Welcome to St Mary's Parish Primary School

Dear Parents and Friends, Welcome back to Term 4. I trust you enjoyed the break with your children and that each of them has returned, reinvigorated for the final weeks of learning for 2018. As we begin the Term, we will once again “Step Up to St. Mary’s Way” with special activities happening over the first week to highlight how we act as people Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. On each day there will be a focus on our School expectations to - Be Safe, Be Friendly, Be a Listener and Be Respectful. Our Student Action Team will lead optional activities for the students at the first break and on Friday 12 October, there will be game activities where students will work together in vertical groups. The games they will participate in are designed to build a sense of group belonging and pride which is particularly important for students who are more anxious in social situations or who are not well connected to their peers. As they collaborate and participate in these activities, they will grow in a deeper understanding of our school as a supportive community where we all belong and where we all need to cooperate and respect the goodness of each other. There was much excitement and appreciation by the students in the MLC building and our Prep students when they entered their classrooms on Monday to find that new Smart TVs had been installed in their classrooms. Although costing $109,000.00, I feel they are well worth the cost as they will enhance the learning of our students and allow for a more interactive approach to activities. Many thanks to Gabee who spent three days of the holidays overseeing the installation. FUNDING TO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS After months of lobbying and putting forward the rightful needs of our Catholic schools in relation to a fair and equitable funding arrangement, a decision has been made that provides a good outcome for our schools. Please find a letter from the Executive Director of Catholic Education, Mr. Stephen Elder attached to the Candela in relation to this matter. OCTOBER – MISSION MONTH Each year the month of October is recognised as Mission Month. Tomorrow as a community, we will attend the 9.15am Parish Mass to reflect on our call to be people of justice and hope for others. Then as a practical action, students are invited to take part in a crazy sock day. This day will be held on Tuesday 16th October. Students are encouraged to wear their weirdest, craziest, out there socks to school and bring a gold coin donation. Year 4’s will also be putting on a Mission Market at the end of October which they have been preparing for as part of their learning in Inquiry. We hope that as a community we can show support for these two fundraising events so that together we can make a difference. All monies will go towards Catholic Missions “healing a nation through education” appeal. TRIVIA NIGHT Many thanks once again to all those who supported our Trivia Night which was held last Term. This event raised $8027.51 which will go towards assisting with the cost of the installation of our new Senior Play Equipment. The hard work of the PA and especially that of the coordinator of this event, Rob is very much appreciated. WORKING BEE Our first Working bee for Term 4 has been assigned to Yr. 4 families. It will be much appreciated if you could come along and assist with the many tasks that have been planned for the day. A barbecue lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the work. HOLIDAY WORK Many thanks to Rob, Alan, Andrew and James, Rob D. and Peter who came up over the holidays and constructed a Long Jump Pit at the back of the MLC. This is something we have wanted for some time and now that St. Mary’s Athletic club are training on our Oval, it will be put to immediate good use. SUMMER UNIFORM Students may now wear summer uniform should you feel that it is appropriate in light of the weather. A date will be set when all students are expected to be in summer uniform once the weather warms up. All students MUST wear sun hats as from the commencement of Term 4. HAIR REQUIREMENT It is expected for health and safety reasons that all students who wear their hair at shoulder length, have it tied back. Your cooperation with this requirement would be appreciated. Regards Helen