This Friday, 15th March is National Action Against Bullying and Violence Day. St Mary’s has registered for this day along with 4500 other schools across Australia to say that bullying and violence is not acceptable. I invite you to access the government website Bullying No Way https://bullyingnoway.gov.au  which provides valuable resources for teachers and parents to support children who may be experiencing bullying or violence. Teachers will be looking at this topic during this week in class and encouraging students to recognise bullying and know what to do about it if it happens to them. To acknowledge this day students are invited to celebrate our diversity by  wearing odd coloured socks and bright clothing, because it’s OK to be different. All students have been given a wristband to wear this week to show their support for this initiative.

This Sunday is Mass at St Mary’s Batlow and our school community will present the Liturgy. If you would like to join us please know that you are always welcome. Ms Saunderson is seeking some students to present readings and to do some little jobs. Please let Ms Saunderson know if you are available at 8:30am this Sunday so she can have this organised ahead of time. As it is St Patrick’s Day as well, all attending Mass are invited to wear green to acknowledge the Patron Saint of Ireland, St Patrick. I hope to see you there.

Next week we have scheduled parent teacher interviews. Parent teacher interviews are a collaborative opportunity to support our partnership for your child/ren. This year we are using a feature on our Schoolzine app to arrange interview times. Please let us know if you have any difficulties as we use this feature. We hope it makes the process of booking in a time easier for parents and our office staff. If you are unable to make a meeting time please let your classroom teacher know so that an alternative time can be arranged.

This week I will be attending the Principal’s Conference for all Archdiocesan principals from Wednesday to Friday. While I’m away Ms Saunderson, Religious Education Coordinator will be available in my absence.

 Have a good week!

 Jannine