Mrs Ryan's Fortnightly Reflections

Well, what a few weeks we have had! The conclusion of our production has brought much pride, affirmation, and fatigue—all at the same time! It was an incredible event, a demonstration of community participation, a celebration of gifts and talents, and an experience of learning that some will never forget. Thank you to the staff for their input and enthusiasm in preparing our learners, our parents and families for assisting with props and costume preparations, and for having them ready and present at all shows. Our wider community; The Men’s Shed, Njernda, Sharon Parker, St Joseph’s College staff and students, GV Dance Studios, Jamie our maintenance staff, and Catholic Education Sandhurst—without your collective help with prop creation, space support, costumes, singing, and dance, our production would not have been as spectacular as it was! I know many will be excited that our next production is only two years away, and some will welcome the rest!   

Thank you to all of our families who supported our school in making alternative arrangements this week for our closure days. While I hope it was a welcome rest or reset at this point in the term, I am grateful for the time it allowed staff to attend to learning conversations with full presence and for our families to come and go freely. We are always so impressed by the number of families who attend these vital conversations. Our second day was a diocesan-wide Spirituality Day, which welcomed three of our neighbouring schools. We connected with colleagues in Catholic education and had time to reflect and renew aspects of ourselves, our faith, and our spirituality that contribute to the people we are, the communities we serve, and the learners we impact every day.   

A reminder that St Mary’s has three crossings that facilitate our arrival and dismissal times. We are very aware that these are the busiest times of the day, during which we as staff prioritise supervision and vigilance for our children. I ask that parents arranging pickup points ensure all learners use the nearest crossing, particularly if meeting at the retail area across the road. There are multiple entry points, and children are often observed crossing quickly, waiting in the middle of the busy road, and sometimes with younger siblings in tow. Please help us keep your children safe.   

Next week, we will return to some normality as we have a full week at school, and we will be halfway through the term. We have a whole school athletics day scheduled for Monday, and we are monitoring the weather closely. Any changes will be communicated late on Sunday if necessary.   

Many events are coming up: Athletics Day, St Mary’s Book Week Parade, Father’s Day Celebration, and a St Mary’s Trivia Night! Please be sure to read all the details in this newsletter and on Compass.   

Have a lovely weekend, everyone. 

In faith, trust and love. 

Jasmine Ryan  

Principal