St Mary's School 

Principal's Report

ENROLMENTS FOR 2021 NOW OPEN.

PLEASE COLLECT AN ENROLMENT FORM

FROM THE OFFICE. OPEN DAY 18 MARCH. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

 

This morning we attended Mass to celebrate the beginning of Lent at the ASH WEDNESDAY MASS

  • Lent is a journey of faith. During the time from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday we take special Care to follow God’s will.
  • Lent is a challenge. During these forty days we prepare to renew our baptismal promises. It is a time to move forward towards the light of Easter.
  • Lent is a time to live the Gospel message of loving God and loving others.
  • What journey will you take during Lent?

 

Dear Parents,

Last week we had our first Parents and Friends meeting for 2020. It was wonderful to see so many parents attend. It is now time to elect a new Committee. Megan and Michelle have done a remarkable job and are ready to hand over to a new Committee. Both Megan and Michelle would be very willing to 'shadow' the new Committe to make the task an easy transition. Without a Committee, it will be very difficult to coordinate events and maximise our fundraising dollar. Please consider helping, if you would like more information feel free to speak to either Megan or Michelle.  Every event for 2020 has been filled, so the job of coordinator becomes even more managable, so please do not hesitate to put your hand up!

 

I hope the children enjoyed Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday). Does any one know why we have this tradition? Ask your child and see if they know.

 

Congratulations to the Swimming Team who represented our school at the District Swimming Carnival . Many thanks to Stephen who worked very hard coordinating the event and to the parents and staff who attended and helped out. Well done to everyone who participated and to those who will go on to the Regional competition on Monday. 

 

The importance of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

At St Mary's this year, we will continue to promote a consistent and clear message around Social & Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is the process through which we understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions (ref: CASEL.org – great website if you are interested.)

Little gestures like making eye-contact, shaking hands, smiling at others, showing appropriate body language, using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, asking someone if they are ok, letting someone play with you can significantly impact another person’s day. It is through the vehicle of SEL that behaviour management is enacted at St Mary’s.

Within the classrooms, there is constant, intentional learning and practice of the SEL skills that seeks to cultivate a caring, participatory, and equitable learning environment for all students in their social, emotional, and academic growth. It is our goal that SEL permeates every part of students’ daily lives; when in a classroom, out in the yard, during all times of the school day, when playing sport and other activities and when they are in their homes and out in the community.

PREP DINNER

Last Saturday night, the 2020 Prep Families joined together for dinner.  It was a great turn out with over 80 parents, prep children and siblings attending. We are sure everyone will agree this was a great opportunity to socialise together and for the kids to have a play. Thanks to everyone who came, Jess and Kathryn. And on a side note from me: A huge thanks to Kathryn and Jess for organising the event. 

 

It's a boy! Congratulations to Frank and Angela Madafferi on the birth of Frankie Anthony. Mum and baby doing very well.

 

Tom in OSCH club advises me that the full day program will be running this Thursday and that it is not too late to book a spot. There will be no program on the Friday due to insufficient numbers.

 

Have a great week, regards

Dino