This week marks the end of Term One. I cannot believe how quickly the term has gone!

We have had an action-packed term with many wonderful events for the children to participate in, including Musica Viva, Cricket Coaching, Harmony Day, Shrove Tuesday and our Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals.

This term we have also welcomed many guests into our school. Our Re-registration Panel and our visitors from Catholic Schools New South Wales (Diocesan Directors and Head Office Staff) today have all affirmed the wonderful school environment we have at St Mary's. Today I received remarks about the wonderful 'feel' the school has and on the student's engagement with their learning.  I informed the visitors about the consistent parental and community support we receive, which I believe is one of the reasons we have such a positive school culture. 

I would like to thank everyone for your contribution to school life at St Mary's this term. Thank you for supporting your child and our teachers, volunteering your time and assisting with our fundraising events, it is very much appreciated!

Term Two will commence for students on Tuesday 30 April.

School Photos

Our school photos will be taken during Week 3 next term. Ordering can be done online by inputting the 9 digit code AN3 WE9 3JZ on the Advanced Life website http://www.advancedlife.com.au/ . Envelopes have been sent home this week. 

Reconciliation

Congratulations to Naomi, Marli, Saxon, Amelia, William, Finn, Sommer-Lee and Estelle who made the Sacrament of First Reconciliation last Thursday evening.

Thank you to Belinda Cuja and Sr Rosemary for preparing the children.

Showcase of Learning

Congratulations to Year 6, Mrs Croker, Year 5 and Mr Collinge on an entertaining Showcase of Learning. It is wonderful to see the learning that has occurred in Stage 3 this term.  

Year 6 Camp

Yesterday Year 6 headed off with Mrs Croker and Mrs Spackman to The Academy of Sport, Narrabeen for a week of fun and adventure. Whilst away they will abseil, rock climb, paddleboard, kayak, participate in initiative games and much more! 

Thank you to Trinity Catholic College for the loan of their bus to transport our students. Thanks also to Mrs Tarlinton for driving.

Garden Club

This term around 60 students participated in our weekly Thursday Garden Club. The students are broken up into smaller groups and work on a four-week rotation. The children have planted spinach, lettuce, strawberries, pansies and many other things. They mulch, weed and dig. 

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, including Deirdre, Cheryl, Maree, Shireen and Robyn, for ensuring that this program runs smoothly.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is during the last week of the school holidays on Thursday 25 April. We invite all students to participate in the ANZAC Day events, commencing with Mass at 9.00am and then followed by the March at 11.00am. The wreath is presented by our Captains and blessed at the Mass.

Students are asked to come along dressed in their full winter uniform. They are to assemble for the March in the RSL car park from 10.40am. The March moves down Goulburn Street to the Memorial Park for the ANZAC Day Commemoration Ceremony. Students remain assembled until this Ceremony concludes.

It would be wonderful to see many of our students at this special ceremony.

Uniform Matters

As the term draws to a close, uniform accidentally gets mixed up between students. Please check all the uniform you have at home to ensure it belongs to your family as we have some students who have items missing which are clearly named.

Please also ensure to have all your children's uniform labelled.

Next term the students are to wear the full winter uniform, however, a two-week leeway is given if the weather is still warm enough for the summer uniform. 

In preparation for the cooler months, you might like to order our school coat, which is a warm bottle green parka style coat, from our Uniform Shop. No other coats will be permitted, however, bottle green gloves and beanies may be purchased elsewhere. 

Some other reminders about our school uniform- hair accessories must be in the school colours only, earrings must be sleepers and studs and no nail polish is to be worn to school.

Term 2 Dates

School commences for students - 30 April

Northern Region Cross Country - 3 May

Catholic Schools Week - 6 - 10 May

Scholastic Book Fair - 7- 9 May

Open Week Tours - 6 - 9 May

League Shield Gala Day - 7 May

Mothers Day Mass - 9 May

NAPLAN - 14 - 16 May

School Photos - 15 May

Athletics Carnival - 17 May

Dental Check - 30 May

Arch Cross Country - 4 June

School Explorers Program - 31/5, 7/6, 14/6 & 21/6

Stage 2 Showcase of Learning - 5 July

End of term - 5 July