From the Principal

Week 8 Term 3

I hope everyone had a great Father's Day last Sunday. Father's Day gives us the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and these moments are priceless. September is also a time to welcome Spring, we are all looking forward to the warmer days in Spring.

The remainder of Term 3 is very busy with Year 4  heading off to Lake Keepit on Monday & Tuesday next week. I know they will have a great time and they will enjoy all of the amazing activities. We look forward to all of the photos in the next newsletter.

Then in week 10 Year 6 are heading to Canberra for the last week of the term. The children are certainly getting excited about their week away!

In week 9, Thursday & Friday the Leadership team will be attending a two-day Clarity Suite course in Tamworth with other School's and system leaders from the Armidale Catholic Schools across the Diocese. The PD days are designed to further improve our teaching & the use of data to best inform our teaching practices, & to cater to all learning abilities, needs, and styles. 

The last day of Term 3 is Friday 22nd of September.  Term 4 commences on Monday 9th October, the children return to school in their Summer Uniform. 

Term 4 will also see our Transition Students join us at "Big School" during Week 1-7.  We are getting very excited to have them join us. 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - Sunday 10 am Mass 10.9.2023

Congratulations to the Children making their First Holy Communion on Sunday.  I am very proud of the children they have been preparing for the past six Sundays, for the sacrament of Holy Communion.

It would be wonderful if the school community was able to support the children by joining with them at Mass on Sunday, 10 am in the Cathedral.  The school will be hosting the morning tea after Mass. If you are able to come please bring some morning tea to share after Mass.  If you are unavailable to attend on Sunday but would like to donate something for morning tea that would be most welcome. Donations can be left at the church from 8.00 am onwards or dropped into the school office on Friday 8th.  THANK YOU.

Parent Teacher Interviews Term 3

Thank you to all of the families that have attended Parent Teacher Interviews.  It is a wonderful opportunity to hear about your child's achievement and their goals for Term 4. 

Please note entry & exit is through the Rusden Street entrance for Parent Teacher Interviews. 

Staff RE PD Day on Prayer

The staff had a very successful day on Friday, 28th August on Prayer. Fr Paul McCabe presented the Keynote address on Encounter. The staff were then able to select workshops to attend on a variety of Prayer topics. The CSO Catholic Life, Mission & RE, 

team also introduced the staff to a resource for schools from the Australian Catholic Bishops called Created & Loved. The day concluded with the staff attending Mass in the Ursuline Chapel with Fr Paul McCabe.  

Thank you for Book Week & Grandparents Day

A huge “thank you” to all the students, staff, families & grandparents who contributed to the special day - your support for Book Week and Grandparents Day was absolutely amazing! A special “thank you” to the many parents, grandparents, and family friends who came along to visit classrooms, donate books, enjoy the musical performances, and join the children for morning tea. 

P & F - Fete Date 4th November 2023

Please support the P & F donation days for the Fete.  For any inquiries or offers to help please contact Sarah - ph 0417518099

SCHOOL FEES DUE NOW

Thank you to those families for your ongoing support of St Mary's Primary School and prompt payment of school fees. Term 3 fees are due please ensure that your fees are paid for this term.

Attendance

Thank you to families who explain their children's absences from school. Please remember to reply to the SMS sent or contact the school by phone. The Office also sends a reminder email which you can reply to with an explanation. You can explain planned absences in advance by writing an email or phoning the school. Absences of more than 10 days require a form to be filled out to apply for "Extended Leave" which requires approval from the Principal. 

Please contact the Office either by phone or email regarding attendance matters.