Greetings from ACSP Conference!

Each year I aim to attend one conference to broaden my knowledge and experience. This year the Association of Catholic School Principal Conference was recommended to me as one of the 'not to miss conferences'. So, this week I have been fortunate enough to join over 500 other Principals in Sydney to take part in the ACSP conference.

So far I've enjoyed keynote addresses and masterclasses by Ben Walden, Simon Breakspear, Lana Turvey-Collins, Donna Cross and Rob Edwards. Some of the topics covered have included agile leadership, faith and the church and wellbeing. I have also enjoyed Mass at St Mary's Cathedral and the social functions. I look forward to the Conference Gala  Dinner, held tonight at the Australian Museum.

Student/Parent/Teacher Conversations

Our Three-Way interviews will be held next week on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 May. These conversations are a chance for your child and their teacher to share with you some of their achievements and educational goals. Conversations last for ten minutes and will be held in the Multipurpose Hall. Please be mindful of families waiting after you for their interview. If you feel that your conversation is not finished within the allocated ten minutes please arrange another time to meet with your child's teacher. This year bookings will be done online by using the following link.

Student/Parent/Teacher/Conversation Bookings

Our website also has a link to the Three-Way Interviews booking site on the top navigation menu bar. Please note this link has now been fixed.

Currently, there have been only 63 interviews booked. If you need assistance with this process please contact Belinda tomorrow.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2019

NRW commences on Monday 27 May. This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The 2019 NRW theme is Grounded in Truth: Walk Together in Courage.

To commence NRW,  Troy Allen will perform "Wadjiny" for our students on Monday at midday. Troy Allen, a Bundjalung Goori (East Coast), grew up in the Mount Druitt community and his totem is Wadjiny, the platypus. The Bundjalung Nation of aboriginal people is the only one whose Dreamtime stories talk about arriving in Australia from elsewhere. They came from a land “at the centre of the world” after it was destroyed by a massive catastrophe. Troy uses song, music and didgeridoo, dance, artefacts, examples of ancient rock and cave paintings and fire making demonstrations to tell the stories of his people.

This cost has been covered by the school.

The School Explorers - School Readiness Program

Our School Explorer’s Program will commence on Friday 31 May. Our school readiness program aims to increase the children's familiarity with the primary school setting. A copy of the program can be downloaded here or picked up from the School Office.

Enrolments can now be placed online. Go to https://enrolments.stmarysc.nsw.edu.au/enrol/ to enrol now.

Enrolments packs have been sent home with students who have siblings commencing in 2020. If you did not receive your bag please contact Belinda in the School Office.

Information can also be downloaded from our website http://www.stmarysc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment.html

School Photos- Further Change of Date

Due to St Mary's having our largest ever number of MacKillop Hockey Representatives, we have had to change our photo date again so as not to clash. Please note that our school photos will now be taken during Week 10 on Monday 1 July.  Ordering can be done online by inputting the 9 digit code AN3 WE9 3JZ on the Advanced Life website http://www.advancedlife.com.au/ . Envelopes were sent home last term.

NAPLAN

Over the past nine days our Year 3 and Year 5 students have participated in the NAPLAN Online tests, with the exception of Year 3 Wriitng, which was completed on paper.

I would like to offer a huge thank you to Nicola Spackman who coordinated the testing, and to Mrs Skelly & Mrs Hewitt for assisting with the supervision of the online tests. Thank you also to Mr O'Kane and Mr Collinge for preparing and supporting their students. Also, thank you to our dedicated students for your enthusiastic participation!

The online testing has certainly proved to be a new experience. I believe that the students seemed less nervous facing these tests than the usual paper tests. In the sessions I was supervising I noticed that many students were very quick to click through the questions, some finishing with half the time still on the clock. I wonder if the student's speed and confidence with using technology made the test feel more like a practice drill or game? 

Next Tuesday will be the last of the NAPLAN Online tests, with four Year 5 students opting to re-sit the Writing test that experienced many connectivity disruptions on the first day.

Peace I leave with you

Having experienced the pain and sorrow of Jesus’ crucifixion, then the joy and new life of His resurrection, His followers have to face the reality of His departure – again. Jesus knows their confusion, pain and sense of loss. Before he leaves them, he gives two parting gifts; The Holy Spirit and His own Peace.

Jesus doesn’t give them all the answers to the questions they have. He knows that they will have to face difficulties, disagreements and differences. So he prepares them for the road ahead by strengthening and encouraging them with His Holy Spirit and His own inner Peace. He is sending them out to proclaim the Good News, but He does not expect them to do it on their own. His ongoing presence reassures them that they will never be alone or helpless.

Neither will the community of believers today. The Christian's life is not shaped by Jesus' absence but by God's abiding presence. We are asked to face our daily reality and lives not just with optimism but also with faith and hope in the risen Jesus and each other.

As our celebration of the Easter season is coming to an end, we remember that Jesus remains with us through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us everything we need to know, reminds us of all that Jesus taught, and brings us peace.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

Our Year 6 Mini Vinnies students launch the Vinnies Winter Appeal next week!

Every year the St Vincent de Paul Society runs its Winter Appeal to collect items to assist people through the coldest time of the year.

A study titled “Poverty in Australia 2018” which was released last year showed that more than 3 million Australians are currently living in poverty. This figure includes more than 739,000 children aged 12 and under. The St Vincent de Paul Society is able to provide not only emergency assistance to these people – but also a hand up to a better life.

By supporting the 2019 Vinnies Winter Appeal, you are helping provide support to more than 40,000 people from the Canberra/Goulburn region who are currently living in poverty.

Donation of the following items would be greatly appreciated:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens
• Coats and scarves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/donnas (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)

Many thanks from St Mary’s Mini Vinnies Team

Athletics Carnival 

We were certainly blessed with perfect weather conditions last Friday for our School Athletics Carnival. The students are to be congratulated for their ‘have-a-go’ attitude and the support that they demonstrated to one another.

Many thanks to our valued volunteers who assisted in many different roles on Friday. Your continued support of our school is appreciated beyond words.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Age Champions:

8yr Girls- Chloe Bensley, Brianna Blowes

8yr Boys- Archie Foran

9yr Girls- Ava Nicholson

9yr Boys- Toby Charnock

10yr Girls- Charlie Cramp

10yr Boys- George Skelly

11yr Girls- Ellie McCormack

11yr Boys- William Heffernan

12ys Girls- Isabelle Galland

12yr Boys- Lachlan Nagle

Winning House- Aloysius

Mr O'Kane mastering the 10 years Discus

Mrs Simmons & Mr Halse battling it out in the Parents Race

Mrs McCormack & Mrs Heffernan were neck and neck

Sporting Schools Term 2 Hockey Program

St Mary’s has been successful once again in obtaining a Sporting Schools grant for Term 2.

We are at the start of our 2 year cycle of sports, and hockey will be the focus for the next 6 weeks.

Students in Years 1-6 will be taking part in weekly sessions taught by Hockey NSW assigned coaches.

Students will need to bring along their hockey stick (if they have one), if not the school has a supply that students can borrow from.

www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au

Sport Trials

A reminder that Primary Rugby Union trials are happening on Friday 7 June with online nominations closing on 31 May. If your son or daughter in Year 5 or 6  is wishing to trial please complete the online 'Expression of Interest' form asap. 

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdqOsZ3bGp6D69Fl…/viewform

Northern Region Athletics- Wednesday 19 June

Below you will see the members of our Northern Region Team. Notes with further detail will be sent home as soon as we receive it. If your child is not going to take their spot in our School Team we need to be notified asap so the next child in line can receive an offer.

HOME READING HINTS:

• Listen to your child read as often as you can
• Find a quiet time to share reading
• Sometimes bedtime is best
• Read to your children

Reading at home should be for fun and it should revise skills. It should not be a chore; reading should not be hard work. Sometimes it is necessary to tell the child the word or read one page to them, rather than create disharmony and lose meaning.

Questions parents could ask their children to support their reading include:

1. Does that make sense?
2. What word might make sense?
3. Can you re-read that to see if it makes sense?
4. Can you read on (read further in the text) to see if you can work out that word?
5. What letter/sound does that word start with?
6. Can you see any little words in that big word?
7. Can you break that word into parts/chunks?
8. Put your finger over the ending of the word. What does it say?
9. Ask them to think of a similar word, maybe tell them a rhyming word.

A GOOD READER BALANCES 5 COMPONENTS:

PHOEMIC AWARENESS, PHONICS WORD ATTACK SKILLS, SIGHT WORDS, FLUENCY AND COMPRHENSION.

REMEMBER AS PARENTS WE MODEL POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE ATTITUDES TO READING. TELL YOUR CHILDREN HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO READ!

Reading Helpers Needed                      

We still need a few more volunteers for our READING INTERVENTION programs. If you have 45 minutes available on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, we would love your help!

Year 4 – Charlie Cramp & Georgina Culley

Year 5 - Dylan Greenwood & Regan Picker

Year 6 - Bella Croker

School Spirit Awards

Bryce Foley for service to others

Rosa Blowes for demonstrating excellent school spirit

Awards are presented at our Monday morning Assembly in the Old Hall at 9.05am.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

After a long wait, the size 8 & 10 boys long-sleeved shirts are back in stock! Apologies for any inconvenience, however the manufacturer had delays.

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS-TUESDAY & THURSDAY 12.00pm—1.00pm

Orders placed via Qkr will be filled and sent home in your child's bag on these days.

Don't forget we have a good stock of warm winter jackets before the cold hits!

Tuckshop

Friday 24 May- Amanda Kemp, Maureen Lucock, Daria Lawson

Monday 27 May-  Elise Croker, Elizabeth Egan, Belinda Foley

Friday 31 May-  Claire McCormack, Jackie Blowes, Angela Cuskelly

Monday 3 June- Marguerite Walsh, Allison Hewitt, Maureen Lucock

Friday 7 June- Sally Gamble, Jayde Costello & VOLUNTEER REQUIRED

Monday 10 June- NO TUCKSHOP PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Please arrive at 9.15am.

Please remember it is your responsibility to find a replacement if you cannot do your allocated time.

An updated paper copy of the roster will go home which includes your contact phone number. If you wish to not have your number listed, please contact the office. This is to ensure a smoother process for volunteers to arrange their own replacement.

Pie Drive

Rechell Naughton has kindly taken on the coordination of the regular TBP Pie Drive. Attached below is a price list and order form which needs to be returned to school by Friday 14 June. Delivery will be on 25 June after 10.30am

Payment can be made via Qkr under the "P&F Payments" or by cash or cheque

Copies of the order form are also available at the school office

Parish Office

For Parish and Sacramental matters please forward your enquiries to Parish Secretary, Janet Haynes or Pastoral Associate Sr Rosemary via email or call into the Parish Office at the Old Convent Building on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Email: Crookwell@cg.org.au

Website: http://cg.org.au/crookwell/Home.aspx 

Phone: 48321 633 

Address: 55 Wade Street (the Old Convent Building)

Altar Roster

26 May- Eliza & Chloe Kemp

2 June- Regan Picker

9 June- Ashleigh Bachta & Olivia Anderson

16 June- Nathaniel Waters & Oliver Gray

23 June- Bella Croker

30 June- Eliza & Chloe Kemp

Please arrive 15 minutes before Mass to help Father prepare.

It is important that you contact another server to arrange a swap if you are unable to make it on your rostered day.

We would love it if some more children could join our Altar Serving team. Please contact the Parish Office if your child is interested. Training is provided and new children are rostered on with experienced servers.

On Monday 20 May, students who have been receiving private music tuition through Gillian McCann, travelled to Viewhaven Lodge to entertain the residents with their beautiful singing, playing keyboard and guitar. Congratulations on a great performance and being so brave!

Pictured are Georgina Culley, Kiowa Morning, William Heffernan, Nathaniel Waters, Chloe Bensley, Phoebe Selmes, Gabby Price, Katyanna Waters and Harry Price.

School Dental Assessment Program

On Thursday 30 May, all students have the opportunity for a dental assessment at school, which is run by the Goulburn Communuity Health Dental Clinic.

Forms were sent home at the beginning of the week and it would be appreciated if these could be returned ASAP. If you require another form, please contact the School office.

WerQin' in Oz!

Classes right here at St Mary's! Come along for a try...

See Kelly Seaman for further information.

Australian Government Mobile Service Centre in Crookwell

Go 4 Fun Online- Healthy Active Happy Kids

Go4Fun Online is a free 10 week healthy lifestype program for children. See details below.

South Coast Monaro Rugby Rep Program Trials