Term 2 Week 2 - Tuesday 3rd May 2022

From Our Principal

Dear families, 

It was exciting to welcome back our students and families to Term 2! Students were keen to share their stories from the Easter break and reconnect with their friends and staff. 

During the term break we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus - the pinnacle of Christian faith. Such an important celebration isn’t restricted to one weekend, but to a season of 50 days, the Easter Season. During this Easter season I wish you great joy as we celebrate both the life of a new term and the new life of hope and peace that we celebrate in the Risen Jesus.  I hope that the renewing presence of the risen Christ was evident to you during this sacred time.

ANZAC DAY

Thanks to all our community who joined the ANZAC Day ceremony on Monday and to Evie and Jasper who laid a wreath on our behalf. A big thanks to Jo Price who helped with the coordination.  ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember all Australians who have served in war and operational service. The spirit of ANZAC, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.

Lest We Forget

STUDENT-FREE DAY

On Wednesday 1st June teachers and learning support staff will meet to engage in a process of data analysis and curriculum planning. This will be a student-free day. Schools are required to engage in a certain amount of professional learning each year and we try to minimise the impact this has on families. We appreciate your understanding as we engage in this professional learning. 

STAFF UPDATES

Last term we farewelled Louise Wilson. Louise will be taking a period of leave as she and Zac prepare for the arrival of their first child. We wish Louise and Zac every blessing during this exciting time. After our recruitment process we were unable to appoint someone into that position.  I am working closely with staff from DOBCEL to find a suitable applicant as quickly as possible. In the meantime Gabby and Maryanne are supporting the students and maintaining high levels of learning and teaching in the 3/4 classroom. We are blessed to have their wisdom and enthusiasm in that space. 

Last term, Ben O’Loughlan underwent some unexpected surgery. While Ben is in good spirits he is under strict instructions to rest for a couple more weeks before returning to School. Elissa and Maree Fay will continue to support the learning in that space until Ben’s return. We wish him well in his recovery.

We welcome Jodie McGeary to the position of Pastoral support worker. I have been working with Catholic Care to find an applicant who can support the wellbeing needs of our community. Jodie will spend time in each of the learning communities and help students develop strategies for social and emotional situations. 

I commend the wonderful staff team at St Mary’s who are continuing to prioritise the learning needs of the students in our care. This will continue to be our approach as we juggle the complexities of staff shortages this term. I wish to thank our parent community for continuing to show support and encouragement to all staff members at this time. 

Go gently,
Roxanne

Mothers' Day Celebration Friday 6th May

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

To the following students celebrating their birthdays this week:

Evie H & Anabelle XA

Upcoming Dates

TERM 2 DATES

Wednesday 4th May
Middle/Senior LC Swimming Program

Thursday 5th May
Middle/Senior LC Swimming Program

Friday 6th May
WSP @ 9am - Foundation
Mothers Day Morning Tea to follow WSP
Middle/Senior LC Swimming Program
Black Ranges Cross Country
Lunch Order Day

Friday 13th May
WSP @ 9am - Senior 1
Lunch Order Day
Book Club Orders Due

Friday 20th May
WSP @ 9am - Senior 2
Lunch Order Day

Friday 27th May
WSP @ 9am- Middle 1
Lunch Order Day

Wednesday 1st June
School Closure Day

Friday 3rd June
WSP @ 9am- Middle 2
Lunch Order Day

Friday 10th June
WSP @ 9am- Junior 1
Lunch Order Day

Friday 17th June
WSP @ 9am- Middle 2
Last Lunch Order Day for Term 2

Friday 24th June
Last Day of Term 3
WSP @ 9am- Foundation
Early finish @ 2.15pm

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