Dear Parents and Carers

We have reached the end of another term… it’s hard to believe we are three quarters of the way through the school year. We have achieved many goals, and we have much to celebrate.

This year I was fortunate to participate in the 6R Program for Experienced Principals, a professional learning series designed to challenge and extend school leaders. The program was led by Dr Stephen Brown, and throughout the year we engaged with internationally recognised leaders who facilitated workshops specifically focused on leadership in education.

Our final workshop was presented by Dr Peta Sigley, who focused on the vital area of wellbeing. Dr Sigley shared both a framework and practical strategies that can be applied within schools to support the wellbeing of students, staff, and families. Her insights highlighted the importance of creating a culture where wellbeing is not an add-on, but is embedded in everything we do, from the way we teach, to how we lead, and how we care for one another as a community.

Being part of the 6R Program has been a rich and rewarding experience. It has given me the chance to reflect deeply on my own leadership, to learn from the wisdom of colleagues across Australia and beyond, and to bring back ideas that will strengthen our school. I am excited about how these learnings will continue to shape our work together, ensuring St Mary’s remains a place where both learning and wellbeing flourish.

Mayor’s Writing Competition Finalists
We are delighted to announce that Milton, Alexander and Emilia are finalists in this year’s Mayor’s Writing Competition. This is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of their creativity, effort and talent as young writers. Congratulations to each of them!

As part of the competition, the Perpetual Shield will once again be presented to the Syd Hayes Creative Writing Award winner. The shield will then be proudly displayed at the winner’s school until next year’s presentation.

A special morning tea, hosted by Eurobodalla Libraries, will be held on Wednesday 22 October at the Moruya Memorial (RSL) Hall. We are so proud of Milton, Alexander and Emilia for this outstanding achievement and wish them all the very best for the presentation day.

Open Classrooms Invitation
We warmly invite all parents, carers and friends to join us for our Open Classrooms on Monday 22 September from 2.00pm – 3.00pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity to step inside the classrooms, see the exciting learning that has been taking place, and celebrate the efforts of our students. The children are looking forward to sharing their work and experiences with you.

We hope you can come along and be part of this special afternoon of learning and community.

On behalf of the Staff thank you to all our families for the many ways you have contributed to our school this term, the partnership between school and home is highly valued. The students have been consistently engaged in their learning and I would like to congratulate them on their hard work. 

I would like to extend a special thank you to the School Community Council for assisting at the disco yesterday. Thank you for your time and work that you put into school events, it is always much appreciated.

A huge thank you to our dedicated St Mary’s Staff who go well and beyond their duties each term. We have an amazing team! A special thank you to our Support Team: Mrs Hazell, Mrs Smith, Mrs Ryan, Mrs Butler, Mr Ziino, Mrs Gillis, Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Alves, Ms Seagrave, Mrs Zutt and Miss Haultain. They work throughout the school supporting teachers and students in targeted learning programs. Our Support Team continually work behind the scenes in many aspects of the school and are extremely dedicated to their roles. They do a wonderful job, always assisting where they can. I’m sure you’ll join with me in thanking the Staff for their wonderful commitment.

Term 4 Swimming Program
This year we have been fortunate enough to receive a Sporting Schools Grant to assist us to run a Swimming Program for Kinder to Year 6 students. Over the past couple of years, we have struggled to find enough instructors, but we are hoping that we will be able to go ahead this year! The grant will go towards paying part of the cost of the program for families. The Program is planned to run at Moruya Pool in Term 4. This is a great initiative and promotes water safety. A special thank you to Mrs Grant for her effort and organisation. It will certainly benefit all our students!

Term 4 Calendar

We have another busy term ahead with a number of exciting events happening. Some key dates for the term include:

• Year 4 Assembly: Friday 17 October
• Year 4 Overnight Excursion: 23 – 24 October
• Mission Mass and Mission Market Day: 31 October
• Parent Expo for Kindergarten 2026: 30 October at 5.30pm
• Healthy Harold visit: 3 & 4 November
• Year 6 Assembly: Friday 7 November
• Kindergarten Orientation: 13 & 20 November (9.00am 11.00am)
• Year 5 Assembly: Friday 14 November
• Year 7 Transition for Carroll College: Friday 28 November
• Annual Awards Night: Friday 2 December at 5.30pm
• Nativity led by Kindergarten: Friday 5 December
• Graduation Mass and Candle Ceremony: 9 December at 9.15am
• Year 6 Graduation Evening: Tuesday 9 December
• St Mary’s Colour Run: Monday 15 December

Next term we ask all students to wear their summer uniform when they return to school. We look forward to the warm weather ahead.

I wish Mackenzie, Olivia and Maisie all the best in Sydney next Wednesday at the NSW Mackillop Athletics. We are very proud of your achievement.

All students return on Tuesday 14 October.  A Staff Spirituality Day will be held on Monday 13 October.

Enjoy a lovely holiday with your family.

Kind regards
Jo

Johanna Wain
Principal