Dear Parents and Friends,

This week I very much enjoyed participating in the Leadership Camp with our Year 5 and 6 students and their teachers at the Royal National Park in the Sutherland Shire. This Leadership Camp is an important part of our students' learning experiences as it's through this self-reflection and discovery that they develop and challenge themselves.

At St Mary's School we believe in the development of the whole person through these opportunities. We strive to achieve this by maintaining a dual emphasis on wellbeing and academic achievement across all aspects of school life. Our whole school approach is designed to create a learning community which is strengths - focused, engenders resilience and enables individuals to flourish. We believe our role extends beyond teaching academic competence to educating the heart and the mind.

I congratulate our Year 5 and 6 students on their excellent participation on the Leadership Day.

This week I would also like to share two beautiful letters which were chosen by Pope Francis to be included in his book of letters from children around the world. These letters were written by Luca and Thierry from Year 2 and I congratulate them on their excellent achievements. We have included both letters and the response from Pope Francis for you to enjoy.

May I wish every family a very happy and holy Easter in this special Church season.

God bless
Beverly

Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome to Catholic Schools Week!

This week we celebrate Sydney Catholic Schools as inspiring places of learning and evangelisation.

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is responsible for the leadership, efficient operation and management of the systemic schools which educate around 71,000 students in 150 parish primary and regional secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney.

The allocation and administration of the funds provided by government and private sources for the operation of Catholic schools is a further responsibility of Sydney Catholic Schools. Its financial responsibilities extend to the administration of salaries for approximately 9,000 staff members (permanent, temporary and casual) employed in Archdiocesan schools and offices.

SCS works with schools in implementing its strategic improvement plan 'New Horizons: Inspiring Spirits and Minds' to provide support for schools and ensure that every student receives a high-quality Catholic education.

As part of these celebrations St Mary's School will hold our school open day next week on Thursday March 17th for the traditional Grandparents Day event. All families are invited to participate in the Liturgy, morning tea and visits to classrooms to see the learning in action.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Yours in peace,
Beverly