From the Principal 

Week 10 Thursday 1st April 2021 

Dear Families and Carers, 

I can’t believe that today finishes Term 1 for us all. Thank you to each of you for welcoming me into the St Mary’s community and for your patience as I lose my ‘newness’ and become a part of this thriving St Mary’s school family. Whilst I am proud of all we have achieved this Term, I look forward to having many of you onsite in Term 2 and beyond, as we share learning in all its facets face to face as the Covid guidelines open up. 

It was wonderful to see so many of you enjoying yourself last Friday night at our ‘second attempt’ at Welcome Drinks. The noise and excitement of the room felt like pre Covid days, thank you to Sam and Rian for getting this underway. We look forward to many of the events the P & F have in store for us this year.  Another highlight was meeting some of our Foundation families at the Meet & Greet last Wednesday night. Liz and Lynn’s creativity and event management was on display and enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you also to many of the families who helped with the Secondhand Uniform Stall last Friday and again it was great having you onsite. 

As the mornings are getting darker and colder, it is a good reminder that in Term 2 all children wear their winter uniform including black school shoes, when not having sport. Highlights this Term include the Athletics Carnival at Alma Park, National Ride to School Day, Foundation students settling into school life, Reconciliation preparation evening, Yr 5 & 6 Camp Rumbug, Holt Swimming Carnival, Year 6 Leadership and tour guiding, buddy activities, Teddy Bears Picnic and the list could go on and on. The joy of being here for the whole Term, is one that is often discussed in the staffroom.

One of my favourite times in the day is when a student or students visit me with wonderful work. The pride on their faces lights up my day. Congratulations to Mickaella for her achievements with her Palm Sunday work.

Each year level throughout the term, joins Fr Jerome and celebrates Mass on a Friday morning. It has been fantastic having families join us and we thank Fr Jerome for his welcoming, warm and insightful manner for each of these Masses. He has the ability to open up the readings and Gospel not only to our students but also to the St Mary’s students in attendance. I always learn or think differently about a reading or concept after his homily. 

This term sees us bid a fond farewell to Mrs Schultz of 4S fame. We thank Stephanie for her hard work and wish her, Aaron and impending big brother Isaac all the best as they await the arrival of their new family member. At the same time we welcome aboard Mrs Anna Heta, who returns to Melbourne from Albury. Anna is a highly experienced teacher, who has taught across many year levels. Anna has also worked collaboratively in shared learning spaces, which will be an asset for teaching Year 4 in Terms 2 and 3. There will be an opportunity for families to meet Anna, early in the Term. 

Another exciting announcement is Cam Weston’s appointment from Acting Principal to Principal of Rupanyup Primary School. We congratulate Cam on this appointment and wish him the very best in his new role. We are in the fortunate position of having Ellen Stack continuing to teach 5W to the end of Term 2. Ellen’s experience in learning diversity and radiant smile has made her a valuable member of the senior team. 

The work that has gone on across the school this fortnight has been tremendous. We will thank those who helped properly next term, but please know we are so appreciative of the many who moved furniture, packed boxes, filled the skip, cleaned shelves and set up classrooms in new spaces. In addition to our families, we thank the Yr 11 boys from Xavier College who have worked so hard this week to support our move. We also thank Joseph, a 3rd year seminarian staying with Fr Jerome for his work each day. These logistical moves would not have happened without the direction of Ms Mary Craven and Mrs Ruth Callery and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.  A huge thank you to Erica, for the many, many jobs that she does and always with her beautiful smile and gentle manner. 

Wishing you all the blessings of Easter as you enjoy a well deserved break and hopefully some relaxation. The Easter message is one of hope and optimism as we renew our relationship with God and celebrate that:  

He is risen Alleluia

He is here with us today

He is risen Alleluia

He brings new life on this day 

Jesus you bring new life on this day 

(Lyrics by John Burland)

Some exciting news hot off the press 

It was so exciting having our raffle this afternoon, at a 'real' assembly and with families joining us. I am so thrilled to announce that $1730.00 was raised, your generosity is much appreciated. Last Friday, the Second Hand  Uniform stall raised $1130.00.  Together with the Parents and Friends association these funds will go towards a project within the school. Thank you to the many families that have contributed to these activities.