Mrs Ryan's Fortnightly Reflections

Welcome back to everyone after our Easter break. It felt like a lengthy break and I do hope that we are all refreshed and well rested. Term 2 with week one being shorter in length is only eight and a half weeks! It will go by very quickly with a busy school calendar again! This term we celebrate Catholic Education Week (details included in this newsletter), some senior school camps, the introduction of our new Chromebook devices, St Mary’s Parish Festival and the enrolment period for 2024! 

Please be sure to check Compass regularly to keep you all well informed and prepared for what lies ahead. 

Thank you to the many staff and families who attended our ANZAC Day march! It is always such an honour to see so many in our community attend. It was fantastic to have a shared representation of various age groups throughout our school. On Wednesday we gathered as a school to pray and commemorate our past ANZACS and recognise and give gratitude to our current service people. Our students are always so respectful and present on this occasion. We thank the parents who were able to attend. 

A reminder at the start of our term around our drop off and pick up times and procedure;

Drop off is to be no earlier than 8:20am. A teacher is required to be in a shared class area at 8:30am. This will allow our students to unpack and get ready for their day. Active supervision will be in place in shared community areas from 8:30am with one staff member on duty, wearing a vest. Families need to make alternate arrangements to work hours or before school care to meet these times. I have attached the Schools Out flyer for families needing this service. Minimal staff will be in the yard from 8:20am - 8:30am however classrooms will not be open until 8:30am. This will allow our bus travellers to be supervised. 

Pick up is from 3:05pm. St Mary’s has five collection points within the school. The car pick up, senior gate, prep gate, oval gate and bus pick up. Families using car pick up are to remain in their cars, and your children are to get in / out promptly and independently. Please inform and ensure your children have a collective meeting point to allow prompt pick up. St Mary’s must ensure the traffic flows. Families picking up at alternate gates must use the marked crossings. If families park cars, please also inform and ensure your children use our marked crossing to meet you or feel free to come to the gate or meet somewhere in the school grounds. 

Drop off and pick up are extremely hectic times and the safety of our students and families is paramount. We continue to need your ongoing support with this. 

Yesterday I shared with the community via Compass a brief on the incident which occurred during our lunch break. I wanted to communicate with you all as at times the recount can be inaccurate and I wanted it to be clear. Today I have continued to have contact with our local police force and other government entities to ensure continued follow up. All teachers conducted a circle reflection today to allow time to clarify and reset the safe practices in our yard. 

Again, there is a lot of information to start our term and be excited about what lies ahead! With the many events and celebrations in the coming weeks, I look forward to seeing many of you! 

Take Care & God Bless, 

Jasmine Ryan

Principal