Dear Parents,

Our formal celebrations are completed for the year, and we have reached Week 10 enjoying our time at the pool.  Teaching staff were impressed with the childrens' swimming progress over the last 8 days. I hope parents and children take loads of opportunities to visit the pool over the holidays and access some intensive swimming lessons as well. Today, was our Pool Celebration Day - a highly anticipated day and it was enjoyed by all. 

Friday Gift Giving

Students need to bring a gift for another child in their class this Friday. Please make sure it is no more than $10 and wrapped ready to place under the class xmas tree on Friday morning. Students will then select a name from a hat and secretly make them a xmas card. Each class will reveal their Secret Santa's before recess. 

New School Website

Ms Stubbs has been busy updating our school website. Please take the time to visit the link below and bookmark for your future reference. More changes will be actioned earlier next year.

https://stmarysbatlow.nsw.edu.au/

Staffing Update

Ms Amy Buckmaster will be taking Long Service Leave in Term 2, 2024. Ms Elizabeth Murray will be joining us for 3 days per week next year to provide Library lessons as usual and class teacher release time, previously covered by Ms Saunders and Mr Lawson.

Dates

Our final day for students and teachers is tomorrow, 15 December.

• Students K-6 will commence in 2024 Thursday 1 February. 
• Swimming Carnival Tuesday 6 February. TBA
• White Cross Dental Wednesday 7 February.
• Opening School Mass Thursday 8 February. TBA

Farewell

As I write my final report this week I say farewell.  St Mary's is truly a fabulous place to work! I will remember my time here fondly and especially your beautiful children. Thank you for your kind messages of support over the past few weeks and for your friendship over the past eight years. May you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and enjoy the festive season with families and friends. 

God bless and take care. 

Jannine

As another year draws to a close, and we prepare for the coming of Jesus, it is also a lovely time to reflect on the year that 2023 was and be grateful. 

I know that I am so grateful for our beautiful St Mary’s students and their families. Seeing the students each day fill my heart with joy and I am blessed to be a part of their lives. I am also grateful to have been part of such special events as we turned 100 this year and to see our past and present community come together to celebrate.

What might you be grateful for from the 2023 year? 

Wishing you all a very happy and safe Christmas spent with those you hold most dear. 

I look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.  

Amy Buckmaster - REC 

Intensive Learn to Swim program at Batlow Pool

8^th Jan-12^th Jan 2024

$75

Plus pool entry

First Lap Vouchers accepted