Dear Parents and Carers,

Mr John Harnett's Retirement
Mr John Harnett will be retiring from his position at St Marys, having spent almost 40 years teaching here. What an achievement!  John's incredible contributions to the lives of so many students and their parents, will never be forgotten by the school community. 

At John's request, the staff organised for a quiet COVID safe and yet fitting farewell for him earlier in the week. It was wonderful to hear about the highlights of John’s career, including the teaching of several of our current teachers. I have enclosed John's speech in this newsletter. We will all miss John’s sense of humour and the way he could manage the children in his ‘firm but fun’ way. 

New Family 
Following our return to school, we are excited to welcome another new family to St Mary's. Welcome ..... Poppi (Yr 3) and Charlotte (Yr 5) and their family, I am sure the children will enjoy their time with us at St Marys.

2022 Class Structure
Normally by this time of year, I would be able to confidently inform you of the class structure for the following year. Late decisions due to COVID, recent enrolments and some staffing changes have made it difficult this year for me to be 100% certain of the structure.

I am able to inform parents however, that we have been provided 11 classes again for 2022, with an average class size of 20. We are very grateful to Catholic Education for their commitment and additional resourcing, allowing us to continue providing a quality learning environment for our students. 

With 11 classes across 7 grade levels averaging 30 students, the only way to keep classes small is to have a limited number of multi-age classes. Please see attached an information page that explains multi age classes.   

Click here for 2022 Class Structure 2022 FAQ's

If any parent wishes to discuss their child's class for 2022, please do not hesitate to contact me as soon as possible. I am very happy to place students in certain classes but not with a specific teacher. Please be assured that a great deal of thinking goes into this process to ensure the best possible outcome for your child’s learning. All children will have at least one close friend in their class. 

In our next newsletter, I will announce classes and their teachers for 2022, and on the final Tuesday (14 December), students will be informed of which class they will be in. The students will spend time with their 2022 class on that day. 

Enrolment Interviews
During the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of meeting and speaking with many parents who have made the decision to send their child/ren to St Mary’s in 2022. Normally when asked why parents are choosing St Marys, they speak of our family like community, strong christian values and our reputation. This year, it is positive to hear that parents are also choosing St Marys’ because they are aware of our great learning; both during the Remote Learning period and back in the classroom. Having potential new parents follow our St Mary's Facebook page is very positive. 

Kinder 2022 Orientation
What a perfect little group of children are coming into Kinder next year! They are so happy, energetic  and ready for school. During the past two weeks, Mrs Jacquie Stephen and Mrs Gen Schofield have hosted two very successful Orientation Days  for the children. Unfortunately, our parents were not able to come on site, hopefully, at the beginning of next year it will be very different.

All students, including our new Kinders will begin school on Tuesday, February 1. To allow the children to get into a routine, the Wednesday Kinder Rest Days will not start until Week 2 next year. On February  9, 16, 23 and March 2, Kinder children will stay at home to have a rest and allow Mrs Stephen time for preparation. More information will be coming home shortly.

School Assemblies
Early next week we will be having Stage 2 and Stage 3 assemblies under the COLA to give out awards and sporting medallions. Unfortunately parents and visitors are not able to attend. Photos will be posted on St Mary's Facebook for parents to see.  

Year 6 Graduation Mass and Awards
We are in the process of planning our Year 6 functions to celebrate the end of their primary school years. To prevent any potential spread of COVID, we will be closely adhering to Government regulations and restrictions.

Following a meeting with Father George yesterday, and in consultation with Catholic Education, it has been decided that we will be going ahead with our Year 6 Mass and Awards in the Church on Thursday December 9 at 11:30 am. To ensure it is private to our students and their families (limited to a small number of vaccinated adults for each student), we have needed to move the start time to 11:30 am. The Church has the capacity to host our Year 6 Graduation students and families will be in allocated pews. I apologise for this slight change of time. A note is being prepared with more information.

Graduation Dinner/ Disco and Big Day Out
I thank Mr Harpley, Mrs Afflick and Mr Prow for their work in organising these COVID safe activities, whilst also teaching, assessing and reporting on their students’ learning.

The students and their teachers will have a fabulous time at both events.

If parents decide to organise a dinner together while their children attend the Graduation Dinner, can I please ask you to make sure that the invitation is extended to all Year 6 parents. We can easily send notes home with children whose parents you do not know. 

Last Day Year 6 Send Off
Traditionally at St Mary’s, the Year 6 students are given a very loud and exciting send off from their peers and teachers. This year we will arrange a safe Cohort version of it, that probably means the Year 6 children will be running quite a distance. Parents are welcome to watch the activities from a distance, near the Church car park. 

Student Reports
Semester Two reports are currently being written. After such an unusual few months, the teachers have done a great job in ascertaining where students are up to in their learning. Reports will come home on Friday December 10. If you would like a Parent Teacher meeting, please contact your teacher for a time in the last week. We can arrange to cover classes for those meetings to be held during the day. 

Student Leadership 
This weekend I will have the pleasure of reading the 22 applications from Year 5 students for leadership positions for 2022. It is wonderful to see so many students feel they are leaders and would be proud to be school leaders at St Mary’s. Early next week, the students will be interviewed, and from there, potential school and house leaders will be selected to present a speech to their peers later in the week.  We are unsure yet as to when announcements will be made but they will know by the end of the year. I wish the children well with their interview ‘chats’ and speeches. 

Community Council Fundraiser - Aprons and Tea Towels
If you haven't already, please remember to order the beautiful tea towels and aprons, ideal for Christmas presents for family members. Hopefully in Term One,  we will have swimming lessons for all students and fundraising from the Community Council helps reduce costs to our families. 

School Leadership
Finally I'd like to finish by announcing some Leadership changes from 2022.

Following extensive leave over the past few years, Mrs Catrina Niddrie has decided to resign from her position as AP and teacher at St Mary’s. She will be missed by students and staff and I wish Catrina well with her future endeavours.

Having worked closely with Mrs Sue Heffernan as a Coordinator and Acting Assistant Principal for 2 years, I am thrilled to announce that Sue has recently been appointed Assistant Principal, commencing 2022. Sue is an exceptional educator and an excellent leader and role model for our teachers. We are very fortunate to have Sue with us to lead Student Learning and we are already seeing significant gains across all areas. Please see attached letter from Catholic Education.  

After many years, Mrs Marg Croese has decided to relinquish her role as REC and reduce her days working at St Marys. I have created a Pastoral Teacher Role for Marg to ensure that she remains with us, and is able to do what she does best; love and care for others.

Marg will work 2 days a week and coordinate all pastoral programs, parish and school connections. The children and staff will still have her with them as a significant person in their lives. On behalf of everyone, I thank you Marg for giving so much of yourself and the amazing work you have done for both St Marys and the Sacred Heart Parish. Marg will also be a wonderful support for our new REC, who has very big (actually quite tiny) shoes to fill! 

Following a thorough application and selection process, I am pleased to announce that Mrs Jess Afflick has accepted the position as REC from 2022. Jess has been with us for many years and is truly dedicated to St Mary’s. Her gentle demeanour and the high level of respect of her colleagues and parents, holds her in good stead to be on the Leadership Team and have the very special responsibility of leading Religious Education.

With Sue Heffernan’s appointment as Assisstant Principal, her substantive position as Coordinator will now be filled by Mr Justin Bateman. Justin has been acting in this role for 2021 and has proven to be a very effective team member. Justin’s strengths as an organiser and facilitator of programs makes him an invaluable member of the Leadership Team.

2022 is looking very bright. We have a cohesive and forward thinking Leadership Team, amazing teaching and support staff, great parents (we have almost forgotten what they look like) and the most beautiful children in any school in Australia.  We have so much to be grateful for and we thank God for the gifts of each other.  

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.”

In all things may God be glorified

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!

On Wednesday morning the school held a farewell breakfast for much loved teacher Mr John Harnett. John and his wife Gail joined staff on Wednesday 24th November to celebrate John's long standing teaching career and to farewell him in style.

John announced his retirement after 40 years of teaching, the majority of these years were at St Mary's. John received many messages of congratulations from people all over the world! 

Click here for Messages of Farewell and Congratulations to John

Messages from John's children...

Dad,

Congratulations on your retirement! I thought I would start with some of my Year Six memories: 

Paddle pop stick construction 
Projects in a project book – One on whales and one on Dennis Lillee!
Mars Bars Sporting achievements
Being an old lady in our Year 6 play and wearing grandma's jewellery!
Our Year Six formal and your thoughtful introductions for each child – and who can ever forget the boys singing ‘You’re so Vain.’ 
All the sport!
A music lesson involving a Creedence Clearwater Revival song!
Birrigai Program 
And Saying ‘Good morning, Mr Harnett’ each day! 

I also remember from a young age that you always had ex-students come and visit you and this speaks volumes about who you are. 

You were a highly dedicated teacher who always spent time building up an excellent rapport with each and every one of your students. You brought the world to our classroom. Your knowledge, your passion, your sense of humour, your willingness to listen, your high expectations, and your behaviour management strategies (alphabetical order, xxx system etc) always added up to a well-run, happy classroom where students loved to be.

Congratulations Dad on all you have achieved throughout your teaching career, especially at St Mary’s. You have generations of families who all think you’re wonderful and you inspired me to become a teacher too. 

Thank you for all your hard work and effort as a teacher and a dad. And I know two little grandkids who can’t wait to spend more time with their Pop!  Rachel

Good morning Mr. Harnett. Seeing everyone reflect on the influence you have had on their lives as a teacher comes as no surprise. Still to this day, I have people tell me stories or share insight into something that has stuck with them that they learned from you. It’s a proud feeling, knowing people are compelled to share that with me. 

Year 6 definitely defined my outlook on learning. Finding out what interests you and pursuing that, that a bit of friendly competition can push people to find their best, and to just read a book. However, I do feel my grammar may still be questioned here. 

I still respect the day you saw me in the principal's office for something, and just walked on by. Only to talk about it once I got home. What happened to, “what happens at school, stays at school”. You've earned this beer. Chris 

Mr. H! Congratulations on your retirement, People still tell me nice stories and say how wonderful you were as a teacher. You put your heart into teaching and I know how much you cared about all of your students. You always made sure just as much fun was had in the classroom as learning and you had the ability to make even the boring subjects interesting, finding a way to sneak The Dragons, The Beatles, and your other favourite bands in. Thank you for always having an answer to our many questions, I know I always had a lot! Thank you, also, for all the times I came up to you on playground duty, giving me money for treats at the tuck shop even though you knew Mum had packed me a yummy lunch. I’m glad we could make everyone in the classroom laugh all of those times I put up my hand and said ‘Dad’ instead of ‘Mr Harnett.’  Brooke 

EXTRACTS FROM JOHN'S FAREWELL SPEECH

Invited guests, friends and students,

How do you sum up 40 years? How is it work when you are lucky enough to do something you love and get to hang around with kids all day? How blessed was I to spend the bulk of my teaching career at St Mary's in such a caring and inclusive community, with, thankfully, a sense of humour! I also had four years in Canberra and in Canada.

How fortunate was I to work with such an eclectic, dedicated, inclusive, talented staff, yep, I'm including you Janet! The faces changed over the years but the attitude never did.

And how great was it to have the opportunity to work with so many ex-students towards the end. They were all terrific people, yep, even you Jess, what brilliant teachers they are! They left their old teacher in the shade!

Just a special thanks here to Tony and Jen Ward who took the time to show me that I could understand and utilise technology. It was not completely beyond me. I had to make an effort though! With the guidance and support of Jess, Justin, Megan, Carla, Jacqui and Catrina (another ex-student of mine!) and others.

Thanks to all the principals and executive over the years. I have learned different things from all of them. Gail and I also really appreciated their support in many different ways, and none more so than when the first of our very special grandchildren came into the world. They provided us with the opportunity to give the support and time that was needed to help our family. Particular thanks to Noeleen with her assistance when my knees finally gave out, and, in the transition to my retirement.

Many happy memories to recall...

The great trips we went on with Stage 3, Sydney and Eden and Bournda in particular. Some very interesting accommodation, and the time we nearly got swept into the gutters in Sydney and almost floated away in the underground train system!

Annette, most of those trips would not have been possible without your expertise and advice.

Friday afternoon cricket, I enjoyed it as much if not more than the kids did! Kids grew up so much on those afternoons, learning responsibility, having a go, teamwork, how to deal with disappointment and success and even how to score! The annual clash with Jeff's "golden boys" from St Bernards and the importance of winning THAT game.

The many rugby league, union, soccer, hockey, touch footy teams coached. Cross country, athletics, swimming carnivals, debating and public speaking squads, the artworks for the Flower show and the success of the bike-athons were all opportunities for kids to grow and succeed outside of the classroom. This all took effort, but the rewards were obvious to all!

The Year 6 Formal as it was originally called, now the Year 6 Graduation, - another brilliant idea from Mrs Croese, who after two years successfully flicked it to me to organise!  It did not make me happy, but it is something that I eventually derived great pleasure and satisfaction from, not that I would let Mrs Croese know that at the time ...

The kid's speeches and intros were always so imaginative, but the highlights were the productions and plays they put on. The colour, the costumes, ideas, leadership, support and involvement of everyone, the fun we had! And who could forget the year Harry Hadley, brilliant guitarist he is, he learnt and played an intro for every class member - 30 students!!

And how fortunate was I to teach my own three kids. What a privilege it was to work closely with them for 12 months and be involved with them for all those years on a daily basis. Although at times I'm not sure they would agree with the word fortunate!

To the parents and carers, I have always appreciated the support and assistance from all of you over the years. The ideas you had, the help you gave, and at times the encouragement when I wasn't quite sure things would work!

Finally to the kids, you made my working life seem not like work at all and made those 40 years just fly. I don't know how you did it!  THANK YOU.

Southern Region Public Speaking
Congratulations to the following students who represented St Mary’s in the virtual Southern Region Public Speaking Competition last week.

Year 3 - Elka H & Felicity P

Year 4 - Asher B & Xavier H

Year 5 - Scarlett P & Samira R

Year 6 - Michaela F & Charlie G

Speaking using a virtual platform was a new experience for the students and they handled themselves with much poise and confidence. It was a privilege to be part of the day and see the students speak with such confidence. The topics were informative, entertaining and very well prepared. You have made our school community proud. 

Student Reports on Compass
This semester's student reports will be released through the Parent Portal on Compass.  Please use the following link and instructions to log in. 

Instructions for finding our school through the desktop:

1. Go to https://www.compass.education/
2. Click on ‘Find your School’
3. Click on ‘Search your School’ and type in Moruya
4. Choose ’St Mary’s Primary School - Moruya’
5. Hit ‘Let’s Go’ and you will be asked to enter your username and password provided by the Front Office

Justin Bateman
Coordinator

YEAR 5 LEARNING UPDATE

Religion (Conceptual Inquiry)
How do different types of texts influence your understanding? As part of our Conceptual Inquiry, Year 5 have been introduced to how visual, written and spoken texts influence our understanding. This term we are looking at Mary as a case study and inquiring into her life through a variety of texts. We have been appreciating and interpreting song lyrics, contemporary painting and drawings and making connections to the Gospels. The students are demonstrating deep thinking and reasoning as they connect to different elements of Mary’s life.  

English
In English this term, we have been focussing on ‘Writing to Inform’. Using the Seven Steps to Writing Success program. Students have been exposed to writing interesting information reports and have investigated a topic of choice, including animals, places, crystals and early years inventions. Following on from this, we began investigations into newspapers and writing reports as a journalist. We were very fortunate to be given a historic newspaper ‘The Shoalhaven and Nowra News’ from 1967. Using this, we browsed articles, compared advertisements and looked at the different vocabulary of reports in the 60’s. The students were amused by the items for sale like the 1960’s hair dryer system and the price of lollies. We then compared and contrasted this old newspaper with a current newspaper. These lessons were highly engaging and much was learnt about newspapers and reporting in the early years. 

Maths
The children in Year 5 and Year 6 are enjoying piloting a new program called Maths Pathways. This is a tailored maths program that meets each student at their point of need based on collected and analysed data. The program consists of a combination of energersiers (getting our maths brains switched on), mini lessons with our teachers and the students working on their individualised learning modules. The children are all very engaged and enthusiastically participating in their online activities at home with their families. This program will continue at St Mary’s in 2022 for the Stage 3 learners.

Science
During this terms' chemical science unit ‘Facts of the Matter,’ Year 5 have been busy exploring solids, liquids and gases. The students are learning that the three states of matter have different observable properties, and behave in different ways.

During this activity, Year 5 are measuring the viscosity of various liquids, by timing how long it takes for each liquid to run down an incline.

YEAR 6 LEARNING UPDATE

English
Year 6 have completed their unit on Poetry. The students loved to write rhyming poems and tried to incorporate some of the strategies they learnt to make a good poem.

YEAR 6 POEMS

War

I hear the gunshots clear and loud, 

Time to make my country proud.

Nothing stopping me from shooting this gun.

But this isn’t my idea of fun.

I take a deep breath, put my thoughts away,

Please let this be over soon, I pray.

I ready my gun, and carefully take aim,

Then I feel excruciating pain.

I fall to the ground not knowing what to do

Seems my worst nightmare is true.

Everything fades, I’m about to die,

Thinking about life, I start to cry.

Goodbye harsh world, I’ve come to an end.

I pray for my family, I pray for my friend.

I wait on the ground thinking my last thought.

I reflect on the memories that life has brought.

At least where I’m heading there will be no war,

Fighting and violence will be no more.

I close my eyes, my last breath I release.

At least where I’m going, there will be peace.  Sahara

We have had lots of fun in the sun.

We ran and ran, but the games were banned.

It’s been a rough year but we got through it,

Let’s cheer!

We’ve had lots of fun, but that’s not all we’ve done.

We ‘ve learnt a lot and to leave it really hurts.  Roary

Year 6 has been the best for me

A happily ever after!

Happy and cool all through the day.

With lots of fun and laughter.

Mrs Afflick and Mr Prow,

You’ve helped me all the way.

I finished Year 6 with your help.

I just don’t know what to say.  Millie-Rose

Diamante Poem
Yr 6

Action-packed, Unusual

quickly, annoying, enjoyable

Home, school,  swim, sport

Loudly, passing, silently

Disappointment, elation

End.  Michaela

Who likes home learning?

But I’m so glad that we are returning.

Year six has been fun,

But Mr Harpley wants to shoot us with a gun.

Can’t wait for graduation,

This will be a celebration.

Bianca is tall,

Gig’s is small.

Primary school has been fun,

But High School here we come!  Vivian

Science
In Science we have been looking at chemical changes. Last week we demonstrated the effect that yeast has when making bread. Students made predictions about what would happen when you made the bread with and without yeast.  

Religion (Conceptual Inquiry)
We have been looking at the life of Mary through a variety of texts and art. Year 6 is gaining an understanding and appreciation of her life by interpreting the lyrics of songs and comparing them to the Gospel versions by Matthew and Luke. They are then asked to make connections to their own lives. (Photos in file)

Canberra Goulburn Summer Sport Trials

Primary Touch Football, Tennis and Basketball are back and running very early in Term 1 2022. Trials are open to students in Year 5 and 6 in 2022 and have competitive skills in this sporting area. There can be arrangements made for competitive Year 4 students also and further advice can be sought by contacting Sheree Bush at CE. Registrations for these summer trials are open now and will close soon. Only registered students will be able to compete at the event. 

Click here to register your child's details for this event

Over the years, we have had many students successfully move through the pathways for many various sports events and competitions and it is a great way to showcase skills and talents in the CG and MacKillop Diocese.

For further information or if you have any queries, please feel free to contact me at school on 44 742817 or via email megan.grant@cg.catholic.edu.au.

Winter trials information will be conducted in March for the events of Netball, Soccer. Rugby League (Opens and 11 yrs) so keep an eye out on the newsletter, school facebook page and the CG Sport Facebook page for further details in 2022.

Dates for Term 1:  (may be subject to change)

Athletics Update

This seems like a VERY long time ago. Due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns, there has been a delay in getting ribbons and medals but we are now back on track. There have also been LOTS of questions from the Year 6 students about the winner…..

Congratulations to CASSIDY house on winning the 2021 Athletics Carnival. It was only by a very small margin between all three houses - so a BIG congratulations to all of our amazing students across our school on an increased participation and big efforts on the day. I am very much looking forward to our regular sports timetable in 2022.

Below is a list of age champions and runners up for this year's carnival. While some events were modified and ran in different ways, we still managed to collate all the information to award these outstanding athletes. Thanks to Mr Campbell and Mr Bateman for running events during PE sessions throughout semester 2.

Congratulations to the following students:

I have ribbons ready for presentation and details are being finalised for how they will be distributed to students.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Megan Grant

Thank you to the families who have already finalised their fees for 2021.

A friendly reminder that all fees are to be finalised by the end of school year. Please contact the school office (ph: 02 4474 2817) if you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, or any other circumstances.

2021 Christmas Lunch - Volunteers & Donations requested.

If you are able to assist with donations of food and/or volunteer to help serve meals on Christmas Day at the Red Door Hall.