Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to Week 4. It was great to see everyone getting into the spirit of the Melbourne Cup today and wearing many different hats to mark the day.

Yesterday was the third orientation day for our Kindergarten class of 2025. The entire school welcomed them at a special assembly at 3pm yesterday and presented each of the new kinders with a special certificate and a new St Mary’s bucket hat with their name on it. We look forward to seeing the kinder class of 2025 for their last orientation day next Monday.

Next week, 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 am looking forward to them being fine representatives of St Mary’s. More information like the itinerary, packing list and medication authorisation can be found on Compass.

Next Friday, the 8^th of November our new school counsellor Natalie Cowled will begin her time at St Mary’s. We look forward to her working with our students both individually and in small groups. 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.

Next Monday will be Remembrance Day. We will mark the day with a small ceremony after lunch led by our Year 4 students. We will also attend the West Wyalong Remembrance Day service at the Services and Citizens club where Jack Connellan and Halle Judd will lay a wreath on behalf of St Mary’s.

On Friday we will celebrate Socktober. This is a significant event and reminds us how lucky we are. Please, if you can, support this important cause.

Remember my door is always open.

Principal

Damian Collins