Principals Message

Welcome

Thank you everyone for the very warm welcome that I have received over the past few weeks. Once again, I have been blown away with how friendly and supportive everyone has been. It really has been a lovely start to my role at St Mary’s. 

As a school, we also welcome several new staff for 2024. 

Mr Damian Kerrins (a former Colbo lad) has come on board as our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) teacher as well as allround ICT expert. Mr Kerrins’ lessons have been a hit so far with students and teachers alike.

Mrs Kathy Ryan joins us as an Student Support Officer and is also a local to Colbo. Kathy has begun to foster some really strong connections with the students in the classes that she is supporting.

Ms Kat Parry joins us as our Performing Arts teacher and Librarian. Kat is also relatively local and brings a great vibrancy and enthusiasm to our school. 

Mr Nick Taylor has signed on as our new maintenance/groundskeeper. Nick lives in Toolleen and commented on what a lovely school we have at St Mary’s.

Our school currently has an advert for an additional classroom teacher for one day per week to assist in allowing Mrs Thea Parry and Mrs Katherine Jamieson in providing additional time for them toward Learning and Teaching and Learner Diversity respectively. 

Learning Conversations

This Wednesday, we begin the first or our two scheduled Learning Conversations. These will run between 2:30 - 4:30pm this Wednesday as well as next Tuesday. Learning Conversations are an excellent opportunity for students, teachers and families to set learning goals for the term/s ahead. Please reach out to the teachers if you require an alternate meeting time. 

Bookings can be made on SIMON everywhere. 

Beginning of Year Mass and Welcome BBQ

Last Friday, we held our Beginning of Year Mass led by Fr. Minh followed by our Welcome BBQ. Both events were an amazing success and I thank the P and F for assisting with the Welcome BBQ.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

Today we had our Shrove Tuesday and tomorrow we have our Ash Wednesday liturgy. These are very important days within our Catholic faith. 

Uniform 

A huge thank you for sending the children in so well presented. I ask that you continue to do so and please be mindful of students ensuring that they have their hats, sleepers or studs only in their ears and no nail polish or bracelets. 

Pupil Free day

On Monday 19th Feb we have a Pupil Free day as our whole staff will attend the AUSLAN (Languages) conference in Bendigo. This will be a very beneficial professional learning opportunity that will complement our teaching in class.

SIMON Everywhere 

Don’t forget to sign up for/log into SIMON Everywhere to be up to date with all of the happenings of our school. We also have the Facebook page which is very active. 

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will run this term for Years 3 and 5. The testing window is Wednesday 13 - Monday 21 March. I will send more information to families in the next few weeks.

Thank you and please do not hesitate to book a time to come and see me if you have any queries or concerns. 

Vin Ryan

Principal