Principal's News
Parents and caregivers,
Welcome back to Term Three. I hope you've had a peaceful break with your family and are now feeling refreshed. I know from conversations with many students that some families have travelled while others have stayed home to recharge before the second half of the year.
Students across the school have made a lovely start to the term. I spent time in each classroom at various points in the past fortnight, and there was a calm and focused atmosphere throughout the school.
It's incredible to think how quickly time is passing with our Preps now halfway through their first year and Year Six fast approaching graduation. There are many things to look forward to in Term Three, not the least of which is the school art show on September 7th. Please note this date in your calendar. It is sure to be an exciting evening with students across the school showcasing their creativity.
Preps celebrating Milo's Birthday
Today, Prep P and Prep W students celebrated Milo Monkey's birthday. Milo has assisted the students in learning all 26 letters and initial sounds of the alphabet. The children were excited to celebrate and participated in party games and shared cupcakes, which they gleefully shared with staff across the school.
Hampton Community Kinder- Visits to St Mary's
In the first week of Term 3, Hampton Community Kinder concluded a series of visits to our school. During these visits, designed to assist the kinder children in making a smooth transition to primary school, they participated in art meditation and response to music with art activities.
Playgroup
Our St. Mary's Playgroup resumed again last Friday morning. It is offered to all preschool kids and is run by Georgie Benvenuto every Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. through the school term. Various planned and unstructured activities are offered from week to week. All current and prospective families with preschool children are welcome to join. It's a wonderful chance for the parents as well as the kids to bond. Adults can enjoy free tea and coffee throughout these sessions. I encourage existing families with young children to attend and invite new families to come along.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN 2023 reporting packages were delivered to the school at the end of this week. Included in this package was a printed Individual Student Report for each student who participated in NAPLAN in 2023.
The package also included a set of information brochures for parents and carers explaining the 2023 NAPLAN reporting reforms.
Early next week, the school will distribute the enclosed student reports and a copy of the brochure explaining the 2023 NAPLAN reforms to parents with children in Year 3 and Year 5 who completed the tests.
Staff Update
Louise Bohan
After nine years of service at St Mary’s, Louise resigned from her position as a Year 1 classroom teacher on Tuesday and Wednesday. Her last day at St Mary’s will be Wednesday 26th July. Louise lives across the Westage Bridge and has accepted an offer from a catholic school closer to home and her young family. We thank Louise for her contribution to helping our students learn and wish her all the best for the future.
Assembly
Assemblies are in the Hall each fortnight on Monday afternoons. Parents are welcome to attend. Most assemblies are class-led, with students sharing learning and experiences with the community. We also acknowledge positive learning behaviours and other students exhibiting the school's RICH values. At times, our student leaders will also use this forum to make announcements.
- Monday 24th July: Year 5
- Monday 7th August: Prep - 100 days (Please note a 9am start for this assembly)
- Monday 21st August: Book Week
- Monday 4th September: Year 1
We are looking forward to a productive, creative and exciting Term Three!
Kind Regards,
Nathan Eddy
Deputy Principal