Calendar

Long Service Leave - Term Three

I am excited to share the news that I will embark on Long Service Leave for the first three and a half weeks of Term 3. I will attend the Australian Primary Principals Association Conference in Hobart during this time. Before the conference, my husband and I plan to take a short trip around Tasmania.

While I will undoubtedly miss being a part of the vibrant St Mary's community during this period, I have full confidence in our dedicated staff to ensure the smooth running of the school. I am pleased to announce that Mrs Sally-Anne Croker, our esteemed Assistant Principal, will be acting as the Principal in my absence. Mrs Croker brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our school's values and vision. I have no doubt that St Mary's will continue to thrive under her capable leadership and provide an exceptional educational experience for our students.

During my leave, Mrs Croker will be supported by our exceptional team of teachers and support staff, who will be available to address any queries or concerns. Rest assured; they will do their utmost to maintain the high standards and caring environment that define our school.

While away, I will miss the daily interactions with the students, parents, and staff members who make St Mary's a warm and welcoming community. However, I look forward to returning refreshed and invigorated, armed with new insights and ideas from the conference, which will further enrich our school's educational experiences.

NAPLAN

The student NAPLAN reports are expected to be received and distributed to families early in Term 3.

As you may already know, NAPLAN is a nationwide assessment measuring students' literacy and numeracy skills in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It provides valuable insights into individual student progress and assists educators in identifying areas of strength and areas requiring additional support.

There has been an important update regarding the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) reporting scale. The results will now be reported against proficiency standards rather than numerical bands, as in previous years.

NAPLAN reports will contain four easy-to-understand proficiency standards:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support.

These new band names aim to reflect students' progress and growth better, providing a clearer indication of their current level of achievement. It is important to note that the assessment content and standards have not changed; only the terminology used to describe the bands has been updated. Please also note that it is expected that more students will now fall in the 'Needs additional support' category than before because this now includes a larger cohort. The middle two bands, 'Developing' and 'Strong', comprise of 60% of the students.

At St Mary's Primary School, we believe every child is unique, and their achievements extend beyond a single test. While NAPLAN provides valuable information, it is just one aspect of our comprehensive approach to assessing student progress and fostering their holistic development.

We understand that assessment results can sometimes generate concern or uncertainty among parents. However, it is crucial to remember that NAPLAN is a snapshot of a student's skills at a specific time and should be viewed in conjunction with ongoing classroom assessments, teacher observations, and individual growth over time.

As educators, our focus remains on providing a well-rounded and inclusive learning environment that nurtures every student's academic, social, and emotional growth. We encourage you to engage in open communication with your child's teachers, who are best placed to provide meaningful insights into their progress and offer guidance on how to support their learning journey.

If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the changes to NAPLAN reporting or any other educational matter, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated staff. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Semester One Reports Coming Soon!

Your child's Semester One Report and Work sample Folder will be sent home next Monday, 26th June. This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into your child's academic progress, highlighting their achievements and areas for further development.

Please see last week's newsletter for a description of the grading scale.

We believe that open communication between home and school is essential for the success of our students. If you have any questions or require clarification regarding the report or your child's progress, please don't hesitate to contact your child's class teacher. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Communication Survey Results

Thank you to the parents who participated in our recent communication survey. Your valuable feedback and insights were overwhelmingly positive. It is clear from your responses that the current format of our weekly newsletter is meeting your expectations and serving as an effective means of communication. All who responded noted that they found the newsletter highly informative, with many expressing appreciation for the valuable updates, event reminders, and insightful articles.

Save the Date! Celebrating 120 Years of Catholic Education 

We are thrilled to announce a momentous occasion in the history of our school and community. This year marks the 120th anniversary of Catholic education in Crookwell, and we would love for you to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone. Together, let us honour the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, whose arrival brought education, compassion, and a strong sense of community to our town.

We are organising a Dinner Dance on Saturday, 21st October 2023, to commemorate this significant event. It will be an evening filled with the sharing of stories and memories and a chance to reflect upon the history of St Mary's Primary School. We hope to bring together past students, teachers, principals, parents, and members of our wider community for a memorable evening cherishing our school's rich history and vibrant spirit.

As the event draws closer, we will provide further details on ticket sales and other important information. Be sure to stay tuned to our school newsletter and website for updates.

This a reminder as we head to the end of the term to ensure your Term Two school fees have been paid.

Head Office emailed school fee statements to both parents (if email addresses supplied for both). If you have not received yours or cannot find it, please let Belinda know, and she will provide a new copy.

** PLEASE NOTE everyone has a new BPAY number assigned specifically to you. Please ensure you use the new details when making a payment for fees. Remember all pre-existing periodical payments were cancelled, and you must set up a new one with your bank if you wish to continue paying this way **

What is Prayer?

Catholics believe prayer is an act of communicating with God. It is "the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." God Is the source and inspiration of all prayer, lifting our minds and hearts to Him. God is always present and active, even when we aren’t conscious of His presence. Because prayer is a communal relationship between ourselves and God, it is not all our own work. God forever seeks to communicate with us.

WHY PRAYER IS IMPORTANT

• Prayer can help us grow closer to God.

God loves every single one of us and desires to communicate with us. God wants to hear from you no matter what you’re going through. God listens.

• Prayer can help us understand God’s loving nature

The scriptures teach, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Prayer helps you feel God’s love and bring feelings of peace and joy into your heart.

• Prayer can provide answers

Praying and listening to God may not give you the answers you asked for, but God knows you better than you know yourself. You may experience answers and understanding in the form of thoughts, spiritual feelings, scripture, or even the actions of other people. Prayer can help you better understand your purpose in life.

• Prayer can helps us find direction and peace

Praying to God can help you work through serious decisions/problems in your life. God always listens and even when we aren’t answered immediately or in the way we might have hoped, prayer itself is a way to find peace.

• Prayer can give strength to avoid temptation

Through prayer, we can overcome temptations to sin. Pray for God’s help to keep from making wrong choices. This will give you the strength to do what is right.

• Prayer can align our will with God’s will

The purpose of prayer is not necessarily to tell God how you want Him to do things. Rather, it’s to better understand Him and His ways, bringing yourself into alignment with His will. As C.S. Lewis said, “Prayer doesn’t change God. It changes me.”

• Prayer can work miracles

Throughout the scriptures, there are many examples of God working miracles as an answer to prayer. Catholics believe that through daily prayer, you can experience personal miracles such as healing, peace, and forgiveness for sins.

WHY OUR CHILDREN NEED TO PRAY

By showing our students how to pray, we show them a way to make life more meaningful and full of promise. We take them to a friend who gladly shares their joys, and cares when they are distressed. We help them realise that there is someone beyond us all who is all-powerful, all-wise, all-just, and all-good, someone who makes sense of the universe; and someone who will ALWAYS love them and be there for them NO MATTER WHAT.

Class Prayer Celebrations

Over the past couple of weeks, our Year 1 and 2 classes have prepared and participated in class prayer services to celebration their faith and learning in Religious Education lessons. It has been lovely to see so many parents and friends join us for these.

Kindergarten will be having their class prayer celebration tomorrow at 2.30pm. 

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
• Warm coats and scarves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/doonas

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…

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

Absent: Henry Galland and Ollie Croker

Upcoming Trials

• Golf- 9 Hole MacKillop and 18 Hole MacKillop.

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 for 9 hole, $45.00 for 18 hole

https://csnsw.sport/

Friday Sport Update:

Our Brumbies Development Squad coaching sessions have been postponed until the first four weeks of Term 3. We look forward to these sessions.

Please check your child's uniform items

As we approach the end of the term, now is a good time to ensure that all the items coming home with your children belong to them. Sometimes items accidentally get picked up and brought home.

We have a large amount of school jumpers and sports jackets, all with no name and some quite new, sitting in our lost property. Please name all clothing items to ensure we can return items to the rightful owner as soon as possible.

Friday 23 June: Katherine Fraser, Mary-Ann Kilborn, Kimberley McIntosh

Monday 26 June: Rechell Naughton, Maureen Lucock, Kelly Seaman- LAST TUCKSHOP FOR TERM 2.

Term 3 Roster

If you can help and haven't provided your name yet, please click the following link to complete the form. Tuckshop Helpers

More hands mean less work! Tuckshop is a great way to meet other parents.

If you have a particular date that suits, please let Rechell know so she can add it to the roster before it goes out. Thanks for your help!

Kindy Street Stall & Wood Auction

Parish Office

Thursday Funny

1. Knock Knock

2. Who's there?

1. Arch

2. Arch who?

1. Bless You! 

Submitted by Flynn Reeves, Year Four