Newsletter 8th December 2021
Principal News
How lucky were we to be able to have our school concerts last week. It was so good to see the smile on the childrens and adults faces as we came together as a school community. While the concerts were slightly modified compared to previous concerts, they still entertained and delighted the audience. I congratulate the children and staff on their persistence, hard work and resilience as they prepared for the concert. It was over 12 months in the making and despite lockdowns, home learning and very tired teachers and children, they achieved what they set out to do- entertain and have fun.
This week we come together once again to celebrate with our End of Year Thanksgiving Mass and Year 6 Graduation. These occasions are always very well attended and we ask that all that are joining us are double vaccinated. The expectation is that all children attend and school uniforms are to be worn. Each school has a planned event afterwards.
This year we farewell Beth at St. Mary’s and Frankie, Casey, Tierney and Emma from St. Brendan’s. We are all so proud of our Year 6’s that have come to the end of two very challenging years. They have shown persistence, adaptability, resilience and remained positive at all times. Our school community wish them all well as they continue their life journey at their respective schools and know that they will go onto achieve great things in their lives
The assessment timetable for Wednesday the 15th of December is on PAM. All students for 2022 need to be allocated a time to attend. We ask that parents book in a time for their child/ren and please contact teachers if other arrangements need to be made.
The school has once again decided to credit families a percentage of the Excursion Levy in the amount of $80, due to the Covid restrictions in place throughout this year. This credit will be applied to your child's 2022 school fees.
On Friday reports will go home to parents. This will be the final year that paper copies go home to parents. Your child’s report is always accessible on PAM and moving forward, hardcopies will only be given to parents that request them. This procedure is in line with the majority of all schools.
We are fast approaching our last few school days of 2021 and there is still a lot going on. The main event is the end of the year excursion to the bowling alley and then if weather permits, to a playground. The children and staff are excited to join together to have some fun and enjoy each other’s company.
The last day for children is Tuesday the 14th of December. You are welcome to pick the children up at 1pm so that they can go home for lunch and start the holidays. Dismissal time is 2.30 pm.
As the year draws to an end and we farewell our Year 6 children, we also farewell the Leonard family from St. Brendan’s. Thank you to Brendan and Kerri for their ongoing support and contributions over the past 11 years. We also farewell Leonie and Jess Reynolds from St. Mary’s. Both staff members are moving onto new positions in 2022 and we wish them well in their new positions. All children, families and staff leaving will always be valued and special members of our school communities and are always welcome to come back and visit. Thank you for all you have done for our schools over the time you have been with us. Good bye and good luck!!
As we know, Sue and Callum are not leaving our school communities, rather making ‘some adjustments’ to their hours and days at each school. St. Brendan’s and St. Mary’s communities will celebrate with each of them and acknowledge their contributions in the coming days.
I take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every special member of our schools – the children, staff, parents and wider community for their continued support throughout yet another challenging year. As communities, we have shown time and time again that we are strong, resilient, committed to our children education and together work to get through tough times and still remain optimistic.
I wish you all a very happy, fun filled and most importantly restful break. It is well deserved for everyone. We look forward to 2022 with hope and enthusiasm for what is to come.
May God bless you all and keep you safe during the holidays.
Take care,
Inez
Upcoming Dates
9th December Thursday
Year 6 Graduation and End of Year Thanksgiving Mass 6.00pm
10th December Friday
End of year excursion
14th December Tuesday
Last day of school for children
15th December Wednesday
Assessment day for children
16th December Thursday
PD day for staff
17th December Friday
Last day for staff
31st January 2022 Monday
Children return to school
School News
We have entered into the church season of Advent which is the season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming is remembered. The students have been involved in daily prayer experiences examining and reflecting on aspects of the Christmas story and the symbolism behind the wreath and candles we light during Advent.
The students finally had the opportunity to showcase their performance skills at the concert last Tuesday, their confidence and enthusiasm stood out. The students were pleased to be able to perform in front of the large crowd and some now like to play "concerts" at recess and lunch!
Last Wednesday the students participated in the annual Christmas rotation morning where they created Christmas craft (some were edible too). In the afternoon the student leadership team had arranged a 'Summer Fun' day for all the students where there was water play and nerf gun wars. We are still finding nerf gun bullets around the school grounds.
Junior Stayback
It's been a busy 2 weeks for the students, which kicked off with the Junior Room stayback evening where the students were able to reunite with the students from St Brendans. They participated in activities such as pass the parcel, bubble blowing and dancing games. The highlight of the evening was having McDonalds for dinner delivered by our very own UberEats driver Lyndal (thank you!)
Thank you from Callum
I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to the St Mary’s community for the past 4 and half years. My time here has been nothing short of amazing and It has been my absolute pleasure teaching your children and being a part of your school and community. You have all been so welcoming, kind and supportive during my time here and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to teach and learn at St Mary’s. Thank you for providing me with the most wonderful place to do the thing that I love. Thankfully, I will still get to see all of the delightful staff, families and students. I promise to make up for lost time in puns during those opportunities to catch up. Thank you all so very much for everything.
Sincerely,
Callum Stevens
Thank You from Jess
To the St Mary's community,
It's time to say, "Good-bye."
Our time together has come to an end.
I've made some cherished memories (many involving animals!) and made new friends.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community with open hearts and for always being supportive of my work with the students. I'm only 'up the road' and will always welcome any updates from your lives.
ASSESSMENT BOOKINGS
If you have not yet booked your child into a time for Assessment please do so by the end of the week. If you need help please contact the office. Thank you Leonie
FORMS FOR 2022
Photo/ Recording Permission & Acceptable Use and Cyber Safety Agreement forms was sent home this week.
Please read through and returned signed forms by next Monday 13th December.
Gardening and Tidying Roster 2021/2022
McNamara Family | 6th Dec – 19th Dec |
Prendergast Family | 31st Jan – 27th Feb |
“Our Diocesan Community”
School Cleaner required
An opportunity has become available within the School community for a cleaner
Twice a week, 2 hours each clean
Working with Children’s card required
Perm part time
Interested parties please call Jo
5331-6888 or 0402 537 543
