Hello Parents and Carers,

As we begin Term 2, I hope that your holidays have been a great opportunity to relax at home with your families. It has been wonderful to see many children returning to school today eager to catch up with friends and teachers. Likewise, the students working remotely have been keen participants in Zoom meetings and their participation online is noted. Thank you for your continuing support of your children’s learning over this challenging time.

I have forwarded emails during the last week to update you on our remote learning situation here at St Mary’s. Please see our schedule contained in this newsletter. The schedule offers a more relaxed day at school with larger breaks to meet the needs of students whether they are working from home or at school. We will adjust the schedule as needed depending on how long we are in this remote learning mode.

Our mini iPads, which have served us so well, are not able to have Microsoft Teams loaded onto them due to their age. We will roll out Microsoft Teams to our students when all students are back at school, hopefully in a few weeks. Our chrome books will be able to support this new way to communicate when students are at school. Until then Google Classroom will support our learning programs and classroom learning grids.

In other news Ms Mercedes Brown and her husband Robert, have welcomed their third child Maeve Emilia on 17 April. All are doing well. In some sad news Ms Courtnee Leigh has resigned from her position at St Mary’s due to health concerns. Our new casual, Ms Pribilovics, will cover the Year 2/3 class over the coming week as we organise a long term appointment to Year 2/3.

Take care everyone and continue to go gently.

Blessings

Jannine

Thank you to our generous families who supported our mini treat days and Easter Raffle during Lent. A total of $315.20 was raised and will be sent to Caritas Australia for Project Compassion.

The winners of the Easter Raffle were -

First prize - Daisy Skein

Second prize - Cate Lucas

Third Prize - Cheryl Wilesmith

Winter uniform can be worn in Term 2. If you require any items of uniform, please download, fill in and send the attached form to the office email. The weather is supposed to be very cold on Friday, make sure you rug up!!

Ms Deborah Wild

Hi everyone. I am absolutely delighted to be involved with the students and staff at St. Mary’s in my role as Student Welfare Officer and Music teacher. Unfortunately, due to covid 19, I am required to work from home as I am immunosuppressed. I’m looking forward to being back in the ‘real’ rather than virtual classroom as soon as I am able.

I have been teaching Music in High Schools and Primary Schools, both public and private, around NSW, since 1978. Music is my passion! I am a classically-trained pianist; I play flute, guitar & drums (including hand drums) and I sing (though not so well as I get older). I have played in bands and write my own compositions. I also love directing plays, photography, reading, gardening and spending time with my family. I can’t wait to share my love of music with your children!

My role as Student Welfare Officer involves creating a supportive and safe environment to facilitate student wellbeing, including managing challenging student behaviours and meeting a variety of social and emotional needs.

I would love to hear from any parents that wish to touch base. Please don’t hesitate to contact me via my email address:  deborah.wild@cg.catholic.edu.au

Mel our school counsellor will be here THIS Thursday April 30. If you would like your child to visit Mel call the office for a referral form.

Other dates Mel will be here this term - 21st May, 4th June and 25th June.

Enrolment for 2021 Prospective Students

Term 2 officially starts our enrolment period for 2021 in line with ACT schools. You will see some posters and flyers coming out during the month of May. An information night for parents will be held prior to the 2021 Kindergarten Transitions Days we usually hold each Wednesday in November.

Before November any parents intending to enrol their child for 2021, will be invited to come in for an interview and take a look at our school. If you know of any families who have a child turning 5 before July 2021 please let them know that St Mary’s are happy to start an enrolment conversation with them.