Welcome to the 2025 school year! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable long summer and that you are ready to embark on another exciting year of learning and growth. I am more than proud to again be leading St Mary's this year as Principal and hope to continue a working and trusting relationship with every family group. 

This year we are emphasising the importance of strong relationships between teachers, students, and families. We believe that when everyone works together, we can achieve great things. We encourage you to stay involved in your child's education and to communicate with your child's teachers regularly. Remember that they are your first port of call with a class query and I am always here for support and assistance.

It was wonderful to welcome our students back last Tuesday. They have all had a settled start and have enjoyed getting to know their new teachers and exploring their new learning spaces.

This year we commence with 145 students. A very warm welcome is extended to the new families joining our school community; the Starling, Cummins, Collins, Travers, Butz, Smart, Wheelwright, Kensit, Connor and Davis families. We wish you all a happy and smooth transition into school life at St Mary's.

I would like to welcome Mrs Stephanie Knight to our teaching staff this year. Mrs Knight has received her Conditional Accreditation to teach after many years of part time study. She will remain as our Wellbeing Officer one day a week, provide Yr 6 RFF every Friday and continue with Classroom Support for two days. I would also like to welcome Mrs Nicole McCormack to our staff this Term as our Teacher Librarian while Mrs Hewitt is on leave. 

We are excited about a great year ahead, and we are confident that our students will achieve great things. We look forward to working with you and your child.

Kindergarten 2025

Our Kindergarten class arrived at ‘big school’ on Tuesday looking very smart in their St Mary’s uniforms. They had a wonderful day, working well with Mrs Cummins and their Year Six buddies. It was lovely to see them ready to engage in their learning so enthusiastically. We wish our new Kinder students a wonderful first year of school

Opening School Liturgy

Tomorrow we will hold our Opening School Liturgy in St Mary's Church. It is a special occasion which includes the Blessing and Presentation of badges to our 2025 Captains. Please join us as we begin a new school year and welcome Fr Dominic to St Mary's.

Student supervision commences at 8.40am and concludes at 3.30pm. The first morning bell rings at 9.00am and the students are dismissed, at the end of the school day, at 3.10pm. For students requiring earlier morning supervision, Morning Club is available from 8.00am in the Library every Monday - Thursday ONLY. Please complete the following booking form if your child will be attending Morning Club. 

https://smpscrookwell.schoolzineplus.com/form/25

Absence from School

If your child is away from school due to illness, an appointment or other pressing family necessity, please fill in the absentee form via the Compass parent portal (this is the preferred method).

If you are unable to access this, please contact the School Office via email or phone, or send in a note as soon as possible.

Change of Arrangement

Please notify our Office Manager Belinda via a phone call, email or note if there are any changes in routine, such as how your child is travelling home, day-time appointments, etc. This information will be passed on to your child’s teacher and placed in the 'Bus Book'. This notification can also occur via the Compass parent portal.

Crossing/Parking/Drop off and Pick up

Please help us keep our students safe with your diligence to road rules and safe use of the pedestrian crossing. You will notice signs to assist you with the drop off and pick up regulations as directed by NSW Government. Please note the PDF attached for clarification of the driver obligations. 

All students are required to cross at the Crossing on Wade St and Colyer St. Both these crossings are teacher-supervised every afternoon. At NO stage are there to be students, parents or carers crossing the road in between cars and buses.

2025 Welcome Function

Please join us to begin the new school year with a fun-filled TRIVIA NIGHT on Friday  7th March. More details to follow.

Newsletter

Today you received the first school newsletter for the year. Newsletters will be emailed every second Thursday afternoon and are also available on the Compass parent portal, school website and SZapp app, however, if you would prefer a print copy, please contact Belinda. 

We love to share our school community's news and events. Please email the office with photos and updates for inclusion in the newsletter. 

Contact

Teachers are your first port of call for questions and queries pertaining to the classroom. Appointments can be made with your child's classroom teacher by calling the Office.

I am also happy to support you in any way I can. Typically problems that are addressed quickly, in partnership, are the easiest to solve. I will be available on the school phone (48321 592) for calls usually from 8.30am - 4.30pm daily or via email within similar hours. The email address to be used to contact any staff member is office.stmarysc@cg.catholic.edu.au

Emails sent out of hours may not be responded to until the following day.

If you wish to make an appointment to see me, please contact Belinda in the Office.