Dear Parents and Carers

Information for parents regarding payment of fees

St Mary’s and Catholic Education is committed to providing support to families who have been financially impacted as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Term 3.  The position of Catholic education is that no child will be denied a Catholic education because of financial circumstances.

Where your family is experiencing financial stress due to job loss, being stood down, reduction in work hours, business downturn or closure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, full or partial fee relief is available for Term 3.

To apply for fee relief, you are asked to indicate the level of assistance you feel you need at this time by completing a one page fee assistance form found here - COVID-19 Fee Assistance Request Form - and return it to myself or the school office.  I will contact you to discuss your application and direct you on your level of fee support and documents required.

Families whose employment situation has not been affected by COVID-19 can support the school by continuing to pay school fees as they fall due.  This will support our school to continue providing quality learning in a connected community that nurtures and cares for each other.

Your family is an important part of our school community.  Your financial circumstances will not compromise the place of your children at our school.  If you are experiencing any difficulties, I will confidentially ensure your child is not disadvantaged.

Kind regards

Phil Nielsen

 

On Wednesday we celebrate the Birthday Of Mary.

We know that everyone has a birthday.  The Bible doesn’t say anything about Mary’s birth, but we know that she was born.  Like all parents, Mary’s parents - we call them Joachim and Ann - probably took one look at their newborn daughter and knew that she was special.

Joachim and Ann loved God very much, and they were filled with gratitude to God for the gift of a child.  They raised Mary as a child of God, teaching her to love and serve God.  When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she had been chosen to be the Mother of Jesus, she already had great faith in God.  Her strong faith and trust allowed her to say yes to God’s plan for her.  We cannot be certain what the future holds for any newborn infant, but we do know that the life of each person has meaning and purpose.  When Mary was born, the world did not know who she was.  Sometimes others - and maybe even you - don’t see how special you are.  Maybe you forget that God is calling you, too, right now, to do what Mary did - to bring Jesus into the world.

   Let us pray together:

When we celebrate His mother’s birth, we honour Jesus too.

Today thank God for the gift of life, and give honour to both Mary and Jesus by showing respect and concern for one another - remembering that God has created each person with love and with a call to something very special in life.

Amen

Happy Birthday to

Adaline Stephens and Freddie Bell

who celebrate their birthdays this week.

We hope you enjoy your special day.

The students in Year 3 and 5 will be given their NAPLAN results in the coming days.

NAPLAN has been designed to give schools and parents a snap shot of student’s progression in English and Mathematics.

As can be the case with some tests, NAPLAN results don’t always match classroom assessment data.  It is important to understand that NAPLAN is one of many forms of data that the school and teachers use to establish an overall indication of the progression of students in English and Mathematics. 

If you would like to discuss your child’s NAPLAN results further please make contact with your child’s class teacher.

Our school counsellor Mrs Emma McRae is working remotely at this time.

This week Emma will be available for Zoom meetings with our students on Wednesday.

The normal process applies if you would like to arrange a meeting for your child with Emma.  If your child is new to counselling please complete the booking form which can be found on our website or on the SZApp or as a current client please contact the school office to be included in the booking list for this week.

Bellarwi Country Women's Association Education Grants

Bellarwi CWA are calling for applications for the Phillip Group Education Grants 2022. 

These are for students going into Years 3 to 12 or first year Tertiary/TAFE education and are intended to assist families with the financial responsibilities associated with educating their children.

Application forms are available from the school office, however due to current restrictions please call the school office and we will arrange a collection time.  The forms must be returned to the school by Thursday 9th of September.

The following events are in the calendar in the next week.

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