We would like to thank Linton Howarth and Leeanne Hampton from the West Wyalong Aboriginal Land Council, the dancers from River Spirit Cultural Arts in Forbes and everyone who came and performed and involved all our students in NAIDOC Week. It was very exciting to have you here.  Please read the article later in this newsletter.

We would like to thank the Bland Shire Library for hosting our students for Children's Book Week.  

We are welcoming new enrolments for the 2020 school year.  We appreciate that this is a significant decision for parents and know that new families will need time to consider all available options.

Please enrol online at our website with the link below or call at the school office for a paper form.  https://smwms.nsw.edu.au/enrolment

If you require further information please ring and make an appointment.

• Trent Barrett Shield - Years 3 and 4 - Due Tuesday 27th August.

If you have nomiated your child to sit the ICAS tests this year please note the test dates below.

Just a reminder to parents that the playground is not supervised until 8.30am.

We would appreciate your help to ensure your children arrive at school after 8.30am.

   

For privacy and safety reasons and to minimise learning interruptions visitors to the school, including parents, are not permitted to enter classrooms without previously making an arrangement with the class teacher and signing in at the office, even for just a quick message.

Thank you to parents who comply with these regulations.

On Monday this week at St. Mary’s we celebrated NAIDOC week exploring the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC week is Voice, Treaty, Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future.

We had visitors from our Local Aboriginal Lands Council (LALC) along with dancers from River Spirit Cultural Arts from Forbes.

Led by Yarangiirri, the cultural dancers began our celebration with an astonishing performance delighting the entire school. We saw kangaroos, goannas, emus, echidnas, hunting and ceremonial rituals come to life.

We then broke off into our MJR groups to participate in cultural activities lead by the volunteers and teachers.

The students enjoyed boomerang, leaf and rock painting. Listened to Dreamtime stories with Uncle Bernie. Played the Didgeridoo (boys only), clap sticks and boomerang throwing with Angel and Brayden. They heard about Aboriginal Astronomy with Linton whilst creating a glitter constellation. Some students also combined to make a Rainbow Serpent whilst others some learnt the cultural dances with the Yarangiirri and the Dance Group.

A massive thank you to the Aimee Davis from LALC and the many volunteers that led activities.

Thank you also to The River Spirit Cultural Group. What an amazing way to start our celebrations. We thoroughly enjoyed your performance, students and teachers are still talking about it.

The day included lots of fun alongside learning and cultural understanding. Bravo to everyone involved. Looking forward to next year.

Our students have their own favourite to report:

We are running very short of tissues this term and would appreciate the donation of extra boxes to your child's class.

Thank you.

Assembly and Public Speaking

Archdiocesan Athletics

NAIDOC Week

Kinder @ Children's Book Week - Bland Library