St Mary's War Memorial School West Wyalong eNewsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s been another busy week here at St Mary’s. Mr Nielsen has been away in Canberra for the last two days at the Principals Conference and we look forward to his return on Monday. As I reflect on the week I see a common theme of generosity and reaching out to others which is a real strength of our school community.

Today is very special for two reasons.

Firstly, World Teachers Day is celebrated today in our NSW schools and at St Mary’s we say a huge THANK YOU to our teachers here who provide outstanding care, professionalism and excellent learning experiences for all our students. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated educators and give thanks for their hard work.

Secondly, today everyone has been wearing bright, colourful socks for Soctober day. I’ve seen socks with bananas, camera’s, hamburgers, cupcakes, cats, footy teams and even Donald Trump on them. Soctober is a fundraising event for Catholic Missions, a Pontifical Charity which sends money all around the world for those in need. This year, the children’s money will support children and adults in Cambodia. Catholic Missions have put out a wonderful resource kit for teachers to use focussing on themes such as ‘Compassion’ and ‘Respect’. Each week in our MJR lessons the students will work through the different themes and activities with their teachers to create a greater awareness of Social Justice and reaching out to those around the world in poverty.

Finally, Glenda from Rural Aid came to St Mary’s this week with a special delivery of musical instruments, books, Lego and Stationery. Rural Aid is a not for profit organisation who assist farming families and districts during drought and tough times. They rely on corporate sponsorship to providing funding, services and supplies to farming families, business’ and schools in towns such as West Wyalong. We truly appreciate their generosity and look forward to restocking our music dept with these new instruments.

Have a lovely weekend everyone and thank you all again for your generosity.

Regards,

Angela Scott

We would like to extend our sympathy to Sue Buttenshaw and family on the passing of her father Alexander "Des" Meicklejohn last week. Our prayers are with Sue and her family.

We also ask you to keep Leo Daniher in your prayers as he is unwell at the moment.

We ran our Socktober fundraiser today to help empower children and young adults with disability at the Arrupe Centre in Cambodia, which provides vital care for those who would otherwise have limited opportunities or support to lead a fulfilling life. The children prayed in class for the children in Cambodia:

Loving God,

We pray for children all over the world who are challenged by disability, especially those children cared for at the Arrupe Centre in Cambodia.

We pray for Bishop Kike and the staff at the Arrupe Centre: May they feel blessed in the work they do as they “reach out to give life”.

Please grant all people at the Arrupe Centre the loving touch of Your compassion as they walk together as the Body of Christ.

Amen.

Our Kinder Orientation sessions starts next week:

Friday 6 November - 8.55am to Midday

Friday 13 November - 8.55am to Midday

Friday 20 November - 8.55am to 3.20pm

Friday 27 November - 8.55am to 3.20pm

Children should wear comfortable clothes and a hat. They will need a piece of fruit, recess and a drink for the two half days. On the full days they will need their lunch as well.

Drop off will be at the Parish Centre at 8:45am, so please park in the church car park. Mrs Meincke will be there to take the children into the school. Pickup will be at midday also from the Parish Centre. Unfortunately parents are not allowed into the school grounds due to COVID restrictions.

The recipients of our Whatever You Do, Do Well awards this week:

Tommy Anderson	Abbie Blampied	Maci Coburn
Oliver Cumming	Jackson Downey	Brydie Ford
Zack Gaynor	Nixon Loudon	Jonty Walker

Presentations are in individual classrooms until further notice. Parents who wish to watch the assembly are able to login to Microsoft Teams on their own device using their child's login.

Results from the Maths ICAS assessment have been received and the following students were awarded special certificates:

CREDIT: Ava McClintock, Asha McDonell, Andrew Cumming

Results from the Spelling Bee assessment have been received and the following students were awarded special certificates:

CREDIT: Max Cuthbertson, Caitlin Parker

CLASS MASS	DATE
3/4 Mercy	Wednesday 4 November 12.30pm
1/2 Joy	Thursday 12 November 12.30pm
Kinder	Wednesday 18 November 12.30pm

As with limitations on gatherings at the moment, numbers are limited to 100 people in the Church. We invite parents, grandparents and carers to attend these Masses while observing any guidelines currently in place.

Date	Teacher on Leave or PD	Class	Relief
Monday 2nd November	Mrs Nielsen Miss Parker	1/2 Joy 3/4 Peace	Mrs Daniher Mrs Reichstien
Tuesday 3rd November	Mrs Haworth	5/6 Faith	Mrs Koop
Thursday 5th November	Mrs Daniher	Library	Mrs C O'Brien
Friday 6th November	Kinder Orientation	Kinder 2020	Mrs Tulloch
Mrs Scott is on leave on Monday.

Year 6 Graduation Dinner	Tuesday 8 December S&C Club Auditorium at 6.00pm
Speech Day (More information to follow) We will be filming and distributing a link to all parents.	Thursday 10 December from 11am
Year 6 Graduation Mass	Tuesday 15 December at 12.30pm
Final School Day	Wednesday 16 December
First Day of School for students in 2021	Monday 1 February 2021

If your child is holding a perpetual trophy from last year, could this please be returned to the school office.

Happy Birthday to

Ashton Barber

who celebrates his birthday next week.

We hope you enjoy your special day.

Bellarwi Country Women's Association Education Grants

Bellarwi CWA are calling for applications for the Phillip Group Education Grants 2021.

These are for students going into Years 3 to 12 or first year Tertiary/TAFE education and are intended to assist families with the financial responsibilities associated with educating their children.

Application forms are available from the school office and they must be returned to the school by Monday 2nd November 2020.

* 100 CLUB FUNDRAISER *

We are waiting on a number of ticket payments and then we will draw the winner.

P&F AGM

The AGM will be held on Thursday 5 November at 7.30pm. Location to be advised.

Please add this to your diary.

EVERYONE IS MOST WELCOME.

Canteen Volunteers Required

We need volunteers for Friday 6th and Friday 13th of November

THE CANTEEN WILL BE CLOSED IF WE CANNOT GET VOLUNTEERS.

Please contact Lisa Sturgess via text 0428 385 836 or call the school office to put your name down.

Your help is always appreciated.

Canteen Roster

Monday 2 November	Wednesday 4 November	Friday 6 November
Clare Parker Baking: Tracey Robertson	La'shey Cattle Baking: La'shey Cattle	VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED Baking: Laura Reid
Monday 9 November	Wednesday 11 November	Friday 13 November
Jodie McDonell Baking: Jodie McDonell	Allirah Stewart & Thea Wittaker Baking: Allirah Stewart	VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED Baking: Pam Stokes

Bulk Ordering and Harvest Specials

We are still offering bulk food supplies to all parents. This will continue until the end of Term 4.

Please follow the link below to find the order form, which is also available from the school office. Orders should be done by Wednesday each week for delivery on the next Monday.

Cash with the order is preferred but EFTPOS can be used if needed.

Bulk Order Form