Filter Content
- A Message from our Principal
- St Mary's Prays
- Class Mass Times Term 3, 2025
- Child Safe Standards
- Student Collection, Late Drop Off & Forgotten Items
- St Mary's Congratulates
- Around the school this week
- Happy Birthday
- Staff Changes Week 9 - Term 3
- Tutoring
- School Sport 2025
- Footy Colours Day 2025
- Showcase of Talent Excursion - Whole School
- Ignite and Explore Day
- Basketball NSW Regional Primary Schools Tourament 2025
- IMPORTANT DATES IN THE COMING WEEKS
- Kinder Enrolment 2026
- School Photo Day 2025
- End of Year Events 2025
- Canteen News
- Swap It!
- Community Notices
Dear Parents/Carers,
As we approach the final fortnight of Term 3, there’s a real sense of energy and anticipation around the school. With just two weeks to go until the holidays, students and staff alike are working hard to finish the term strong — while also looking forward to a well-earned break. It’s been a busy and rewarding term filled with learning, growth, and community spirit. From classroom successes to sporting achievements, there’s much to celebrate.
Many thanks to Anderson Blampied, Abbie Blampied, Zoe Otaegui, Alicia Otaegui, Jemima Hutchins, Tully Hutchins, and Ridley Hutchins who generously assisted with various ministries during the parish Mass on Sunday. It was truly heartwarming to see our students so actively involved in this special occasion. Their presence and participation were deeply appreciated by the parish community, with many parishioners and Father Hilary expressing how touched they were by the students’ contributions.
On Tuesday last week, I had the privilege of joining local St Mary’s Parish volunteers for very important training focused on Safeguarding. Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable people, and to protect them from harm. The training provided valuable insights into how we can all contribute to creating safe, respectful, and supportive environments — both within our parish and across our broader school community. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility and commitment to the wellbeing of the young and vulnerable.
As we get closer to the end of term, it’s a timely reminder to ensure that students are dressed appropriately for school each day. This includes wearing the correct socks, shoes, and jumper as part of our uniform policy.
We appreciate your continued support in helping maintain our school’s standards and sense of pride. Thank you!
Remember my door is always open.
Principal
Damian Collins
Vale Bishop Pat Power
It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Bishop Patrick Percival Power. Pat was a priest and bishop who served Canberra and the wider community with unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication.
Bishop Pat was a guiding presence for many years, offering spiritual leadership, comfort, and wisdom to generations of families. His gentle nature, warm smile, and commitment to service touched the lives of countless individuals, young and old.
We remember him not only as a man of faith but as a true friend. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.
May he rest in eternal peace.
This week at St Mary’s our focus value will be Optimism - Optimism allows you to be positive, look on the bright side of any situation, and approach tasks with enthusiasm. It is the opposite of worrying and being negative. We should strive to have optimism because we are aware that God is always by our side, especially when we pray to Him.
A Prayer for Optimism
Term 3 Class Mass
|
Date |
Class |
|
Week 9 Wednesday 17th September |
Cancelled due to unforseen circumstances Year 4, Year 5 & Year 6 Class Mass @ 12pm Parents and friends are more than welcome. |
For safety and accountability reasons, parents are not permitted to go directly to classrooms to collect their child. Upon arrival at the office, staff will contact your child’s classroom teacher and have them sent down to meet you.
You will also be required to sign your child in or out using the Compass Kiosk (pictured below).
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and organised school environment.
Classroom Access Reminder
We kindly remind all families that parents are not permitted to enter classrooms at any time during the school day. This is to ensure minimal disruption to learning and to maintain a safe and secure environment for all students.
If your child has forgotten an item, please bring it to the Front Office, and our office staff will ensure it is delivered to your child promptly.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
|
Nathan Crerar |
Halle Judd | Bodhi Fair |
|
James Gregor |
Zoey Smith | Olivia Hoye |
|
William McDonell |
Author Visit at the Bland Shire Library
Last Wednesday our K-2 students had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Bland Shire Library for a special session with acclaimed children's author Amelia Tonta. Amelia captivated the students with her storytelling, lively reading and hands-on creative writing activities, sparking imaginations and inspiring you minds.
Evie-Lorraine McKinnon & Ricky Smith
who celebrate their birthdays during this week.
We hope you enjoy your special day.
Week 9
Date and Day |
Teacher on Leave or PD |
Class |
Relief |
Wednesday 17th September (pm) |
Miss Thomas |
Year 2 Mercy |
Mrs Harland |
Miss Holmes |
Year 1 Joy |
Mr Collins |
|
Thursday 18th September |
Miss Thomas |
Year 2 Mercy |
Mrs Reichstein |
Miss Holmes |
Year 1 Joy |
Mr Hughes (am) & Mr Collins (pm) |
|
Friday 19th September |
Miss Thomas |
Year 2 Mercy |
Mr Hughes (am) |
Miss Holmes |
Year 1 Joy |
Mr Hughes (pm) |
|
Mrs Taylor |
Year 5 Hope |
Mrs Reichstein |
St Mary’s is pleased to offer a great tutoring opportunity designed to support student learning and growth. There is a retired gentleman named Jack who is multi-lingual and also highly skilled in helping children who struggle with mathematics. He has undertaken tutoring in Sydney for students from low grades to Year 12 but now lives in West Wyalong. He is very dedicated to this work and enjoys seeing the children advance and grasp what was previously difficult for them.
Jack does not wish to be paid for this service. The incentive for him is solely being constructively helpful and having the satisfaction of seeing good results.
As Jack has limited mobility (uses a walking stick and is quite slow-moving) it would be ideal if the students could come to his home to be tutored. He would like a parent or parents to accompany the students, for two reasons - firstly because they can then absorb his approach to the learning process he uses and so to help the children at home as necessary, secondly due to the fact that there are ethical / safety considerations which need to be upheld. He will obtain a WWCC once he has a few students to tutor. He has held a WWCC previously.
Please contact the school if you wish to take up this fabulous opportunity!!
Todd Woodbridge Cup 2025
Last Friday, our enthusiastic Year 3 and 4 students headed to the West Wyalong Tennis Courts to compete in the Todd Woodbridge Cup. It was a fantastic day filled with energy, sportsmanship, and some truly impressive tennis skills on display!
A huge thank you to Mrs Iverach and Mrs Manchur for their dedication and effort in preparing and organising the students for this exciting event. Your hard work made the day a great success!
Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese Trials
If your Year 5/6 child has the ability to compete at a representative level in the following sports - Basketball, Cricket, Netball, Football (Soccer), Softball, Touch Football and Rugby Union - you are able to nominate them for the Archdiocesan trials.
Please note that the Archdicocesan representative sport trials are highly competitve and there is an expectation that children nominating for these trials have extensive experience in the sport and currently compete at a high level.
If you would like to nominate your child to trial for a sport please go to https://csnsw.sport
ST ANNE'S SHOWCASE OF TALENT 2025
Students will travel to Temora Town Hall on Tuesday 23th of September (Week 10) to attend the Temora Showcase of Talent.
A Compass event has been sent out. Please action this as soon as possible. If you know your child will be absent on that day please call the school so they can be removed from the event.
Students and staff are eagerly looking forward to our upcoming Ignite and Explore Day—a celebration of the hard work and dedication our students have shown over the past three terms.
Teachers have planned a range of exciting and engaging activities for all students to enjoy throughout the day. It promises to be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.
As a special treat, students are welcome to wear mufti clothes on the day.
The upcoming tournament will now be held at PCYC in Wagga on the 21st and 22nd of October. A detailed draw will be released next week and will be attached to the Compass event for your reference.
Year 5 and 6 parents, a Compass event has been sent out and includes all relevant information regarding the event.
The following events are in the calendar in the next few weeks.
The Compass Calendar is updated to show Mass times, sporting events, important events.
|
Day |
Event | Location |
| Wednesday 17th September |
 Year 4-6 Class Mass
|
St Mary's Chruch |
| Friday 19th September |
 |
At school |
|
Tuesday 23rd September |
 St Anne's Catholic College Showcase -
10:30am
|
Temora Town Hall |
| Wednesday 24th September |
 |
At school |
| Wednesday 24th September |
 MacKillop Athletics
|
Sydney |
| Thursday 25th September |
 Police Fire & rescue Day
|
McAlister Oval |
|
Thursday 25th September |
 Last day of Term 3
|
At school |
|
Friday 26th September |
 Staff Development Day
|
|
|
Monday 13th October |
Staff Development Day
|
|
|
Tuesday 14th October |
 |
At school |
|
Monday 20th October |
 Kinder Orientation - 1/2 day & Parent Information Session
|
At school |
|
Tuesday 21st October |
 Basketball NSW Regional Tournament
Day 1
|
PCYC, Wagga |
|
Wednesday 22nd October |
Basketball NSW Regional Tournament
Day 2
|
PCYC, Wagga |
|
Monday 27th October |
Kinder Orientation - Full day
|
At school |
|
Monday 3rd November |
Kinder Orientation - Full day |
At school |
|
Tuesday 4th November |
 Melbourne Cup 2025
|
|
|
Monday 10th November |
Kinder Orientation - Full day
|
At school |
|
Thursday 13th November |
 School Photo Day
|
At school |
|
Monday 17th - Friday 21st November |
 Intensive Swimming
K-6
|
Holland Park Pool |
We are welcoming new enrolments for the 2026 school year.
Please get your enrolments in for Kinder 2026 ASAP.
School photography day is Thursday Week 5, Term 4. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link above.
Important Information:
- School photos purchased online DO NOT require envelopes returned to school. Envelopes have not arrived at school yet. We will notify you when they do.
- Don’t forget to order your sibling photos now - when you order your single photos.
- Late fees/additional charges will be applied for purchases after photo day
- Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
- Past years’ photographs are available at school’s advancedlife & your advancedyou photo sites (follow the link above)
*Sibling photographs must be ordered either online, 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.
advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to St Mary's War Memorial School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.
| Reports available on Compass @ 3:30pm |
TBC |
| Speech Day |
Thursday 4th December |
| School Play |
Thursday 11th December |
| Year 6 Graduation Mass |
Tuesday 16th December |
| Year 6 Graduation Dinner |
Tuesday 16th December |
| Final Day of School |
Thursday 18th December |
Three delicious lunch options will be available to order via Qkr!, along with refreshing drinks and iceblocks to keep the energy high.
Order cutoff is 12pm on Monday 22nd, so don’t miss out—get your orders in early! There will be NO orders taken on the day.
Calling all party treat makers!
We’re looking for volunteers to whip up some festive, party-themed goodies for students to enjoy during recess.
Extra hands in the canteen on the day would also be greatly appreciated. If you’re available to help, we’d love to have you on board!
Term 4 Volunteers Needed!
We’re now seeking volunteers to help out during Term 4—your support makes a huge difference and is always appreciated!
Remember to sign in at the front office when you arrive for your shift.
If you're unable to attend your scheduled time, please contact Casey on 0400 472 921 as soon as possible so we can make alternative arrangements.
Thank you for being part of our amazing school community!
