Good afternoon parents and carers,

Welcome to Term One! It was fantastic to see our new Kindergarten students seamlessly transition into St Mary’s this morning and begin their learning journey here at school. We welcome Amara, Ari, Charlotte, Elira, Lizzy and Robert along with our new families.

I am really proud and appreciative of the work that has been done by staff over their break to ensure that they are well prepared for the year and that learning spaces are vibrant and engaging for our students. Please find below some information regarding upcoming events, including swimming carnival and any relevant information for the commencement of Term One.

Information for Parents

Crunch n Sip

If families can ensure that fruit break isn't too messy (eg - fruit in syrup) and for our younger students (if necessary), fruit is cut up, placed in a container and utensils are provided. Only a pop top WATER bottle may be taken in to the classrooms.

Clothing and Uniform

If families can ensure that new clothing has been labelled, including hats and drink bottles this would be appreciated. Full summer uniform to be worn. Our uniform shop is always stocked for any requirements.

Sports Uniform / Sport Days

Students can wear sports uniform on Tuesday and Friday this term, as they will be participating in sporting activities on both of these days.

Opening School Mass

We would love for families to join us for our Opening School Mass on Thursday 8th February at 12.15pm. This will be a special celebration as we are not only celebrating the beginning of our new school year but also welcome our new Kindergarten students and present our leadership badges for 2024. Please feel welcome to join us for lunch after Mass.

Swimming Carnival

Next Monday 5th February, will be our school swimming carnival. The carnival will commence at 9:30am and conclude by 1:00pm. All students will come to the pool as there will be competitive events, novelty events and some water play activities for our younger students. Students will walk to and from the pool. 

Students will need to bring the following items with them for the pool:

• swimmers including a rashie top (students don’t have to wear their rashie in competitive races)
• towel
• sunscreen
• packed recess and lunch. We will do lunch orders for those not wanting to bring a packed lunch.
• plenty of water
• $2.50 cash entry fee or season ticket number
• goggles (if needed)
• thongs may be worn 

This is a non-uniform day and students are invited to come dressed in their house colour (red for Hume/green for Hovell). No hair spray please. Students who are not confident swimmers will have some novelty type events to enter throughout the day. It is a relaxed program and a fun day for all. Students may bring a small amount of money to spend at the canteen at a designated time. 

Parents are welcome to join us for the carnival. We also need some parent assistance on the day to help set up, pack up and assist with time keeping. Please let us know when you are available when submitting permission on Compass. 

Family BBQ

As previously done at St Mary’s, we look forward to having our families come together for a community BBQ here at school. This will happen on Thursday 15th February at 5pm. A Compass post will go out in the coming weeks to ensure we have enough snags for everyone!

Dental Visit

Next Wednesday 7th White Cross Dental will be provided a free check up service for our students. This is a completely optional community service that we are keen to provide for families - if you need another permission note, please reach out and we will arrange this.

Thank you for such a warm welcome to the St Mary’s school community, both at the conclusion of 2023 and this year. I look forward to continuing a positive home and school partnership and ensuring that our staff continue to ‘nurture, educate and inspire our students to learn with confidence and lead with compassion.’

Ryan

Week 1

Friday 2nd: Kinder Rest Day

Week 2

Monday 5th February: Swimming Carnival (please check Compass for permission notes this afternoon)

Wednesday 7th February: White Cross Dental

Thursday 8th February: Opening School Mass - 10am (families welcome!)

Friday 9th: Kinder Rest Day

Week 3

Monday 12th February: Phillip Price Sculpture Workshop

Thursday 15th February: Family BBQ (5pm)

Friday 16th: Kinder Rest Day

Week 4

Friday 23rd February: Kinder Rest Day

Please send in $2.50 entry fee or season ticket number on Monday

OUR FIRST CAKE RAFFLE FAMILY FOR THE YEAR NEXT FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY IS THE PEEL FAMILY

TICKETS ARE 50c EACH AND SOLD EACH FRIDAY

We ask that families send in a list of ingredients due to some students with allergies.