Dear Parents,

The Six Word Challenge! 

You may have heard of a simple challenge we have been using with the students over the past few weeks. Answers to questions need to contain at least six words.

For example, 

• Q "Good morning Jessica, how are you today?" 
• A "I'm well Mrs Richards and how are you ?" 

A very simple example but students are rising to the challenge. When I ask the question you can see that many are ready with their 6 words. It encourages a better language response and it's far friendlier and it sets the tone for a happy day. You may see your child using the challenge at home and want to get involved too. You may like to try...

"How was your day today Jim?"

Six word answers.....easier than you think and so much better than "Good" "Alright" "OK". "Nothing" 

Open Day Friday 12 August

Spread the word to any families looking to enrol their child at St Mary's in 2023. I am available this Friday to answer any questions and show them around. 

NCEC

National Catholic Education Commission toured through our area yesterday. I was asked to provide a presentation on St Mary's Batlow. As McAuley move to K-12 in 2023 the pathway for our Yr 6 students is a great opportunity for our families. The NCEC approved this decision earlier this year. 

Community Council Review

CE are currently reviewing School Board and Community Councils. They have invited parents to respond to a survey. Please see further details via the Compass post today and follow the links to the optional survey.

Student Teacher

We welcome Ms Janine Barclay to St Mary's. Ms Barclay will be working with Ms Collins and Yr 3/4 for the next fortnight. Welcome Ms Barclay!

Garden Shed

Our garden shed, donated by Anglicare, is up! Thank you to our team of Dad's-Phil, Matt, Tom and Elijah who gave their time on Sunday to build our shed. This space will lighten the load on our sports shed.

Book Week Parade

Friday 2 September is our date for our annual Book Week Parade. The theme this year is Dreaming with Eyes Wide Open. Students may come dressed as their favourite book character.  Ms Murray has already started sharing the Children's Book Council nominated books with the students. Students love to dress up and be part of this day so get involved and get creative! 

Have a lovely week everyone.

Jannine

Mass

Next Monday, the 15th of August, we will have our first Mass for Term 3. Year 5/6 will present Mass to commemorate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary at 10am. Please know that all are welcome to attend. 

St Mary of the Cross - Mary McKillop

Yesterday, 8th of August was acknowledged as the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop. It is a very special day that acknowledges Australia's first saint, recognising her contribution to the education of the working class and poorer Australians as education at that time only accessible for the privileged.

In 1866 St Mary MacKillop started her first school in Penola, South Australia.  In the years that followed, she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites) and established schools and places of refuge for the working class and poor across Australia and New Zealand. She devoted her life from an early age to caring for and educating children.

Did you know that our wonderful school of St Mary’s was founded by the Josephite sisters (Sisters of St Joseph) back in 1923?

Did you know that is why we have a beautiful portrait of St Mary of the Cross in our front foyer? Without her work and determination to bring education to all we may not be the school we are today.

Mary MacKillop was a trail-blazer in her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. 

“Never see a need without doing something about it,” - Mary MacKillop

Have a lovely week everyone

Amy Buckmaster - Religious Education Coordinator