And just like that, it is August! It is often this time of year that we realise how quickly the year has passed and I encourage families to look back and reflect on the growth of your children, and the great things they have done throughout the year. Reflecting back personally, I am immensely proud of their many different achievements as individuals and within their cohorts. Well done to all of our students for their positive contributions to our school community.

2025 Kindergarten

Thank you to all who shared information about our Kindergarten Information Evening and Open Day. It was great to give these students an opportunity to experience life at ‘big school’. While our Orientation Days won’t be until next term, we will start sharing these dates within the community. Friday 1st November, Friday 8th November, Friday 15th November and Friday 22nd November. All of these days will be 9am - 11.30am. We look forward to further engagement with our future students.

NAIDOC Week Mass

This week, we were fortunate enough to have Lachie Eveston (Aboriginal Education Teaching and Learning Support Leader) visit and share some learnings about Gamilaraay Country (where he is from), traditional Aboriginal items and their uses and speak about the importance of NAIDOC week. The following day, Jack then had the privilege of reading at our special NAIDOC Week Mass led by McAuley Catholic College. Well done to Jack and thank you to Lachie for visiting St Mary’s.

Tell Them From Me Survey

In the coming weeks, I will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using the online Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. The survey is anonymous, takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and is an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning processes.

The role of parents and carers within our school community are valued and I would really appreciate parents taking the time to share their thoughts on the questions provided. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Mary’s.

Enjoy the remainder of your week and thank you for all you are doing for our school community,

Ryan

This week we were lucky to have the boys and girls from Apple Tree Learning Centre join us in the K-2 Room for a morning of activities and fun! The children joined our Kindergarten and Year 1 students completing a range of activities. They also had a tour of our school and enjoyed our beautiful playground space. Our Kindergarten and Year 1 students were kind and considerate and helped our visitors feel welcomed. I would like to thank all of our St Mary’s students who displayed our school values in their interactions with the children, it was so wonderful to see!

Next week we celebrate the Feast day of St Mary Mackillop:

Mary was born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants. She was the eldest of eight children and spent her early years working to support her family. At the age of 24 she dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross”.

Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia’s first religious order: the Sisters of St Joseph.

Mary and the Sisters were committed to serving the poor – to going to where the need was and living amongst those in need. This took Mary all over Australia to many rural areas.

Mary was a model of forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken of those who wronged her, while also remaining resolute in her convictions.

Mary was remarkable as a strong female leader in 19th century Australia. Education in this country is what it is today thanks to her dedication and determination.

Reflection 

“Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them cheerfully, remembering whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another. Bear with one another, and let charity guide you in all your life.”

( The last typed letter of Mary MacKillop on 12th January 1909 to the Sisters)

Prayer

Mary, teach me to trust in God that God will provide what is needed for me to be a person of compassion. 

Amen

We have cases of head lice at school.

Students must be treated before returning to school and continue to be treated until all lice are gone.

Students are to have shoulder length hair tied back at all times to help prevent the spread of lice.