Schools Netball Cup

Congratulations to all our Netballers who competed so competently on Monday at the previously postponed School Netball Cup.

Thanks also to Mrs White and our parent coaches, Katie Price, Claire McCormack and Reané Strode for their guidance and support of both teams. 

Within the Sport section, you will find finer detail, but for now, I want to wish the 5/6 Netball team the biggest CONGRATULATIONS and best of luck as they move on to the Regional Final next Wednesday in Nowra. How amazingly awesome.

Northern Region Public Speaking 

Tomorrow, our eight speakers will represent St Mary's at the Northern Region Public Speaking Competition. This is an excellent achievement for these students to showcase their talents and compete with other schools in the region. This event will be hosted here at St Mary's beginning with morning tea at 9:30am and the speaking to follow as 10:00am.

We welcome our adjudicators from Crookwell High, Mr Vero and Dr Bollen, and from Trinity Catholic College, Ms Rowena Atkinson and Mr Jordan Sykes.

Parents and families are welcome to attend. We wish them all confidence and clarity.

Yr 6 - Grace and Sophie (in the Yr 6 classroom)

Yr 5 - Aria and Max (in the MP Hall)

Yr 4 - Cooper and Lizzie (in the Yr 4 classroom)

Yr 3 - Tommy and Tilda (in the Library)

NSW PSSA Boys Netball

Last week, Year Six student, Harley White, was a member of the Western Plains team at the PSSA Netball Comp in Coffs Harbour.

Harley played out of position for most of the event, with his team not registering a win. Although it was a tough week, Harley gained much from getting to know his new team mates and the challenge of a new position.

St Mary’s is a Nut-Aware School

At St Mary’s, the safety and well-being of all students is our highest priority. We are a nut-aware school, which means we take thoughtful and practical steps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, particularly anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

While leading health and education bodies no longer recommend blanket food bans, we ask families to avoid sending nuts and nut products to school, especially in classes where students have known allergies. This is particularly important for younger students who may not yet be able to manage their allergies independently.

Our staff complete annual anaphylaxis training, and emergency medication is available on campus and at all school events. Students with known allergies have individual care plans in place, and we continue to educate all students about allergy awareness, including the importance of not sharing food and washing hands after eating.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for every child.

Parents and Friends Working Party.

This week, we held another successful and well-attended meeting. The support for our school and students is always appreciated. Please consider joining such an important part of our school community. Your input will be welcomed. Our Term Four meeting will be on Tuesday, 4 November at 7:00pm.

Northern Region Principal Meeting

Next week, I am hosting our Northern Region Principal meeting here at St Mary's. We will be using the library on both Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. School Explorer participants will meet in the MP Hall for session 2 - Say it!!

School Fees

Just a reminder that your Term 3 2025 School Fees are due, unless payment is being made by regular instalments.

Please contact the front office if you haven’t received your fees or have any questions.

Thank you for your attention to this.

An interesting find !!

Exparent, AP&H Groundsperson, Meats a Treat owner and Jill of all trades, Louise Gibbs delivered a very interesting poster to us this week. A member of the community had passed it on to her and we would like to share it with you. A little piece of our history that some of your extended family may remember!!!

Important dates to note:

Thurs 21 Aug - CECG Athletics at the AIS

Fri 22 Aug - Northern Region Public Speaking

Tues 2-Thurs 4 Sep- Book Week

Fri 5 Sep - St Mary's Feast Day

Fri 12 Sep - Yrs 2-6 at CHS Careers/STEM Day Expo

Fri 19 Sep - Kinder/Year One Showcase 

Fri 25 Sep - Final day of Term Three for students

We look forward to working with you this term to ensure your child has a successful and fulfilling experience. 

The School Explorers  - School Readiness Program

"The School Explorers" is a comprehensive school readiness program designed to familiarise children commencing school in 2026 with our caring staff, friendly students, state-of-the-art facilities, and the exciting world of the NSW curriculum key learning areas. This program aims to make the transition to primary school smooth, enjoyable, and filled with confidence!

All preschool-aged children are invited to attend regardless of school choice. Come along to all or as many sessions as suits you. Parents are welcome to stay for the session, leave your child in our capable hands, or a combination of both.

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Belinda on 48321 592. We can't wait to welcome your child to St Mary's!

2026 TERM DATES

The dates below are student attendance dates.

Term One - 31 January - 2 April

Term Two - 21 April - 2 July

Term Three - 21 July - 25 September

Term Four - 13 October - 17 December

FOCUS VALUE OF COMPASSION

COMPASSION – making a difference in our school, our homes and the world.

We are continuing to learn about the value of COMPASSION at St Mary’s.

What is the meaning of Compassion?

• Compassion is MORE than sympathy (more than feeling sorry for someone)
• Compassion is MORE than empathy (more than suffering WITH someone)
• COMPASSION is LOVE IN ACTION

ACTION is what separates compassion from empathy, sympathy, pity, concern, condolence, sensitivity, tenderness, and commiseration. Compassion gets involved. When others keep their distance from those who are suffering, compassion prompts us to act on their behalf.

Jesus showed us the true meaning of compassion.

• He could not walk past anyone who was suffering without stopping to comfort and help (‘Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him." — Matthew 20:30-34). Do we reach out to help others, especially the poorest of the poor?
• He welcomed little children (who were considered insignificant in Jesus’ time) when the Apostles tried to shoo them away. Do we welcome EVERYONE?
• He had mercy on outcasts who everyone else looked down their noses at and called sinners – in fact, Jesus even ate dinner with them. Do we have mercy rather than judge and condemn?
• Jesus even had compassion for those who crucified him…some of his last words were for them… “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Do we forgive or hold grudges?
• Jesus' very presence in the world is the ultimate act of compassion. We did not deserve His sacrifice, but because of God's great love, we were treated with compassion and mercy. Are we thankful?

JOURNEY WITH JESUS

Year 6 have led very successful Journey with Jesus (JWJ) sessions across all classrooms K-6, this term.

JWJ sessions are an adaptation of the CSYMI Catholic Education program, where our Year 6 leaders take on the role of a Youth Ministry team, spreading the Good News through song, story and action. Congratulations Year 6, you are showing wonderful and inspiring faith leadership.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Students in Year 6 and 7 have commenced the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.

Session 1 commenced on Wednesday, 20^th August, 3:30pm- 4:30pm, in the Year 6 classroom and will continue for the next 3 weeks.

Library Days:

• Tuesday: Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 6.
• Thursday: Year 5, Year 4, Year 3 Green and Year 3 Gold

Please ensure your child brings their library bag on their library day so they can borrow books.

Book Week at St Mary’s – Week 7 (2nd–4th September 2025)

We’re excited to celebrate Book Week at St Mary’s in Week 7, from Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th September.

Our Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the library. Students will have the opportunity to browse the Fair on Monday 1st September, with sales open from Tuesday to Thursday between 8:40am and 4:00pm.

As a special treat, on Wednesday afternoon, Meerkat Productions will present a live performance based on the 2025 CBCA Picture Book of the Year, The Garden of Broken Things.

Book Week Cake Decorating Competition – Year 6 Fundraiser. THURS 4 Sep

To support Year 6 fundraising for their graduation, students are invited to enter our Book Week Cake Decorating Competition!

Cakes can be decorated individually, with family, or in a group of friends.
Designs should reflect this year’s Book Week theme: “Book an Adventure” or be inspired by a favourite book or character.

 

After judging, cakes will be sliced and sold at lunchtime. All proceeds will go towards Year 6 graduation expenses.

We can’t wait to see your deliciously creative entries!

School Sport

For sport this term, the school as a whole will walk to Todkill to strengthen their Tennis, Touch, Oztag and Soccer skills. The local consent form on Compass covers the walk to and from Todkill. These sports sessions will occur in Weeks 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 from 12:00 - 1:30.

League Stars Day for students in Kindergarten to Year 2

Date: Tuesday, 11th November
Venue: North Park, Goulburn (private transport)
Time: Students are to arrive at 9:30 am for a 10:00 am start, concluding at 2:10 pm
On the day, we are able to nominate mixed tag teams. The students will play in year groups of K/1 and 2. Can you please express your child’s interest by the end of Term 3.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdymHsKErXBH6pLzzIfkT8O5R5dYMOdRtYcfRQbG0WEIkv0g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107268297601984138813

Save the Date

• Boorowa Touch Football Carnival (Yr 2 - 6) - 24^th October. More information to come soon.

Regional Netball Team

A big congratulations to our two netball teams that competed at the Schools Cup on Monday. Both teams represented our school with respect on and off the court. Our Year 3/4 team only lost one of their games, and our Year 5/6 team remained undefeated the entire tournament. This means they have secured a place in the South Coast Regional Schools Cup Finals. Congratulations to all involved and a special thanks to our supporters, coaches, assistants and referees who made this day a huge success - we appreciate you! We wish the Year 5/6 team good luck for the Schools Cup Finals on Wednesday. The details for the South Coast Regionals are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 27th August

Venue: Shoalhaven Netball Association: Park Rd Netball Complex 24 John Purcell Way, John Purcell Way, Nowra NSW 2541.

Start time: 9:00am – Teachers/Umpires Briefing (games start 9.30am)

Finish time: 3:00pm – all games will be completed by this time. (Presentation for First Place in each division to follow)

NSWCPS Golf

We wish the best of luck to Rory, Jesse and Cooper, who will head down to Blackheath Gold Club on the 25^th August to compete in the NSWCPS Golf Tournament for a spot in the MacKillop team. Cooper will compete in the 9-hole competition, while Jesse and Rory will compete in the 18-hole competition. Good luck to all. 

PSSA Hockey

During this week, Tommy Picker has been competing at the PSSA Australian Boys U12 Championships. The results are as follows:

• Game 1: Lost 2-1 to QLD
• Game 2: Won 4-2 against WA
• Game 3: Won 4-0 against SA
• Game 4: NSW v ACT played on the 21^st Aug
• Game 5: NSW v TAS played on the 21^st Aug
• Game 6: NSW v VIC played on the 22^nd Aug

NSW Primary Schools Boys Netball Championships

Last week saw Harley compete in the NSW Primary School Boys Netball Championships. Harley and his team came up against some tough competition, resulting in some highly skilled games. Harley demonstrated great sportsmanship and determination the whole week. Well done, Harley! What a great achievement.

Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Athletics

We wish Lincoln, Imogen, Rory, Jesse, Cooper and Flynn S the best of luck as they head to Canberra for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Athletics Championships today. We look forward to hearing how you go! 

Upcoming Trials

19^th Nov - Cricket trials for 2026

21^st Nov - Tennis trials for 2026

21^st Nov - Basketball trials for 2026

Where can I find trial dates?

The Canberra Goulburn Sports webpage has the full calendar for Primary, Secondary and SSA events. https://www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/calendar

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Kind Regards,

Annie Cummins & James Edwards

School Sports Coordinators

PP Meetings: Monday September 1^st

At the beginning of the year, parents/carers were provided with an opportunity to meet with class teachers, Sally and myself to discuss the adjustments needed for students on PPs (Personalised Plans). Most of you met again with your class teacher at the end of second term to discuss your child’s progress.

On Monday, September 1^st, we would like to provide parents/carers of students who are on PPs an opportunity to meet with us again. Some of you will receive an email with information on how to book. Bookings are available through the Conferences section of the Compass app. 

If you do not receive an email and would still like to meet with your child’s teacher and me, please contact the school office or your child’s teacher to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Congratulations to our week 5 award winners!

Awards will be presented at our assembly tomorrow, Friday, 22 August at 9.05am.

Kindergarten: Sophia Doran, Hudson Sims.

Year One: Elyssia Camilleri, Artie Knight, Ava Lowe

Year Two: Olivia Doran, Harry Reid

Year Three Gold: Macie-Lee Charnock, Hannah Whittle

Year Three Green: Tommy Culley, Claudia Hills

Year Four: Oscar Allport, Jack Towell

Year Five: Jesse Costello, Connor Plumb, Isobel Tran

Year Six: Logan Anderson, Harper Seaman

Japanese Class of the Week: Year Two

Congratulations to the following students for wearing their uniform correctly and with pride:

Lukus Hall

Elsie Hills

Email: Crookwell@cg.org.au

Website: http://cg.org.au/crookwell/Home.aspx 

Phone: 0403 631 797 

Positive Partnerships is a Federal Government funded initiative. Interested parents are invited to attend a one-day workship for families to learn about autism. This a free event, in Goulburn on 23 September.

Register here: 
https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/workshop/?eventtemplate=69-1-day-parent-carer-workshop-nsw&event=2150

Learn more:    
https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/about-us/what-we-do