Term 1 Week 4 - Thursday 17th February 2022

From our Principal

TERM 1 WEEK 4

God of the journey, as we set off on our way into 2022 together,

Bless us with courage when we do not know what lies ahead;

Bless us with good companions when the way becomes lonely;

Bless us with keen hearing to hear the stories of fellow travellers;

Bless us with humour to lighten the difficult moments;

Bless us with humility to learn from those around us;

Bless us with love, given and received; And bless us with Your presence. 

Amen 

Dear families,

We are very excited to welcome the newest St Mary’s crew member into the fold.  I would like to congratulate Georgie and Matt Peel on the arrival of Tommy Law Peel. Tommy came into the world on Tuesday 8th February weighing 3.48kgs. Enjoy this special time together! 

This week many of our families engaged in the Parent/Teacher Meet and Greets. It was wonderful to have people onsite and we were pleased to be able to provide a different option for those who were unable to pop in.  These discussions were planned as an opportunity to meet your child/ren’s teacher, and begin a partnership supporting your child’s growth and development. Having strong partnerships between home and school has a major impact on student learning, so we strive to create a culture based on mutual trust, respect and a shared responsibility for positive student outcomes. Thank you also to our educators who have worked very hard in the first four weeks of the school year to nurture positive learning environments. It is so rewarding to walk through the school and see and hear the hum of engaged and happy learners. 

I wish to thank our families and staff  for their ongoing support in helping us manage the COVID rollercoaster. Although we have had a spattering of cases over the fortnight, we have been able to manage our staffing to ensure continuity of learning for our students.  I remind families that this could change quickly and the School may be required to ask some classes or year levels to stay home if we do not have adequate staff numbers onsite. We hope that this is not the case, but if it does become a necessity, we will work hard to minimise any disruption. In the meantime please provide a clean mask each day for students in grade 3-6, test twice weekly using Rapid Antigen Tests provided by the School and keep students home if they have any (even the mildest) symptoms. It is worth noting that some students have tested positive despite having no obvious symptoms. I am hopeful that if we play our part and stick to the plan, we will minimise disruption and ensure our students continue to learn onsite. 

Every blessing, 

Roxanne

Upcoming Dates

TERM 1 DATES

Wednesday 23rd February
Foundation Rest Day

Friday 25th February
Lunch Order Day
Pink Family Forms Due
Family Fee Assistance/CSEF Forms Due

Wednesday 2nd March
Foundation Rest Day

Friday 4th March
Lunch Order Day

Wednesday 9th March
Foundation Rest Day

Friday 11th March
Lunch Order Day

Monday 14th March
Labour Day Public Holiday - no school

Wednesday 16th March
Foundation students at school each Wednesday from this date

Friday 18th March
Lunch Order Day

Friday 25th March
Lunch Order Day

Monday 28th March
School Photo Day

Thursday 31st March
Athletics Carnival @ Alexandra Oval

Friday 1st April
School Closure Day (Staff PD - Enhancing our Educational Climate)

Friday 8th April
Last day of Term 1
Early finish at 2.15pm

Happy Birthday!

Wishing the following students a very happy birthday this week:

Jasper H & Hunter N

Pink Family Forms & CSEF Forms Now Due!

Pink family forms and CSEF/Family Fee Assistance forms are due NEXT FRIDAY. Copies are available at the office.

2022 Collection Notice

eSmart - Free Online Session for Parents/Caregivers

Our parents/caregivers are invited to participate in the following upcoming free cyber safety session:

Gaming- turning it into a positive experience 16th March 7-7.30pm

www.eSmart.page.link/gaming

Our children get a lot out of video games. And when you understand how your child games, how gaming can be good for them and how your child can avoid gaming downsides, it can be good for your relationship too. Come along and hear about just how prevalent gaming is, and how to support your child to make gaming a beneficial hobby and to turn the tussle over gaming time on its head.

2022 Lunch Order Price List

Lunch orders have returned in 2022. Please see our price list below.

Carnival this weekend

Ararat Basketball Association Junior & Senior Netball Competition

Great Western Football Netball Club