Mrs Ryan's Fortnightly Reflections

Love was in the air!

How special is Grandparents day! It was a magical day at St Mary’s on Monday with what would have seen over a thousand people in our school grounds! The liturgy set the tone of fun, love and gratitude for our many young people who proudly shared their learning environment with their grandparents and special people. Thank you to the many families who went to the effort to travel, patiently partake in an activity or simply come along to catch up with familiar faces. A special thank you to the staff and parents who prepared and supported the event along with Wendy who wrote the most honest and loving words of what it means to be a grandparent. I have attached Wendy’s reflection further on in the newsletter. 

During week 4, St Mary’s hosted the Sandhurst Catholic Education Council for one of their meetings and were able to share who we are as a school and the successes and challenges we experience. The council are the governing body of Catholic Education Sandhurst and visit schools regularly to be informed and relevant in their work. The council toured our school and listened to our story and met many children and staff throughout their two day visit. They were extremely impressed with our grounds and facilities, the friendliness and pride our children showed for their school along with the welcoming and dedicated staff. The council also acknowledged the distinctive feel and imagery of our catholic identity that was evident during their stay. 

At the conclusion of last week we celebrated National Teachers day. This year the theme was, ‘Hats Off To a Teacher!’ Our learners were encouraged to lift a hat and acknowledge the effort, care and commitment of our educators. St Mary’s staff are extremely committed and passionate about what they do and the difference they make. They work tirelessly for all children in the school and deserve the acknowledgement not only on National Teachers day, but every day! I hope the staff enjoyed their special lunch! 

In a fortnights time, we welcome our Foundation learners of 2024. The Foundation team has been finalised and they are busy preparing exciting sessions and welcome to school activities to ensure our new families and learners feel right at home at St Mary’s. Families will have received dates and locations of where transition will begin. The Foundation team will be announced to the community at the end of next week. I am not sure who is more excited, the teachers, or those smiling faces starting school? 

As we draw nearer to the end of the year a reminder that school fees for 2023 need to be settled. Particularly families who are finishing up at St Mary’s or have their child graduating from Year 6. I am always available to discuss fees and payment supports to ensure our families contribute and meet their financial commitment. Please contact Nicole Gillie in the office if any further information is required. 

Our learners were actively out and successful in our Regional sporting cluster for both basketball and tennis recently. It is always great to see a variety of learners at different sports and many of them trying out for sports not necessarily one they usually participate in. Our regional tennis had a few wins and losses but will not go any further at this stage. Our basketballers also had mixed results, with our senior boys team now making it to state in November. I am always so impressed and proud of how our learners show great sportsmanship, inclusion and encouragement at these events. 

Many of you will have noticed that our School fete is back on the events calendar and the advertising, sales and sponsorship is very much in circulation. The fete has not been held for some time so we are extremely hopeful that all in our community can attend and celebrate its return. For me, it will be my first experience of the fete, one I am very excited to experience. Thank you to Alex Daly for her organisation and rallying many parents and staff in support of its success. Continue to watch out on our socials and Compass of how to purchase items and tickets. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

This weekend is a long weekend for St Mary’s. It is a timely break before the Christmas rush and festivities are upon us. I hope every family is able to rest and replenish ready for the final six weeks of term!

Take Care & God Bless, 

Jasmine Ryan

Principal