From the Principal

Mrs Belinda Burton 

Celebrate Christmas

As a Catholic School, we celebrate Christmas, the time of Jesus' birth in many ways. Here are some of the ways that you can join us in celebrating:

 

6 December Awards Assembly 1:30pm in the Cathedral

8 December  Stage 3 Operetta 6:30pm NECOM

14 December  Parish Carols in the Cathedral

15 December Christmas Assemblies K-4  School Hall 

Kindergarten = 10am 

Year 1 & 2 = 10:30am

Year 3 & 4 = 12pm

16 December 9am Mass - End of Year Mass Whole School

 

Mini Vinnies Christmas Appeal - Collection of Gifts & Festive Foods for Vinnies.  

 

I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday the 6th at the 2022 Awards Assembly. 

Also on the 8th &15th of December for the Operetta & Christmas Assemblies.

THANK YOU P & F

On the 25th November the P & F hosted a Christmas BBQ & Big Screen Film Night. The event was a lovely evening and families enjoyed each other's company. I sincerely thank all the families who were able to attend and the P & F for hosting the event. 

Chess Team 

Congratulations to the Chess team Ashan, Peter, Vern & Kavin who won the NSW Primary Schools North West Region Champions Title.

Diocesan Touch Trials

Congratulations to Lucy Bible being selected in the Dio Team to play at the Polding Trials in Parkes on Tuesday 28th March 2023.

Important Term 4 Dates

6 DecemberAwards Assembly 1:30pm  in the Cathedral
8 DecemberOperetta 6:30pm NECOM
15 December 

Christmas Assemblies K-4  School Hall 

Kindergarten = 10am

Year 1 & 2 = 10:30am

Year 3 & 4 = 12pm

15 December Yr 6 End of Year Farewell Evening 
16 December Last day of 2022 School Year

Year 5 School Leadership Speeches for 2023

The Year 5 students presented their speeches on Thursday. The children in Yr 2-6 listened eagerly to the speeches and voted  for the 2023 leaders. The Captains & Sports Captains will be announced on the 6th December at the Awards Assembly. 

Congratulations to the Year 5 students for the excellent speeches. The school will be in good hands next year. 

Semester 2 Reports

Currently the teachers are working on our Semester Two student reports.  Parents will be able to view the reports via the parent portal at the end of Week 9.  To access the Semester Two reports on Compass at the end of Week 9:  

Log into Compass

To view the Semester 2 report click on your child's profile and select report.

NSW Common Grade Scale

A = The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.

 

B = The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.

 

C = The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.

 

D = The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

 

E = The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.

 

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/awarding-grades/common-grade-scale

Staffing & Classes for 2023

We are finalising our staffing for 2023. Staffing for 2023

 I can advise that we will be keeping the same class format with our 14 operating classes (Kindergarten, Years 1, 2, 3,4,5, & 6) More information will be provided next week.

 Please let us know if your child is leaving at the end of the year so we can make sure our classes and numbers are accurate. 

Going Up Morning 

On Friday the 9th of December from 9:30- 10:45am the children will go up to their 2023 classroom. The children will receive a letter to take home outlining who their teacher and what class they will be in for 2023!

Bringing Candy Canes to School

As Christmas approaches, we ask that candy canes are kept to a minimum and that any received will be sent home with the children in their bags at the end of the day.  We encourage lollies to be eaten as special treats at home. 

Term 4  - End of Year Date

School for the students will conclude for the year on Friday 16th December. Please make sure you have approved the Compass permission notes for the K-5 Movie excursion & Year 6 Pool excursion. 

AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP

Parents please be aware that the end of the school day is 3:10pm. 

Parents can collect students from 3:10-3:30pm from the Rusden Street Entrance or

3:10-3:20pm Dangar Street - Library Gate.

Walkers exit by the Rusden street entrance.

Bus students exit at Jessie Street.

If you are unable to pick up your child by 3:30pm you might like to consider After School Care at St Mary's. Contact William on 0410841628 or email info@esteemkidsgroup.com.au

Please consider joining the SAC in 2023.

We will call for nominations next year. 

Function of the SAC the Catholic School Advisory Council provides the opportunity for members of the school and parish community to support the mission of Catholic education in the school.  Working with the Principal and the Parish Priest, the members of the Council provide guidance and support to the school community.  The Council operates within the policies and procedures determined by the Catholic Schools Office.  The Principal has responsibility for the day to day leadership and management of the school.  The members of the School Advisory Council are comprised of the Parish Priest, Principal, staff, parent members, co-opted members. The meetings are only attended by members of the Council and are held once a term.  The AGM is normally held in November each year. 

 

The School Advisory Council has responsibility to advise in the following areas.

  • The development of the Catholic identity, ethos and mission of the school.
  • The pastoral care strategies in the school community.
  • Promotion of the school.
  • Monitoring of the annual budget.
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations by school associations and committees such as the P&F.
  • Development of local strategic plans (finance, buildings, resources) and contributing to diocesan educational strategic planning.
  • Facilitation of school community responses in conjunction with Catholic system,  engaging with governments on school funding and other relevant issues..
  • Other matters as requested by the Principal or Parish Priest.

School Fees are due

Please be aware that School Fees are now due and need to be finalised for 2022. These can be either paid via the BPay code at the top right-hand corner of your statement (your individual family number), by depositing directly to 082105 001001267 - St Mary's School Armidale with your name as the detail or by phoning our office on 67724441 to utilise our EFTPOS facilities. 

All outstanding balances may be viewed (and paid) via your Compass app. If you are unable to locate this figure and need clarification of your outstanding balance, please phone our office on 67724441. 

If you have any difficulties or need to discuss your account please contact Judi Hansen School Finance Officer. 

Thank you to those families who have paid their school fees.