From the Principal

The last Day for Term 3 is todayThursday, 26th September.

Term 4 First Day - Tuesday 15th October is the first day for the children.

Week 10 the end of Term 3

Thank you for an excellent term.  We have reached the end of another busy and productive term.  I am very proud of what our students and staff have achieved in 10 weeks.  Term 3 has been jam-packed with a wide range of activities. From the classroom to Sport, Book Week Parade,  First Reconciliation and  First Communion, NAIDOC Week, Overnight Excursions to Lake Keepit and Canberra just to name a few!  Through all of this, our students and staff continued their work in the classroom to a high standard.

I wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing school holiday break and look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday, 15th October.

Thank you Mrs Turnbull

I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Mrs Felicity Turnbull who has been an Educational Assistant at St Mary's for the past 6 years. I sincerely thank her for her very valuable work in supporting students across the school with their learning,  and the teachers with their teaching. Mrs Turnbull will be returning to St Mary's in Term 4 not as an Educational Assistant but as a Casual Teacher, and we look forward to having her on the classes. 

End of Term BBQ & Opening of the GaGa Pit

Thank you to the P & F  for organising our end of Term Sausage Sizzle & Opening of the GaGa Pit. The children have thoroughly enjoyed the new playground activity! We are so looking forward to showing it to all our parents how to play!

Sadly we have made the decision to POSTPONE the P&F End of Term BBQ and Opening of the GAGA Pit until Term 4 due to the weather. A date will be confirmed next Term.

Congratulations Year 12

Congratulations to Year 12 students at O'Connor who have their final Mass and Assembly this week. We wish you all the best as you prepare for your HSC and the exciting adventures that lie ahead for you. 

Week 9 - Events

Canberra Excursion 

Last week Year 6 was in Canberra on their major excursion. The children had a wonderful week, every day they experienced amazing opportunities. We visited the National Arboretum, Royal Australian Mint, National Gallery of Australia, Cockington Green, National Film & Sound, Parliament House (old and new), Australian War Memorial, Mount Ainslie, Australian Institute of Sport, National Museum, Questacon and Zone Bowling!

Thank you to the adults who accompanied the children.. Mrs Walters, Mrs Fittler, Mr Garraud & Mr Pavey. I am very grateful to you for giving up the week to accompany the children to Canberra.  Thank you to the amazing team at St Mary's and Edwards Bus Company for ensuring the excursion was such a success. 

Clarity Professional Learning

Also during the week 9, members of our Leadership Team attended the Clarity Suite Professional Learning Workshop, presented by Dr Lyn Sharratt from Canada. The two days of professional development allowed for the staff to collaborate and identify the next steps to support school improvement. The PD visited the work done with Dr Lyn Sharratt over the past eight years in our system of schools.

CONGRATULATIONS - Sporting Achievements Last Week!

Congratulations to the 4 girls going onto PSSA State Athletics, Sophie and Molly  Schmude, Sophie Harris and Alexandra Robson.

Congratulations to Isaac Riches on successfully gaining a place in NSW Golf Team for the National Titles!

Congratulations to our two Year 6 boys who went to Lismore for Cricket last week - Issac Riches and Xavi Dent. 

Term 4 School Returns

Term 4 First Day Tuesday,15th October.

Wear Your Summer Uniform

Wear your Summer Uniform!

Transition Dates for Kindergarten 2025

We are looking forward to Transition beginning in Term 4 for the  2025 Kindergarten students.  Transition begins in Week 2  and goes until Week 6, Term 4. 

School Holiday Fun Ideas!

As the school holidays approach, think about doing some of the following activities to keep the children's minds and bodies active.

Creative Arts & Crafts

Nature Collage: Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs to create beautiful collages.

DIY Tie-Dye: Use old t-shirts and tie-dye kits for a colorful project.

Story Stones: Paint small stones with pictures and use them to create stories.

Outdoor Adventures

Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find in your backyard or local park.

Garden Fun: Plant flowers or vegetables together and watch them grow.

Obstacle Course: Set up a fun course using household items for a day of physical activity.

Educational Activities

Science Experiments: Try simple experiments like making slime or a volcano with baking soda and vinegar.

Book Challenge: Encourage the children to read a certain number of books and share their favourite story.

Cooking Together: Choose a new recipe to make as a family, teaching them basic cooking skills.

Indoor Fun

Puzzle Mania: Work on puzzles or board games together for some quality family time.

Movie Marathon: Pick a theme or series and have a cozy movie day with popcorn!

Dance Party: Put on some music and have a dance-off!

Bike Rides: Explore your neighborhood or local parks on bike rides.

Sports Skills: Practice soccer, basketball, or any favourite sport together.

Community Engagement

Visit the Library: Check out holiday programs or story times.

Community Events: Look for local activities, PCYC, and Local Council activities that are happening during the break.

I hope these suggestions inspire some holiday fun!  Happy Holidays!

P & F & Fete Committee Dates Term 4

The P & F & Fete Committee have set the following dates & events:

 Fete Donation Days - 

13th September Book Donations 

25th October Gift Cards, Christmas Items

22nd November Plants & Cakes

19th October Quiz Night

24th October Mango Drive Orders Close 

25th October Morning Tea for World Teachers Day

Next Fete Meeting is 16th October at 5:30pm in the Staff Room.