Dear Parents,

As we are drawing to the end of a very successful term our students’ learning continues each day right up to Thursday this week.

Our Literacy and Numeracy blocks are specifically planned by each classroom teacher so it is extremely important that students are in attendance from 9:00am every day. We avoid, wherever possible, to schedule any other event in the morning block to ensure that learning routines are not interrupted. On the whole we do this really well.

Today, we have 6 students participating in the Western Region Cross Country at Boorowa:

Zayn, Ryley, Amara, Liam W, Phillip and Ruby are all great runners and performed well at our recent carnival at the Batlow Golf Course. We wish them every success in their event and look forward to hearing their report tomorrow.

On a final note this week is Holy week. The challenge Jesus faced on his journey carrying the cross is solemnly reflected upon by Christians all around the world this Good Friday. Please know that St Mary’s Batlow will have an Easter Sunday Mass at 8:30am. All families are welcome.

I wish you all a Holy, safe and restful holiday break. We look forward to seeing you back at school on Tuesday 20 April for all students for Term 2.

Jannine

Our fundraiser this term will be "Go Green For Thomas". Students can come dressed in green Thursday for a gold coin donation. We will put the proceeds towards shouting Thomas a thickshake and burger and hopefully something 'green' - the colour of his favourite footy team the Raiders on his recovery.

Holy Week makes up the heart of the Christian faith with the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It begins with Holy Thursday where the Church remembers the Last Supper during which the Lord, on the eve of his own passion and death, institutes the sacrament of the Eucharist. On Good Friday, Catholics remember the passion, crucifixion and death of Christ. On this day the Church does not celebrate mass, but the Christian community gathers to consider the mystery of sin and evil that oppress humanity. Holy Saturday is marked by a deep silence. The Churches are left undecorated and there are no particular liturgies set aside for this day. While waiting for the Resurrection, the faithful persevere in the wait with Mary by praying and meditating. Easter Sunday is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead and marks the triumph of good over evil.

Dear God, we believe that you care for all your creatures with wisdom and love.  You have shown us this in the great sacrifice of your Son. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to die for us.   Amen.

From all of the staff at St Mary’s we wish you a safe and enjoyable Easter and holiday period with your family and loved ones.

Melissa Hotham - REC

A reminder that if you haven't already submitted the permission for the Yarrangobilly excursion next term, please follow the link below and complete and submit.

Excursion information and permission note.

Student of the Week - Week 9

At long last we can visit our friends at Apple Tree.

Students in K/1/2 will be registered for the Challenge as we READ THE TITLES IN THE CHALLENGE AS A REGULAR READING PROGRAM. It is not too late to join as the Challenge does not close until August.

Please contact Mrs Richards if you would like your child in Years 3 - 6 to join the Challenge this year.

Last Thursday students in Year 3 and Year 5, participated in NAPLAN Practice Tests, which were designed to give students, teachers and systems an opportunity to practice administering and participating in the online testing environment. No results are recorded from the practice tests.

In 5/6 over the past 3 weeks we have been studying the upcoming Olympics. Students chose an Australian olympic champion who has previously won a medal (gold, silver or bronze) and crated a Google slide presentation to share their findings with the class.

Students enjoyed hearing about ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things for their country.

Once again our students showed some off their beautiful artwork at the Batlow Show.

Our Cross Country team plus one!! Results next term.

Students return for Term 2 on Tuesday 20th April

Friday 23rd April - Yarrangobilly Caves Excursion K - 6

Friday 30th April - Tennis Program begins

Week 3 - Catholic Schools Week

11th - 20th May - NAPLAN Years 3 and 5

Tuesday 18th May - Life Education Van visit

End of Term 2 - Friday 23rd July

Drop-in Drama Day Friday 9th April from 10am-1pm at Artists on Parade. Ages: 7-12 year olds No prior knowledge of drama or performance needed. This is a stand alone workshop where young people will be involved in: - Improvisation - Listening for the “gold” in conversations - Responding in a positive way - Working as a team - Movement and voice training - Contact Tumba Theatre Troupe on Facebook or email 4thwalltheatrensw@gmail.com

The Parliament of NSW is holding a fun and educational school holidays event, ‘The Festival of Democracy’, on Friday 16 April.

This COVID-safe event is free and for children aged 4 - 12 years, and their families.

Visitors, families and friends are all welcome to come in and experience democracy through a range of family-friendly activities such as democracy hopscotch, craft, storytelling, mystery object guessing competition, and much more!

Bookings are essential via Eventbrite: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/O3AV . You can book for an 80 minute session starting at 9 am, 10.30 am, 12 pm, or 1.30 pm.

Tickets are limited so make sure to book in!