Dear Parents and Carers,

2020 has been a challenging year to say the least, however amongst the constant change and adjustments there has still been some very bright moments for the school.  Last weekend I witnessed a Year 5/6 group mature before my very eyes.  The dedication and commitment that was displayed during the confirmation Mass was a proud moment for the school.  18 of our senior students were confirmed into the church and the school congratulates them on this important milestone on their Catholic journey.  Sitting in the crowd I was amazed to see the leadership role each student took with their families and sponsors.

Tuesday this week, the school held a modified sports carnival at McAlister Oval.  It was just wonderful to see our students participate in a sports event again.  The day ran extremely smoothly and a huge thank you must go to Mrs Cuthberton for putting it together.  Without the wonerful parental support we usually have, it was up to our teachers to fill the void.  With limited breaks and warm conditions, our staff did an amazing job of time keeping, measuring and recording for the 5 events on the day.

I believe whole school events such as an athletics carnival are a good opportunity to gauge where the culture of the school is sitting.  I could not be prouder of the way our students participated, supported and encouraged each other.  The St Mary’s spirit was alive and strong.  The behaviour and decision making of our students during the carnival was excellent.  I have declared the carnival the best behaved carnival I have ever attended.

Wednesday this week, we had a visit from Archbishop Christopher.  He was on a tight schedule to fit in a visit with Lake Cargelligo and West Wylaong on one day. He arrived at St Mary’s in the afternoon and the whole school was lucky enough to spend some time with him.  After a few jokes, Archbishop Christopher maneuvered into the serious work he does in his role.  He is one of 7 Archbishop’s in Australia and was appointed directly by the Pope.  He leads a vast area covering from Bombala in the south, to Lake Cargelligo in the north and west, and to Batemans Bay in the East. He spent the last 20 minutes of the day with our Year 5 and 6 students and he gave a wonderful insight into the Sacrament of Confirmation that our students had just completed.

After the bell went, I had an opportunity to talk to Archbishop Christopher and the first thing he said was how beautiful our students were. He said they looked smart, were engaged and genuinely interested in what he had to say.  He has visited many schools recently and was very impressed with St Mary’s.

I was recently asked about the culture of our school.  Recent events would suggest that the culture of St Mary's is in a healthy space.

Phil Nielsen

Principal

     

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Downey family, whose eldest son Brock, a past student of the school was injured in an accident.

Brock is on the road to recovery and we will continue to keep him in our prayers.

 

We send our love to Sarah Pettit who is in Sydney this week.

     

   

   

      

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me a wonderful family.

Thank you for making Dad accept me and allowing me to help him.

Thank you for giving me the talent to play sports.

AMEN

Written by Liam Gaynor, 5/6 Faith

• Goldenfield Water Competition 2020 - Kinder to Year 6 - a permission note is required from all parents in order that their child can enter this competition.  If you have not already done so please follow this link to give your permission -
  Goldenfield Water Competition

Mrs Emma McRae our counsellor will be visiting our school next week on Wednesday the 23rd of September.

 Emma will be holding her counselling sessions face to face again while maintaining the appropriate social distancing protocols.

If you would like to make a confidential appointment for your child please contact the office.

Happy Birthday to

We hope you enjoy your special day.

   

Ribbons have been handed out to students who earned a place in the events held on Tuesday.

Once the last two events are completed the champion boy and girl in each age group will be announced.

Thank you all for your patience, but is was so important to give the students the opportunity to compete in a sporting event.

On photo day children must wear their summer uniform.  This means a neat and clean school shirt, a skort with blue socks for girls, grey shorts with grey socks for boys and polished black shoes.

  
St Mary's War Memorial School

School Photography Date: Wednesday 21 October 2020

ONLINE ORDER CODE: 6G9 B9C 7GD

Online Order link: https://www.advancedimage.com.au/keycode/keycodefinder.aspx?keycode=6G9B9C7GD

*Sibling photographs must be ordered either online or by order envelope prior to the day of photography.  A photograph will not be taken without an order. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at the school.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse Visit

  

Assembly

Athletics Carnival

What a wonderful day the students had at the athletics carnival.  These are just some of the pictures taken.  There will be more to follow.

    

 

Gardening

Tony Glasgow, our resident handyman and gardener was working along side Kate Carey to revamp the Rosary Garden.  It is looking lovely now it is planted and should grow beautifully in this lovely weather.

  

  

The following events are in next weeks calendar.

To see the school's full calender check out the SZApp or our website.