From the Principal

END OF TERM EVENTS!

Armidale Autumn Festival - 1st April 

The Autumn Festival is Saturday 1st April. Thank you for replying regarding students attending & parent helpers.

We will gather at Central Park on the south side of the Toilet Block at 11:30am.

We will be marshalled at 12pm and with the parade beginning at 12:30pm.

Collection point for any students who do not walk with their parents will be at the corner of Dumaresq & Jessie Street Civic Park opposite the Ex Services Club at the conclusion of the parade approximately 1:30pm.

Students will need to wear their full summer uniforms and bring their school hat, a water bottle and a piece of fruit, to eat while we wait for the parade to begin. 

Parents are asked to stay with their child/children before the parade starts to help with supervision and also to walk with the children for the Parade or have an adult (another parent) that will supervise your child on the walk.

The School Cross Country  Year 2-6 Monday 3rd April

The school Cross Country will be held at Moran Oval, Taylor Street,  for the Year 2-6 students on Monday 3rd April. Thank you parents who have volunteered to assist on the day. 

• BUSES LEAVE SCHOOL AT 10.50am
•  Arrive and walk the course. 
• RETURNING AT 1.30PM - Normal lunch
• Students will run the course in the following order:
• 12 & 13 yr old runners 3km
• 11 yr old runners 3km
• 10 yr old runners 2km
• 8/9 yr old runners (7 year olds can run with the 8/9 year olds but won’t be counted for dio) 2km
• Depart Moran Oval at 1.15pm
• The first 6 places will be offered the opportunity to go to Diocesan Cross Country at Barraba on Friday 19th May.
• Cross Country Ribbons will be presented after the event.

The School Cross Country Kindergarten to Year 1 - Monday 3rd April

Kindergarten and Year 1 will hold their Cross Country in the school Paddock (Jessie Street) at 1pm on Monday. Parents are very welcome to join us in the Paddock for the Cross Country.

Easter Prayer Assembly - Wednesday 5th April

On Wednesday the 5th April the children will present a prayer for Easter.

Infants (Kinder to Yr 2) will be at 10:15am in the School Hall

Primary (Year 3 to Year 6) will be at 11:30am in the School Hall.

Parents & Friends are warmly invited to attend the Prayer Assemblies.

End of Term 1 2023 - Happy Easter

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to celebrate and acknowledge the successes the children have made. 

In the classroom the targeted assessments give us valuable information about the childrens skills and knowledge. The teachers analyse this data to understand where the children are at and then adjust teaching & learning methods to meet the student needs. The school and CSO, regularly analyse assessment data to identify trends and patterns in student achievement, developing targeted interventions and support for students who require it. 

At the end of Term 1,  51% of the children have reached the PM target (Reading Levels) for their year level. This is excellent achievement as we are only 1/4 the way through the year.

Our attendance level is at 94% which ensures that are children are able to make good academic progress. Non-attendance is linked with poorer academic achievement and long-term student outcomes.  Every day at school counts, every minute counts!

Many children across the school have had sporting successes at school, Diocesan and Polding levels. CONGRATULATIONS!

We congratulate our Year 3 and Year 5 staff and students for completing the 2023 NAPLAN suite of assessments. We look forward to their results next term as we continue to support each and every child in attaining their best.

I look forward to the remainder of Term 1 and then Term 2, where we will continue to see the children achieve there goals and the curriculum outcomes.

Have a very blessed Easter as we remember Jesus' victory over death and the promise of eternal life for who believe in Him.

TERM 2 PUPIL FREE DAY Monday 24th April

The first day of Term 2 (Monday 24th April), is a Pupil Free Day. 

Students will return to school on Wednesday 26th April after ANZAC Day. 

                          Term 2 - Starts on Wednesday 26th April 2023

New Diocesan Administrator

Priests from across the diocese met to elect a diocesan administrator to lead the Armidale Diocese until the Holy Father, Pope Francis announces a new Bishop who will officially lead our diocese. Congratulations to Monsignor Wilkes who has accepted this position. We wish him all of the best with his role.

P & F  

Thank you to all of the parents who were able to attend the AGM / P & F Meeting last Wednesday.

I would like to sincerely thank the 2022 P & F Committee for all of their work in providing the children and families with enjoyable events that have helped in building the school community after years of lockdown and isolation.  Clothing Pool, Discos, Quiz night, Sporting events - Athletics BBQ, Dio Winter Sports Canteen, Movie Evening & BBQ, Pies Hot Cross Buns, Mother's & Father's Day Stalls  & the Fete to name a few!

Thank you also for the support financially in purchasing IT equipment, Library Resources, Furniture & Sporting goods for the school/children in 2022.

I look forward to working with the 2023 P & F Committee.

Jo Ward - President

Kylie Wanschers - Vice-President

Bernadette Garratt - Treasurer

Claire Hammond - Secretary

Christine Fittler - BBQ & Catering

Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser

Thank you to all our wonderful the families who have supported the Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser.  Orders are now closed. 

The P&F are looking for some parent helpers to assist with packaging the orders on Wednesday morning from 8.30am. If you can spare an hour or two please contact the school office.

Pickup for orders is next Wednesday, 5 April 2023 from the After School Care room (behind St Anne's Hall) between 11am - 11.30am and 12.15pm - 1pm. Please enter and exit via the After School Care gate behind the Hall.  

NAPLAN - Year 3 and Year 5

Congratulations to all of the students in Year 3 & 5 who have taken part in NAPLAN assessments over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully, the school will receive the student's results in early Term 2.

Term 1 Fees 

Our first term fees were due on the 24th of March. Please ensure your account is paid. If you are experiencing difficulties in paying your fees please contact Mrs Judi Hansen (Finance Officer) to discuss payment.

TERM 2 Starts on Wednesday 26th April 2023

ANZAC DAY MARCH - 25th April

St Mary’s School has been invited to attend the ANZAC Day March. Those children who are available to march on Tuesday 25th April, need to assemble with the school at 10:30am  East End Mall.

Parents could you please make sure:

*your son/daughter is in the correct school winter uniform, tie, black shoes and school hat

*you collect your son/daughter at Central Park at the conclusion of the march

A note will be sent home next week (Wk 11) to get permission for those who will be available to represent St Mary's at this event as it is on the last day of the school holidays.

Term 2 Winter School Uniform

When we return to school on the 26th April the students are to wear their full Winter Uniform.   The winter uniform requirements is listed below.

eSafety Webinars for Parents and Carers - March Dates 

Please find information below about eSafety that may be of interest to you - eSafety’s webinars for parents and carers.

Upcoming free webinars for parents and carers this month include:

•  eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you, 21 March 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm
•  Setting your child up for success online, 14 March 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
• Getting the most out of gaming, 14 March 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm
• Navigating online friendships, 29 March 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm

A video and information sheet about cyberbullying and online safety are now available on the resource page for parents and carers also Parent resources | eSafety Commissioner

Please find the parent and carer Term 1 & full year schedule:

eSafey Term 1 2023 Parent/ Carer Webinar Flyer

2023 Parent and Carer Webinal Schedule 

REGISTER NOW:

Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT Anxiety and Resilience Webinar (Ref: 46/23)

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT has arranged for Dr Justin Coulson PhD to present a FREE webinar on the important topic of Anxiety and Resilience.

The webinar for parents, carers, and staff in NSW and ACT Catholic schools will be held on Wednesday 29 March at 7.00 pm.

You can register using the QR code below or ccsp.catholic.edu.au/upcoming-webinars.

Find resources to promote this FREE webinar to your school community and network here.

TERM 2 

KINDERGARTEN 2024 OPEN MORNING

OPEN MORNING for 2024 Kindergarten Students - Tuesday 23rd May 9:30am-11am

Our open morning will be held on Tuesday May 23rd from 9:30am - 11am.

The Open Morning is an opportunity for 2024 parents the opportunity to listen to what St Mary's offers its students & families. Parents will be able to speak with the staff, have a guided tour of the school and enjoy morning tea. The 2024 Kindergarten students are invited to join in with the current Kindergarten class for a morning of activities. 

If you know of anyone with a child ready to start school next year, or anyone who would like to have a look at our school and what we have to offer, please invite them along for our Open Morning.