School News
Class Parents 2019
Thank you to those parents who have already volunteered to be a Class Parent for their child's class.
We are still looking for a few Class Parents for 2019. We would like 2 Class Parents per class. The following classes still have vacancies for Class Parents:
1F - 1 vacancy
1L - 1 vacancy
2F - 2 vacancies
3BN - 2 vacancies
5L - 1 vacancy
5S - 2 vacancies
Class Parents roles include welcoming new families to the school and being a point of contact for parents in the class for information about different school activities. Please contact the School Office if you are interested.
For more information on the roles of class parents please refer to the school website http://www.stmarysarmidale.catholic.edu.au/community.php?id=79
School Leaders
Introducing our 2019 School Leaders:
School Captains - Lillie Kelly and Lang Toakley
School Vice Captains - Mia Lincoln and Tommy Schaefer
Starting School Open Morning
Kindergarten 2020 enrolments are now open. Please join us at our Starting School Open Morning on Wednesday 1st May. To register for the Open Morning, please visit the school website (www.stmarysarmidale.catholic.edu.au) and click on the Starting School Open Morning link.
Please let your family and friends with children starting school in 2020 know.
Scoliosis Self-Detection Program
Scoliosis (spinal curvature) is an important health problem for adolescent girls. Please refer to this website www.scoliosis-australia.org to access more information and to download the Self-Detection Fact Sheet.
School Jackets
We are phasing out our school jackets due to supply issues and replacing them with a royal blue jacket. The new jacket is warmer and water resistant and will be available from Intersport for $69.95. The old school jackets can still be worn.
Term 1 School Fees
A reminder that Term 1 School Fees were due on 8th March 2019.
Year 6 STEP Day
Tomorrow, Thursday 21 March, will be the first STEP Day for our Year 6 students at O'Connor. Please ensure that students wear their normal school uniforms and that you have returned the permission note.
Harmony Week
This week we are celebrating Harmony Week and tomorrow, Thursday 21 March, students are encouraged to wear something ORANGE with their normal school uniform.
What is Harmony Week?
This year Harmony Day will be renamed Harmony Week to recognise diversity and inclusion activities that take place during the entire week. Harmony Week will include 21 March, which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.
How to celebrate?
Let’s come together with friends and family and through schools. We will be wearing Orange on Thursday, and 2F will be presenting a Harmony Day Assembly on Friday at 2.40pm in St Anne’s Hall.
Why orange?
Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Australians can choose to wear something orange to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.
GRIP Student Leadership Conference - Year 6
The GRIP Student Leadership Conference is on Wednesday, 8 May at the Ex-Services Club. This is a wonderful opportunity for all students to further develop their leadership skills a this dynamic and informative workshop. A permission note has been sent home with all Year 6 students. Please return payment to school by Wednesday 10th April.
New England Festival
A big thank you to all who were involved in the St Mary's float on Saturday at the New England Festival. The float looked fantastic.
A special thank you to all the parent helpers. Well done St Mary's!!
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day falls again in the second week of the school holidays this year. Students from our school always proudly participate in the ANZAC Day March. This year we will be gathering in the East End Mall, near the corner of Faulkner Street at 10.00 am and we will proceed with the March at 10.30 am along Faulkner Street to Central Park. The Commemoration Service will commence at 11am and be followed by a wreath laying service. Students are asked to wear their full winter school uniform and will march as a group behind the St Mary’s school banner. All families are encouraged to support this important day in our nation’s history. A permission note was sent home with students this week.
O'Connor Catholic College - Enrolments for Year 7, 2019
Lenten Canteen Menu
Please remember to use the Lenten Canteen Menu when ordering from the canteen on Fridays during Lent.
Paper of copy of the Newsletter
If you wish to receive a printed copy of the newsletter please contact the school office.
Whole School Assembly
The next Whole School Assembly is this Friday, 22nd March. 2F will be presenting at this Assembly.
Newsletter Contributions
Contributions for the next newsletter need to be emailed to smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au by 5pm, Tuesday 2nd April 2019