Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week 5, it is hard to believe that we are nearing the halfway point of this term. Today we officially opened our new refurbished classrooms. It was a lovely celebration and a great opportunity to showcase our fabulous school. The students at St Mary’s are so lucky to spend each day in such a magnificent learning environment. I thank everyone for their support with the ceremony, particularly our students who were heavily involved in the opening, Nickey Harland and the choir and to Katrina McGrath for all her organisation. A special mention must go to Ralph Nicholson and our school’s Community Council who ensured the grounds looked superb and organised the catering for all our guests.

Last week saw 12 students travel to Cootamundra for the Western Region Swimming Carnival. All students swam extremely well and are congratulated on their exemplary behaviour. Well done to Maisie Maslin in Year 2 Mercy who qualified in the 8 Year girls 50m Freestyle to compete in Boorowa at the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese Swimming Championships next Monday.

Wednesday will be our final Kindergarten rest day for the year. I am so impressed with how our Kindergarten class of 2024 have taken to ‘big school’. I look forward to watching their continued growth as they move through their first year of school.

Next week will be my first official week of Acting Principal at St Mary’s. I am deeply honoured to lead such a fine school filled with such hardworking staff and students. I look forward to the remainder of 2024 as we remain focused on achieving fine results and continue to build positive lifelong relationships with each other. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the hard work and professionalism both Katrina McGrath and Brad Gaynor have brought to St Mary’s. Their experience and expertise will be missed. I look forward to continuing to work with everybody in the St Mary’s community. Please remember my door is always open.

Regards,

Damian Collins

Assistant Principal