Dear Parents and Friends,
I congratulate our students on the positive
start they have made to Term 3. They look happy as they re-engage in a variety
of learning activities, classes, sports and musical events and religious
experiences. There is also great excitement around the use of the new learning
spaces. I hope that you have had an opportunity to visit these new spaces
during the past few weeks.
As Stage 1 of the Building Project reaches
completion we commence Stage 2 of the Building Project.
- Currently the Development Application is being prepared by the architects and CEO school facilities officers to be lodged to North Sydney Council by the end of this week.
- The Steering Committee will meet on August 28 to review the plans.
- Presentation to St Mary’s parents at a forum on Monday September 7 at 7pm.
The Steering Committee Members for the
Building Project are as follows:
- School Leadership Team
- Project Manager: Paul Gibson
- SARM Architects
- Regional Education Consultant: Janice Haydon
- Anni Austin (Parent)
- Wendy Stamp (Parent)
- Damian Milani (Parent)
- Geoff Van Den Bos (Parent)
On Monday evening September 7 at 7pm there will
be an opportunity for parents to engage in a Parent Forum where I will update
you on various school matters and provide you with an opportunity to ask
questions and provide feedback. One of the matters I will brief you on will be
the second stage of the building program. I hope you will be as excited as I am
about the plans for our growing school where as you know, we will be constructing
a new building on the terrace site immediately to the east of the school on
Ridge Street.
I understand some parents may be concerned
about how we will accommodate all students during the second phase of the
building program. Most students will remain in our existing buildings during
the construction of the new building, but we will need to locate some classes
elsewhere during that period. At present, the Catholic Education Office
personnel are looking at the options for the construction program phasing and
accommodation of the children. I will be consulting with the School Advisory
Council and the stage 2 Building Steering Committee about these matters and
will keep the parent community informed.
As part of the development of St Mary’s
School and the necessary forward thinking that such a project entails, I will
be participating in an international school principals’ conference in Finland
next week. This will be an excellent opportunity to network with other
colleagues from around the world and also showcase St Mary’s School. School
visits to Denmark to see some very contemporary school buildings will also be a
feature of the conference. Finland is renowned for its contemporary
education system and high academic standards so I am looking forward to experiencing
their system in this setting. During my absence of three weeks, Julie
Hunt, assistant principal, will assume the position of acting principal and
will be available to meet parents if needed.
It is with much appreciation that I thank
the many parents who participated in the survey for Julie Hunt’s contract
renewal recently. Julie was very successful in her appraisal and we
congratulate her on such fine achievements. I’m certain that you will support
her in the acting role during my absence.
Yours in peace
God Bless