Principal Talk with Mrs Lowe
Term 3 Key Dates
| August/Sept | School Explorers Program - Postponed 31/7, 7/8, 14/8, 21/8, other dates to be confirmed |
| Tuesday 4 August |
School Board meeting |
| Monday 10 August |
School Counsellor visit. Contact the Office for bookings |
| Wednesday 12 August |
School Public Speaking Competition Years 3-6 - Live streamed for spectators |
| Friday 21 August |
Jump Rope for Heart - Live streamed for spectators |
| Monday 24 August | School Counsellor visit. Contact the Office for bookings |
| Wednesday 27 August | Northern Region Public Speaking Competition Years 3-6 - Live streamed for spectators |
| Monday 7 September |
School Counsellor visit. Contact the Office for bookings |
| Tuesday 8 September |
St Mary's Feast Day |
| Friday 25 September |
Showcase of Learning 12.30pm (TBC) |
| End of term |
Student/Parent/Teacher Conversations
It was wonderful to see our students sharing their achievements and goals with their parents this week. Thank you for taking the time to come in and meet with your child’s teacher. If you missed the Student/Parent/Teacher Conversations this week please contact your child's teacher to arrange a suitable time. Remember that you are welcome to make an appointment to talk to your child's teacher at any time throughout the year.
School Public Speaking Competition
Our Public Speaking Competition will occur for primary classes on Wednesday 12 August with a twist this year. We will be holding a virtual version to accommodate current COVID restrictions, so it will be streamed live through Zoom for any parents wishing to watch. The Northern Region Public Speaking Competition will have this same format so it will also give us a chance to practise the digital format and iron out any issues that may arise. The aim of this competition remains the same; to help students speak more effectively, have better communication and gain more confidence in speaking in front of others.
From our school Public Speaking Competition two students from each year level will be selected to compete virtually at the Northern Region Competition on Thursday 27 August. Following that the Archdiocesan Public Speaking Finals, hosted by St Patrick’s Parish School Cooma, will be held on Thursday 22 October 2020.
Speeches will be judged on the following criteria:
- Delivery
- Suitability and Audience Interest
- Content and Creativity
- Organisation
- Timing
Timing for speeches:
- Stage 2 - 2 minutes; with a warning bell at 1 minute and 30 seconds and at 2 minutes
- Stage 3 - 3 minutes; with a warning bell at 2 minutes and 30 seconds and at 3 minutes
Topics are as follows:
- Year 3 Belonging in school
- Year 4 Kid power!
- Year 5 Words can hurt
- Year 6 Many voices, one land
Students will be working on their speeches in class and may be asked to refine and practise these for homework.
Building Update
Our builders have been hard at work over the holiday break and first week of school. The footings have been laid for our learning support resource room, front verandah and ramp and internally the rendering and electrical work has commenced. The name pavers that were along our front garden bed have been saved and will be relaid.
We are very grateful to Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn and NSW Block Grant Authority for their large commitment of funds for this project.
School Sores
Please be aware that there has been a reported case of school sores (or impetigo) at St Mary's.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria. It is commonly known as ‘school sores’ because a majority of cases are in school-aged children. However, it can also affect infants, adults and adolescents.
Uncomplicated impetigo does not cause permanent damage to the skin, but is highly contagious. It is treated with antibiotics.
If your child is presenting with blisters on the skin that crust over please see a doctor for treatment.
While your child has the infection:
- Sores should be kept clean and covered with a waterproof dressing to prevent them being touched or scratched.
- Used dressings should be placed in a sealed bag and put in the garbage bin as soon as they are removed.
- Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for 10 – 15 seconds after sores are touched or redressed.
- Children with impetigo should be kept home from school or other group settings if their wounds cannot be kept covered until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has been started, or until the blisters have dried out.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/impetigo.aspx
Counsellor Visits
Sharyn Lynch, our new CatholicCare provider, was at school this week meeting with staff, parents and students. Sharyn comes with lots of experience and can offer a number of different programs. Sharyn is qualified to run the 'Cool Kids' Anxiety Program. This can be done on a one-on-one basis and has been found to be extremely beneficial for children who experience anxiety.
Counselling sessions are a wonderful chance for you or your child/ren to be able to discuss concerns or worries. They can provide strategies to assist with behaviour management, stress, resilience and anxiety.
Sharyn will be visiting each Monday on the even weeks of term. If you would like to make an appointment please contact Belinda via telephone or email Office.Stmarysc@cg.catholic.edu.au.
Website, SZapp and Digital Support
We have updated the website and SZapp to now include a "Parent Page". In this section, you will find the Absence form, Change to Travel Arrangements form, Tuckshop Roster and Helper form and Uniform Order form.
If you require any assistance with using or installing SZapp, please contact Belinda.
School Fees
The Term 3 School Fee statements were emailed out yesterday. Please check to ensure you have received yours. Fees are due by Week 6, Friday 28 August.
If you would like to discuss your account or different payment options, please contact Belinda.
