Principal Report
Welcome to the everyone in the St Mary’s community, to our 2022 school year! Welcome to Week 2 of Term 1. It has certainly started with further changes to how we live, gather and come together as a community. I would like to thank everyone for their welcoming smiles, gestures, notes, visits and waves. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this community where I hope to contribute great things and learn with and from all of you. This year our theme is, “What is at the heart of St Mary’s?” and this week alone I have felt a love of community and a sense of joy!
I would normally be looking forward to meeting the community at our Welcome BBQ however we have postponed this in hope that we can eventually gather in reality. So in the interim I thought I would share a little BIO of myself with you all so that you know a little more about me! It has been attached for your interest!
New families
It has been truly impressive to roam around the learning spaces and playgrounds and gain an immediate sense of settled learning, happy children and friendships reunited. The staff have worked tirelessly to prepare, and have ensured our children feel safe and happy at school. I thank them for this!
As the term has begun with several modifications and restrictions due to Covid, here at St Mary’s we are trying to strive ahead, modify how we operate but continue to learn and take part in all of the experiences and events that bring us joy. Please be sure to use PAM as a constant resource of information, dates, permissions and communication of what is happening here at school. I know that our teachers are in constant communication also to ensure our families feel well informed and connected to our school.
In every element of school life, the health and safety of everyone is a priority. St Mary’s is situated in a dense residential area, next to a neighbouring school, and we are located on several main roads. In keeping everyone safe and modelling how to enter and exit safely can I please share a few reminders;
- Our signed crossings must be used during drop off and pick ups by all members of our community entering the school
- Parents using the car park drop zone are not to hold up flowing traffic and are asked to do a lap if the flow is stagnant
- If we can walk or ride to school please do so
- If parents are happy to park and walk to one of the many entry points this too will assist us with flow and safety for our community.
The local police have been to visit this week in support of keeping St Mary’s safe and we have been assured they will visit regularly! I do hope that we can all contribute to keeping all of our children safe.
In the coming weeks I am meeting all staff and many members of the wider community. All of these meetings will allow me to better know the “St Mary’s way,” and the true essence of our community. I will also endeavour to connect and get to know our parent community and explore what you value at St Mary’s. One area I would like to explore will be the Principal content of the newsletter and how you prefer this to be received. I will share a survey in the coming weeks.
For now, thank you all for your well wishes, smiles and waves, having your children back into the school routine and entrusted in our care to do our very best. I look forward to learning all of their names and connections over the coming months.
Stay well and stay healthy.
God Bless,
Jasmine Ryan
Principal