Principals Message

Children’s Dreams – fanned to life by parental friendship

When children leave the maternity hospital they should have a tag attached to a big toe which says, “Handle with care”. This message should be applied to the soul of the child where the ‘dream’ of the child’s life is held.

John F Kennedy said that, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”. 

If this is the case then ‘handle with care’ is not an option, it is an obligation.

Parents can offer true friendship to their children without losing their position of authority.  Parent-child friendship is a bond of steadfastness and acceptance that allows a child to be who they are, fully and without fear that love will be withdrawn. 

Susan Kramer tells us that:

“A friend:

Is someone who listens openly, non-judgmentally when judgment would be easy.

Is someone who takes extra time to lend a helping hand when busy themselves.

Is someone who will act for you as they would for themselves.

Is someone who offers unconditional loyalty and love.” 

If children have parents who can offer them this type of friendship the ‘future’ will be in good hands.   

Remember that a smile uses less energy and fewer muscles than a frown.                                                                                                              From Leon Burke writings

                                               POSTIVE PARENT PARTICIPATION

Positive parent participation demonstrates to children that you value learning as well as their school.   One practical way to assist your child as a learner is to become actively involved in his or her school-life. 

Here are some more ideas to help you participate in your child’s education in positive ways: 

• Spend time in your child’s classroom between 8.40pm – 8.50am hearing reading.
• Become part of the Parents & Friends group or the School Advisory Council.
• Direct constructive criticism through the correct channels such as your child’s teacher, the principal or the School Advisory Council. Gossip or thoughtless criticism within the general community can easily tarnish a school’s reputation. 
• Become an advocate for your child’s school and promote its positive features throughout the wider community. Encourage your child to take pride in their school through your example. 

                                                                 SACRAMENTS

Our Sacramental candidates have their final two meetings tonight and next Tuesday.  On Wednesday August 24th they will have a preparation session at 12.30 – 1.35 to become familiar with the ceremony.

We continue to pray for our Sacramental Candidates: Amelia, Ruby, Pippa and Heath. 

                                                 SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

School Advisory Council will meet next Monday August 22 at 6.00pm.  This meeting will be via Zoom.  The agenda and reading have been sent home.  Mrs Parry will send an invitation to the meeting next Monday. 

                                              BOOK WEEK PARADE AND ACTIVITIES

Next week is CBCA Book week. The Children’s Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia since 1945 through Book Week. Over these years classroom teachers, school librarians and public librarians have created colourful displays, developed fun activities, and promoted dress parades for children to dress as their favourite book character.

This year the theme is “Dreaming with eyes open…”.  On Thursday August 25th students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character and join the parade which will begin at 8.50am.  Our students will participate in a rotation of multi-age activities during the day. 

                                                         PROFFESSIONAL LEARNING

Tuesday August 16: Religious Education Leader -Mrs Parry – (Mrs Prue Barlow F/1TP)

Thursday August 18: Senior Leaders Network – Mrs Parry – (Ms Marshall F/1TP)

Thursday and Friday August 18 & 19: RE Accreditation – Miss Simmons – (Mrs Fraser 5/6BS)

Friday August 19: Berry St Professional Learning – Mrs Donoghue – (Ms Smith 2/3HD) and Mrs Parry – (Mrs Barlow F/1TP)

Tuesday August 23: Religious Education Leader release – (Mrs Barlow F/1TP)

Thursday August 25 and Friday August 26 – Principal briefing and network meeting -Mrs Fraser

                                                    SANDHURST ARTS ON SHOW

On Tuesday August 30 our Grade 4 – 6 students will participate in the Sandhurst Arts on Show initiative at the Kyabram Sports and Entertainment Centre, Allan St Kyabram.  Other schools who will be joining St Mary’s are: St Augustine’s College, Kyabram, St Patrick’s PS, Tongala, Sacred Heart PS, Tatura and St Francis’ PS, Nathalia.   Our students have been practising the song/dance moves in readiness for this day. 

                                                                 SCHOOL FEES

As it is nearing the end of term, I would encourage those who pay in instalments to ensure that you are still making regular payments in order to clear your 2022 School fees by November/early December.  Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

                                                                   UNIFORM

Please ensure that you child/ren are wearing the correct school uniform.  This is a formal requirement of our school and it promotes a strong sense of belonging and identity with the school.  There are quite a few students coming to school in alternative jumpers and pants.

                                                                     PRAYERS

We continue to pray for all those who are lonely, sick and suffering.  We especially remember Mrs Brockett in our prayers. 

Have a good fortnight

Catherine Fraser