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Term One is almost over. We have had an incredibly busy start to the school year and achieved so much.
We have recently undergone our school’s Compliance Review of Registration, an extensive process completed by schools every five years to ensure they have evidence that meets NESA and CECG obligations.
We welcome a new student Esther into Kindergarten. The girls in the class are especially delighted that another little girl has joined them!
Attendance and 100% Attendance Party with Mrs O’Neill
Part of the Registration process was checking student attendance, explanations for unexplained absences and approved exemptions. As mentioned earlier in the term, parents are legally obligated to send their children to school every day and have satisfactory explanations for when they are absent.
Since COVID, schools across Australia have noticed a significant drop in attendance and St Mary’s is experiencing the same. Absences on Mondays and Fridays being the most common.
One of our challenges is having explanations for absences within the required time frame. Can I please remind parents of how important it is to explain absences so they are not recorded as ‘Unexplained’. If you need any help with Compass, please contact your child's teacher or the Front Office.
As a way of promoting and rewarding high attendance at St Mary’s, we have decided to reward excellent attendance with a 100% Attendance Party in the last week of each school term.
In Term One, we have 31 students from Kinder to Year 6 who have attained the 100% mark. They have attended school every single day and had two or less late arrivals or early departures. These students will be acknowledged and treated to a special party next week. I apologise in advance if the children come home a little energised!
Parent Information Night
Please mark the evening of Wednesday June 12 on your calendars for a special Parent Night at St Mary’s.
At the request of the School Community Council, we will be hosting an Information Night about Learning and Data at St Mary’s.
Mrs Heffernan will present an explanation of our Literacy and Numeracy Instructional Programs, the analysis of student and school data including NAPLAN and our school interventions.
We will organise child care for those parents who require it. More information will come home early next term.
First Reconciliation
Congratulations to the 15 students who will be making their First Reconciliation next Wednesday evening. With the support of their teachers Mrs Megan Grant and Mrs Alicia Hampson and our REC Mrs Gen Schofield, the students have gained a good age-appropriate understanding of what the sacrament means. Through prayer, scripture, poetry and art, they have learnt about seeking and receiving forgiveness for their wrongdoings. We pray for Charlotte B, Reign C, Ryan F, Theodore J, Emilia K, Benjamin L, Bentley McD, Calvin M, Bernadette S, Evander S, Alonso V, Cooper VW, Patrick W, Harriet W, Elsie L and their families during this special time.
Staffing
Early next term, I will be taking three weeks Long Service Leave to spend some time with my adult children living in Queensland. During my absence, Mrs Sue Hefferrnan will be Acting Principal and Mrs Gen Schofield will be Acting Assistant Principal.
If you have any concerns during this time, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Heffernan.
We have employed Mrs Christine Greig to assist Mrs Schofield in Kinder as she will need some additional time off class. Mrs Greig is well known to all of the children at St Mary’s and she loves her time in Kindergarten.
It will also be wonderful to have Mrs Jess Aflick back two days a week from next term. One day just isn't enough!
Gold Coin Mufti Day Fundraiser
A reminder that on the last day of Term One Friday April 12 we will be having a Mufti Day at school to raise money to go to Caritas to provide much needed water, food and medical supplies for the people in Gaza.
For those parents new to school, a Mufti Day is a day when students can come to school in casual clothes and are asked to bring a gold coin for the privilege of it!
Our Stage 3 students will hold a cake stall on this day and sell their iceblocks too. Please send along some extra money as the proceeds from the mufti day and the sale of these tasty treats will all go to https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/gaza-crisis/
Please make sure that your children wear closed in shoes for safety.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful upcoming school holiday. Please stay safe and keep well.
God’s blessings of you and your families
Mrs Noeleen O'neill
Principal
Year 6 Science and STEM Enrichment Program
This term the first group of Year 6 students have participated in the Science & STEM Enrichment program on Tuesday’s at Carroll College. The students have joined with peers from St Bernard’s, Batemans Bay and have been taught by Carroll College teachers, Mr Andrew Kenneally and Ms Danielle Ciuffetelli.
Our students have really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in these lessons. Some of the highlights have included:
- Investigating a crime scene scenario and using evidence to work out what happened and who may have caused the crime.
- Mixing cabbage juice with different liquids to find the ph level.
- Creating and launching rockets - students learnt that to be successful, their rockets needed strong aerodynamics, even weight distribution and fins that could spin.
- Working with the Year 6 students from St Bernard’s was great.
Next term the second group of Year 6 students will complete this program at Carroll College.
ANZAC Day 2024
On Thursday 25 April we will commemorate ANZAC day and acknowledge the service of men and women serving their country and pursuing peace. We would like to encourage as many of our students K-6 to represent St Mary’s and attend one of the ANZAC services being held on that day.
The ANZAC Dawn Service at Tuross Head will be held at the Memorial Gardens, Plantation Point and the service begins at 5:30am. Students who are attending this service are asked to be at the Memorial Gardens by 5:20am. Spencer and Leo (Year 6) have been invited to lead the Lord’s Prayer and lay the wreath at this service.
The ANZAC Service and march at Tomakin begins at the Rivermouth General Store, corner Sunpatch and Kingston Parades. Students are asked to assemble here at 6:45am and then begin the march at 7:00am to the Tomakin Sports and Social Club where the service will take place. During the service a wreath will be laid by student representatives from St Mary’s when they are called.
Students wishing to join the march in Moruya are asked to meet at Russ Martin Park (opposite Adelaide Hotel) at 10:20am. The march will begin at 10:30am and move along Vulcan St, left into Mirrabooka Avenue and then left into Page Street to the RSL Memorial Hall. Here there will be an ANZAC commemoration Service and Wreath Laying at 11:30am where student representatives from St Mary’s will lay a wreath.
Students are asked to wear their full summer school uniform when attending these ANZAC services and to please wear their school hat for the Moruya march at 10:30am. We thank you in advance for representing our school at this very important occasion.
Catholic Schools Week Term 2 Week 2 (6-10 May)
Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the innovative learning and faith development that occurs in Catholic schools every day.
On Wednesday 8 May we will be holding our School Open Day. This is a chance for everyone, not just current parents and families, to witness the vibrant faith and learning environments that we offer at St Mary’s. We have dedicated teachers and staff, children filled with curiosity and brimming with potential. We offer a supportive and inclusive community with a focus on learning.
If you have not visited our school in a while I encourage you to do so on the 8 May and see what a contemporary Catholic education has to offer. Please share your story of Catholic education with prospective parents and invite them to also visit our school on 8 May.
Year 6 Leadership Day
During Catholic Schools Week, on Monday 6 May, St Mary’s will host a Year 6 Leadership Day for the Year 6 students from St Mary’s and St Bernard’s. It will be a day filled with opportunities for the students to explore a range of concepts including building positive relationships, teamwork, resilience and following their dreams. More information will be communicated to Year 6 parents next term.
God bless and take care
Mrs Sue Heffernan
Assistant Principal
Last week we celebrated Holy Week. We began the week with students participating in the Palm Sunday Mass. On Holy Thursday, students in Stage 3 did a wonderful job of acting out the fourteen Stations of the Cross with great reverence in a very special liturgy. On Easter Sunday, students took part in a liturgical dance to the Gloria and other parts of the Mass as we celebrated Jesus' Resurrection. Thank you very much to the children and their families who could attend the weekend Masses.
Project Compassion
Thank you for supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion Campaign during Lent. Your generosity will work for the freedom of those living in poverty, challenge unjust structures, and empower people to work for a sustainable way of life.
A very special mention must go to Year 4 students Fergus P, Sienna B, Willa M and Nicholas A. These students organised a meeting with me to discuss their deep concerns about the war in Gaza and what we can do as a school community. The students presented excellent fundraising ideas, and as a result, we will be having a mufti day next Friday 12 April to raise much-needed funds. I was so impressed with the maturity, passion and leadership these students demonstrate, both at school and in the community. Please support their efforts next Friday by sending in gold coins with your child.
Sacrament of First Reconciliation
On Wednesday 10 April at 6:00 pm, fifteen of our Year 3 students will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time at a special ceremony at Sacred Heart Church. Friends, classmates and family are warmly invited to join us at the Church. A special thank you to Mrs Megan Grant, Mrs. Alicia Hampson and Mrs Carla Durnan for preparing the students. Please keep our First Reconciliation candidates in your prayers:
Charlotte B, Reign C, Ryan F, Theodore J, Emilia K, Benjamin L,
Bentley M, Calvin M, Bernadette S, Evander S, Alonso V,
Cooper VW, Patrick W, Harriet W & Elsie L.
Altar Serving
Fr. George is seeking volunteers for altar serving at weekend Masses. If your child has received First Eucharist they are eligible. Parents of interested students should contact Vickie Moore (parish secretary) on 44742024 or moruya@cg.org.au
Mrs Genevieve Schofield
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)
Dear Parents and Carers
ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies.
Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/)
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
- Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/)
- Read the Privacy Collection Statement below.
- Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf)
- Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: (shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps)
- Enter our school’s access code – SJE888
- Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.
ICAS results and certificates
All assessments will be conducted online, at school. We will notify you of the date(s) that we will run ICAS assessments, and when your child’s ICAS results are ready. Your child’s ICAS certificates will be delivered to school. Once we have received them, we will present them to your child to bring home. The back of the certificate will show your child’s ICAS results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. - Use these to enter the Results Portal orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent
Privacy collection statement
The following information is a privacy notification about how your child’s data is kept private and secure.
ICAS Assessment is owned by Janison Solutions Pty Ltd (We, Us, Our).
To deliver assessment products, Janison will require your child’s School to obtain your consent to provide Janison with certain personal information of students. Janison will collect, store, use, disclose and otherwise deal with such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy (below). We are aware of our responsibility to protect personal information related to children and students from being disclosed when we deliver an ICAS Assessments product. Unless you, as the child’s legal guardian consents, we will not:
- collect any personal information or data of children other than the information we need for the successful completion of an assessment, test, or exam.
- transfer any personal information we obtain from a child in the delivery of assessments and tests to any jurisdiction outside of Australia.
- share any personal information relating to children with any third parties (except for those third parties necessary for us to carry out our Services or provide our Products e.g., medal engraving).
- use any personal information or data relating to children for marketing purposes.
You can view our full privacy policy at https://www.janison.com/privacy-policy/.
We may retain personal information and data relevant to a child for their future purposes or for research purposes by Janison for the duration of the school life cycle of the child. However, if you or your child at any time wish to have their personal information or data removed from our systems, they or you may opt out by simply contacting our Privacy Officer at privacy@janison.com or by contacting icasassessments@janison.com.
We are excited to be offering ICAS to our students this year and look forward to celebrating their achievements. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
ICAS Assessments 2024
|
Subject |
Sitting Window |
Cost |
|
Digital Technologies (Yrs 3-6) |
5 Aug – 9 Aug 2024 |
$19.95 |
|
Writing (Yrs 3-6) |
5 Aug – 9 Aug 2024 |
$23.95 |
|
English (Yrs 2-6) |
12 Aug – 16 Aug 2024 |
$19.95 |
|
Science (Yrs 2-6) |
19 Aug – 23 Aug 2024 |
$19.95 |
|
Spelling Bee (Yrs 2-6) |
19 Aug – 23 Aug 2024 |
$19.95 |
|
Mathematics (Yrs 2-6) |
26 Aug – 30 Aug 2024 |
$19.95 |
Parent orders close Monday 29 July 2024
Mr Justin Batman
Coordinator
Year 2 has had a fantastic term of learning and fun together. Each day we begin with a morning slide where we rehearse our 5 L’s for learning, find out what’s happening for the day and use our entry and exit routines. Meditation is an important part of our day where we come together and pray as a class family.
In Maths we love working in our Connecting Maths Concepts (CMC) groups from Monday-Thursday. The children are using the four operations to consolidate their learning of key concepts in Maths, extending their knowledge of number families, times tables and place value.
Each Friday we delve into our Ochre units. We have been examining three dimensional shapes and their properties, exploring fractions and measuring the length of various objects (including our feet!) Friday is always enjoyable with an extra focus on a hands-on approach to our maths learning.
In English we have been working in both our Spelling Mastery and InitiaLit groups to deepen our knowledge and improve our reading, writing and spelling skills. We use the mini whiteboard during InitiaLit and Direct Instruction programs to demonstrate our learning and receive instant feedback from the teacher and our peers. Two examples are: We predicted what would happen next in our story ‘The barking dog’; we selected our favourite season of the year, giving reasons for our choice. We have been learning about different types of sentences, such as a question, statement or command, and how we can use these to improve our reading and writing skills.
We chose an animal to research and wrote our own informative text booklets - including details such as the scientific name, classification and interesting facts. We really enjoyed sharing our booklets with Year 1 and Kindergarten.
On Fridays we have our targeted reading groups with our parent/grandparent helpers leading each group to help improve fluency and decoding skills.
In Religion we have been learning about God’s plan for creation; how we can live safely and happily in community and in a loving relationship with God. Through a Godly Play, we listened to the story of the Good Samaritan and understood that everyone is our neighbour. We wrote about what we could do to be more like God and we wrote prayers of thanks.
We have been following the Easter story through Holy Week and sequenced what happened to Jesus and his followers over this most important time in the Church year.
In Science we have been learning about living things, how they grow and change over time. We examined what an ecosystem is, viewed microscopic living things from pond water through a microscope and sketched scientific drawings. Our favourite event was introducing our tadpoles into the classroom and watching their metamorphosis into frogs over a number of days. This prompted lots of excellent discussion and wonderment.
In PDHPE we have been training for Cross Country by improving our running skills and distance. We enjoy games like octopus tag where we work as a team and have fun together.
In Performing Arts the children have been learning about musical concepts such as beat, rhythm and pitch. We have been playing our instruments to accompany different songs such as ‘the dinosaur stomp’ and ‘around the world’.
Mrs Fran Devonald
2 Blue Teacher
This award is an acknowledgment that students have been
outstanding and have gone above and beyond in the
classroom and on the playground!
|
Kinder B |
For working hard to form letters correctly - beautiful handwriting Payge! |
|
1 Blue |
For making excellent growth with his tricky word reading and displaying wonderful decoding strategies for unknown words! |
|
2 Blue |
For trying hard to extend her writing and add details to her written texts. I am so proud of your efforts, Skyla |
|
3 Blue |
For ALWAYS doing her best! Hattie never gives up and consistently approaches all learning with positivity. I am very proud of you! |
|
3/4 Maroon |
Always doing her best by completing ALL set work in a timely fashion and to a very high standard. |
|
4 Blue |
For his excellent History research project about Douglas Mawson. Outstanding work |
|
5 Blue |
For persistent and consistent effort across all key learning areas resulting a wonderful first term at St Mary’s |
|
5/6 Maroon |
Your consistent display of leadership and maturity in every aspect of learning at St. Mary’s is truly admirable. Keep up the excellent work. |
|
6 Blue |
For consistently being on task and ready to learn. You are a fantastic role model for your peers. |
|
Kinder B |
For writing addition number sentences and solving them by counting on from the first number. |
|
1 Blue |
For her engagement in all learning sessions consistently displaying a positive, hardworking attitude towards her learning. Well Done Camden! |
|
2 Blue |
For her outstanding engagement and focus in her Mastery sessions and a terrific result in her spelling test. Way to go, Harper! |
|
3 Blue |
For her engagement in all mastery sessions and positive, hardworking attitude towards her learning. Well done Reign! |
|
3/4 Maroon |
For consistently acting as a positive role model and setting a wonderful example for his peers and younger students to follow. |
|
3/4 Maroon |
Demonstrating a high level of focus and enthusiasm during all Reading Mastery lessons. |
|
4 Blue |
For her continued dedicated effort, striving for improvement across all learning areas! |
|
5 Blue |
For working hard on his PDHPE assessment about how we are influenced to make good decisions with our health |
|
5/6 Maroon |
Your exemplary behaviour as a positive role model and your improved organisation with Classroom Mastery routines. Keep up the wonderful effort! |
|
6 Blue |
For an out of this world water bottle rocket designed during STEM. |
|
REC |
Taking action to make the world a better place with brilliant fundraising ideas for Gaza. |
NSWCPS Swimming
Congratulations to the boys from St Mary’s who competed in the NSWCPS Swimming Championships on Wednesday. Ky N, Cooper C, Leo and Spencer S all travelled to Sydney and joined the Canberra Goulburn Swim Team. The boys all had a fantastic day and were a credit to both our school and diocese. The highlight was a very narrow margin in the senior boys relay event where they placed in incredible 4th. This is such a huge achievement with all boys shaving time off their previous relay times. Everyone at St Mary’s are very proud of you all.
Cross Country
Unfortunately, the predicted wet weather forced us to move the date of the Cross Country to next Tuesday 9 April. All other details will remain the same however, if the ovals and grass areas are too wet, we will move the run to the cycle track. The Cross Country will be a K-6 event, with all students taking part in either a competitive 2 km (8, 9, 10 yrs), 3km (11, 12 yrs) run or a fun run of 1km. More details are available on COMPASS. All families and friends are welcome to attend and join in the cheering and fun. The Southern Region Cross Country will be held in Wolumla on Thursday 2 May.
Canberra Goulburn Soccer Trials
Next Tuesday, Cooper C and Ky N will be trialling for the Canberra Goulburn Soccer team at Southwell Park in Canberra. We wish them all the best for their selection into the MacKillop team, to play in Goulburn in May.
K-2 AFL Skills Day
On Friday, 12 April, our littlest students will be having an in school K-2 AFL skills session with John Dyball. This day is always a highlight for our little people as they enjoy lots of fun games and laughs, while learning invaluable hand/eye coordination and ball skills. More details are available on COMPASS.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Mrs Megan Grant
Sports Coordinator
