From the Principal
Mrs Belinda Burton
Welcome back to Term 2
A warm welcome back to Term 2! I hope you all had a blessed Easter, and a restful and enjoyable break, filled with quality time with family and friends. As we settle back into school, we look forward to a busy and fun Term.
Upcoming Leave
Families, I would like to inform you that I will be taking leave during next week for the remainder of the term to undergo medical treatment following a recent diagnosis.
I sincerely appreciate your understanding, support, and prayers during this time. Please be assured that the Armidale Catholic Schools Office, together with our School Performance Leader, Mr John O'Connor, is putting support in place with the leadership team to ensure continuity and care for our school community in my absence.
Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to hearing all about the events of Term 2 and returning to school in Term 3. With love, Mrs B.
Mother's Day
The month of May, our thoughts turn to celebrating the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our lives. As we approach Mother's Day this Sunday, I want to take this opportunity to wish all the mothers in our school community a truly wonderful day filled with love, joy, and appreciation. Your unwavering support, care, and guidance are invaluable, and we are so grateful for all that you do.
I would like to share with you the beautiful words written in a card to St Mary's Staff this week:
To all you wonderful ladies at St Mary's.
For your constant care and dedication to the children.
Many times no doubt playing the role of their "Other Mother".
The children are so very fortunate having you all as part of their lives.
I wish each and everyone of you a very happy Mother's Day.
May God bless you all.
Annual Art Show - Thursday 15th May
Please join us for the school Art Show in the School Hall, Jessie Street entrance from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm.
- Doors open 5:30pm - $$ Donation entry fee
- Winners will be announced at 5:45pm
- 6:00pm P & F Auction Art work by Mrs de Stoop, Grandmother of James Graham in Yr 6.
- P & F will be catering on evening - with cheese, biscuits, wine & juice
The two winning pieces of work go to the 'Operation Art Competition' in Sydney, and the highly commended pieces go to the 'Let's Hang It" UNE & NERAM Competition.
ANZAC DAY MARCH
In the holidays our students participated in the ANZAC Day march, a significant occasion for our community to remember and honour the sacrifices made. Thank you to the families for organising the children's participation. Their respectful involvement reflects the values we strive to instil in our students.
Vale Pope Francis
Like many around the world, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. For the past twelve years, his spiritual leadership has been a source of inspiration, and his profound impact has resonated far beyond the Catholic Church. His unwavering commitment to compassion, his advocacy for the marginalised, and his calls for global unity have touched the hearts of people from all walks of life.
Pope Francis' emphasis on humility, empathy, and the power of simple acts of kindness serves as a powerful reminder for us all. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live with greater compassion and understanding in our interactions with one another.
He didn't just speak, he lived what he preached.
Through his writings, prayers, and humble life, he gave us the roadmap to heaven.
In Lumen Fidei, he reminded us:
Faith is our light in darkness.
In Laudato Si', he cried out:
Care for the earth, it's our only home.
In Fratelli Tutti, he urged:
We are ALL brothers and sisters, no exceptions.
In Amoris Laetitia, he smiled:
Family is messy, beautiful, and the heart of God's love.
In Evangelii Gaudium, he cheered:
Share the Gospel with JOY, not sadness!
Pope Francis taught us that:
- Mercy is stronger than judgment.
- Love is stronger than hate.
- Hope is stronger than fear.
He said:
"The Church must be a field hospital after battle, healing, not condemning.
He showed us that true leaders smell like their sheep,
walk with the people, and never stand above them.
Today, we don’t just mourn him.
We carry his flame.
We LIVE his words.
We LOVE as he loved.
We SERVE as he served.
Pope Francis, pray for us!
We will not forget you.
Welcome to Our New Bishop – Bishop Peter Murphy
We joyfully welcome Bishop Peter Murphy as the newly appointed 11th Bishop of the Armidale Diocese. His appointment brings new hope and energy to our diocesan family. Known for his deep faith and humble leadership, Bishop Peter will guide us with wisdom and care. We keep him in our prayers and give thanks for this exciting new chapter in the life of our Diocese.
Welcome to Our New Pope – Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope yesterday Thursday 8th May, taking the name Leo XIV. We will keep the Pope in our prayers and pray for him.
Kindergarten Enrolments for 2026
Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten 2026. Our school open morning for Kindergarten will be Tuesday 13th May 2025
Please contact the school for an enrolment package - 6772 4441 or email
CONFIRMATION - Sacramental Program Dates for 2025
Lesson 1 Sunday - 30th March 9am Cathedral
Lesson 2 Sunday - 6th April 9am Cathedral
(School Holidays)
Lesson 3 Sunday - 4th May 9am Cathedral
Lesson 4 Sunday - 11th May 9am Cathedral
Lesson 5 Sunday - 18th May 9am Cathedral
Lesson 6 Sunday - 25th May 9am Cathedral
Lesson 7 Practice -Sunday 1 June 9am Cathedral
Pentecost Sunday - 10am Mass 8 June
Please keep the Year 6 students being Confirmed in your prayers.
P & F Save the dates
Art Show Auction - 4 items of Art have been donated by the Graham family to be auctioned at the School Art Show in Week 3 Thursday 15th May.
School Athletics Carnival - BBQ 4th May
School Fete November 15th (We are looking for a Fete Convenor ?????)
GRIP Leadership Workshop Yr 6 14th May
This Wednesday, our Year 6 students will attend the GRIP Leadership Day. This program aims to develop key leadership skills through engaging activities.
Students will learn about responsibility, integrity, generosity, and teamwork, interacting with peers from other schools. This offers a valuable opportunity to enhance communication, build confidence, and inspire initiative.
The GRIP Leadership Day promises to be an impactful experience, empowering our Year 6 students to become effective leaders within our school community.
Catholic Schools Week 28th May
The Spirit of Catholic Education Mass and Awards will be held on Wednesday, May 28th, as part of Catholic Schools Week celebrations. The Event will commence with Mass in the Cathedral at 11 a.m., followed by awards presentation.
Mass Time: 11.00 am
Venue: Saints Mary and Joseph's Catholic Cathedral
Awards Time: 1.00 pm
Awards Ceremony Venue: St Mary's Primary School Hall
Uniform in Term 2 - Wearing our Uniform with Pride
Term 2, students wear their Winter uniform. Thank you parents for ensuring your children returned to school wearing the correct unifrom. Maintaining a high uniform standards is an important part of our school's identity and plays a significant role in fostering a sense of pride and respect for our school.
Our uniform identifies St Mary's School within the community and develops a sense of school spirit and belonging within the student body. Some specific uniform requirements, such as shoes, hats, hair and jewellery, are directly related to student safety. The wearing of the correct school uniform is compulsory, and students are expected to arrive wearing it daily, ready to learn. Families are asked to ensure that each item of clothing is clearly labelled.
We thank you for your partnership in this important aspect of school life.
