Did somebody say "School Holidays?"

Can you believe we are already half way through the 2019 school year! Time sure does fly when you're having fun! And speaking of fun, Dino is currently relaxing in the final week of his European vacation, teasing staff with photos of sunny Greece and Malta! Hard to imagine when I spent 15mins getting frost off my windscreen yesterday morning!

As we come to the end of the term, it's a great chance to look back at all the wonderful moments we have had so far.

One of my highlights would have to be the NAPLAN testing carried out by students earlier this term, it was fantastic to see ... only kidding Dino (he's probably choking on a fruity cocktail reading that!). Jokes aside, I really enjoyed seeing families celebrate a love of Mathematics at our Family Maths Night held in Week 5. It was great to see so many parents come along and participate in their child's learning. We also enjoyed another successful (we didn't lose any kids ... or Principals) Canberra Camp. It's great to spend time with students in these educational environments to foster both academic growth and student-student/student-teacher relationships. The benefits and memories will last for a long time to come.

Some of Amanda's many highlights included seeing our school community come together to support and be inclusive of each other. In particular the school disco, where Christian Abdel Nour made 'flossing' look so easy! And the Mother's Day Breakfast, with the early start and Masterchef kitchen ... and that home made granola! We understand that these type of events don't just happen without the diligent planning of our Parents and Friends community, and we are very thankful for your ongoing support. (See "Other News" for a Parents and Friends update!)

Coach Luckman continues to work with the Interschool Football team, however rumour has it that he could be coaching Carlton next season ... well maybe not the Blues (he is a diehard Collingwood supporter!). Anne-Marie's soccer team continues to improve each week, whilst Steph's Newcombe Ballers and Sarina's Netballers are having fun and winning! Of course winning is everything. You don't have to be the best, you just have to try your best. And that is what our 3-6's produced at District Cross Country. No records broken, but a proud bunch of survivors returned to school.

We are extremely proud of how our Senior students represent our school at these events. They display sportsmanship and respect for others at all times.

The Preps hit Psarakos Market (and the place will probably never be the same) learning how to shop for healthy foods ... as well as the odd lolly thrown in (thanks Ms Eileen).

Everybody loves a freebie, and Miss Tania and Miss Carla took up the offer to visit the National Gallery of Victoria with the students. The sensory room was a big hit and may be a place families could visit during the holidays?

It's great to see the engagement of the 1/2 students as they turn cardboard and tape into working machines. Lucky Dino isn't here to see the mess!

We thank families for working with us through the reporting and assessment period, with School Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews. It is always great to talk about student progression and learning with parents. Another highlight of PTI's is the Greek Feast put on by Vicki and Sandra. My favourite Greek word will always be 'pastitsio!'

And where would we be without the support of our Learning Support Officers (also known as Teacher Aids, or Teacher Angels). They work tirelessly with our students and teachers and can be extremely proud of the impact they have academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with the students in their care.

Throw in the odd bit of painting and maintenance, and we are so thankful for our flexible teachers. I think it's fair to say that teachers, students and families are all in for a well deserved holiday!

And I know Amanda will hate me writing this, but she deserves a huge thanks for the time and effort (and 100 million other little things she has done) she has put it to ensure that the school has run just as smoothly as when Dino is here. I have been fortunate enough to see how hard they both work to make St Mary's the special place that it is! So thank you Amanda, enjoy a well deserved break (and lay off the potato chips! ha ha).

We are looking forward to Dino's return and hearing all about his time away (I am a little surprised we haven't seen him on the news!). We will make sure the school is clean, clean, clean (before he gets back) and ready for a busy Term 3.

Be safe in the holidays and enjoy life!

Jarrod

Dates to remember