From the Acting Principal
Mr Dallas Hyatt
A Belated Welcome to Term 3
I extend a belated welcome back to all members of our school community for Term 3. I trust that the recent break provided an opportunity for rest and rejuvenation, as the forthcoming term is anticipated to be particularly active with a significant number of events and activities scheduled.
During the recent holiday period, a number of significant projects were undertaken to enhance our school facilities. The administration building has been freshly painted, and a section of the infants' playground has been revitalised. I extend our sincere gratitude to our groundkeeper Tim Murray, Gary Burton, and the dedicated workers who ensured the new artificial turf was successfully installed during this time. These improvements contribute significantly to providing an optimal learning and play environment for our students.
I am pleased to note that this week has been dedicated to the observance of NAIDOC Week, a crucial period for acknowledging and celebrating the rich history, diverse cultures, and notable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This initiative represents an important opportunity for educational engagement and reflective practice across our entire school community.
Looking ahead, the term's calendar is rapidly developing. Some of our students are scheduled to participate in intellectual challenges such as Brain Olympia, demonstrate their athletic prowess at the Armidale Catholic Schools Athletics Trials, while all of us will be engaging with literary themes during Book Week, and share valuable moments with family members on Grandparents Day.
It is important to note that this list represents only a selection of the events planned. The term will also encompass a range of additional learning opportunities, student performances, excursions, and community engagements. I strongly encourage all families to regularly consult forthcoming communications and the school's official calendar to remain informed of all scheduled activities.
Message from Mrs Burton
Dear School Community,
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope everyone had a refreshing holiday.
During the holidays you received a letter outlining that I needed to take additional leave during Term 3 to continue my treatment, which now involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I'm very grateful to the Armidale Catholic Schools Office, Mr. Dallas Hyatt, Mrs. Louise Reinke, and the Leadership Team for taking such good care of the school in my absence.
I'm fortunate to be able to stay connected and follow all the wonderful things happening at school, even from a distance. I'll certainly be keeping in touch and look forward to hearing all your news. Your messages, support, and prayers are very special to me – thank you so much.
With love and missing you all,
Mrs B
NAIDOC Week Activities
This week at St. Mary's Primary has commenced with a vibrant celebration of NAIDOC Week, beginning with a special assembly. Our Aboriginal students proudly led the proceedings, welcoming special guests and setting a respectful tone for the week's events.
NAIDOC Week serves as a vital opportunity for all Australians to unite in celebrating the rich culture, deep aspirations, and enduring hopes of our nation's First Peoples. It is a time for recognition and shared understanding.
Throughout the week, our students have been actively engaged in various cultural activities designed to deepen their appreciation and connection. A big thank you goes out to Mrs Walters, Mrs Stalhurt and Mrs Widders for organising these activities.
The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
LET'S HANG IT! Art Competition Award Night
Last Friday evening I was very fortunate to support Bella Water's entry at the 2025 UNESAP Let’s Hang It Competition Finalists Exhibition Opening and Award Ceremony. Bella's entry were selected among the finalists in the Infants Section of this competition and her achievements were noted as each participant receiving an award for making the finals as well as their artworks being part of this exhibition open to the public until the 10th August. Bella should be very proud of herself for what she has achieved. Who knows, we may have our next Picasso here at St Mary's.
Best of Luck to Our Athletics Team!
I extend my very best wishes to all the students who have qualified to represent St. Mary's Primary at the upcoming Armidale Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival! This event will be held in Tamworth, and I am incredibly proud of every one of you for your dedication and hard work in reaching this level of competition.
Your commitment to training and your impressive performances have earned you this opportunity, and I know you will represent our school with great sportsmanship and determination.
A big thank you to Mr. Lester, who will be serving as our team manager on the day.
Congratulations Charlotte
A huge congratulations goes out to Charlotte from Year 2 for her outstanding achievement in winning the K-2 Authors as Writers Competition!
This is a truly remarkable accomplishment, showcasing Charlotte's talent and creativity in storytelling and writing at such a young age. Her dedication to crafting engaging narratives has shone brightly, and we are incredibly proud of her hard work and imagination. Soon, Charlotte will begin working with the illustrator, Trish Donald, to turn her winning entry into an e-book that will be available to be viewed on SORA by the end of the school year.
Well done, Charlotte! Your success inspires all of us at St. Mary's Primary.
Kindergarten's 100th Day Dress Up Day
Congratulations to all the Kindergarten students and Mrs Bournes and Mrs Harris-Steel for fully embracing the theme of dressing up as 100-year-olds to mark their 100th day at school today. It will be intriguing to witness how they will commemorate their 200th day at school, which, according to my calculations, will fall early in the 2026 academic year. In any case, kudos to all of the Kindergarten students for reaching this significant milestone.
2025 NAPLAN Parent Reports Sent Home Recently
Parents of students in Years 3 and 5 received their child's 2025 NAPLAN Assessment results recently.
If any parent has any queries or questions in regard to their child's NAPLAN report, please feel free to contact your child's teacher.
P&F Meeting Wednesday 6th August
Our next P&F Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 6th of August, in the staffroom, commencing at 5:30 PM.
It would be greatly appreciated if a large number of parents and friends could attend this meeting. Your input and support are invaluable to our school community. I look forward to seeing you there!
Kindergarten Enrolments for 2026
If you know anyone who has a son/daughter ready to start school next year, please let them know that enrolments are now open. Enrolment forms can be obtained from the School Office.
Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten 2026.
Please contact the school for an enrolment package - 6772 4441 or email
Wearing our Uniform with Pride
Thank you parents for ensuring your children were wearing their full Winter uniform throughout the first two weeks of this term, it was very evident that we take pride in our presentation.
Maintaining a high uniform standards is an important part of our school's identity and plays a significant role in fostering a sense of pride and respect for our school.
Our uniform identifies St Mary's School within the community and develops a sense of school spirit and belonging within the student body. Some specific uniform requirements, such as shoes, hats, hair and jewellery, are directly related to student safety. The wearing of the correct school uniform is compulsory, and students are expected to arrive wearing it daily, ready to learn. Families are asked to ensure that each item of clothing is clearly labelled.
We thank you for your partnership in this important aspect of school life.
