Dear Parents,

In some ways it’s hard to believe Term 1 is coming to an end, and in other respects it feels like I have been part of the St Margaret Mary’s community for much longer than 10 weeks. I am really enjoying my new role as principal and although the job has its challenges, I feel energised by the work and privileged to share in the lives of your children.

This Easter some of us will be able to spend time with families and loved ones, it will be a time of thought, reflection and celebration. For others Easter may be a difficult time, we may feel the loss of someone close or be coping with illness or separation from loved ones. My eldest daughter, April, will be in Prague for Easter and whilst this sounds wonderful, her presence will be deeply missed here at home. Whatever you are planning this Easter, I hope you find peace within and with your family.

Holy Week Story

This week our students have been recreating the events of Holy Week. They have acted with reverence and respect as we remember the days leading up to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to our parents and friends who have been joining us each afternoon. We have been especially blessed to have Fr Pat, Fr Bill and Fr Michael dropping in throughout the week.

SCECS - Before and After School Care

As discussed at this term's P&F Meeting, I am resharing the expression of interest for onsite vacation care from July 2023 onwards. EOI Vacation Care Randwick Nth July 2023 If onsite Vacation Care will benefit your family I cannot stress the importance of completing the expression of interest.

Anzac Day Service - Wednesday 26 April

Our Stage 3 leaders will be hosting an Anzac Day Liturgy at 9.00 am on Wednesday the 26th and all parents and carers are warmly invited to attend. Major Wilson (Daisy’s Dad) will be joining us and speaking to the year 5 and 6 students following the service.

Interesting Read - Meltdowns at the end of the day

Through the course of my work this week, I have come across an increased number of tired little people who are ready for a break. It reminded me of a time long, long ago when my daughters were in primary school. On the whole they were able to keep it together during the school day but when they got home they let it all out. If this sounds familiar, check out this resource with some great advice for parents who deal with their children who have meltdowns at the end of the day.

Staffing Update

Ms Pombart has resigned from her full time teaching position at STMM and we are currently working through the recruitment process to find a suitable replacement. We thank Ms Pombart for her service to Catholic education and wish her well for the future.

Mr O’Driscoll will be leaving us on Thursday as he is off to fulfil his visa commitment of 3 months of regional work. We thank Mr O’Driscoll for his service to year 2 and wish him well on his next adventure.

Ms Kelly is currently on Long Service leave and will return to school Monday of Week 2.

Staff Development Day - Monday 24 April

Just a reminder that only the teachers return for Term 2 on Monday 24th but we will be off site for the day. We are participating in a day of spiritual growth designed to help us grow in our own faith formation. We will be attending Mass at Holy Family, Maroubra followed by a seminar hosted by Sr Faye. Sr Faye is one of the Brigidine sisters who founded Saint Margaret Mary’s. She will speak to us about the rich history of our school and provide examples of how we can live out the Brigidine values in our everyday lives. Throughout my career I have been closely associated with the Mercy Sisters and the Sisters of St Joseph so I am really looking forward to learning more about the Brigidine order.

The last day for Term 1 is today, Thursday 6 April. I hope you enjoy a relaxing holiday and return to us safe and sound for Term 2. The children’s first day back is Wednesday 26 April. Please note they can return in summer uniform if the weather is still warm. We officially change over to winter uniform in Week 3 but this can be negotiated depending on the weather.

Kylie O’Donnell

Principal

Creative Arts

Catherine Prichard