Term 1 Week 1 - Friday 2nd February 2024

Term 1 Week 1

Dear families, 

Every new year brings its own energy and excitement. I am hopeful that this year will be full of opportunities and blessings for us as we learn and grow together.  

It was wonderful to welcome 117 new and returning students and to witness their enthusiasm for the new year. Our new foundation students are settling into life as St Mary’s students. We extend a warm welcome to Lucy, Farran, Beatrice, Bethany, Anna, Charlie, Hudson, Harvey, Lachlan, Xavier, Eli, Mirella, Clay, Alejandro and Ryder. 

We also welcome Azalea, Kemaru, Kuno, Lily and Levi in other year levels across the school.    

During the first few weeks of this term, students will be focusing on ‘connections’. This  means that we intentionally provide learning that focuses on building positive relationships, understanding desired behaviours, strengthening a sense of collaboration and helping students feel that they belong. We operate on the premise that a sense of belonging, connection and psychological safety is vital in order to optimise learning for all. 

We have a highly skilled team of educators and administration staff. It is an absolute privilege to work alongside this team each day. 

Our staff team for 2024:

JLC:
Teachers Jo Price and Julianne Pender
LSOs Rachel Chaffey and Jo Rigby

MLC:
Teachers Ben O’Loughlan, Gabby Cunningham and Georgie Peel 
LSOs Jocelyn Oddie, Di Cunningham and Sandy Allan

SLC:
Teachers Toni Stockwell, Helen Kirkpatrick and Simon Edge
LSOs Lorna Dunmore and Geraldine Stokes 

Specialists:
Linda Lyons (Art), Elissa Gault (Performing Arts/Science), Gabby Cunningham (Physical Education)

Administration: Jess Praag

Business Manager: Jane Pola

Maintenance: Luke Preston

Principal: Roxanne Leed 

Thank you to all for your endeavours to ensure such a smooth start for our students. I am very aware of the energy it takes to support young people to get used to new routines, people and experiences. I am impressed with the care taken by some of our students as they support younger students at St Mary’s. 

To encourage the most successful outcomes for students at school, it is vital to establish a positive home/school partnership. We encourage parents to feel welcome to make an appointment with your child’s teacher, should you wish to discuss your child’s learning or social emotional development. Please also know that I am always more than happy to assist with any concerns. You are always welcome to contact me by phone or email to make time for a chat.

Entering the New Year

God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly,

thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others,

mindful that our steps make an impact and our words carry power.

May we walk gently.

May we speak only after we have listened well.

Creator of all life, help us enter the New Year reverently,

aware that you have endowed, every creature and plant, every person and habitat with beauty and purpose.

May we regard the world with tenderness.

May we honour rather than destroy.

Lover of all souls, help us enter the New Year joyfully,

willing to hope laugh dance and dream,

Remembering our many gifts with thanks and looking forward to blessings yet to come.

May we welcome your lavish love.

May we cast off the small, vindictive voice our fears make.

May the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead.

Amen.        
Vinita Hampton Wright

Every blessing for the year ahead.

Roxanne Leed

rleed@smararat.catholic.edu.au 

SUNSMART POLICY
It is compulsory that students wear hats in Terms 1 & 4 for any outside activities. New students receive a free hat from the office when they start at St Mary's. All other hat purchases are $10 (cash only).

DROP OFF AND PICK UP POINTS

Students are able to enter the school grounds via the ramp and the double gates on Moore Street. The gates will be opened at 8.30am and children will be supervised in the yard from this time.

At the end of each day, class teachers will walk the students out to the Davey Hub. Parents are able to meet children either in the hub or out on the grass/decked areas. We would like to remind all parents to be especially careful when dropping off and picking up your children. Please refrain from double parking in Moore Street and take care when backing out of car spaces to ensure the safety of all children.

SCHOOL ACCESS

If you are visiting the school between 9.00am and 3.00pm you are requested to enter through the office.

OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Tuesday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Wednesday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Thursday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm

FOUNDATION REST DAYS

A reminder that Wednesdays in Term One are Rest Days for our Foundation students. 
On Wednesdays 13th, 20th & 27th March Foundation students will be required to be at school.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following students who celebrated their birthdays in January:

Amelia P, Rafferty B, Willow K, Inez P, Phoebe H, Lily Mc, Libby H, Nayuma S, Levi B, Ted B, Isabelle P & Alejandro W

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following student for this week:

Tanner W