From the Principal

Welcome To Week 10!

Autumn is here and there are lovely changes in the trees around us. As our mornings are cooling off and children have that extra layer of clothing, it's a timely reminder to have all items of clothing especially jumpers and jackets, labelled. Summer uniform is to be worn until the end of term.  On returning for Term 2, it is our full Winter uniform. 

As this is the last newsletter for the term, I would like to thank our wonderful staff, the enthusiasm and commitment of our students, and the ongoing support and partnership with you, our parents and families, for such an amazing term. I wish you all a safe and relaxing school holiday break and look forward to seeing everyone return to school on Monday, 29th April to begin Term 2.     

Term 1 Ends 11th April - Pupil Free Day 12 April

Please remember: The last day of term, for the students is Thursday 11 April. School resumes on Monday 29th April for Term 2.

Autumn Festival Cancelled

We are very sorry that the Autumn Festival 2024 has been cancelled due to the weather.

The Parade is Cancelled and the Afternoon Park Stalls, however breakfast with the band will proceed at 7 am, also the Armidale Campus to City Canter and the Performances scheduled by New England Conservatorium. Please see the Armidale City Regional Council Face Book Page for more information. 

Easter Prayer Assemblies

Thank you to our students and staff for organising and leading the Prayer Assemblies last Thursday. It was a truly beautiful way to take time to reflect upon the Easter message of Jesus' life. His life that gives meaning and purpose to us, an offer of hope a, journey that leads to life and joy.

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Happy Easter!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter Long Weekend with your loved ones. Easter is special a time of reflection and gratitude. It reminds us of the importance of appreciating the blessings we have in our lives and cherishing the important people in our lives.

Easter, the triumph of light over darkness is celebrated. At the Easter Vigil on Saturday, the Paschal Candle was lit from the Easter fire and brought into the dimly lit church. The priest chanted, "The light of Christ" and the congregation replied, "Thanks be to God." This fresh paschal light will illuminate the fifty days of Easter. It symbolises the resurrected Jesus, the "Light of the world," whose radiance continues to shine for all faithful followers.

Easter encompasses more than just a single day; it extends into a season lasting fifty days, culminating in Pentecost. The celebration of Easter lasts even longer than the preparation period of Lent. Throughout this season, we are continuously reminded of the close presence of the risen Jesus in our lives.

Our next celebration at Pentecost will be the Confirmation of our Year 6 students. I am looking forward to witnessing the gifts of the Holy Spirit coming to the children,  as they accept the offer of Jesus to give them a helper and a friend to assist them in following in his footsteps.

Hot Cross Bun Drive Thank You

Thank you to the P & F for organising the Hot Cross Bun Drive last week.

St Mary's Cross Country 

Congratulations to the children and staff on a successful Cross Country yesterday before the rain started! Well done to the children who gained a place to attend the Diocesan Cross Country next Term.  Congratulations to the Age champions and runner-up for each age division:

8/9 Year Old Girls - Catalina Jayashi,   Runner-Up - Olivia Duff

8/9 Year Old Boys  - David Valente,      Runner-Up - Daniel Ivannikov

10 Year Old Girls -   Molly Kelly,             Runner-Up - Jade Kenny

10 Year Old Boys -   Thomas Matthews, Runner-Up - Harlo Cooper

11 Year Old Girls -   Carmen Jayashi,     Runner-Up - Ella Stewart

11 Year Old Boys -   Maximo Brown,     Runner-Up - James Graham

12/13 Year Old Girls - Mikaya Pavy,     Runner Up - Milly Stace

12/13 Year Old Boys - Isaac Riches,    Runner-Up - Xavier Kelly

On Monday morning Assembly Mr Lester will present the students with their medals. 

A big thank you to Mr. Lester for organising the Cross Country. Also thank you to all the helpers on the day, especially Mr Garraud & Mr Murray who were at Harris Park very early Thursday morning to organise the course. 

A Student with A Serious Health Condition

We have a student enrolled at school who has a serious heart condition. One of the challenging aspects of the condition is the need to avoid any contact with dogs. The child cannot be near a dog while at school. I ask families NOT to bring dogs into the school playground at any time.  Also please do not bring DOGS to any school event such as the Athletics Carnival, Cross Country or events in the school paddock.

If you bring your dog to drop off or pick up please remain on the footpath. If for any reason you need to bring a dog into the school YOU MUST contact the school office first to arrange access. 

This situation reminds us to cherish the good health of our little people and the simple joys of life. 

Thank you for your support in keeping our children safe. 

Piano needs a HOME!

We have a piano that needs a new home. Please contact the school Office on 67724441,  if you are able to relocate at your own expense and accept as is. There is no stool with the piano. 

Confirmation Lessons for Year 6 Students

 Lessons are being held in the DLS Chapel (O'Connor College) on Sunday at 8:00 am to 9:30 am. The first hour of the lesson will consist of participation in Mass followed by a formation lesson. Mass attendance is an important part of Confirmation preparation for all students and for their ongoing faith development. Attendance at all lessons is compulsory. 

Lesson 4 Sunday 7/4/24 8am - 9:30am 

Lesson 5 Sunday 5/5/24 8am - 9:30am  (Reconciliation Revision & Makeup missed lesson).

Lesson 6 Sunday 12/5/24 8am - 9:30am (Practice for Confirmation)

Confirmation Sunday 19/5/24 at 10am Mass

ANZAC DAY MARCH

St Mary’s School has been invited to attend the ANZAC Day march. Those children who are available to march on Thursday 25th April will need to assemble with the school at 10:30 am East End Mall Beardy Street.

Parents, please make sure the children:

*are in the correct school winter uniform, tie, black shoes and school hat

*that you collect your son/daughter at Central Park at the conclusion of the march, 10:55 am or after the Commemorative Service which commences at 11 am in Central Park. 

A note will be sent home next week for student names who will be available to represent St Mary's at this event as it is on during the second week of the school holidays.

Reminder Term 1 Fee payments

Our Term 1 fees are due. Thank you to all our families who have made their Term 1 payments. 

LET'S GET READY FOR KINDERGARTEN 2025 OPEN MORNING 14th May 9:30am

Our Open Morning provides an opportunity for parents to discover what St Mary's School offers their children. Parents can engage with our school, take a tour, and share morning tea. 2025 Kindergarten students are welcome to participate in activities with the current Kindergarten class. 

If you aware of any families with a child preparing to begin school in the upcoming year, please extend an invitation to them for our Open Morning.

Educational Assistant Position St Mary's School Term 2-4, 2024

Click here to apply. Applications close 10 April 2024

School Expectations

I am requesting parents to please enforce the following expectations at home as I have seen a decline in the presentation of our students uniform code, untidy  hair, 

the wearing of jewellery and nail polish. 

I request that all students hair is tidy and NOT in their eyes. Please get your child's fringe cut if it is in their eyes.

Our school policy is:

1. Wearing the correct school uniform is compulsory. A note to the school is required if a child is not in the correct uniform. 
2.  School hats are to be worn at school when outside. 
3.  Hair is to be worn up if below shoulders (touching the shirt collar )and not in eyes.  The principal can request students get their hair cut if it is deemed untidy.
4. Nail Polish is not to be worn at school.
5.  Jewellery is limited to a watch, plain sleepers or studs

Thank you for making sure your child is in the correct uniform and takes pride in their presentation each day. 

Attendance Matters 

Education is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier as they are able to build on what was learned the day before. Just one day missed per fortnight equates to one whole year over a child's school life! 

Arriving at school on time is also important. Classes start at 8:50am, students should arrive at least ten minutes prior to this to ensure they have time to put their bags away and greet their friends. 

Schools, in partnerships with families, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students and for ensuring that non-attendance is addressed effectively. Thank you for prioritising your children’s attendance at school.  

A reminder that when a student is absent because they are sick for more than 3 days we require a medical certificate to support this absence.