Upcoming Events

Due to our continued use of Google Classroom for some learning tasks, particularly in the upper primary, it recently became evident that we required some more student Chromebooks. Late last week, Year 6 were thrilled to unpack twenty new HP Chromebooks, 11.6" HD Touch. These terrific little devices came with a Google Education licence, a touch screen and tough cover and are the perfect new addition to our Year 6 connected classroom.

Semester 1 Reporting

In response to the changed learning circumstances in Term 1 and Term 2, Semester 1 2020 reporting processes across our Archdiocese have been modified to provide parents with specific information about their child’s achievement and progress. Changes to reporting have occurred in every NSW education sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Semester 1 Report 

• The report covers work completed in both Term 1 and Term 2.
• Student achievement for Years 1 - 6 will be reported as an A-E grade for the three main core areas: Religious Education, English and Mathematics.  
• Student achievement for Kindergarten will be reported using a three-point scale for the three main core areas: Religious Education, English and Mathematics. 
• Other subjects may receive a grade if the teacher has sufficient evidence of learning.  In subjects where a grade is not possible, ‘Not assessed’ will be displayed.  This means that, although the learning throughout the semester has been rigorous, it is not possible to make an overall judgement about the student’s achievement in relation to the reporting Outcomes or Achievement Standards against the Grade Descriptors.
• A new section ‘Engagement with Learning’ has been developed to replace the ‘Personal and Social Capabilities’.  The new statements are based on the Australian Curriculum: General capabilities, and target four key areas of learning engagement: Thinking, Communication, Responsibility, Collaboration. 
• The ‘Engagement with Learning’ statements have replaced the General Comment section of the report this semester; the statements give detailed information on your child’s approach to learning.
• Student reports will be sent home at the end of this term, next Friday 3 July.
• Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will be offered in Week 2 Term 3 - 27-28 July.

Winter Illness 

Over the past two weeks, there has been an increasing amount of children catching colds. I have received many calls from parents asking if they should keep their child at home as they are feeling quite well and only have one or two symptoms. Our current advice is that children and staff must stay home if they are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms. This advice has come from the NSW Ministry of Health and Catholic Schools NSW. Children with existing conditions (such as allergies) that we are aware of, that present with some similar symptoms are able to attend school. 

Students, staff and family members are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test if they are experiencing cold or flu symptoms. 

I am thankful for all the calls and even more thankful for your support with keeping your children home. Please be assured, if your child is well enough, we are able to provide some homework for them to complete. 

Your continued support with this will ensure that we are doing our very best to keep our community safe.

Counsellor Visits

Our School Counsellor will start on Monday 29 June.

These sessions are a wonderful chance for you or your child/ren to be able to discuss any concerns or worries they have. They can provide strategies to assist with behaviour management, stress, resilience and anxiety.

If you would like to be involved, please contact Belinda via telephone or email Office.Stmarysc@cg.catholic.edu.au to be included on the list.

Congratulations 

Emily Spackman, daughter of Nicki and Gerald, is to be awarded a Dean's Scholarship at Melbourne University, offered only to those achieving in the top 3%. Emily has attained a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Psychology and is currently doing Honours with a project on anxiety with people with autism. Emily is planning on doing her Masters Degree in Clinical Neuroscience next year.

Congratulations Emily on your hard work and success.

Emily completed her primary education at St Mary's in 2009 and went on to attend Trinity Catholic College.

It is always wonderful to hear about our ex-student's achievements!

Baby News

Welcome Isla Rose Chapple, a new granddaughter for Mrs Romer. Isla arrived on 22 June, weighing 2.99kgs and 48cm long. Congratulations to Tahnee and Jono!

Condolences

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Glenn Greenwood after his recent passing.

Glenn and his children attended St Mary’s and his nephews Dylan and Saxon are current students. His daughter Kelsie is currently doing her teaching placement in Year 4 with us.

Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 will stand with staff out of the front of the school to form a Guard of Honour at the conclusion of Glenn's funeral, which is being held tomorrow at 11am. Children participating in this are asked to bring their school tracksuit to put over their costume for this short period of time.

Please spread the word about our School Tours. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about St Mary's or who has a child ready to start Kindergarten in 2021, we welcome their visit. Social distancing regulations will be put in place for our tours.

Enrolments can now be placed online. Go to https://enrolments.stmarysc.nsw.edu.au/enrol/ to enrol now.

Enrolments packs are available from our School Office or can be downloaded from our website http://www.stmarysc.nsw.edu.au/enrolment.html

The School Explorers Program

Next term our preschool friends will be visiting each Friday afternoon to participate in The School Explorers, our school readiness program.

Attached below is the amended program dates, please share this around!