Hello everyone,

NAPLAN stands for National Assessment Program- Literacy and Numeracy and is an annual assessment tool for students in Years 3,5,7,and 9 across Australia. Today, our students in Year 3 and 5 completed the Writing test. Tomorrow, students will do two tests, Reading and then Language Conventions. Then on Thursday, the  Numeracy test will conclude the NAPLAN data collection. All tests, but the Year 3 Writing test is now online which is a format many of the students prefer. Like it or loathe it, NAPLAN is a valuable tool for collecting school data that informs our practice here at St Mary’s. Results will return to school, and to parents, in Term 3.

The Western Region Cross Country event is finally going ahead this Friday in Harden. The only change to previous details are that I will be the supervising teacher on the day. We have a team of 14 students and wish them the best of luck to do their best on the day. The weather should be perfect and so we look forward to hearing reports of their results.

I was just on duty and watching the variety of experiences students were engaged in; from the sand pit, to raking leaves, to the ‘forever soccer game’ and gymnastics. It is so wonderful to see them enjoying themselves. I imagine our lovely autumn weather helps greatly.

 Have a lovely week everyone.

 Jannine

As part of Catholic Schools Week St May's celebrted Mass on Thursday. After Mass the students shared a lovely cake.

A huge thank you to Bev and Martin Sullivan for building cupboards and donating and constructing shelves in the library. Also to Maria Irwin for covering 100's of new readers and Mrs Dobbie for covering new library books.

Next week Year 2/3/4 and Miss Buckmaster will introduce our new recycling system with 4 new bins. Each bin will have a mascot that identifies with the rubbish that the coinciding bin will collect.

There will be a:

- Recycling Bin for paper and cardboard

- Soft Plastics bin for packets and plastic that is able to be 'scrunched' and not contaminated

- Compost bin for food waste which our school neighbour's chickens will be delighted to munch on at the end of the week

- 10c return bin for refundable containers

In order for our new waste system to be a success we really need your help as parents. 

We discourage the use of 'single use plastic' including cling wrap and snap lock bags for sandwiches that are thrown out each day, as well as numerous packets of packaged foods in lunch boxes.

We understand that for some families and students this reduction of waste will be an adjustment and we don't expect it to be perfect next week, but we do endeavor to reduce our waste significantly by the end of Term 2. 

2/3/4 and Miss Buckmaster are excited about the environmental benefits that will be created by St Mary's making these small yet significant changes. Thank you all in advance for your cooperation. 

Kind Regards,

Amy Buckmaster

Next Friday 24th May the students will visit the Life Education Van at BTS. This year the students will complete the units of:-

K/1 - Harold's Friendships

 is a fun interactive learning experience that aims to empower children to make safer and healthier choices. Covered in the module -

• How to build friendships and care for others
• Feelings and emotions
• Safe and unsafe situations and early warning signs, and
• Safe places and people to turn to for help

Year 2/3/4 - Growing Good Friends -

Harold battles to figure out what to give his grandma for her birthday, until his friends, Boots and Red step in and offer some good ideas.

• Explore what health messages mean
• Identify safety signs
• Recognise how physical activity and nutrition contribute to a healthy lifestyle
• Explore how positive relationships benefit our health and wellbeing

Year 4/5/6 - Think Twice

this module tackles the topic of drinking alcohol in an age-appropriate context. Students explore concepts such as the effect that alcohol has on body systems, myths and facts about alcohol, laws relating to its sale and reasons why people choose not to consume alcohol.

• Myths and facts surrounding the use of alcohol
• Strategies for responding to encouragement or pressure to drink
• Physical, social & legal consequences of alcohol use
• Strategies to reduce harmful effects of alcohol on self and other

The purchase of merchandise from Life Ed is optional as per the note sent home yesterday.

Congratulations to Isabelle, Star and James M who took out first place in each of their age divisions in the RSL sub-branch ANZAC competition. Second place in each division went to Daniel, Demianna and Saskia. Third place to Nadamary, Zane and Sarah T. 

Tennis lessons will begin this Friday 17th May.  If you would like, bring your own racquet if you have one. Birdie Cahill will conduct the lessons as part of the Sporting Schools Program.

K/1 - James M

2/3/4 - Liam W and Amara

Bucket Fillers

"Bucket fillers" are those who help without being asked, give hugs and compliments, and generally spread their love and good feelings to others.

This weeks bucket fillers are Sarah and Rebecca.

Our radio announcers next Tuesday are 

Liam P & Daniel

Tune in to FM96.3 at 1.45pm to hear what is happening at St Mary's

Our cake raffle family this Friday is the SKERRY family

Tickets are sold for 20c each on Fridays.

Our home cooks this Friday are the HOCKEY & BRADFIELD families.

Cooking is sold for 50c an item on Fridays

This Wednesday 15th May our "Winter Warmer" will be 

PASTA BAKE BOLOGNAISE

A big thank you to those who sold and purchased tickets in our Mother's Day raffle.

Winners were:

1st Kylie Boxsell

2nd  McLean family 

3rd Payton Willems

We hope all mums, nans and special friends had a lovely Mother's day.

Information evening this THURSDAY 16th May at 6pm for parents or carer's with a child starting Kindergarten in 2020.

The WR Cross Country will be held this Friday 17th May at Harden.

Western Region Cross Country - 17th May

NAPLAN Years 3 & 5 - 14th, 15th & 16th May

Athletics Carnival - 23rd May

Life Education Van - 24th May

Western Region Athletics Cootamundra - 28th June

Term 2 ends - Friday 5th July

Trivia Night - Saturday 7th September