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Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to the new school year, it has been so wonderful to see our students and staff return from their holidays looking relaxed and refreshed. We have had a great start to the year with all children settled into their classrooms with their teachers setting great routines from day one. We are looking forward to welcoming our new Kindergarten students tomorrow morning, it has been a long wait for many of our little ones who are so keen to get learning and make friends. I’m sure there are many mixed feelings for our parents and carers who will be waving off their little ones into ‘big school, please know, we are here to support children and adults!
It has been lovely to hear of the many adventures that our students have had during the holidays, we live in such a beautiful part of the world. So many of our children have returned sharing stories of bike riding, camping, surfing and spending time with their peers and extended family. Taking time to do these things as a family is the greatest gift that you can give your children. I have communicated to you before that I have very real concerns about the developing situation in our society where technology can dominate the lives of children. At St Mary’s, we have made a conscious decision to limit the use of technology during school time to ensure that each child experiences quality learning and teaching in a ‘hands on’ way. I thank our parents for limiting screen time at home and being very vigilant in understanding and supervising the various apps and messaging services that are attached. It is certainly a tough gig being a parent in this digital age.
This Friday we will be holding our annual Official Swimming Carnival, you will remember at the end of last year we held a Pool Fun Day for all students. Holding the official carnival at the beginning of the school year has been a change, as many of our students spend the summer in the water, improving their swimming skills every day. I thank Mrs Delia for her efforts and organisation of the day. Kindergarten and Year 1 will be staying at school on Friday as it is a long and hot day for our little ones. A reminder to send notes back if you can volunteer to help, or you wish to change your child’s indicated swimming proficiency please send them in by Thursday. The P and F are running a sausage sizzle lunch deal, please ensure these preorder notes are returned. I ask that all items of clothing and belongings are clearly labelled as we ended up with an enormous pile of uniforms and towels at the end of our last pool day and as a parent it is a costly exercise to replace these things.
This Monday, we will be holding our first P and F meeting of the year. This will be a general meeting and a great opportunity for our school community to gather and get to know each other, now we are able to hold real meetings on site at school. Please come along at 5:30 we would love to make you feel welcome, there is a flyer attached to this newsletter.
Miss Ashleigh Pace is a new face on our staff this year, Ashleigh is teaching Year 3 and has come to us from St Justin’s School at Picton. Year 3 are enjoying getting to know Miss Pace, it looks like there will be lots of learning and fun in Year 3 this year. COVID restrictions are still posing some challenges in terms of having parents on site, however in Week 5 we will offer parents an opportunity to come in and meet your child’s teacher face to face. This will involve sharing your knowledge as the primary educators of your child, with each teacher and setting some goals for the year. Further details will be made available regarding booking times and dates shortly.
I look forward to seeing you in the mornings at drop off or at afternoon pick up, and as we begin a new year together please do not hesitate to be in contact if you have questions or concerns regarding your child. We are here to help!
Your in partnership,
Laurinda Nelson
Principal
This Friday is the Swimming Carnival for Year 2 to Year 6 at the Milton Village Pool
Please go onto COMPASS to give your child permission to attend. (The cost of the carnival is included in your school fees)
Students must bring a drink bottle, lunch, school hat, towel, goggles, suncream, swim cap if needed and a plastic bag for belongs.
PLEASE LABEL YOUR CHILDS CLOTHING WITH THEIR NAME - INCLUDING SPORTS CLOTHES , JACKETS, HATS and DRINK BOTTLES ETC
Parents who would like to attend will need to contact Mrs Delia or Mrs Reid to register as a volunteer.
Canteen Facilities will be available throughout the day for drinks, ice creams & chips.
Students will need to bring their lunch if they havent pre-ordered sausage sizzle.
Any new families needing assistance logging on to compass please read flyer below (click on to open)
Due to covid restrictions.
Orders for uniforms can be made via email, phone or school office. (Please state size, student, class and uniform required clearly for orders)
Orders will be sent home once payment is received every Friday. (Orders can be paid for over the phone - EFTPOS)
School hats $15 and are avalible at school office. EFTPOS preferred no change avalible.
ANY PRE-LOVED UNIFORMS IN GOOD CONDITION ARE WELCOME (no rips or stains)
Sports Uniform Tuesday, Friday
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
P and F Meeting Monday 8th Feburary at 5.30pm
Lucy A, Milla L, Faith S, Frankie N, Molly K, Ella R, Delphi SH, Freya A, Lachlan W, Torin D, Maehem V,
Madeleine G, Millar N, Adele B, Madeleine H, Anika D Jesinta N
Some of our wonderful new Kindergarten students have celebrated birthdays over the holidays - Lucky N, Brody B, Angelo A, Isla P and Isla M next week.
