Message from the Principal

Dear Community,

We are already at the conclusion of Term 1 Week 4. How time flies when you're having fun! We have had another fantastic week with Shrove Tuesday and the Burning of the Ashes on Ash Wednesday.

We have a few things to look forward to this week - see below!

Welcome BBQ

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our BBQ on Thursday 26th at school between 5pm and 6:30pm! Bring the family down and have a chat with our staff. See you there!

Week 5 Assembly

Our assembly in Week 5 will be led by our Grade 2/3/4 class. This will begin at 2:45pm in the library. Parents, carers and families are warmly welcomed to attend to celebrate another fortnight of learning and growth at St Mary's.

Bushfire Support

We will be hosting an information evening led by clinical psychologist Kate from Castlemaine Community Health on Monday 2nd March between 5:30pm and 7pm. The session will be held in the library. Childcare will be provided in a nearby classroom for those wanting to attend with children. The purpose of the evening is to provide support for those adults and carers impacted by the recent bushfires for our St Mary's families as well as the wider community. More information to follow!

In terms of support for our students impacted, Julie C and Blythe have undertaken training through the MacKillop Institute specifically focused on a program named 'Stormbirds' - a program focused on processing the event and impacts of natural disasters. This will be provided to those students impacted who would like some additional support. Julie has written about this in this newsletter. This is a wonderful opportunity for connection and healing.

Parent Helpers!

It was great to meet with some parents this week who would like to help out in the classroom and at events and excursions/incursions. If you were unable to attend the sessions, please reach out to the office to get a Parent Helper Handbook and an agreement to read through and sign.

Week 5 Assembly

Working Bee - Sunday 1st March

We are asking for any one who is available and keen to help at a small Working Bee on Sunday 1st March to reach out! We have a few jobs that we need support with:

Soft fall delivery to be transferred to the Junior Playground (BYO wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels if you have them!)
Any support in the Kitchen Garden which is slightly overgrown!

If you are available to help, please reach out to the office or email admin@smcastlemaine.catholic.edu.au to let us know! We appreciate any support in this.

Have a lovely restful weekend.

Kind regards,

Shannon Betham

Acting Principal