Calendar

Attendance

We know that every day of attendance at school adds to your child's chances of success and achievement from kindergarten to high school. You play a key role in making sure your child attends school every day, and you do this because you understand that attendance leads to success, not just at school, but later in life. Every day at school counts towards your child’s learning.

We realise some absences are unavoidable due to health issues or other circumstances. However, we also know that when students miss too much school, no matter the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically. The more absences your child has, the harder it is for them to catch up on missed work and stay connected to their school community. Absences add up quickly. If your child is absent just one day every two weeks over a school year, this will add up to 20 days of lost learning. This is almost half a school term.

Along with many other schools across Australia, we have noticed a large increase in our absenteeism since COVID. We understand that is is partly due to parents being vigilant with keeping sick children at home, and we do appreciate this; however, some absences can be avoided.

The following table indicates the levels of attendance.

Did you know you can check your child's attendance on Compass?

Go to your child's profile, then choose Attendance from the tab. Towards the bottom of that page can then see your child's collated absences and percentage rate.

Part of my job is to respond to all emerging absenteeism (<90% attendance) with support to improve attendance. This may involve an initial phone call, followed by letters and the creation of a Student Attendance Plan.

We want your child to succeed at school and know that you do as well. Please let us know if you require support in ensuring your child attends school on time each day. Feel free to contact me to discuss this or any other concerns.

School Fees for Term 2

As previouisly mentioned, we have transitioned on May 1, to our new finance system, TechOne. Belinda spent Wednesday completing some training in the system, however please allow her some time to get familiar with it.

As part of this transformation, existing direct debits and the use of Qkr for most payments, will cease. All families have been allocated new BPAY numbers, which is the preferred method for paying your school fees. You are able to set up periodical payments via your own bank. You may also use Compass Pay.

Catholic Education will take over the provision of school fee term statements. These will be sent out in the coming days and will show your BPAY details in the top right corner. Please keep an eye out for these.

If required, Belinda can provide you with your BPAY details before the statements are received.

Filming

We are excited to share some wonderful news about the recent visit to St Mary's School by Patrick Ellis, the Catholic Education Office - Leader of Teaching and Learning. Patrick, along with a film crew, spent time capturing the remarkable developments in teaching and learning that have been taking place at our school.

The visit aimed to showcase the high-impact teaching practices in our classrooms, highlighting our progress through the Catalyst journey. This project has been a collaborative effort involving teachers, students, and the entire school community. It aims to enhance educational experiences and provide our students with the best learning opportunities.

During the filming process, Patrick Ellis had the chance to observe our dedicated teachers in action, implementing innovative teaching strategies and creating engaging learning environments. 

We are thrilled to have been able to showcase the outstanding teaching and learning practices flourishing at St Mary's. This recognition highlights our entire school community's hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students.

The Catholic Education Office will use the footage captured during this visit to showcase and promote the Catalyst journey. We are honoured to have been chosen to represent the great strides being made in Catholic Education. We will share this short video with you as soon as it is released. 

First Aid Training

On Tuesday, our dedicated staff members participated in the highly regarded "First Aid In An Education And Care Setting" course provided by Donna's Training. This comprehensive training program equipped our educators and caretakers with the latest knowledge and skills necessary to handle emergency situations in our school environment.

The course covered a wide range of essential first aid topics, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), choking and airway management, wound care, allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, asthma and much more. Our staff had the opportunity to practice these skills through hands-on training, ensuring they are well-prepared to respond effectively in emergencies.

 

My name is James Edwards, and I am so excited to have joined St Mary’s School this year. I am lucky enough to be teacher the amazing Year 5 this year.

I made the move from Sydney earlier this year and it has been so nice to feel so welcomed within the Crookwell community. We are living on a property at Crooked Corner, we are loving the farm life being surrounded by Merino Sheep and Angus Cattle.

I absolutely love teaching and I really enjoy coming to work every day to see so many smiling faces. I am a big fan of sports, and love getting involved our sporting days and carnivals. Whilst living in Sydney and all throughout school I enjoyed playing touch Football, Tag, Cricket, Basketball, and Rugby Union. I also love supporting the Cowboys in the NRL!

My favourite subject to teach is English as I am an eager reader! I look forward to sharing the love of literacy with the students of St. Mary’s. If you see me around school, please feel welcome to come and say hello, I will no doubt be the one rugged up as I experience my first Crookwell winter!

This Sunday is Mothers’ Day.

God our Creator, we pray:
for expectant mothers, wondering and waiting;

for new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibility;

for all mothers...

-who are tired, stressed or depressed;
-who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;
-who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;
-whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities;
-who raise children on their own;
-who have lost a child;
-who care for the children of others;
-whose children have left home; 
Bless all mothers, that their love may be deep and tender, and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good. May your loving hand guide them in the special work they do.  Amen.

 STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD

Year 6 Social Justice and Mini Vinnies students will be introducing the St Vincent De Paul WINTER APPEAL at tomorrow’s assembly.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD by supporting our Mini Vinnies WINTER APPEAL

Donation of the following items would be greatly appreciated:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens
• Coats and scarves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/doonas

 (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)

We could all make a difference in our world with these goals!

Let us all answer Jesus’ call to carry on His mission of love…

Today all students at St Mary's took part in a presentation and discussion with Snr Constable Barb Beard from the Goulburn LAC.

Topics included stranger danger, safe crossing of roads, instant messaging apps, online hazards and how to stay safe when playing games online. The children asked very interesting questions and many shared concerns around their online activities.

It's never too late to have a conversation with your children about their activity and ALWAYS monitor their apps and time spent online.

Attached today you will find an outline of steps you can take as a family to ensure your children are safe and secure at all times online.

NSW Netball Schools Cup 2023

On Tuesday, 9 May, St Mary's was very excited to send two teams to compete in an Interschool Netball Competition for the first time. The competition was run by Netball NSW at Bowral. 

A Year 5/6 team consisting of Alice Frost, Gabby Price, Olivia Millet, Elsie McIntosh, Sophie Kilborn, Sophie Culley, Maddie Strode, Tahlia Naughton, Chloe Bensley, Emilee Salt, Ava Hewitt and Lara McCulloch played in the 5/6 Social competition. They had an excellent day, playing six 20-minute games against other schools and coming away with some wins, losses and one draw. 

The 3/4 team consisting of Faith Riles, Harley White, Imogen Hewitt, Sophie Croker, Grace McCormack, A'dee Reynolds, Max Strode and Evie Waldron competed in a 3/4 social competition. The team played five 20-minute games and ended with four wins and one loss.

The day was fast-paced, with only short breaks between games and was exceptionally well run. The St Mary's students happily swapped positions and encouraged their teammates throughout the day. They should be congratulated on their sportsmanship, effort and positive attitude.

Thank you to the parents who drove the students down and assisted with managing, umpiring and scoring throughout the day. 

Thank you also to our teacher in charge, Claire McCormack, for coordinating the students and families on the day.

Monaro Region Rugby Union Primary School Gala Day

Date: Friday 26^th May - NEW DATE

Venue: Carr Confoy Oval, Goulburn

Time: 10am-2pm

Transport: Private

Notes have been sent home with interested students and are available at the office.

Notes are now due! I have registered a Year 3/4 tackle team and a Year 5/6 Tackle Team.

Uniform: Students can wear their Crookwell Pups uniform and must wear headgear and a mouth guard. Uniforms will be provided for those that require it.

If you have any questions, please email me at linda.walsh@cg.catholic.edu.au

Northern Region Cross Country

Please ensure that the online permission slip is completed by today, a reminder email was sent out this week.

Children are to make their way directly to the Showground themselves. There will be no transport to/from school.

Details for the NR carnival are as follows:

Venue: Crookwell Showground

Date:     Friday 12 May 2023

Time:     9:20am                Team Manager meeting

              9.30am                Walk the course

              10.00am              First event

Division/Distances/Approx run times    

10:00am   9 years girl [2013]            2000m

10:20am   9 years boy [2013]           2000m

10:40am  10 years girl [2012]         2000m

11:00am  10 years boy [2012]         2000m

11:20am  11 years girl [2011]          3000m

11:45pm  11 years boy [2011]         3000m

12:15pm  12/13 years girl [2010/2009]  3000m

12:40pm 12/13 years boy [2010/2009]  3000m

Children will compete in their school sports uniform.

Cost:      $7:50 paid via Qkr App.

Archdiocesan Carnival:  6 competitors from each age group will progress to the Archdiocesan Carnival, held at Stromlo Park on FRIDAY, 19 MAY.

MacKillop Rugby League Trials

Jaydan and Chase of Year 5, travelled to Canberra last Friday as part of the Canberra Goulburn U11s Rugby League team. This was a trial process for selection into the MacKillop U11s Rugby League team.

From all reports the boys came up against some very big opposition, but this did not deter them. They ran and tackled like machines all day, and did themselves very proud.

Well done Jaydan and Chase for taking part in the trials.

MacKillop Hockey Trials

Emmett, Henry and Ollie, all from Year 5 travelled to Lyneham last Friday to take part in the boys MacKillop Hockey trials. The boys took part in drills and then games where they were able to showcase their skills. All 3 boys trialled brilliantly and were rewarded with selection into the MacKillop Boys Hockey Team. They will now travel to Tamworth at the end of May as part of the team, taking part in the NSW Primary Boys Hockey Championships. Well done boys, we are very proud of you!

Upcoming Trials

Canberra Goulburn (Primary) Rugby Union Trials

We wish William Waldron of Year 5 the best of luck at the Canberra Goulburn Rugby Union trials on Monday in Canberra.

Golf 9 Hole MacKillop Tournament 

CLOSE DATE: Applications for this CSNSW Sport selection Trial (MacKillop 9 Hole Tournament) close on Thursday, 27th July 2023

REGISTRATION: In order for your child to be accepted to participate in the selection trial you or your child must accurately complete the following:

DOB: 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015

School Years: 2 to 6

Gender: Both

Region: MacKillop

Cost: $35.00

https://csnsw.sport/

Golf 18 Hole - MacKillop Selections

CLOSE DATE: Applications for this CSNSW Sport selection Trial (MacKillop Selections) close on Thursday, 27th July 2023

REGISTRATION: In order for your child to be accepted to participate in the selection trial you or your child must accurately complete the following:

DOB: 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015

School Years: 2 to 6

Gender: Both

Region: MacKillop

Cost: $45.00

https://csnsw.sport/

Softball CE MacKillop Selections 

CLOSE DATE: Applications for this CSNSW Sport selection Trial (Canberra Goulburn MacKillop Softball) close on Saturday, 20th May 2023

REGISTRATION: In order for your child to be accepted to participate in the selection trial you or your child must accurately complete the following:

DOB: 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015

School Years: 2 to 6

Gender: Both

Region: MacKillop

Cost: $35.00

Position Vacant- Parish Secretary

Goulburn Mission Office- Encompassing the Parishes of Goulburn, Crookwell & Taralga

People are invited to apply for the position Parish Secretary for the Goulburn Mission. This is a part-time permanent position 24 hours week, Tuesday-Friday 9am-3.30pm.

Essential Requirements: 

• Experience with database packages.
• Strong communication and liaison skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to work on your own, and as part of a wider team and take direction. 
• Understand and administer areas of regulatory compliance (eg. WHS, child protection, copyright)
• Understanding and respect for the Catholic Church and its teaching
• Current experience in an office environment. 

Employment conditions are subject to Clerks Award.  Please phone 0403 631 797 or email Fr Joshy joshy.kurien@cg.org.au for a copy of the duty statement. Applications addressing the Selection Criteria above with attached resume to Fr Joshy must be received by Monday 19 May 2023

Parish Office

Congratulations!

Apologies to Belinda Foley on the information in the newsletter last week. Here is the correct results from the 2023 Royal Easter Show-

In the Honey Section, Belinda got 6 x 1st, 7 x 2nd and 7 x 3rds, as well as Champion Beeswax.

We want to hear from you!

We would love to hear about, and share, your child's achievements. Please send through a photo for next week's newsletter. Office.Stmarysc@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Biggest Morning Tea

Leona and Lionel Evans are hosting the Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday 26 May, 10am to 3pm at their residence in Bannister.

If you would like to attend like to attend, please call 0408 346 018

SDN Preschool Information Day

Rugby Training