PRINCIPAL REPORT
In the last few weeks the world has witnessed much sadness in the guise of terrorist attacks and the death of many innocent people. These tragic events lead us as adults, to question society and the religious and racial divisions that can be encouraged by social media, misguided leaders and alienated individuals in our society. As parents and educators, it is difficult to consider these events through the eyes of children and to continue to give messages of hope and support. I encourage you to answer the questions your children may have with honesty, highlighting the heroes of such incidents; the rescuers, the supporters and the leaders such as Jacinda Ardern who have responded with strength, courage and compassion. These are the values that we as a Catholic School strive for as followers of Jesus.
It is these values that I see every day at St. Mary’s - students, staff and parents who support others and consider the feelings and needs of others before their own. When people ask me what is special about St Mary’s, I can honestly answer that the individuals in our community look after each other. The students are like a big family as they include and look out for others in the classroom and playground. It makes me feel so proud to be part of such a truly Christ like community, supporting and bringing hope to our children’s’ futures.
During the week, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit our local Preschools and Early Childhood settings to drop off information for our St Mary’s Open Day on the 9th of April. I was fortunate to meet so many dedicated teachers who guide our children in the all-important early years before they come to ‘Big school’. Our Open Day is an opportunity for all parents to visit our classrooms as well as welcoming new families who are considering St Mary’s for their children. Please feel welcome to invite families you know who would like to have a look at St Mary’s and all the wonderful things that happen in our school community. Enrolment packages can be downloaded from our school website or picked up from the School Office.
Last week was very exciting in our school to see the introduction of various interest groups during break times. Mini Vinnie’s has had it’s first meeting under the care of Mrs Julie Valentini and Mrs Anneliese Robinson. Mr Wesley Raymond, Youth Liaison Officer for St Vincent de Paul, visited the school on Tuesday to speak to our Years 4-6 students about the history of St Vincent de Paul and how the Mini Vinnies can be proactive in caring for those in need in our local and wider community. Neil Parker from the local chapter of St Vincent de Paul also spoke to the students about the 'good works' they provide locally. More than 28 children have expressed interest in being involved in Mini Vinnies this year, which is a testament to the St Mary’s community spirit and sense of service. The Mini Vinnies have begun fundraising for the Project Compassion Lenten campaign with a ‘5c Challenge’. Please dig deep for this cause and send any spare 5c pieces into school. Bottles are filling fast! We look forward to seeing what else this enthusiastic and dedicated group plans for our school.
Our Environmental group has also had their first meeting under the guidance of Mr Brent Harding. This group have lots of enthusiasm for getting our school community on track with our recycling systems. Beginning with the introduction of a paper and cardboard skip bin with our general rubbish skip. The students will be responsible for educating and collecting special tubs to ensure our recycling is clean and green. We look forward to composting systems being fully introduced in the school also. You may have noticed also the St Vincent de Paul blue recycling bins in our school, these bins are for the collection of recyclable bottles and cans with the money supporting the St Vincent de Paul charity works. As our students have few cans and bottles at school, we will be putting these bins beside our skip bins on the oval for parents to deposit their cans and bottles. It is a great way to recycle and donate to charity at the same time.
This Tuesday, we will be holding the School Cross Country for all students beginning at 12pm. This will be very exciting for our new Kinders who will have the chance to run with their big buddies. Good luck to all of our competitors, we will be keeping an eye out for students who can pace themselves, students who keep going when they are tired and most importantly students who show good sportsmanship to other students during the day. Please feel welcome to join us to cheer everyone on.
Yours in partnership,
Laurinda Nelson
Principal