Principal's Report
Dear Parents
Welcome to 2019. I start the year by quoting Albert Einstein . He once said ‘Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has been taught at school.’ I used this same quote last year and if you take a moment to think about that quoteand digest it, you will soon realise that life’s
lessons are usually learnt outside of the school. However, a good school is one that recognises this and prepares its children for all the challenges life has to offer in an ever changing world. It is my hope, prayer and wish that we in partnership with you, provide our children an education that
leads them to question, to think, to motivate and inspire so that they may make a valuable contribution to tomorrow’s world.
Our theme for 2019 is 'Imagination Opens New Doors.' Einstein goes on to say that 'without imagination the impossible remains so, but with imagination the impossible becomes possible'. We aim to create learning that is inspiring, motivating and allows everyone to use their imagination to create new possibilities.
This Sunday 10 February at 10.30am, we officially Open the School Year. It is also our Parish/School Feast Day and after Mass we will have games and activities and a sausage sizzle for the children. We ask that parents please bring a plate to share, feel free to drop it off at the hall before Mass. At the Mass we will Commission Staff and Student Leaders and it would be wonderful to see every family come along and support us.
On Monday 11 February at 7pm, we will hold our first Parents and Friends Meeting for 2019. We welcome everyone to attend, especially new families. No school no matter how big or small, how rich or poor can survive without the fundraising dollar. Last year, our P&F raised over $30,000 and every cent goes back to resourcing our school. I hope to see everyone at this important meeting. It doesn't mean if you attend that there will be things you must do, you can be involved in anyway you wish, but your ideas to make it a successful year is what we need.
Late last year the Rostan-Herbert family lost their house in a fire. Thanks to your generosity we were able to donate $3692 plus many other material goods. I sincerely thank you. This community is wonderful and very good in heaps of ways and this another example of how the community works together to help those in need.
You would have received a letter about Meet your Teacher. This is an opportunity for you to get to know your child's teacher. Bookings are made online. This will take place on Monday 18 February from 1.30pm. School will finish at the normal time (children will watch a movie in the hall) however, if you wish to collect your child earlier than 3.30pm, you are welcome to do so between 1.30 and 1.40pm.
A special welcome to our Prep children who commence a 13 year journey of schooling:
Sophie Augustine, Izayah & Maxx Benedetti, Mason Biewer, Chloe Boctor, Abbey Charles, Violet Chauhan, Ragnar Clough, Elijah De Lucia, Audrey Duarte, Xavier Denley, Jayden Dinh, Polly Evans, Matteo Farrugia, Aidan Freeman, Sophia Ghribeh, Ivy Goldsmith, Charlie Hilton, Maeve jenkins, Duy Lu, Ruby Kardamiliotis, Malek Machiek, Atong Mayom, Ivy Matijevic, Estelle McClowry, Antonia Mervin, Emily Monagle, Ava Nikoletseas, Zara Occhiuzzi, Alessia Pezzimenti, Harrison Roscoe, Nathaniel Shakoor, Henry Simpson, Luca Starchenko, Chiara Stuto, Leo Trajkovski, Ebube Ukam, Maximus Wardlaw.
I wish to acknowledge our Year 6 children.
This will be their final year of primary
schooling and we hope and pray that they
have a very enjoyable year. May they leave St. Mary’s as independent, strong and courageous
children so that they embrace with confidence, all that life holds before them.
Advanced notice is given regarding School Closure Days for this Term. School will be closed on Thursday 28 Feb and Friday 1st March to allow staff to work on developing new curriculum initiatives. OSCH Club will run a program on both days providing there are sufficient numbers.
Many of you know that I hold parent partnership as the single most important factor in children’s
education. A successful school is one which has parents, students and children engaged in learning and prepared to take risks to achieve their best. Make contact with your child’s
class teacher and see how you can be involved. Give it a go, I promise youthat it is worth it!
Have you downloaded the App? All communication is via the school app. If there are any problems with accessing the app, please let us know. A reminder, newsletters are very fortnight. Hence the importance of using the app for reminders, notices etc.
I encourage you to cut out the Dates to Remember and use them as a reference for planning your year ahead. Special note: Keep Saturday 30th November free for our school fete!
Have a wonderful week ahead, regards
Dino