Principal's Update 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 4! I trust that everybody had a relaxing, well-earned break with their families. It’s great to be back at school after taking some LSL and then taking on a new role at DOBCEL for 8 weeks. I would like to thank the whole school community for their support in my absence.

While being a very busy term, there are many exciting things to look forward to in the coming weeks; Grade 6 camp to Melbourne, Grade 3/4 day camp to Warrnambool, 3-6 swimming program, Mission Day, P-5 Activity Day, various excursions and of course the season of Advent, as we count down to that special time of the year, Christmas. 

Dear Lord,

As we begin Term 4, we thank You for the opportunity to come together once again as a school community.

We pray that this final term of the year is filled with patience, purpose, and peace. Guide our students as they finish their academic year, inspire our teachers with energy, and support our families in everything they do. May our classrooms and homes be spaces of kindness, growth, and joy.

Bless the community of St. Mary’s and keep us safe as we journey through these final weeks of the year together.

Amen.

Prep orientation sessions for 2027

Prep orientation sessions for our 2027 students will be held after school hours on Monday 16th November, Tuesday 17th November and Wednesday 18th November. Information will go out in the coming days informing you of which of these sessions you are invited to attend. The children will be back on the mornings of Wednesday 25th November and Tuesday 8th December.

3-6 Swimming

The Grade 3-6 swimming program will commence in week 3 on Thursday 22nd October. The children will attend every Thursday until 26th November. Please complete the permission form on PAM.

Pupil Free Days

This term’s pupil free days will be on Monday 2nd of November and Wednesday 4th November (Tuesday Melbourne Cup holiday). On these days, teachers and staff will be working on various areas of the curriculum and preparing for end of year reports and Learning Conversations. This term we have 2 pupil free days as we didn’t have one last term. The 2 days at the beginning of this term were collaboration days, which are granted by DOBCEL over and above the 4 pupil free days per year.

Grade 6 Camp

As you are receiving this newsletter our Grade 6 students are attending a camp in Melbourne. The camp is a great opportunity for the children to experience life in the city. They will ‘jam pack’ a lot into the 3 days, giving them a variety of educational experiences including science, history, art, sport, multi-culturalism, government and modes of transport around the city. I am attending the camp and we look forward to returning safely on Friday and sharing all of our wonderful experiences.

Calvert St. Parking

I have been informed by the local council that some parents have been double parking behind already parked cars in Calvert St during drop off times. This is not legal and puts the safety of our children at risk. As stated in the past, we have an excellent loop drop off/pick up facility that is convenient and safe. This is the much preferred option, so I ask that you seriously consider this, as the safety of our children is paramount.

School Hats

In line with our Sun Smart policy, all children should now be wearing their school hats. If they haven’t done so already, I ask that all children bring their hats to school, clearly named. 

Enjoy the rest of your week and the well-earned holiday break.

Michael Mahoney

(Principal)