Principal's News, Term 2 Week 5

Dear Parents and Friends,

What makes a Catholic school distinctive?

The answer lies in its attempt to generate a community climate which is inspired by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love. At St Mary's school we continue to strengthen our faith community whose values are communicated through the close relationships of its members, and a common belief in the presence of God. Thank you for your genuine efforts as we work together in this partnership.

May I also give a special thanks to our Yr 6 parents who co-ordinated the recent Lapathon. Julie Donnell and Diana Gedeon were instrumental in volunteering their time for the success of the day. Altogether we raised a very generous amount of $18 000. Congratulations to all!

Catholic Education in Australia has a wonderful record of volunteering which started with the Priests, Brothers and Sisters who, as members of Religious Orders were responsible for setting up an Australia wide network of schools and colleges. This was achieved with the support of Catholic people who, though mostly belonging to the lower socio-economic section of society, gave generously to support the purchase of property, the erection of buildings and the provision of teaching materials. This of course is not purely an historical reflection, for the same support is still occurring on a daily basis in thousands of schools throughout Australia.

When it comes to helping around the school by being an active member of a school committee, assisting in classrooms , supervising an excursion, listening to children read or coaching a computer team - this is the wide scope for parent volunteers. Volunteers are the life of healthy societies everywhere. We really appreciate your efforts.

Staff News
It is with great delight that we announce the appointment of Mr. Tim Butt as the Acting Religious Education Co-ordinator for the remainder of this year. We congratulate Tim and wish him much success in his new role.

This week I will be attending the Eastern Region Principals Conference  for three days so will be absent from the school. Mrs. Julie Hunt will be available for any parent consultation should any situation arise.

May I wish you a happy and positive week ahead.

Yours in peace,
Beverly

Principal's News, Term 2 Week 3

Dear Parents and Friends,

It has been a delight to observe the wonder and excitement in the children this week with the arrival of the chicken eggs as part of their lessons in STEM. Throughout this week the children have been drawn like magnets to the incubator watching the baby chicks emerge from their shells. Such engagement clearly proves the importance of developing this love of nature by providing opportunities for children to experience this type of learning. The teachers have captured these precious moments and directed the children to compose poems, narratives and beautiful art work for all to enjoy. We have truly been using our inspirational voice this week!

Stage Two Building Project is progressing along as planned with the architects working towards obtaining a construction certificate to commence the building works. Currently there are four builders who are putting in a tender for the project and this process should take up to approximately six weeks to complete. Work will also commence on the demolition of the presbytery garages to allow for the installation of the demountables as soon as the construction certificate has been obtained. We will notify all parents once this documentation has been approved and the construction is ready to commence.

This week we will also share the new Sydney Catholic Schools Parent Charter for your perusal. This document has been produced to support parents in their role as the primary educators of their child. It provides parents with the principles and expectations that underpin the partnership between parents and schools. It is an important touchstone for all partners in Catholic education, to help build school communities based on the enduring values of faith, hope and love.

I would like to thank all families for their patience around the operation of the online canteen facility. We are currently organising for Qkr to be used at La Tazzina to assist parents with the ordering of student lunches. We will let you know when this system is ready to go, but in the interim lunch orders will come through the school.

May I wish you a positive week ahead

Yours in peace,
Beverly