Principal's Update

Dear Parents & Carers,

We have reached that hectic time of the year again where our dedicated teachers have been busy gathering assessment data and completing students’ mid-year reports and preparing for Learning Conversations. However, it’s great to not only read and hear about our children’s academic gains and challenges, but also those ‘little’ things that we as educators get to witness day to day, that are all part of the growth and development of the whole child………….

Watching a Prep student hold a pencil and try to write their name or numbers without help.
Witnessing one of our students get up at prayer gathering in front of the whole school community to read a prayer or sing a song
Observing a Grade 6 lending a helping hand to their Prep buddy and assisting them to the classroom

Being amazed when two young children have a disagreement and then apologise to each other
Attaching importance to the first time a child works out how to tie shoe laces
Watching and listening to children playing in the nature play space before school, building a time machine to go back and see the dinosaurs

PRAYER:

Lord, as people working in schools, we are lucky to watch our students conquer

important milestones in their development.

May they carry into the future a spirit of determination to follow their dreams and goals.

Amen.

First Ever International Day of Play - 11th June

The first-ever International Day of Play, was celebrated on 11th June 2024 and marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritise playing so that all people, especially children, thrive. One of Maria Montessori’s famous quotes about play and the child is “Play is the work of the child.”

At a time when electronic devices play such a big part in our lives, we need to value the importance of play both in the classroom and outside. In recent years we have developed our playground spaces to provide greater opportunities for play based learning. These include; 3 nature play spaces under the shade sail, on the back oval and the cubby area in the junior playground. The junior playground has also undergone a major upgrade of equipment, and re surfacing. It’s always a pleasure to go out on yard duty and see the children so engaged in their play at break times. At home, I encourage all families to promote the joy of play in their children’s lives.

I encourage parents/carers to read the following article

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-09/risky-play-teen-mental-health-crisis/103939412

Learning Conversations

A reminder to all families to book their times for Learning Conversations being held on the 25th and 26th June in the school library. Bookings can be made on PAM. If you've forgotten your password, please make contact with the school office. We suggest that you get in early to book a time that is convenient for you. It is an expectation that all families will attend the Learning Conversations, as they are a major part of the holistic approach that St. Mary’s has towards the reporting process. Please note, that there has been a certain amount of time allocated for the Learning Conversations and therefore only enough time slots in individual classes for each family to attend. We ask, therefore, that when booking a time, you book only one time slot per family for each teacher.

Swimming P-2 Program

A reminder to all parents that our P-2 swimming program commences week 5 of next term. The children will go every Thursday from the 8th August to 5th September. Next term, please look on PAM to give permission for your child to participate. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please let their teacher know.

Pupil Free Days Term 3

Please note that in Term 3 we will be having 2 pupil free days for teacher professional development. The first will be in week 3, Friday 2nd August and the second will be in week 6, Tuesday 20th August.

Prep Enrolments for 2025

I would like to have enrolments for next year finalised by the middle of next term. I will be on Long Service Leave for the first 3 weeks of next term. Therefore, if you have any extended family or friends intending on enrolling their child next year, it would be greatly appreciated if you could pass this information on to them, so they can arrange for a meeting and a tour of the school. I request all existing families that have a child starting in Prep next year, submit their enrolment form as soon as possible.

Mick and Judy Leave

As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, I will be on leave from the 23rd June, returning back to school at the start of week 4, Monday 5th August. Judy Carr will be here for the last week of this term and will share the role of acting principal with Jodie and Paula. Judy then goes on leave for the first 6 weeks of next term, and Jodie and Paula will share the role. Should the need arise, please be sure to make contact with Judy, Jodie or Paula in my absence. Thank you for your ongoing support and I will look forward to seeing you all on my return next term.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Michael Mahoney

(Principal)