Principal's message
Kylie O'Donnell
Dear Parents and Carers
We’ve had quite an eventful fortnight since our last newsletter, most notably the fire brigade attending our last school assembly. As we approach the halfway mark for Term 1, I am finding more time each day to spend on the playground and in the classrooms. Last week I met individually with most of the teachers and I continue to be blown away by their dedication to the well being and specific needs of the children.
Last Tuesday we farewelled Mrs Michelle Fabri, our office secretary. Michelle has taken a position closer to her home and we wish her all the best in her new role. I am delighted to announce that Mrs Melissa Hoad will be joining the St Margaret Mary’s Team. Melissa comes to us from St Aidans Maroubra Junction, she will be running the office on Friday’s until she commences the full time position on Tuesday 21 March.
Finally I’d like to acknowledge International Women's Day celebrated annually on March 8. International Women's Day is a focal point for the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. My Nan was an important role model in the formation of my early years and she told many stories of the oppression and difficulties she experienced as a young girl in the Great Depression. As the mother of two daughters, I consider women's rights to be fundamental in today's society and when I consider how far we’ve come since my Nan was a young woman I realise my daughter’s generation stand on the shoulders of giants.
My Nan used to tell us the recipe for a happy life is simple - all you need is something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to. . . .
NAPLAN
Tuesday 14 March is also the day of the Year 3 Reconciliation Retreat and the last day before NAPLAN. March 15 - 17 is our testing window and the students in Year 3 and 5 will be sitting online tests in Writing, Reading Comprehension, Language Convention and Mathematics. I know you’ll join me in wishing these students the best of luck next week.
Just a reminder about the vouchers available for parents and carers to assist families with school aged children. The Premier's Back to School NSW Vouchers program provides 3 x $50 vouchers, totalling $150 for each eligible student.The vouchers can be used:
- towards the cost of school uniforms, shoes, bags, technology, textbooks and other eligible expenses
- before 30 June 2023.
- to apply click here
The $100 Creative Kids voucher may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and tuition costs for a range of creative activities, including arts, drama, dance, digital design, coding, and music lessons. Click here for more information and to apply for the voucher.
The Active Kids $100 voucher is for parents and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year. Voucher 1 is valid January to December and Voucher 2 is valid July to December. For more information click here.
The $100 First Lap voucher is for children aged 3 to 6 years who are not enrolled in school. The voucher can be used for a structured swimming lesson program with an approved First Lap provider. The voucher is valid until 30 June 2023. Details of the First Lap program