Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to another busy week of fun and learning at St Mary’s.

Last Friday our Year 6 leadership class attended this year’s Archdiocesan NAIDOC Mass in Young. I was lucky enough to accompany them and was very impressed with their conduct. The students were fine representatives of St Mary’s.

On Thursday last week our school’s NAPLAN results were distributed. Before handing these reports out, I enjoyed discussing with the students the aspects of NAPLAN that are not assessed which are vital components of success at school. These discussions involved many things like effort, following rules and being kind and compassionate. Many things that are important aspects of life at St Mary’s. However, upon analysis of these results I am extremely proud to report that we were above the national average in the majority of areas in Year 3 and Year 5. I look forward to closer analysis of these results with staff in coming weeks.

Last week our school beanies arrived. These have proven quite popular. They can be purchased at the front office for $20. These are not compulsory. Please remind your child they are to be worn outside the building and are only to be worn as part of the winter school uniform. The front office ladies will place your child’s names on the tag inside. Please ensure this has happened.

On Tuesday we welcomed the Semi family to St Mary’s. Zechariah in Year 2 and Cailah in Year 4 have settled in seamlessly to life at St Mary’s. We look forward to the contributions they will make at St Mary’s and trust they will enjoy their experience at our wonderful school.

It has come to my attention that there are a few students bringing toys and other items from home. These cause many disagreements and arguments in the playground. Could these items please remain at home. Many thanks for your co-operation.

Good luck to Maci Coburn, Edith Dean, Mae Dean, Archie Maslin, Will McDonell, Charlotte Pursehouse, Maive Stewart and George Weir who will represent our school at the Public Speaking ‘Speak Off’ with Lake Cargelligo. I am sure you will do us proud!!!

Our annual Tell Them from Me Survey will be open to parents and children on the 5^th of August. A note outlining the survey will be sent home today. Please return it ASAP if you do not want your child to participate.

Today we began our numeracy focus at St Mary’s. This included a visit from Chris Higgins from Catholic Education in Canberra to work with our staff and learning support team in showing us ways to positively engage our students in numeracy. His visit also coincided with the launch of our Numeracy Intervention and Extension Program (NIEP) that involves many of our students. If your child has been identified as benefitting from this program by your teacher you will be notified on Seesaw.

Remember my door is always open.

Principal

Damian Collins