Dear Parents,

Thank you to the families who came along to our BBQ on Friday evening. It was a relaxed and friendly gathering and the children had a lovely time as well. With Covid 19 restrictions easing we hope to schedule more opportunities for our parents to gather with us for assemblies over the coming term.

Also I would like to thank the students and parents who came along to Mass on Sunday. Our staff and students are invited to present Liturgy once per term and it is a lovely way to connect with our parishioners. Last Sunday I was talking with Gene Vanzella who was remarking on how great our school looks. I must admit our grounds are looking inviting and are a credit to the Community Council initiatives over the past five years as well as grants we have been able to access from various organisations.

Today we held our Cross Country carnival and congratulations to those students who put in their best effort. The next level of competition is the Western Region carnival and it will be held in Boorowa, Tuesday 30 March. Ms Crozier will notify parents shortly of details if their child has qualified for the next level.

This Friday, Ryley and Zayn will be trialling for the Archdiocesan Cricket team in Gundagai. Ryley and Zayn play representative cricket for Tumut and are looking forward to the challenge. Good luck to both of you.

On a final note please keep in your prayers Thomas Korn who has been rushed to Sydney very unwell this morning. We pray for Thomas' quick return to school.

Have a lovely week everyone.

 Jannine

Pope Francis has proclaimed 2021 to be ‘The Year of St Joseph’ and this week on the 19th March we celebrate St Joseph’s Feast Day.

It is interesting that there is not one record of a word spoken by Joseph in the Scriptures yet aside from Mary the mother of Jesus, no other person is recalled more in the teachings of the Church up and down the centuries.

We have much that we can learn from Joseph. He showed great courage in becoming the legal father to Jesus. He was a tender and loving father, who showed great faith in the word of God. He was trusting and patient with his wife Mary and was happy to support his wife and son from the shadows. He was a hard worker and taught Jesus many life lessons.

Let us pray with these words from Pope Francis:

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted his only Son;

in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,

show yourself a father

and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,

and defend us from every evil. Amen.

A Parent Information Session will be held on Wednesday 21st April (Week 1 of Term 2) to provide information on the InitiaLit (Literacy) program that is being implemented in the K/1/2 class. This session will also provide support to parents on how to help your child with reading at home. 

I will send an email this week to survey which time would be most suitable for parents, so please keep an eye out.

Melissa Hotham - Literacy (LNAP) Coordinator

Please be advised that the first day back next term will be a staff development day, Monday 19 April. We will be joining other schools in the diocese to look at High Impact Teaching Strategies. Students will begin Term 2 Tuesday 20 April.

There will be no staff development day on the first day of Term 3 or Term 4.

This year NAPLAN is scheduled for Term 2, between 11 May to 21 May. The national assessment is for students in Year 3 and 5 (and Yr 7 and 9) and will be conducted in an online format. NAPLAN is one ‘snapshot’ of student progress at several points in their learning journey in Literacy and Numeracy. It provides valuable information to parents and schools about student achievement alongside national data. Practice sessions will be scheduled for 25 March this term. More information will be forwarded to Year 3 and 5 parents prior to May.

Our radio presenters next Tuesday 23rd March are

Zayn, Emily and Dylan

White Cross Dental will be here tomorrow, Wednesday 17.

This week our home cooks are the BROWN & WESTERN families.

This week the FLENLEY family are asked to supply the cake for the cake raffle.

Year 3/4 in Literacy are using Google Slides to show a story.

Year 5/6 preparing for a debate ..... "Is it a good or bad idea for Australia to host the Olympics in 2032?".

Breakfast Club, every Tuesday and Thursday morning is a great time for students to sit down and have a quiet catch up before class.

Please like us on Facebook to keep us on your Newsfeed so we can share the wonderful things happening at St Mary's with you.

Today we ran our Cross Country. Congratulations to those students who put in their best effort. What perfect weather and beautiful setting.

Winning House - Hume

BATLOW NETBALL CLUB

MUSTER/INFORMATION AFTERNOON

AGM TO FOLLOW

WHEN: Wednesday 17 March 2021 at 4.30pm

WHERE: Batlow Netball Courts, Batlow (near Skate Park)

 All positions will be declared vacant.

Committee Members and Helpers needed for a successful 2021 season.

 Any further information required, please contact Neeshah Williams on 0457 667 126, or message the Batlow Netball Club Facebook page.