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

Prayer for Lent

God our Father, we know that you hear the cries

of all those who suffer.

During this season of Lent hear us as we pray

for those who suffer unjustly

so that their plight might be relieved.

We pray also for their oppressors

that they will have a change of heart

and see the error of their ways.

May they use their power for the good of all.

We pray for ourselves

that we might have the compassion

and the courage to do whatever we can

to alleviate the suffering

and to address the causes of that suffering.

We ask you this through Christ, our brother.

Amen.

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      Happy Birthday to

Abigail Sturgess, Adalia Chantrill and Harry Carne

who celebrate their birthday's during this week.

We hope you enjoy your special day.

    

Parents of Kinder students are reminded that this Wednesday (28th) is the last Kinder rest day.

Our Kinder students get very tired and this break will help them to remain keen and focused.

The following events are in the calendar in the next few weeks.

The Compass Calendar is updated to show Mass times, sporting events, important events.

Day	Event	Location
Wednesday 28th February	Kinder Rest Day and Best Start Testing Last One!
Monday 4th March	CG Swimming Championships	Boorowa
Tuesday 5th March	Author Visit - Dub Leffler	At School
Monday 18th March	Zoomobile	At School
Friday 5th April	Cross Country
Friday 12th April	Last Day of Term 1!	At School

   

At times during the school year your child/ren will participate in off premises cultural and sporting learning activities within walking distance of the school.

For example Book Week at the Bland Shire Library, performances at the S&C Club, training at the stadium or Perseverance Oval.

As part of St Mary's "duty of care" responsibility, risk assessment documents must be submitted to Catholic Education, Canberra & Goulburn for these events.  As most of these excursions are low key, for a short duration and do not require monetary payment, parents are notified of the actual date, time and event via the newsletter.

This permission note covers your child/ren attending these events for the 2024 school  year.

If at any time you do not wish your child to attend an event off premises, after specific notification, please contact the school.

Please give permission for your child/ren on Compass.

• Medical Form (Blue) - All Years - Please complete and return the form to the school office.  A new form is required for each student every year.  If you indicate your child has asthma, even if seasonal, an action plan from your doctor is required to be held at the school office along with a puffer and spacer labelled with your child's name.