Hello Parents and Carers,

Great news! Year 3 and 4 travelled to Tumut last week to compete in the Todd Woodbridge Cup at the Tumut Lawn Tennis Club. This competition is only for Year 3 and 4 students across our region. From all accounts, all students had a wonderful day and received the title of ‘Runners Up’! Congratulations to all involved and a big thankyou to Ms Buckmaster and Ms Bernadette Cahill for their support on the day.

We have an exciting week ahead with our focus on the wonderful world of books. We love reading at St Mary’s and so this Friday we get to celebrate by coming to school dressed as our favourite book character. The theme of Book Week for 2019 is Reading is my Super Power. We expect to see many superheroes on the playground this coming Friday, but also an array of other book character favourites as well. Our parade will start at 9:10am in the weather shed, which is now heated thanks to our Community Council. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Every year staff need to attend a Spirituality Day. This year we are combining with St Joseph’s, Adelong and St Patrick’s, Gundagai on Friday 8 November. Please note that in your calendars as it will be a pupil free day. Therefore, there will be no pupil free day on the first day of Term 4. Term 4 will start Monday 14 October and conclude Wednesday 18 December 2019.

Last week, I attended the Western Region Principal’s Meeting in Grenfell and then a principal’s retreat, Siloam, in Galong. I gained much information from both to assist me in my role. The retreat focussed on the Eucharist and how it is an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with God. It was held in the beautiful St Clements Retreat Centre where the cooking takes me back to my childhood.

Whilst being away from school can be challenging, it allows me time to reflect on our continuing journey to improve educational outcomes and support the pastoral care of our students that embodies care and compassion. It also provided me with valuable time to consider the ‘next steps’ required to support future growth at St Mary’s that I will work on with staff and the Community Council over the coming weeks. But… it is lovely to be back!

Have a lovely week everyone.

 Jannine