Dear Parents,

A huge congratulations to Marissa Egan for her inspiring work in our community garden. Last week we were awarded a regional award from Victorian Schools Garden Program. Congratulations to Jack, Kristina and Lisa Galvin who travelled to the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne to receive the award on our behalf.

Congratulations and thanks to Marissa for applying for grants to enhance and continue to build this beautiful natural space for our students to grow and flourish in. We have been successful in gaining grants in the following programs:

$10,000 grant in Placemaker program

$9540 Climate Action Grant

$5000 Junior Landcare Grant

$1000 Victorian Schools Garden Grant.

These will enable us to continue to build this wonderful program in 2024.

Thank you Marissa for all you are doing in the garden program for St Mary’s.

Last week, students participated in the last session of our tennis program. This has been a wonderful program over the last 6 weeks and a great example of working with local community groups. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Reece Driscoll for leading the sessions and Lisa Galvin for co-ordinating the program.

Thank you to all parents and students who have participated in our 2023 walk to school program. We have been awarded a $500 prize for our participation which will go towards some more playground resources.

This week, we commence our swimming program. Swimming and water safety activities are essential, especially as we live on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. The swimming program enables children to learn fundamental swimming skills, along with important water safety skills. Students will then travel to Point Leo in Week 11 for Beach Safety Days, ensuring we have a comprehensive swimming and water safety program for all of our students.

We have our big Christmas celebration this Friday. Please support the event and come along to celebrate our wonderful community.

Raffle tickets were sent home on Thursday for the bumper Christmas Raffle!

On the 12th December, our official Orientation Day, all students in the school will attend a session with their new teacher for 2024. This provides an opportunity for students to be prepared for the following school year.

On this day, you will receive an envelope with all of the necessary information pertaining to the 2023 school year. This will also be sent home via Operoo.

You will be invited to book in for an individual session with your child’s teacher at the commencement of the 2024 school year. This information will be provided in the information pack.

End of Term Dates
Friday 1st December	Colour Explosion Fun Day, Prep Nativity and Christmas Celebrations
Wednesday 6th December	End of year Mass 1.30pm Followed by Spirit of St Mary’s and other awards & Raffle Draw
Thursday 7th December	Prep excursion
Tuesday 12th December	Official transition session and step up for 2024 will be held 9.00am- 10.30am
Wednesday 13th December	Senior Beach Day
Thursday 14th December	Junior Beach Day Year 6 Graduation and Dinner 4.30pm
Friday 15th December	The last day for students for the 2023 school year is Friday 15th December. Students will finish at 3.15pm.

2024 Commencement Dates
29th January 2024	School staff resume – Staff professional learning
30th January 2024	Individual Conferences with Classroom Teacher
31st January 2024	Individual Conferences with Classroom Teacher
1st February 2024	Students commence classes
9th February 2024	Beginning of the Year School Mass and Welcome BBQ 2pm Leaders ceremony and badge presentation

Term	2024 School Closure Days & Public Holidays
1	Monday 11th March - Labour Day Public Holiday
2	Thursday 25th April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
	Friday 26th April - Pupil Free Day
	Monday 10th June - King’s Birthday Public Holiday
3	Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September - Pupil Free Days - Staff Conference
4	Monday 4th November - Pupil Free Day
4	Tuesday 5th November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Camps
Grade 3/4 Camp - 27th to 28th March
Grade 5/6 Camp- 27th to 29th November

Finally, please promote our wonderful school to all in our community.

We are still taking enrolments for 2024. Word of mouth is the most effective marketing tool, so please invite any of your friends, family and community to come along for a tour of our wonderful school.

Yours in Partnership,

Gab

E-Safety