Hello Parents and Carers,

I have to thank all involved for a successful ‘Trivia Night’ last Saturday at the Batlow RSL, which is our major fundraiser for the year. It is always well organised by a small committee and is such a good night of fun. A big thank you to all the organisations and people who donated items over the previous months. The prizes were truly amazing and reflect our wonderful community spirit. Thank you!

Yesterday, we celebrated St Mary’s Feast Day with Whole School Prayer, a special lunch and some afternoon activities. A great time was had by all and it was such a lovely afternoon of simple fun. Thank you to Patrina Clee on the barbecue and those who came along to enjoy our hospitality.

I have been  working in all classrooms over the past week reworking our St Mary’s school rules. The rules we have are now simplified to:

Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful and Be Kind. We want our students to be able to tell anyone who asks what the school rules are, quickly and confidently. Students are expected to know the rules and understand what positive behaviour looks like and what type of behaviour is a breach of our policy. The bottom line of our policy is that Every child deserves to be safe at our school. I’m confident that this message is supported at home as well. This Wednesday, staff will be working with CE Consultant Ms Carol Lamont on School Wide Positive Behaviour as we continue to develop and refine our Pastoral Care Policy and Anti Bullying Policy.

Congratulations to Daniel Korn who represented St Mary’s in the MacKillop Cricket side for his age level, last Friday in Wagga. Although not selected to go on further, Daniel enjoyed the opportunity and gained much experience to take him into the next cricket season.

As we prepare for the end of the term please be aware that I will be on leave for Week 9 and 10 as I attend a family wedding in Europe. I am very excited and really looking forward to the celebration. Chris Baron will take my seat on both Mondays. She is also looking forward to catching up with familiar faces and saying a final farewell to St Mary’s now that her position in Gundagai is now continuing. On other days, St Mary’s will be looked after by Ms Anne Saunderson and Ms Liz Murray.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Jannine