Dear Parents and Carers,

I've just got back from Borambola after two days with some very excited students in Year 2/3/4. What a wonderful group of children to enjoy this experience with! Ms Buckmaster, Ms Holland and myself couldn't have been prouder of our students enthusiasm, cooperation, collaboration, their positive attitudes and most of all their good manners! We attempted a variety of outdoor activities like rock wall climbing, raft building and archery. Please take a look at some of the wonderful photos in our gallery this week. 

Last week staff attended the Spirituality Day with St Joseph's Adelong, and St Patrick's Gundagai. We looked at Luke's Gospel reading on Jesus' visit to Mary and Martha. This reading was explored further over the day challenging us to recognise each others gifts, and valuing our own gifts, as we work alongside each other. We also looked at the wonderful ways we mission to our students in God's name and how that reflects our Catholic identity. Overall, we enjoyed our time to be present to each other in faith. We trust our students and families also had a lovely day and enjoyed a three day break in the middle of such a busy term.

This week, St Mary's Batlow played host to Literacy teachers in our region on Monday, coinciding with a visit by Literacy Consultant Ms Kaye Lowe on Monday and Tuesday. It is a rare opportunity that we have professional development on site and we are grateful that this can occur.

Please be aware of our 2020 Fee Structure as agreed to by Community Council last week. It is included in this newsletter for your information. Increases have been reduced to a minimum with no increases on local levies, but a small increase on the tuition levy, as recommended by Catholic Education. If you would like to discuss the fee structure with Ms Marsh, our School Secretary, or myself, please do not hesitate to ask.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Jannine