Principal Talk with Mrs. Lowe
TERM FOUR
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Week 10 |
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Friday 16 December |
Year Six Final Assembly 12.30 pm- all welcome Last day of term 4 |
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Week 1 |
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Monday 30 January |
Staff System Professional Learning Day 'Faith in Learning' at the National Convention Centre ACT. |
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Tuesday 31 January |
Students from K - 6 commence |
End-of-Year Review
This is the last newsletter for the school year, it is hard to believe how quickly the year has gone.
I would like to acknowledge our hard-working staff. This year we have remained focused on our School Improvement Plan, and we have achieved a lot! We have been implementing High Impact Teaching Practices in our classrooms, and the content being taught has been very focused and deliberate.
Thank you to our students for their enthusiasm. This year they have remained on task and settled, each taking whatever came their way in their stride. I am very impressed to see what each student has achieved this year.
Thank you to our School Board members, the Parents and Friends Association, and everyone who has coordinated events, been involved with events, and volunteered in any capacity this year.
This week, we farewell our wonderful Year Six class and the Selmes, Peden, Nicholson, Blowes, Greenwood and Hearne families. We wish you all the best for the journey ahead.
Year Six, we pray that you relish the opportunities that come your way, be thankful for your families and always remember that your soul needs nurturing as much as your mind. We know that you will all continue to succeed.
To conclude, I would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and holy Christmas, and we will see you again when school resumes for all students on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.
2023 Planning
Our 2023 planning has commenced with the following school improvement goals and plans on the agenda:
To continue to improve student achievement in English (Literacy) and Mathematics (Numeracy) through the implementation of explicit teaching using evidence-based practices and Instructional Leadership.
To continue improving student achievement through implementing the new Religious Education Curriculum.
Our future improvement plans include the following:
- Painting the exterior of the Year 2 classroom (Old Meeting Room)
- Building a covered walkway to the Year 2 classroom
- Painting the Murphy Building classrooms, computer laboratory and library
- Installation of the PA and security system
- Toilet block at the bottom oval.
- Continued focus on the development of high-impact teaching practices
- Development of parent information sessions to support well-being and knowledge of school programs
- Continued relationship with Royal Far West and access to Telecare for Speech and Occupational Therapy – next year, we have attained five places.
Of course, other suggestions are welcomed.
This week we held teacher-teacher transition meetings, and our Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two classes enjoyed spending a session in their 2023 classroom with their new teacher.
Leadership Changeover
I would also like to recognise and thank our outgoing Year 6 class for the fine leadership they have provided the other students and the assistance and positive attitude that they have offered the staff. You can all be very proud of your time as a St Mary’s student - you have been wonderful students and leaders.
Twelve months ago, I announced Sophia and Finn as our School Captains. I thank them for their excellent leadership. I would also like to thank William, Toby, Sommer-Lee and Ava for their outstanding job as our Sports Captains. You have all provided fine role models to our Year Five students moving into these positions.
Last week, our Year Five students presented speeches outlining why they wanted to be our 2023 School and House Captains. The quality of speeches that the students gave in self-nominating for Captain positions was excellent. They showed insight into what leadership means and represents. The students were able to articulate why they felt they would be suitable candidates, and they also managed to engage their audience.
Thank you to all of the students who volunteered themselves for these positions. I am confident that each of you would make excellent leaders, and you will, regardless of the outcome, have opportunities for this next year.
On Friday last week, each student at St Mary’s voted for the students they would like to see fill our Captain’s roles. These roles are filled solely by the student vote; as usual, the staff did not vote.
Congratulations to the following students who will help lead our school in an official capacity next year.
School Captains- Ava Hewitt and William Croker
Lawrence Captains- Lauren Fraser and Addin Grove
Aloysius Captains- Chloe Bensley and Patrick Croker
We congratulate all the students who ran for roles and congratulate them on their wonderful display of sportsmanship and resilience.
Year Six Graduation Events
On Monday evening, we farewelled our Year Six class with a very special Mass and Graduation Ceremony, Dinner, Awards Presentation and Performance.
The students conducted themselves with the utmost maturity and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and that of their family and the staff over the night.
Congratulations on presenting an engaging performance.
Thank you to all the people who worked to create such a memorable event; Mrs Spackman, Donna McGeechan, Tash McCormack and the other parent helpers.
I would also like to thank the Crookwell Services Club for providing a terrific venue.
Tree Planting
On Monday, Year Six, in the company of Year Five and staff, planted their gift to the school, a beautiful Bradford Pear tree.
I expressed to Year 6 that for us, this tree symbolises the strength of character they have displayed during their time at St Mary’s; it represents each of their individual natures and the nurturing they have shown the younger students at St Mary’s.
At the same time, Ava Nicholson and her family planted a special tree to commemorate the tenth anniversary of her brother, Jake's passing.
Our new trees symbolise togetherness. They serve as a reminder that we are never alone or isolated but rather that we are connected to the world.
We promise to care for these trees and allow them to grow, providing shelter and beauty for many decades of St Mary’s School students and staff.
Final Assembly
The Year Six class will present their Final Assembly on the last day of school, Friday, 16 December, at 12.30 pm. The recipients of Awards will be re-acknowledged at this Assembly. This will be a repeat of the Monday evening performance.
All are welcome.
Christmas Concert & Community Carols
It was lovely to see so many families here last Thursday night for our Christmas Concert and family picnic. Thank you for braving the cold to support your children and school.
A special thank you to Mrs Picker for preparing the children and to all the parents, our parents and carers who prepared costumes and our P&F Association volunteers for feeding us all.
On Sunday night, over thirty children went to Christ the King Church in Taralga to perform two Christmas carols. The students, accompanied by Mrs Cummins, Ruby, Sophie, Thomas, Lachlan and Mary-Ann, sang beautifully, filling the attendee's hearts with the joy of Christmas!
On Saturday, 17 December, a small group of St Mary's students will be singing two Christmas Carols in the park at 6.00 pm.
Participating students are asked to report to Mrs Lowe at Memorial Park at 5.45 pm, wearing Christmas-coloured clothing.
Athletics Carnival
Uniform Shop
The uniform shop will be open for new students on Mondday, 24 January, by booking only. Please click on the link below to book a time.
https://smpscrookwell.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/25
Mrs Tarlinton will be in the office on Monday 30 January if that date is not suitable.
School Fees are now due.
For families not on a regular direct debit plan, we ask that you kindly ensure your school fee account is up to date before the end of the year.
Reminder letters for outstanding amounts will be sent home today.