Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

REMINDER: TERM 1 CONCLUDES AT 1.30PM TOMORROW AND COMMENCES 23 APRIL

Congratulations to Medici House on a great performance to win the 2019 House Sports. Congratulations to all the other teams for participating with such enthusiasm and for showing great sportsmanship at all times. My thanks to the staff, particularly to Stephen Luckman for a organising the event and to Kathy Geary and Tony Elarmaly for their wonderful efforts in coordinating the food and drink. AND best of all the rain held off! Yippee

As we come to the end of term, I would like to acknowledge our Prep children and congratulate all of them for the way they have settled into school. Thank you to Miss Hayley and Miss Amanda and their helpers, for working with the Preps on establishing routines so efficiently enabling children to settle in to the school environment. It is wonderful to visit the Preps and be greeted with smiles and enthusiasm.  It makes our job so worthwhile.

I also acknowledge the great start made by our Grade 6's, as this year’s student leaders. The expectations that go with being a leader can sometimes seem too big to meet but I am confident that, with continued guidance throughout the year, that this year’s leaders will rise to the challenge and acquit themselves very well. A fine example of this was their recent visit to the schools Archdiocesan Mass at St. Patricks, whereby our Year 6 represented St Mary’s in a manner to be very proud of.

On behalf of the student and parent communities I also acknowledge members of staff of the school who dedicatedly work towards the best outcomes for all children. I would especially like to recognise the new members of staff who have quickly become part of the team and who, together with our existing staff members, bring their own talents and skills to the mix.

I am also grateful for the way that those of you who form our parent community continue to engage with your children’s learning in a positive and affirming manner. Whether this be in conversation with your child about what they have done during their day, helping in the classroom or for special programs and other professionals to discuss programs and progress, or browsing through the school to see the variety of activities being done in various classes, this involvement is essential to continued success for the children and is also very much appreciated by the school.

I also thank every parent who put their hand up to coordinate an event during the term. In this short term we managed to raise money to buy new tables (intensive teaching 'write on' tables) for each classroom. The following is an example of your wonderful efforts:

House Sports Canteen - Profit $1429

Hot Dog Day - Profit $821.70

Sushi Day- Profit $258.80

Arancini Drive- Profit $380.50

A total of: $ 2,890

Whilst it is great to make a profit, it is not all about the money. The children love special food days and I can not thank the parents enough for their time and efforts. Well done everyone!

Attached to this newsletter are the Mass times for Holy Week. It would be great to see as many families as possible to celebrate the most important days in the Christian calendar.

Have a happy Easter and enjoy the break. i look forward to working with you next term, regards 

Dino