Thursday 23 March 2017

Principal's News 24 March 2017

Dear Parents and Friends,

It is possible that the most important conversation we have each day is with ourselves. This conversation could determine if our outlook for the day is to be one of optimism and so fill us with confidence to accept and deal positively with the days' menu of events. The way adults feel about themselves will have a big influence upon the manner in which our children view the prospects of their day. A healthy positive attitude to life is contagious and if we parents are carriers, then our children are sure to be infected.

As teachers of St Mary's School, we try to bring a positive gospel perspective to every aspect of school life. Here are some examples:
  • God reaches out to all of us in our day-to-day life: Finding meaning in our experiences is a sacred act. When our Kindergarten children recreate their experiences in talk and play they are being touched by God.
  • We are both blessed and broken: Each one of us has enormous potential; talents to be developed and challenges to be met. At the same time we seek healing and forgiveness, the opportunity to learn from mistakes and to start again with confidence.
Through the diverse curriculum offered at St Mary's School our learning intention is to help students make sense of their world.

Sport
Sport is always a celebration and it is wonderful to see our children participate in the many opportunities that are available these days.  Our Blog showcases our children and their sporting achievements.  We were particularly proud this week that Joshua M from Year 6 has achieved State Level in Swimming.  Well done to Josh and to all the children who use their special gifts to represent the School in such a wonderful way.

Thank you

Thank you to Year 4 parents for co-ordinating a lovely morning tea for Grandparents Morning.  We have had wonderful feedback from Grandparents and appreciate all the support to make this a special occasion for grandparents and the children.

Annual Improvement Plan:
This week I will share the Annual Improvement Plan for the 2017 school year. This plan identifies areas for improvement as part of the Sydney Catholic Schools Strategic Improvement Plan for individual schools. Following a process of discernment with the St Mary's Leadership Team and consultants the following plan was developed showing our learning intentions and success criteria.
An appendix has been added to the Newman Project for your understanding.

Annual Improvement Plan Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-GnU83fiTd8ak9pTVd2T19XX3c/view?usp=sharing

Newman Project Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-GnU83fiTd8bTlORUc1QWhlX2c/view?usp=sharing

Have a wonderful weekend,
Kind regards,
Beverly Coffey