Last week we welcomed our new Kindergarten
families for 2016. It was a delight to meet with our new Mums and Dads as they
shared their hopes and dreams for their child's education at St Mary's School
along with their keen desire to make new friendships as part of our growing
faith community. They are looking forward to their first social event at the
Meet and Greet Night for all parents next February 19th. Be sure to mark this
in your diaries for a special occasion to start the year.
We have a total of 68 kindergarten students enrolled for next year with several still on the waiting list. All classes now have students wait listed as the population on the lower North Shore continues to grow placing pressure on local Catholic schools. In 2016 we will have 10 classes consisting of two streams in Kindergarten, Year One and Two and a single stream of Year Three, Four, Five and Six classes. Announcements of teachers for each of those classes will be included with the end of year student reports which are timetabled to be distributed on Friday December 11th.
Staff News
We shared some very happy news from our teacher
Laura Hatherly who gave birth to her first child last week. Laura and her
husband Ben are the proud parents of baby Harriet pictured on our website for
her first official photo! Congratulations!
Also we farewell our much loved
teacher-librarian Gayle Smyth who will be retiring at the end of this year
after ten years teaching at St Mary's and many years within the Catholic education
system. We wish Gayle many happy years of retirement and look forward to
welcoming her back to the opening and blessing of the new school buildings in
2017.
This week we honour our wonderful students in
Year Six as they prepare to graduate from primary school into their respective
secondary colleges next year. A special Graduation Mass and Dinner will be
celebrated for our students this coming Thursday December 3rd where we will
have the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of all boys and girls from
the class. Our students should be proud of their many successes at school
throughout the seven years of primary education and we ask that you keep them
in your prayers as they venture out into life's journey.
The next few weeks will see our school community
involved in the end of year Mass on Thursday December 10th and the swimming
carnival on Tuesday December 15th. Our final school assembly will be held on
Friday December 11th with a delightful performance from the school band and
choirs. We hope that you can attend and then stay for a morning tea as a token
of our appreciation for the many generous parents who have helped us throughout
this year.
Lord we pray for all who support St Mary's
School. We give thanks for their willingness to share their time, talents and
resources so that present and future students can enjoy the rich blessings of
an education that inspires them to make their own contribution to society. Lord
Hear Us.
Enjoy the week ahead.
Yours in peace
Beverly