Principal's Update 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We thank you Lord, for this term. For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends. Guide us to be peacemakers in our family, and to always be conscious of You in our lives. Keep us safe in our activities and travels; give us ample rest and help to bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.

Amen

Congratulations to Dani and Xavier

Big congratulations to Dani and Xavier Allen on the birth of Dorothy Anne last week.

We wish them all the very best during this exciting time in their lives. 

New Appointment for 2024

Next year we require a classroom teacher to replace Dani Allan, who is on maternity leave. I am extremely pleased to announce that we have appointed Matthew O’Dowd for 2024. Matthew is a local person who had a previous career as a chiropractor. He has been studying over the past 2 years and is ready to start a new career in teaching. We look forward to Matthew spending some time with us in Term 4 and joining our team in 2024.

Barking Spider Art Show

This term our Grade 5 students have been working with the Barking Spider art company. This is a state government funded project supported by the creative learning partnerships initiative. Next Tuesday our Grade 5 students will put on a show at St. Andrews Hall with the theme of ‘Old Lens New Light.’ Children from other grades will have their artwork on display at the school.

Parents and families are invited to wonder through the school and admire the artwork on display between 5.30-6.30. At 6.30 we will make our way down to the St. Andrew’s Hall for the Grade 5 presentation. 

All students will attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday morning. Please make sure you complete the permission form on PAM.

Footy Colours Day

Next Friday will be the last day of term and children are invited to wear their favourite footy colours. They will also be served ‘fun food’ for lunch on this day, with school finishing at 2.15.

School Hats

In line with our Sun Smart policy, all children are to start wearing their school hats. I ask that all children bring their hats to school, clearly named, and ready to start wearing tomorrow.

                                                                  Early Finish to the Year

As we move to the latter weeks of Term 3, I wanted to confirm some important dates for our school community so that you can plan ahead as needed. 

End of 2023 school year key dates;

• The last day of school for students in 2023 will be Friday 15th December. 
• Staff conclude on Monday 18th December, this is a staff meeting day and no student supervision is available.   

Last Newsletter

This will be the last newsletter for Term 3. On behalf of all the staff at St. Mary’s, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for a fantastic term. It has certainly been a very busy term with various sporting events, the Art Show, sacramental program and ceremony, Book Week, excursions, Jump Rope for Heart and our P-2 swimming program. Thus we look forward to a restful and relaxing break, ready for a great fourth term. 

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Michael Mahoney (Principal)

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