Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to Week 3. With lots of exciting things coming up in the next few weeks it is lovely to see that the students are still very focused on learning.

Last week I attended the Catholic Leaders Day in Canberra along with many other principals across the Archdiocese. The event was an opportunity to farewell several principals who will be leaving our system at the end of 2024, together with the Canberra Goulburn Director of Education Ross Fox. One of the keynote speakers at the Catholic Leaders Day was Ray Boyd from Dayton Primary School in Western Australia. He shared many insights into embedding and sustaining long term change, similar to the journey we’re on with ‘Catalyst’. This was very timely as we begin to think about how we’ll continue this evidence-based practice after the departure of system leader Ross Fox.

Yesterday was our second orientation day for our kindergarten class of 2025. The students joined the rest of the school for morning assembly. I was very impressed with how quickly they have adjusted to big school and how comfortable they are with life at St Mary’s. We can’t wait for them to join us permanently in 2025.

In Week 5, our 5/6 students, will take part in the biennial excursion to Canberra. Myself, Mrs Dean and Lauren McDonell will accompany the students. This excursion is a highlight of the students time at St Mary’s and I looking forward to accompanying them. More information in regards to the excursion can be found on later in the newsletter and on Compass.

A sincere thank you to Sarah Curry, Nickey Harland and our 5/6 students for their work last week planting the new garden next to the school hall. The garden looks fabulous and adds to our beautiful playground. Our students are so lucky!!!

As you would be aware, intensive swimming will be upon us soon. This is scheduled for Week 7, from the 25th to the 29th of November. This is an extremely important part of the curriculum as swimming is a vital life skill for all Australians. We thank the community council for making this possible and their generous donation toward the program. For more information, please check Compass.

World Teacher’s Day was celebrated last week. It is a very important day as we collectively give thanks for everything our wonderful teachers at St Mary’s do. I am amazed every day with the dedication our teachers show toward their profession and the care they show their students.

Next Friday, the 8th of November our new school counsellor Natalie Cowled will begin her time at St Mary’s. We welcome her and trust she will enjoy her time with us. We are very lucky to have her expertise available to our students. If you feel your child would benefit from spending some time with her please do not hesitate to contact either myself or our Learning Support Coordinator Kylie Tulloch.

Remember my door is always open.

Principal

Damian Collins