Welcome to Week 6, as we cross to the second half of our term. It has been a busy few weeks at St Mary’s including the hosting of the Plenary Listening Session with Bishop Brian Mascord. A big thank you to Simon Kinch and Julie Valentini who represented our school with me bringing the voice of staff and parents to the session.  Topics discussed including ‘Inclusion of all in our church, or the idea of the ‘big church’ where everyone is welcome and should experience a sense of belonging. A big thank you to all the staff and parents who spoke during the various gathering sessions providing a vision of a way forward for our church into the future.

Last Friday the years 3-6 attended a Netball Skills Day in Ulladulla. The staff were so impressed by the way the students entered into the spirit of the day, trying new skills and showing the sportsmanship that has become synonymous with St Mary’s. A big thanks to Mrs Gab Peters our sports coordinator for organising the day for the students.

Last Monday we held the AGM for the P and F Association, it was heartening to see the number of parents who attended and to witness the new committee form with an enthusiastic vision of the coming year. The P and F is the major voice for the parents within the school, and during the meeting it was helpful to hear the hopes and dreams for St Mary’s into 2019.  It is important to acknowledge the outgoing committee, including Andrew Clegg who has served with great expertise as the Treasurer for the past 7 years. Jodie Lee was elected to the position of President after 1 years as an excellent Vice-President. The other elected executive members are Justine Donohoe as Vice-President, Anneliese Robinson as Treasurer and Mrs Sinclair as Secretary.   We thank these office bearers for stepping up and wishing them a very successful year. A big thank you also to the supporting committee who attended the meeting and haver promised support of the office bearers. Our meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month, refreshments are provided with the promise of keeping the meeting to a maximum of one hour. Please come to our next meeting and join the wonderful sense of community of St Mary’s.

The Milton Show is this weekend with the Grand Parade on Friday. We are looking forward to seeing all our students proudly marching in their uniforms. Good luck to our students and families who are entering events, produce, artwork or various competitions. Regional shows are such important community events and St Mary’s are so grateful to Mrs Emily McGregor for being our in school coordinator as well as the Milton Show Society for the many volunteer hours of planning and work that goes into staging such an event. When you are at the show, make sure you see the beautiful painted banners that Mrs McGregor has created with our students for this special event.

I hope you have a great week,

Yours in partnership