanding of the contributions and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By engaging with Aboriginal-themed literature, our students gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Australian culture and the importance of reconciliation.
We work to remember reconciliation is not limited to a single week—it is an ongoing process of learning, respecting, and building relationships. Let us carry the spirit of Reconciliation Week in our hearts as we celebrate and embrace the diversity that makes our school and community so vibrant.
Congratulations and Best of Luck!
Next Wednesday Cooper, Imogen, William and Ollie compete at the NSWCPS Cross Country Event at Sydney Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park.
We wish them the best of luck as they compete as members of the Mackillop team.
St Mary's students out and about for WOW Day
Last Wednesday 22 May 2024 was 'WOW Day'. On this day communities across Australia were encouraged to thank all SES volunteers across Australia who generously give their time to help communities during flood and storm emergencies.
St Mary's Stage One students visited the Crookwell SES Shed to thank the dedicated local volunteers who tirelessly dedicate themselves year-round to safeguard us during our most vulnerable moments. We extend our gratitude for their efforts in saving lives and protecting communities. Students
"We went in where they have all their meetings and we did some colouring in and then we had to draw a picture of Paddy Platypus. We saw how the boats work and there were heaps of cars and trucks. I think they wear orange because it's their favourite colour. It was a fun trip"
Laela and Sidney.
Working Bee
At our P&F Working Party meeting last week, we discussed the need for some major garden maintenance work to be carried out. It was decided that we would propose a Working Bee for Sunday 23 June. The majority of work to be done involves hedging, trimming trees, removing trees and disposing of garden waste.
Many hands and tools are required for this job and we would appreciate any time you may be able to offer on the day. We also understand life is busy for everyone so if there is another time that suits you, please make contact with me and we can discuss some jobs that are required. Further details will be communicated closer to the date.
Enrolling now for 2025
Do you know someone interested in enrolling at St Mary's? Please direct them to our updated website for links that will allow them to access all the information they need.
https://www.stmarysc.nsw.edu.au/
The School Explorers Program
P&F Fundraiser
