Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Australia’s first patron Saint, Mary Mackillop. This day is special for a number of reasons, one of those being her strong connection with education and support for underprivileged children. Mary’s quote of “never seeing a need without doing something about it” was lived out through her actions. We can learn from Mary’s example, by bringing words to life through our school vision “St Mary’s nurtures, educates and inspires students to learn with confidence and lead with compassion.” I want to ensure families and community members feel valued and empowered to all play their part in bringing this vision to life through our actions.

Tell Them From Me Survey

As mentioned last week, the Tell Them From Me survey is an anonymous survey that will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership and further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Mary’s. It 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 through the attached link: http://tellthemfromme.com/smb

Breakfast Club

Thank you to our families that have contributed to the running of the breakfast club. It is being well utilised by our students and something that we are happy to offer to all students (even if it is just a top up after their breakfast at home!). I am once again sending out a Google Form to families so that parents that may want to help serve of a morning have the opportunity to support this program for the second half of the year. Please click the Breakfast Club link (click here) if you are keen to assist.

Lunchtime Launch

Yesterday, St Mary’s students got the opportunity to participate in The Lunchtime Launch. This program, which was run by Cade Webb from Golf NSW, provided our students with the opportunity to engage with golf in a fun and exciting environment. Students loved recording their distance and accuracy on the golf simulator. Being a sport that is able to be played locally, at different age groups and seeing the enjoyment the students had, we will continue our partnership with the Lunchtime Launch. Cade has also spoken with the Batlow Golf Club, who may coordinate a junior golf program later in the year. Keep an eye out for this as we had lots of students show some interest in this.

Mini Olympics

As a way of celebrating the Olympics (and the amazing performances of our Aussie athletes), along with the upcoming Paralympics, our Year Five and Six students will be hosting a St Mary’s Mini Olympics on the afternoon of Tuesday 13th of August. This will involve all students participating in some fun games and wearing mufti uniform. This can be some sports/team gear of their choice (doesn’t have to be an olympic Sport) or something with the Australian colours (or a country of their choice). Please ensure this includes appropriate shoes for Sport and no leotards or attire of this nature.

Enjoy the remainder of the week,

Ryan

This week I am attending Professional Development in Canberra for all Religious Education Coordinators and School Principals. This is an opportunity for all leaders to gather and learn together to enrich the learning and leadership in our schools. 

As mentioned last week, this week is the Feast of Mary Mackillop so I would like to offer one of the prayers from St Mary as well as some of her wise words. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

Provident God, with grateful hearts we remember the power for goodness that Mary MacKillop is in our world. On this her feast day may we be touched anew with her spirit of prophetic charity and generous participation in mission. We ask this in the name of Christ, the Sacred Heart, and of the Spirit of Mission. Amen.  

In silence, let us engage with God…

“listen to the whisperings of God in

your heart.” Mary MacKillop (1868)

Jeanette Dumbrell - REC

Term 3 school fees have now been emailed out to families.

Please continue to pay by regular instalments so you don't get behind or if paying in full the due date is the 16 August.

Please pay using your unque Bpay and reference number on your fee statement and not with COMPASS pay.

BOOK WEEK PARADE

St Mary's will celebrate Book Week with a parade on Friday 30^th August at 10.30 am. Students are invited to dress up as their favourite story book character or in the theme 'Reading is Magic'.

Families and friends are invited to join us for the parade and enjoy morning tea afterwards. 

We hope you can join us for this exciting event.