Dear Parents and Carers

On Sunday we celebrated with the Parish as many of our students made their First Communion. It was a beautiful gathering of many families sharing this significant step in their faith journey. An enormous congratulations to all of the communicants and their families, everyone approached this sacrament with great reverence and a great sense of the sacred. Thank you to Father Michael for his support and guidance to all of the communicants and to Simon Kinch, Erin Chard, Anneliese Robinson and the children who sang and read to make this mass so special. 

Last week we were so fortunate to have a chance to appreciate the many and varied talents of our students, through the 'Showvember' Talent Show. Not only were the audience treated to singing, dancing, playing and comedy acts, but there were also funds raised for Catholic Mission. We were also blessed to have celebrity chef Garth Dickenson in our very own St Mary’s Canteen cooking up a storm of Mac’n’Cheese with our Mini Vinnies Team. As a result, not only did the students have a delicious lunch and the Mini Vinnies team learn to cook a simple and nutritious meal from scratch, but two big trays of Mac’n’cheese were also delivered to the Soup Kitchen in Ulludulla, supporting those in need in our local community. Both events combined to raise over $240 for Catholic Mission, in particular the children of Ghana. Thank you, Garth, we are so lucky to have such clever and generous people in our school community. If you would like to share your skills or enthusiasm in our school please let us know!

Last week, the Pand F also hosted our ‘Movie Night’, which attracted a big crowd armed with beanbags, pillows and PJ’s. The night began with a BBQ run by the Year 6 Fund-raising parents, an enormous thank you to the P and F and the many helpers that made this possible. Much fun was had by all with lots of people watching Aladdin and many children enjoying the opportunity to play in the school after hours. We are so fortunate to have such lovely grounds to enjoy. The new sandpit and slippery dip were given an unofficial christening and the verdict was unanimous; excellent fun had by all. Thank you to our P and F for their financial backing of these playground improvements. 

Our 2020 Swimming Carnival will be held this Wednesday, we look forward to a great day. We hold our swimming carnival at the end of the year as do most schools in our Diocese to ensure that our team is entered by a very early date next year. It also allows our Kinders to come and enjoy the day as they are so grown up now almost ready for Year 1! Thanks to Kristy Delia for her organisation of the carnival, if you can help in any way on the day please call the Office. 

Our second Orientation Day for Kindergarten 2020 is on this Thursday. This is such an exciting time for all of our families. This year we have introduced many elements of 'Play-based Learning’ into Kinder which provides engaging and hands-on learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate for children in their first year of school, transitioning from Early Childhood settings. Childhood play benefits social, interpersonal and resilience skills, as well as creativity and problem-solving, these are the skills that are most mentioned by employers as highly desirable in job applications and the skills that are being most adversely affected by screen time. (SMH 2019) Play is essential for children of all ages, I am always so proud of the creativity of our students in the classrooms and on the playground.

Last Friday night I was fortunate to attend the Lighting The Way Awards in Campbelltown to support our very own Glenda Johnston. Glenda was nominated for the 'Outstanding Support Staff' Award. I’m sure most families would have had some interaction with Glenda in our Office or Uniform Shop. She is always so friendly and welcoming, and her dedication to the community of St Mary’s is astounding. Glenda for many years has been behind the scenes of the school productions including 2019’s The Bee Musical, organising and making all of the costumes all in her own time. Glenda epitomizes the gospel values of generosity and kindness, I know you will join me in congratulating Glenda on this most significant achievement. 

I look forward to seeing you around the school.

Lindy Nelson

Principal