From the Deputy 

Dear parents and families,

It seems like December has rolled on very quickly and the silly season has already started! There are many events and happenings in the next few weeks. Students and classroom teachers will be looking forward to topping off a wonderful year of achievements. Routines are still very important to all of us, so please ensure that children are dropped off on time and are getting their regular bed rest.

COVID update and Rapid Antigen Tests

You may have noticed in your social circles and in the media that there is an uptick in the amount of COVID circulating in the community. The month of November has seen an increase of reported positive cases in our community which has started to impact school operations. We would like to remind all members to be vigilant of symptoms, and stay home when unwell. Two boxes of RATs have been issued to each child today, and should any family require further tests they are welcome to collect them from the office. Thank you for your support in minimising and slowing the spread of COVID19.

St Mary’s Primary School Carols,  Thursday 8th December 5pm

Classes have been making preparations to present at this year’s carols event which promises to be a wonderful evening. Weather permitting we will be gathering on the main campus basketball courts to listen to the Christmas story and hear each class sing an item each. Our newly formed choir will also be presenting multiple items and we thank Mrs Janelle Adams for all of her preparation not only with the choir but also the staff and students.

Please feel free to bring along a picnic, but note that this is an alcohol free event. Please also bring along picnic rugs, cushions and camping chairs / beach chairs. A tiered ring will be set up in front of the stage area with rugs in the front area and chairs in the rear area, and staff will direct on the night.

As all students are participating in the event we do hope that attendance is as maximum as possible. We also look forward to having a “special visitor” on the evening.

In the event of inclement weather we will be hosting the carols in the Parish Hall and you will be advised accordingly on Seesaw on the day.

Up Day / Meet the teacher on Friday 9th December

Next week all of our students will be meeting their teacher for next year as they move “UP”. On this day they will be in their 2023 classroom spaces for an hour and will do some activities with their peers and teachers. 

St Vincent De Paul’s Christmas drive

Thank you to the amazing and generous contributions towards the St Vincent De Paul’s drive. Many toys, books and gift cards have been collected which will bring joy and hope to children and families in need this Christmas. A special thanks to Signora Vozzo and our Faith & Social Justice Leaders Daniela, Milica and Tammy for leading and advocating for this cause.

Posischools and Posisocks

Over the month of November the school had our Posischools event which has now concluded. I’m sure our students (and staff!) will miss wearing the colourful socks each Friday, a beautiful metaphor about the rituals we do each day and the way we engage our mindsets for success (the socks reminded us to show kindness and to try something new). Listening to and observing the students talk about gratitude, mindfulness, relationships, positivity, curiosity and mindsets has been a delight.

P&F

Last week was our P&F AGM and final meeting for the year. Cathy and I would like to thank our P&F team and class representatives for volunteering their time for meetings and planning, but also in communicating and running this year’s events. All of their time and efforts go to hosting events for the social benefit of the community, as well as raising funds to directly improve our school.

KABOOM Sports Monday 5th December 1:45pm - Sports uniform may be worn

As a special event and treat for our students this December, there will be a tabloid sports event run by KABOOM on Monday 5th December. On this afternoon the students will be participating in multi-age activities and led by our Year 6 students. Parents are welcome to come and spectate.

Last Day of 2023, Friday 16th December

A reminder that students will finalise their school year on Friday 16th December. Parents are welcome to join us for mass at 9.15am followed by farewells in the church. The school community will form a guard of honour to farewell our Year 6 class of 2022.

Students will be dismissed at 1pm, and TheirCare after hours supervision is available should families require it.