Dear Parents,

I hope everyone is doing their best to keep warm. A gentle reminder for students to wear jackets, beanies and gloves to school, especially on those extra cold days.

Police Visit

Last week Police Youth Liaison Officer, Sophie, visited St Mary’s. She spoke about bike and scooter safety and the importance of wearing helmets properly. It was an informative session. The students listened, asked questions and shared stories of ‘close calls’. Officer Sophie, then spoke  with Yr 5/6 students about online safety and cyberbullying. Again, another good session keeping students informed. We know that our parents already have those important conversations with their children. The NSW PDH Curriculum has a strong focus on both road safety and online safety so it is valuable to our learning programs as well. We thank Sophie for giving us her time and sharing valuable information.

Open Parachute

Tomorrow, we commence our Open Parachute program K-6. This program is a student mental health wellbeing program and will feature in our PDH programs for the next 12 months. Developed by clinicians this program provides a practical resource to support students as they grow through school. We will feature more of this program over the coming weeks and months.

Jindabyne Excursion

This is scheduled for 26-28 October for our Yr 4/5/6 students now. Parents of those students are to check Compass for permission notes that have now been formally sent out. Final payments need to be in by Friday 23 September.

Pupil Free Day

This Friday 19 August is a Pupil Free Day. Our director Ross Fox has granted all schools in our archdiocese two additional pupil free days to support teachers with Covid/Flu related work pressures.  If you are unable to make alternative arrangements for your child for this Friday please let us know in advance. We will have some supervision available. The next Pupil Free Day will be Monday 12 September.

Farewell

On a final note Ms Patricia Marsh has accepted a position at McAuley Catholic Central School for five days per week which means she will be leaving us. It is with sadness that we say a fond farewell to Trish who has capably managed St Mary’s finances and all other matters associated with our small, and very busy, front office. Trish will finish at the end of August. You may like to say goodbye and good luck if you have the chance to be speaking with her over the next few weeks. The Office Manager position has been advertised on the Canberra Goulburn Catholic Education Employment website.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Jannine

Yesterday, 15th of August, we celebrated the Feast Day of the Assumption of Mary with a Mass beautifully led by our exemplary Year 5/6 students.

This day is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic faith that commemorates the day that Mary ascended into heaven.

Mary, as mother of God, is believed by Catholics to have lived a life without sin. Some early-church theologians believed that since she and Christ were both without sin that Mary must have been raised to heaven just as Christ was. This belief started the feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Sacraments & Children’s Mass

Three children are currently preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament will be celebrated during our Children’s Mass on Sunday the 28th of August.

It would be lovely to have other children there in support. If you are joining us for Mass please let me know and I will give your child a special role. amy.buckmaster@cg.catholic.edu.au

Have a lovely week,

Amy Buckmaster - Religious Education Coordinator

Congratulations Ruby, Layla & Aiden

Congratulations Logan! 

In K/1/2 Science the topic has been "What are things made of?".

We had a fun afternoon building with boxes and other materials.

Your Brain Needs Zzzzzs

Your body and your brain need sleep. During sleep, the brain sorts through and stores information, replaces chemicals, and even solves problems while you snooze.

Most kids don’t get enough sleep. Children 5 to 12 years old need 9 to 12 hours each night. Not every child is the same and some children need more sleep than others.

Can you think of a time when you didn't get enough sleep? That heavy, groggy feeling is awful and, when you feel that way, you're not at your best. Without enough sleep, children can feel moody, tired, or cranky. It might be hard to pay attention or follow directions. School work that's normally easy may feel impossible, or they may feel clumsy playing your favorite sport or instrument.

One more reason to get enough sleep: If you don't, you may not grow as well. That's right, too little sleep can affect growth and your germ-fighting immune system, which keeps you from getting sick.

How Can I Sleep Better?

For most children, sleeping comes pretty naturally. Here are some tips to help you catch all the ZZZs you need:

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps your body get into a routine.
• Turn off the TV, computer, and other devices, including phones, at least 1 hour before it’s time to sleep.
• Follow a bedtime routine that is calming, such as taking a warm bath or reading.
• Don’t have drinks with caffeine in them, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas have caffeine.
• Don't watch scary TV shows or movies close to bedtime because these can sometimes make it hard to fall asleep.
• Don't exercise just before going to bed. Do exercise earlier in the day — it helps a person sleep better.
• Use your bed just for sleeping — not doing homework, reading, playing games, or talking on the phone. That way, you'll train your body to connect your bed with sleep.

The Jindabyne excursion is scheduled for 26-28 October for our Yr 4/5/6 students now.

Parents of those students are to check Compass for permission notes that have now been formally sent out.

Final payments need to be in by Friday 23 September.

Please contact the front office if you are unsure of any details.

In Year 2 Literacy, Mrs Richards has continued teaching about expanding sentences from a fragment. They are growing in confidence and skill. Nice work Year 2.

THIS FRIDAY 19 AUGUST IS A PUPIL FREE DAY

Next Tuesday EMILY & MORGAN will be our radio announcers.

Tune in each week at 1.45pm to hear what is happening at St Mary's 

A little thank you gift for our dads who helped put up our garden shed last week.

We hope your chocolates arrived home safely.