Upcoming Events

Final Assembly

The Year Six class will present their Final Assembly tomorrow, Friday, 15 December, at 12.30 pm. The recipients of Awards will be re-acknowledged at this Assembly. All welcome!

At this Assembly, we will also farewell Sr Rosemary, who has been seconded to Croydon to lead the Liturgical Mission for the Sisters of St Joseph. We thank Rosemary for her work at St Mary's over the past eight years and wish her well for her journey ahead.

Week 9/10 Events - Thank you! 

Christmas Concert

Thank you to everyone who assisted in making the Christmas Concert and family picnic such a memorable evening last Thursday night. We could not have asked for more perfect weather.

Thanks to Mrs Picker and the teachers for preparing the students. Thank you to Rechell Naughton and Reané Strode for coordinating and all of the Year 3 parent helpers for providing us with a delicious dinner.

Kindergarten Showcase of Learning

I was extremely impressed last Friday with Kindergarten's beautiful re-enactment of the Christmas Story. Well done Kindergarten and Mrs Cummins. I believe it was good enough to be presented at Carols in the Domain!

Year Six Farewell

On Monday night we commenced our farewell celebrations for Year 6 with a Graduation Mass, Dinner, and Awards Presentation. It was a beautiful evening. The students all presented themselves beautifully.  Thank you to the parents who assisted in the organisation, along with Mrs Spackman, Mrs Skelly and the other staff involved.

Community Christmas Carols

Our students have been invited to sing two Christmas Carols at the Crookwell Community Markets/Carols event.

On Saturday, 16 December, we have been invited to perform at the Crookwell Memorial Oval, at 5.40pm.  The students will be accompanied by Mrs Alison Cummins and are asked to meet at 5.30pm beside the stage.

If your child can participate, please complete the eform below, or just turn up on the day. 

Christmas Carols Participating

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 Ava and William as our School Captains. I thank them for their excellent leadership. I would also like to thank Patrick, Chloe, Addin and Lauren, 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 2024 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- Sophie Culley and Henry Galland

Lawrence Captains- Sienna Gann and Ollie Croker

Aloysius Captains- Elkie Storrier and Hayden Tarlinton

We congratulate all the students who ran for roles and congratulate them on their wonderful display of sportsmanship and resilience. 

Happy Retirement Mr O'Kane

It was lovely to have Mr O'Kane visit the school yesterday to celebrate his retirement after 45 years of being an educator in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. The staff and students shared memories of Mr O'Kane over the years and then he was presented with a beautiful piece of artwork symbolising his contribution to St Mary's, created by Jess Plumb. 

Enjoy your retirement Mr O'Kane!

Final Farewell

Over the past few weeks, I have been focussing on getting through my 'To-Do List' and trying not to think about my numbered days at St Mary's.  As I sit down to write, with one day to go, I feel a flood of emotions. It is with both a heavy heart and gratitude that I bid farewell to this special school community.

Firstly, I am very thankful for the opportunity, and privilege, to lead such an exceptional school – one that thrives on inclusion, compassion, and a shared commitment to the pursuit of quality education.  Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of guiding St Mary's for the past seven years as Principal. Thank you for your beautiful messages, cards and words over the past few weeks.

Each member of our dedicated staff, every student who graced our hallways, and the parents who partnered with us in the educational journey – you have all contributed to my growth and development as an educator and as a person. Together, we have weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs, and created a nurturing environment that goes beyond the confines of a normal school.

To the outstanding staff, thank you for your dedication and tireless efforts. Your passion for education and commitment to fostering a love of learning have been the driving forces behind our success. I have learnt much from each of you and thank you for your support and collegiality. You all inspire me!

Thank you to our fantastic students. I love your down-to-earth country attitude. Your sense of fun and adventure, enthusiasm and curiosity, have made (nearly) every day a joyous adventure. I have loved our conversations about horses, motorbikes, cattle showing, shearing, polocrosse, drenching, crutching, marking lambs, and the like. As I look back it is amazing to see how much the students have taught me. When I first arrived in Crookwell my Year Three class took great enjoyment in explaining to me what a 'chute' in a shearing shed is.

As I move on to a new chapter in my life, I carry with me the memories of St Mary's. While I may be physically leaving the school, the relationships I have formed here will last forever. 

I wish you all well and know that in the capable hands of Mrs Sally-Anne Croker, St Mary's will continue to thrive for generations to come. 

Wishing each of you a joyful, safe and holy Christmas!  

Mrs. Sarah Lowe
Outgoing Principal