The last two weeks of a school year are always hectic but fun. We are very proud of the way the students have cooperated with their teachers and put their best effort into everything we have done. 

Congratulations to our special Year 6 students, as they prepare to finish up at Primary school. The Awards Night, the Year 6 Graduation Mass and Dinner were wonderful occasions, testament to the hard work and efforts of the students and staff all year. 

Congratulations to our recently elected School Leaders for 2025. These students, together with the rest of the Year group will make excellent school leaders in 2025. 

School Leaders
Tessa H
Declan T

Eyre Leaders
Abbie H
Liam McA

Cassidy Leaders
Bella S
Oliver A

Howard Leaders
Matilda W
Charnaya Te-K

It is with pleasure that I announce a couple of additions to our staff for next year.  Mrs Alyssa Ziegler has been appointed in a part time teaching capacity. We also welcome Ms Ellen Shannon who will begin teaching at St Mary's from next year. Mrs Chrstine Greig will continue working as our regular casual teacher and has offered to teach the school choir  while Mrs Fran Devonald is on leave. 

A reminder that all students return to school on Tuesday February 4, 2025. 

It has been a privilege to have led such a wonderful school community as St Mary’s for the last six years. On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank you for your commitment and messages of support this year.  

I wish you and your families a happy and blessed Christmas and a wonderful summer holiday. 

With God’s blessings.
Noeleen O’Neill 

Principal’s Address K-6 Awards Night 2024

Good evening and welcome to our Annual Awards Night, one of the great traditions of St Marys where we come together as a school community to celebrate the end of a successful school year. It is also a fitting occasion for us to recognise the efforts and achievements of our Year 6 students and to announce our new Student leadership Team for the following year.

Thank you to everyone who has worked diligently  throughout 2024 to make St Mary’s the wonderful school it is; a safe and happy place for children to learn and grow. A great place for staff to work and support each other to provide excellent learning for their students. A great place for families to feel welcome, valued and engaged in their children’s education. 

2024 has been a year of consolidation. We have continued with our clear focus on explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy. As directed by Catholic Education and its CATALYST initiative, we have fully committed to un-interrupted learning in English and Mathematics from 9 am -12 four days a week. We are unapologetic about not having extra curricular type activities between these hours, as we know that our staff and students need the consistency, routine and time for the instructional programs to be successful. 

We are privileged to be one of only twenty schools across Australia involved in the Australian Government’s Good to Great Schools Program. We are very grateful for its resourcing, Professional learning and most importantly its extensive Student Learning Tracking system. 

Evidence from GGSA and Catholic Education shows our students’ learning has shown significant growth in both Literacy and Numeracy. We have seen substantial improvements in our students’ confidence and work habits,  the rate at which they are learning and the levels they attain.  We are committed to keeping the current structure of students learning at their instructional level because we know it is working.

The leadership and staff of a school ultimately determines its success. When teachers and support staff feel valued and supported, respected by students and trusted by parents, they will go above and beyond their normal expectations to make their school even better.  I have been privileged to lead a group of committed, unassuming individuals who care deeply about each other and the children in their care.  Our teachers  and classroom support  staff are to be commended for their implementation of High Impact Teaching Practices and their willingness to deepen their understanding of how children learn best. Thank you to:

Our Support Staff 

Mrs Shellie Butler and Mrs Janet Ryan for your work with the Mastery programs and assessments and the support of our children with additional needs. You are very much appreciated by the staff and parents. 

Mr Dom Ziino, for your work in Learning Support, Student Well Being and the Lego Club, being here everyday for our students who need that little bit extra. 

Mrs Brooke Connaughton, for leading our Little Investigators Playgroup and providing much needed help in the Kinder space. Congratulations also on your running speed and endurance for when some of our little ones think that the school day should be over and begin heading for home.

Our Teaching Team: 

Mrs Gen Schofield, for your commitment to the REC role, teaching Kindergarten and the implementation of our amazing Early Years Investigations. We know that our Early Years program is loved by the children and their families and will remain a key feature of St Marys.  Earlier this year, Gen presented  ‘Early Years Learning and parent engagement’  at the Fair Education Conference in Sydney. Other schools across Australia have learnt much from our experiences. 

Mrs Jessie White, for your energy, humour and willingness to do anything to help.  Congratulations on your success with the Emerging Leaders Program at Catholic Education and for leadership of Classroom Mastery. Thank you for taking over the coordination of Learning Support following Mrs Matthew’s resignation mid way through the year  and being open to a new direction in Leadership.  We are confident Learning Support will be in very good hands in the years ahead. Thank you also for your work with the musical. 

Mrs Fran Devonald, for your dedication to the Performing Arts, your work with the musical and with our beautiful school choir. I look forward to watching them perform at the Hospital next Wednesday. I wish you well next year as you spend time with your family  and I know everyone will be keen to have you back in 2026 (just in time for another musical).

Mrs Megan Grant, for your positive contributions to Stage two and your ongoing commitment to sport.  Together with Brooke, Jessie and Carla, you run an exceptional in house school swimming program and everyone in the community knows how important that is. 

Mrs Alicia Hampson, for your structure and boundaries that even the wildest of children learn quickly to adhere to. You are the only teacher I know that can confidently give the signal, leave the classroom and have the students remain learning as if on automatic pilot! Congratulations for your success as a High Impact Teaching Practices Coach in the system.

Mr Paul Hill, for your enthusiasm with teaching Mastery classes this year and providing a rich and quality PE program across the school.

Ms Allison Lock and Mr Matthew Harpley for your leadership of Year 6 and helping them prepare and transition to high school. Thank you for setting the bar high on learning and behaviour and for your support with the K-12 STEM program.

Mr James Campbell, for volunteering to teach guitar during break time and for the way you develop strong relationships with all students  

Mrs Alyssa Ziegler and Mrs Christine Greig, our regular casual teachers for your flexibility and willingness to do whatever is required. 

Our Leadership Team:

Mrs Jess Afflick and Mrs Carla Durnan, thank you for both for your contributions to the Leadership Team and sharing the co-ordination of Religious Education at St Mary’s. Thank you for supporting the staff in developing a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, its traditions and sacramental programs.  

Carla,  thank you for your dedication and putting your hand up to do anything that is needed at St Mary’s. Your willingness to organise our students' involvement in community events does not go unnoticed.  I wish you both well as you continue your journey as RECs next year.

Mr Justin Bateman, it would take me a very long time to list the things you do everyday to keep our school running. Only Mrs Hazell who pays the bills could possibly know how much you have done to get our school looking this good. Thank you for overseeing our new Playgrounds, the admin building works, the gardens, the fencing, classroom updates, painting etc.Thank you Justin for your ‘behind the scenes’ work,  making sure everything operates as normal as possible everyday. Next year, you will be missed greatly, far more than you know! If necessary Annette, call the Golf Club. You will find him there!

Mrs Sue Heffernan, thank you for your loyalty and dedication to student learning at St Mary’s. Under your leadership, the staff have grown in their capacity to meet the learning  needs of our students. You know every student from Kinder to Year 6 and every aspect of their learning.  Thank you for coordinating our GGSA and CATALYST partnerships.  As a small rural school, St Marys is incredibly fortunate to have someone of Sue’s professional calibre as its Assistant Principal. 

Mrs Cathy Smith and Mrs Annette Hazell, thank you for your beautiful caring manner in the Front office. I consider you Cathy one of my success stories, as I employed you! Together you ladies run a front office that resembles something between a hospital waiting room, a bank, a day care centre and central station at peak hour. I honestly don't know how you both do it all day, always with smiles on your faces.  

Annette, you have been with me since I first arrived six years ago. We have gone through a lot together, especially the bushfires, COVID and the Finance Transformation Project. My respect for you is enormous, as is my gratitude.

Father George, thank you for your support of St Mary’s this year. Together with Mrs Schofield, Mrs Afflick and Mrs Durnan you have guided our staff, students and their parents in developing their faith and understanding of the sacraments. We look forward to building upon our strong connections between school, home and the parish in 2025.

I am grateful to our hardworking School Community Council and our broader parent community for your support in 2024. As a result of your fundraising efforts this year,  we have been able to provide our Kinder to Year 6 swimming program at minimal or no cost to our families. Tonight’s Pizza has been heavily subsidised by the SCC, as a thank you to all of our parents.

This year  we say farewell to 19 of our families, as their youngest child finishes Year 6 at St Mary's. We thank the Beadon, Bishop, Cassidy, Cooper, Davies, Dowling, Hampson, Hewison, Irving, Nelson, Phelan, Rehardt, Roberson, Rowell, Smith, Stephens, Stone, Ta and Whipp families for all of their support over the years and wish them well for the future. 

Next year, we will welcome 30 new students and their families to St Mary’s. 25 into Kinder and five into other grades.  

A special congratulations to our wonderful Year 6 students who have successfully completed seven years of Primary school. I wish you well as you go onto high school and continue to learn and mature. Set high goals for yourself, persevere and you will succeed. Always remember what you learnt at St Mary’s and our school values; I am kind, I am safe, I am respectful and I am doing my Best. They are simple, but very powerful statements that we all should live by.    

The children at St Mary’s, you bring so much energy and happiness to your parents and  teachers.  You have a well earned reputation as being the best behaved students in the Eurobodalla. We are very proud of you and what you have achieved this year. Congratulations on another fine year of school!  

Tonight, I say farewell as I am retiring at the end of this year. I will leave knowing that together with Mrs Sue Heffernan and my incredible teaching team, we have worked hard to make St Mary’s a great school, where every student and staff member is challenged to be the best they can be. Despite some challenging times, especially through the Bushfires and Covid, I have loved my time as Principal of this beautiful school. My decisions were always made with the best of intentions, based on what I believed was right at the time and in the best interests of all of the children at St Mary’s. Mrs Wain is blessed to be coming to St Mary’s next year.

I will miss you all greatly and think of you often. 

Mrs Noeleen O'Neill
Principal 

Stage 2 students have been BRILLIANT learners this term! As we move toward our final week of 2024, the students have been working very hard across all learning areas, from English to Maths, Art and dancing up a storm in our school musical. We couldn't be prouder of the effort, enthusiasm and maturity our middle school students are showing as they prepare to move into the 2025 school year. Here’s a snapshot of some of the learning taking place across Stage 2 this term.

Mary Poppins JR, the Musical!
We started off our term with all things MUSICAL. We were so impressed by our Stage 2 students who not only were part of the main cast for Mary Poppons, giving up many a lunchtime and afternoon to practise and prepare for the school production, but all our ‘Jolly Holiday’ and Office workers for ‘Precision and Order’ dance routines. With thanks to Hayley VW for her expert advice and choreography, our students were shining on the stage. We also thank Carrie F, (Milton’s Mum) for her incredible effort to sew all our Year 3 costumes: (striped vests, head scarves and belts). We know the students all looked amazing and wore their costumes with much pride and excitement. We thank all our families for supporting us by providing the costumes and extras for the production. We are sure it will be locked away as a special highlight of this year.

English
This term, we have been exploring our final Novel for the school year, ‘The Wild Robot’ by Peter Brown. The story surrounds a robot, named Roz, who was shipwrecked on a deserted island. Roz must learn to adapt to its new surroundings and build relationships with the native animals. After some observations and unfortunate mishaps, Roz soon develops a bond with an orphaned gosling. We have asked the students to write some predictions about the story, what do they think will happen to Roz and the gosling, and how might they feel if they were on a deserted island.

To further engage the students in the novel, we took part in a modelled drawing session to recreate the cover of ‘The Wild Robot’. We showcased our skills in space, line, perspective and colour to present the following artworks. We think they look pretty great!

Daily Review/Sentence Level writing
As part of our Daily Review, we investigate words to increase our vocabulary, which helps our writing become more complex and interesting. In Year 4 students used the word ‘mangled’ and in Year 3, our investigations were surrounding the word ‘demeanour’. We developed some interesting sentences using the word demeanour and shared them with the class.

Zane: ‘The dogs have a happy demeanour.’

Reign: ‘The dogs had a crazy demeanour because they were playing’.

Ashley: ‘My dog had a friendly demeanour when I was playing with her’.

Maisie: ‘The dogs had a happy demeanour because they were at the dog park for a party’.

Oliver: ‘The dogs had a very happy demeanour when they were going to Ohio’.

Theodore: ‘The two dogs had a happy demeanour’.

Akeyla: ‘The dogs have a friendly demeanour and are happy’.

Maths
In Maths we have been enjoying working in our CMC Maths groups and in our class groups for Daily Review sessions to solidify our knowledge of maths concepts for fast recall. . Connecting Maths Concepts teaches explicit strategies that enable students to master challenging concepts. Students continue to develop their problem-solving capabilities and their ability to think and communicate mathematically. During weekly daily review students are practising their skills with using money, telling the time and volume and capacity concepts.

Science
This term in Science, Stage 2 students are investigating Physics! We have been identifying heat as energy, heat sources, transference of heat and will move into looking at temperature and solar energy as the term progresses. It is wonderful to see the students engaging and interacting with each other to share their knowledge and understandings of the world around us through hands-on activities and experiments. 

Religion
In Religion, students have been immersed in the Creation Story by the Book of Genesis. This is part of our RE unit ‘Looking After the World: How am I created for Creation?’ What we have learned so far through our in depth look at the Creation story, is the harmony, order and balance within God’s creations over the seven days. We have begun to represent our own understandings of the Creation story through a comic strip task. The students were asked to think carefully about the story, the order and the ‘why’, and design images and symbols to represent this very important and significant Bible story as well as reflecting on our own special place in God’s creations.

This week marks the first week of Advent. The students have been reflecting on the meaning of Advent and how it comes from a Latin word meaning ‘coming’. We have been thinking about all the waiting and preparation that we all go through as we wait for the coming of Jesus to celebrate on Christmas Day. We have started to make Advent wreaths, and create word banks about what happens during Christmas as Christians.

Geography 
In Geography we have been learning about different biomes and landmarks in our local area in Year 3 and in Year 4 we have been exploring different types of biomes from around the world such as tundra, alpine, aquatic, deciduous forest, and rainforests. Students have created an information report cube and are currently working on creating a diorama to represent their chosen environment. 

Art
Throughout this term we have learnt about the effective use of shape, colour, line and texture to create different artworks and landscapes. Recently, we explored using a variety of warm and cool colours to create abstract trees and leaf art. We have also begun to create a colourful and patterned echidna, using a variety of shape, texture and colours. We are sure we have the next up and coming artists in our midst here in Stage 2 and we are extremely happy with how they turned out.

Last week, we began our Christmas Art series and started off with making a paper Christmas Tree. We designed our own colourful Christmas Trees using strips of paper and decreasing them in size, then adding a Christmas Star to finish it off.

PE with Mr Hill
This term, students have been thoroughly enjoying how to play the game of Volleyball with Mr Hill. Some key skills we have had to learn very quickly, is how to work as a team to keep the ball in the air and to get it over the net with only a few spikes (hits) of the ball. While we are all still learning the rules and how to spike the ball effectively for our teammates, we are loving working as a team all while learning skills in strategy and tactics, as part of our learning in PD/H/PE. 

Swimming Program
What an improvement we have seen in our young learn to swimmers so far during our Swimming Program! Each Friday, we have been very keen to jump in the pool to practise and refine our skills in the water. With Summer holidays just around the corner, and living by the coast, it is such an invaluable life skill to be safe in and around the water.

We asked some of our students to share what is the best thing about swimming each week:

Xavier E: ‘I really liked last week when we learnt how to rescue a friend if they were having trouble in the water.’ .

Lucy T: ‘I have enjoyed swimming each week because I have learnt how to swim better and get more confident in the deep end of the pool.’ 

Ethan T: ‘I love blowing bubbles and diving for the sticks.’ 

In wrap up…..Highlights from 2024!
We have had such a wonderful year in Stage 2 2024! From Gala days and carnivals, from musicals and incredible art lessons, we have made such growth, made new friends and learned so many new skills.

The students would like to share some of their highlights from the year, what they are proud of and what they are most looking forward to as they move into the next stage of primary school.

Patrick S: ‘I have really enjoyed the variety of art we have done this year. I can’t wait to display them at home.’

Winter F: ‘I have really loved Mrs Hampson teaching me this year because she is amazing at everything that she does. I will miss her so much next year!’

Patrick W: ‘I have loved sport this year, especially this term when we have learnt how to play volleyball. I really enjoyed throwing the ball over the net and seeing if the kids could return it.’ 

Natasha S: ‘I really enjoyed Mission Day this year because we got to eat lots of yummy food and play really fun games.’ 

Ginger: 'A highlight would be our fantastic art sessions with Mrs Hampson.'

Mrs Megan Grant, Mrs Alicia Hampson, Mrs Carla Durnan
Teachers Stage 2

This term has been an action packed time for Year 6 Blue, filled with so many learning experiences. Some of the highlights include;

• Mission Mass and Market Day. Year 6 thrived with the challenge of running their own stalls. They did such a wonderful job.

• They showcased their drama, singing and dancing skills in the highly anticipated Mary Poppins Musical, which involved the entire school in a wonderful celebration of the arts.

• The final group had the opportunity to participate in the STEM Program at Carroll College. 

• The beautifully presented Remembrance Day Liturgy, where students demonstrated respect and reflection. 

• Swimming lessons are always a big hit with Year 6 as the weather warms up.

• In Week 7 most students visited Carroll College or Moruya High School for the Year 7 orientation days. The students all came back with positive reports and are excited about 2025.
• The Graduation Mass and dinner in Week 9 and our Surfing and SUP Day in Week 10. 

Religion

“ I liked doing  ‘Act justly, walk Humbly and love tenderly’ posters” - Kade C

“We’ve been learning about Advent “ - Nathan W

“In religion we have learned a lot about social justice” - Xavier L

English

“I love reading about Tally and her challenges with everyday life with autism” - Lila W

Maths

“I have enjoyed learning different methods to solve equations” - Cooper C

“I like how I have been getting better at my times tables” - Billy I

Science

“In Science we have learned about different types of energy. We learnt about conductors and insulators” - Elyse B

Geography

“I’ve had fun learning about Australia’s neighbours” - Jimmy H

PDHPE

“I’ve loved playing capture the flag and playing volleyball” - Mitchell W

Arts/ Musical

“It was really fun being a part of the musical this year” - Sophie VW

STEM

“I enjoyed launching my water bottle rocket and also seeing all the fails” - Levi D

Mr Matthew Harpley
Teacher 6 Blue

As the year draws to a close and our Year 5 class prepares to transition into their roles as senior students at St Mary’s, it is important to reflect on the year that has been. We have had an amazing journey together this year full of strong personal, and academic growth. Year 5 had a fantastic influence on a very successful musical, both on and off the stage which is testament to the growing maturity of the students and willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved for the good of the school. We’ve had some brilliant sporting success both inside and outside of school in a myriad of different sports including track and field, cross country, tennis, swimming, local junior football, netball, basketball, soccer, physie, cheerleading, gymnastics and jiu-jitsu. We’ve time and time again shown that we can raise the bar and represent the school with respect and dignity during off-campus trips to Wollongong University, the local swimming pool, St Bernard’s Batehaven, sports carnivals, sporting gala days and more. Well done Year 5 Blue - bring on Year 6 in 2025!

We have taken the time to sit down and share our highlights and favourite memories from the year 2024. Enjoy!

Oliver: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport/PE because you don’t have to write anything, it’s all action. My favourite memory of 2024 was the Ack Weyman Shield footy gala day. The thing I’m looking forward to most in 2024 is finally going into Year 6!

Billie: My favourite subject in 2024 was PDHPE because I liked participating and learning about health. My favourite experience for 2024 was getting to meet new people in our school (like buddies) and writing a leadership speech. In 2025, the thing that I am most looking forward to is having the responsibility of a buddy and being a school leader.

Abbie: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because you get to go outside and get fresh air while playing lots of different sports. The best bit about 2024 was that every time me and Bella see each other we laugh non-stop. The thing I am most looking forward to in 2024 is spending time with friends and making a fresh start in a new year.

Tessa: In 2024 my favourite subject was PDHPE because I liked finding out ways to keep myself safe both generally and online. My favourite experience was book week because I loved going as Sebastian the lobster and seeing my Dad with lipstick and long hair as the “Little” Mermaid. In 2025, I am most looking forward to hanging out with my buddy and being a leader.

Mackenzie: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because you get to do lots of different sports and games. The best experience for me was making it to NSW All-Schools for athletics. The things I am most looking forward to in 2025 are the athletics carnival and cross country.

Anikah: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because I’m pretty sporty and I got age champion in athletics. The best experience for me in 2024 was meeting new people coming into our class. The thing that I am most looking forward to in 2024 is being a leader. 

Andre: The best subject for me in 2024 was Sport/PE because you’re getting exercise. My favourite memory of 2024 was going to Sydney to run Cross Country. The things I am looking forward to most in 2025 are Cross Country and the swimming carnival.

Pham: In 2025 the thing I am most looking forward to is more sport and more art.

Madelyn: The best subject in 2024 was Art because I love art and it’s always very fun. My favourite experience in 2025 was meeting our buddies for the first time. I am most looking forward to doing lots more art and learning new things in 2025.

Liam McA: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because it was fun learning skills for 2-3 weeks then changing sports. My favourite memory of 2024 was coming first in the 100m and doing a great discus throw and making it to Bega for Athletics. In 2025 I am most looking forward to being a school leader and helping the kids that are younger than me.

Lily: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because I love sport and Mr Hill make sit fun by changing it up a lot. My favourite experience in 2024 was delivering my house leader speech to Cassidy. In 2025 I am looking forward to being in Year 6 and having a buddy to help out.

Dion: My favourite subject in 2024 was Sport/PE because it is the most fun subject and there is no classroom. The best experience and my favourite memory was being awarded age champion in athletics. The thing I look forward to most in 2025 is being a leader.

Gracie: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because I love to play league tag at school and lots of other sports. My favourite memory of 2024 was getting to see my buddy for 2025. (and also that i’m the best dancer!). In 2025 the thing that I’m most looking forward to is seeing my buddy again and getting the big oval in Year 6!

Benjamin: My favourite subject in 2024 was Art because Art is how I express myself and it is fun. The best experience I had in 2024 was performing in the Mary Poopins Jr musical. I am most looking forward to spending time with my buddy and doing fun activities in 2025.

Reyansh: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because it is fun and I like doing sporty things. The best part about 2024 was moving to Australia from Ireland. In 2025 I can’t wait to meet my buddies and go into year 6.

Bella: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport. I made it to Canberra/Goulburn with my friends and came runner up age champion. The best part of 2024 was that me and my best friend Abbie just could not stop laughing. In 2025, I am most looking forward to spending my last year at St Mary’s with my friends and my buddy.

Charnaya: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because we don’t have to do schoolwork and by the end of the day I only want to exercise and have fun. My favourite memory of 2024 was Pyjama Day when everyone got to wear their PJ’s. What I am most looking forward to in 2025 is being with our buddies and welcoming new kids who join the school. 

Declan: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because we have been playing volleyball and tee-ball. The best part of 2024 was being in the school play and learning how to act (and missing out on a tiny bit of school work)

Sam: The best subject for me in 2024 was PE and Sport because we get to go outside and play games. My favourite experience for 224 was going Canberra to play rep footy. The thing I am most looking forward to in 2025 is being a “year 6er” and playing rep footy again.

Matilda: My favourite subject in 2024 was Art because Mrs Afflick is very creative. My favourite experience in 2024 was by far the musical. In 2025 I am most looking forward to hanging out with my buddy.

Mr James Campbell
Teacher 5 Blue