There is so much happening in our week ahead! Our newsletter is the most consistent form of communication we use and parents are encouraged to keep on top of details as Term 4 is starting to look very busy.

Student Wellbeing

Yesterday, we had our second session of Open Parachute, and a special day with Mission Australia representatives today. Both programs aim to support student wellbeing and mental health. Open Parachute will be delivered by trained presenters every fortnight and St Mary's have a commitment to the programme for the next 12 months. Mission Australia provided a BBQ lunch for everyone today and they ran activities with each group. Mission Australia are available to support families experiencing mental health concerns as a first point of contact. Please get in contact with me if you would like a brochure and further information.

As per the announcement made by Prime Minister Albanese, Thursday 22 September has been gazetted as a one-off public holiday a National Day of Mourning for the death of Queen Elizabeth II.  All CECG schools and the Catholic Education Office will be closed on this day. Business will return to normal for all CECG schools and the Catholic Education office Friday 23 September. 

Newsletter Change Of Day

Newsletter Day is now Thursdays! This small shift will be a small adjustment till the end of the year and some items may be presented a little differently. Do not hesitate to check details if needed.

Staff Update

Congratulations to Ms Kate Dobbie who will now be working in the front office every Tuesday and Wednesday. Kate is a familiar face around school having worked at St Mary's since 2015.  Ms Tracee Holland, Front Office Manager will be working Monday, Thursday and Friday each week. 

Tumut Takes Two

As you may know Ms Amy Buckmaster is part of the TT2 event this year and raising funds for Do It For Batlow with Aimee Zabbia. Yr 6 student leaders are having a fundraiser in the form of a special lunch Meal Deal to support the duo, next Tuesday 20 September. Details have been forwarded via Compass. Please complete and submit your child's order by Monday.

Boorowa Touch Football Competition

Next term Friday 21 October we are taking our primary students to Boorowa to participate in this huge carnival! This is an exciting opportunity. We have entered two teams and booked a bus! In preparation, we have Zac Masters coming to run a training session next Wednesday to support our student's skill development. Our kids are fast and keen and I look forward to seeing them play in a bigger sporting arena. 

Staff Development Day

Our next Staff Development Day is Monday 10 October, the first day of Term 4. We will be working on St Mary’s Vision and Mission with Performance Improvement Leader, Tim Smith. I thank parents for their understanding of the extra pupil free days we have had over the last two terms. The first day of Term 4 will be the only pupil free day for the rest of the year. Students, and teachers, last day will be Friday 16 December. Other important dates to be aware of are recorded in this newsletter.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Jannine

Last Thursday, we celebrated the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary, our school’s patron saint.

It was a lovely day beginning with Mass presided by Father Namora and students from K-6. Following Mass we gathered in the K/1/2 room (because of wet weather) where we had a small ‘feast’ together as tradition invites on all feast days.

Miss Collins made delicious cupcakes for us all which we enjoyed together whilst having a chat. (Many chats were about how delicious the cupcakes were!)

“This is the best cupcake I ever had” said Scarlett.

Activities weren't able to proceed outside so children enjoyed a movie inside whilst colouring an image of our Blessed Mary.

It was a beautiful day to remind us how proud we are to be part of St Mary's family.

Have you seen our video on Facebook of our ‘feast’?

If not, come and have a look at our page ‘St Mary’s School Batlow’.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Amy Buckmaster - Religious Education Coordinator