Principal's Report
Deputy Principal's Report - Term 2, Week 6
Hello all and thank you for choosing to read the newsletter this week. Dino has finished roaming around Rome and is currently cruising Croatia. He is constantly calling Amanda to keep up with what is going on at the school.
The teachers are currently busy writing reports and look forward to sharing the student's learning with parents at Parent/Teacher Interviews later on in the term.
And please visit the "Other News" page and read about how Gwennyth Mccaulay (Grade 4) is helping to find a cure for cancer!
Maths Curriculum Night
A big thank you to all the parents and families who attended our Maths Curriculum Night last Wednesday - the most important night of the school year!! The teachers really appreciated the input from parents and look forward to continuing to work together to support our student's learning. Remember if you want any resources (card games etc) from the teachers just send them an email, they're happy to share.
Grandparent's and Special Person's Day
Dino calls it his favourite day of the school year, and this year was no different. It was great to have so many special guests at our school and hear what school was like in the past. We feel like a family here at St Mary's Thornbury, and this day helps to cement many relationships. Thank you to everyone who brought a plate to share and thank you to Lauren and Lisa who coordinated the day.
National Simultaneous Story Time
Thank you to Jane Grapsas (Literacy Coordinator) for bringing the school together to share this year's National Simultaneous Story "Alpacas with Maracas" (a story I know well having read it to Patrick 100 times already!). It was a great way to come together as a school to celebrate the joy of stories and the importance of Literacy. Remember, you need to be able to read to solve many Mathematical problems!
Australian Maths Competition
Just a quick reminder to students in Gr3-6, the Australian Maths Competition is still free to enter! Just send me an email and you're in!!
The Disco (X2)
Amanda Gill can not stop talking about how good the Disco was ... I think it took her back to her younger days! But in all seriousness, thank you to Katela and Mary and their team for organising such a wonderful event for our students. The night was well run and a huge success with fun had by all!
Special Food Day
The students enjoyed a 'Special Food Day' last Friday. As we don't have a school canteen, this is a great way to provide some alternate lunch options for our students. Thank you to Sonia and Angela for organising the sausage rolls and pies (and sauce). They were enjoyed by the students ... and teachers!!
Seniors Pray for Me Mass
Last Sunday morning the Senior students and families celebrated Mass together. It was pleasing to see so many families come along to share their faith. Fr Shabin has asked the Parish Community to share their Time and Talents. If you can spare some time to help out (gardening, cleaning the church, visiting the sick in our community etc.) then please get in touch with Fr Shabin, Mirella or Susy over at the presbytery. An email will come home soon with more information.
Youth Mass
On a side note, Fr Shabin and the Youth Core Group are trying to establish a 'St Mary's Youth Group'. This group will comprise of students from Yr7-12 who live in or near our parish. It's a great way for students of this age range to socialise together on a semi-regular basis and discuss their faith and the changing role it plays in their day to day lives. This Saturday Night will be the second meeting of this group. If you know any young people who would like to be involved please tell them to come along to church (5:30pm) on Saturday night, which will be followed by a gathering in the school hall afterwards. For further information contact Fr Shabin.
Confirmation - Life and Faith Night
We are beginning the preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the coming weeks. Parents and Confirmation students are invited to the Life and Faith Night held at school at 7:15pm on Thursday 6th June. Notes have gone home with information about the sacrament, so please let me know if you haven't received this information.
The "cold and flu" season
The days are getting shorter, colder and wetter and it is starting to show with students and teachers alike succumbing to colds and flu-like symptoms. Thank you to those parents who are keeping sick children at home to recover. It really does make a difference in the classroom preventing the spread of related illnesses. I recommend eating healthy veggies and fruit, drinking plenty water and washing hands with diligence ... and if symptoms begin and persist then see you doctor :)
Take care and keep warm,
Jarrod