A message from Denis

Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

 

We find ourselves in week 8 of Term 4 and in the aftermath of what was a highly successful St Mary’s Fiesta.  With 3 weeks remaining of Term 4 we are looking to finish off the year positively and productively with our students, enjoying the accomplishments and growth that 2024 has brought us.

 

Building Update

Today I met with Smith and Tracey Architects and the MACS Building and Infrastructure team to discuss the tenders from the builders for our Roseberry St refurbishment project.  All went well and we are on track to appoint a builder and begin preparations for the work to commence mid December.

 

We will plan and communicate any interruptions or movement needed once the appointed builder has been able to give us a schedule.  This is an exciting development for St Mary’s and will provide a wonderful upgrade to these buildings for 2025 and beyond.

 

Fiesta

That’s a wrap on St Mary’s Fiesta 2024!  What a great evening it was!  From the variety of stalls to the great food and beverages to the rides for the children and the great items on offer in the online auction.  Everything went off without a hitch and in a very enjoyable way.

 

Events like these, put on by the army of volunteers from our community are part of what makes St Mary’s so special.  Everyone had a great time and the day created many lasting memories for us all.

A special thank you to all of the volunteers who helped out on the day and in particular:

 

 

 

Sponsorship and Donations

 

 

Tom Connell

Caroline Locke

Katie Keating

Sarah Connolly

Volunteer and Stall CoordinatorKaren Schulze
Marketing and Communications

Yvette Dugina (comms)

Katie O’Keefe (design)

Food and Beverage  

Roy Dass,  Anthony Bishop (SMFASS)

Jade Shillington, Kath Worn

Rides CoordinationSarah Connolly
Logistics and Operations

Amanda Atkins

Marg Absalom

TreasurerIain Sanders
Silent AuctionBrett Hungerford
P&F Co-Presidents

Sarah Connolly

Tom Connell

StallLead
Photo boothFoundation Tanya Williams
CookiesFoundation Carla Fontanini
Lob A ChocGrade 1 Anne Ruffo
Face Painting / TattoosGrade 2 Lucianne Midiri
PancakesGrade 3 Natalie Richards
Dunking MachineGrade 3 Nicki Madden
Animal NurseryGrade 3  Nicki Madden
Canteen (hot food)Grade 3  Nicole Timoney + Rachel Grant 
Popcorn/Fairy Floss/Soft Drinks/SnacksGrade 3  Lou Miziewicz
Cake stallGrade 4 Katie Keating
Lollies / Lucky DipGrade 5 Bree Jardine + Elise Jones 
Wine WallGrade 6 Keryn Yaxley + Jane Anderson
SlushiesGrade 6 Students
Choc TopsStudents
Devonshire TeaShona McIntyre
BBQ including spit/pulled meatSMAFSS
BarSMAFSS
MargaritasGrade 1 Jade Shillington + Kath Worn
Ticket BoothSam Olsen/ Iain Sanders / Katrina Firman
First AidMarie Parker St John’s Ambulance

Be Ready 

My Be Ready example for this week comes from our teachers.  It’s that time of year where we are looking to wind down the learning and have fun and connected experiences with our students for the final few weeks.  It is a special privilege leading a classroom, strong connections and relationships are forged over the course of the year and much struggle, success and joy has been shared.  Our teachers are working to Be Ready to say goodbye to their current class and start connecting with their next one.  The only constant in life is change.

 

IMPORTANT Pickups and Drop offs

Please do not double park near the drop off bays or que along the street outside of the pink pickup/drop off areas.  If you do, you risk fines or further action from council authorities.  These actions create blockages for traffic and dangerous situations for cars and pedestrians from our school community.  

 

If there is no space in the pink waiting bays for pick ups or drop offs you will need to circle the block or park your car in a permitted spot in the surrounding streets and walk in for pick up/drop off.

 

Double parking and blocking the street remain an issue at pick up times so please play your role in helping be part of the solution.  Blocking off traffic access to our adjoining streets is a potentially dangerous activity and one that risks further action from council authorities.

 

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay connected,

 

Denis Johnstone 

Principal