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Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome back to the final term of the school year! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful break and is feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting weeks ahead. Term 4 is always a special time in the school year as we reflect on all that has been achieved and look forward to celebrating our students’ learning and growth. It was lovely to welcome 2 new families to St Mary's this week, Anika (K), Ilaria (Yr 1), Louis (Yr 4) and Layla (Yr 5). We are delighted to have you join our school community!
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, led by Dr Stephen Brown, brought together internationally recognised educational leaders who shared insights on leadership, wellbeing, and school improvement.
Our final session, presented by Dr Peta Sigley, focused on the vital area of wellbeing. Dr Sigley shared both a framework and practical strategies to support the wellbeing of students, staff, and families. A key message was the importance of embedding wellbeing in everything we do, not as an add-on, but as part of the very fabric of our teaching, leading, and caring for one another as a community.
One of the strategies explored was the TIPP approach, which offers simple yet powerful ways to regulate emotions and promote calm:
- Temperature – using cold water or an ice pack to help regulate the body
- Intense exercise – short bursts of physical activity to reset the nervous system
- Paced breathing – slowing and regulating the breath
- Paired muscle relaxation – tensing and releasing muscle groups to create calm
These are strategies that we can use ourselves, as well as with our children, to help build regulation, resilience, and wellbeing in our daily lives.
St Mary’s Behaviour Policy
At St Mary’s, we believe that every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. We take pride in helping our students develop healthy and positive relationships with others.
Our staff regularly discuss behaviour expectations with students and encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried or concerned about an incident. We continue to focus as a whole school on explicitly teaching what respectful behaviour looks like, in the classroom, on the playground, and in all interactions with others.
At St Mary’s, we take a restorative approach to behaviour. This means that when an incident occurs, we focus on helping students understand the impact of their actions and supporting them to repair relationships. Depending on the nature and frequency of the behaviour, there may also be consequences, including a discussion with parents to ensure consistency between home and school.
Copies of our Pastoral Care and Welfare Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy are available on our school website for families who wish to learn more about our approach to student wellbeing and behaviour.
We encourage parents to contact their child’s classroom teacher as the first point of contact if an incident occurs. Our door is always open, we are here to support all students and families in any way we can.
This focus on respectful and restorative relationships aligns with our whole-school commitment to wellbeing. As we teach students strategies to regulate their emotions, build resilience, and care for others, we are nurturing a culture where every child feels a sense of belonging, safety, and connection.
Safeguarding Our Students
The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. Safeguarding means protecting children and young people, especially those who may be more vulnerable because of their age, background, or life experiences. It includes ensuring that all students are safe from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn is committed to meeting the Child Safe Standards, and we continue to work together to strengthen a culture where every child feels safe, supported, and valued at school.
Dance Program
We are delighted to share that we have secured the services of professional dance teacher Erika Hazleton, who will be running a series of dance sessions with each grade this term. Erika will be teaching the students a dance that they will perform at our Awards Night. These sessions form part of our Physical Education and Performing Arts curriculum, while also supporting student fitness, coordination, and confidence.
Dance sessions will be held each Thursday for five weeks, beginning Week 3 – Thursday, 30 October.
Students should wear their sports uniform every Thursday.
We look forward to seeing the joy and energy that these sessions will bring to our school each week!
Semester 2 Student Reports
Catholic Education has advised that Semester 2, 2025 Student Reports will include a general comment for all children. This comment will provide an overview of your child’s year, including areas of achievement and focus for future growth. A–E grading and attendance information will remain as normal.
Parents always have the option to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss the report and clarify any questions about the grades or comments. These meetings can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Please feel free to contact your child's teacher.
Teachers will also meet with families of students who are performing below benchmark to discuss progress and next steps. These conversations ensure that there are no surprises in the report and that families remain well informed about their child’s learning.
Catholic Leaders' Day
Next Tuesday 21 October (Week 2), I will be travelling to Canberra to attend Catholic Leaders Day and Principal Meetings. This gathering brings together leaders from across the Archdiocese and provides an important opportunity for reflection and collaboration.
We are fortunate to have both Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Executive Director David de Carvalho speaking at the conference, sharing insights about faith, leadership, and the future of Catholic education.
During my absence, Mrs Heffernan will be Acting Principal from Wednesday to Friday. I thank her for stepping into this role and supporting the school community in my absence.
As we begin Term 4, I look forward to a term filled with learning, community events, and celebration. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership in your child’s education. We wish Year 4 all the very best on their overnight excursion to Canberra next week.
Kind regards
Jo
Johanna Wain
Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Launching into Rocket Math at St Mary’s!
At St Mary’s, we are always looking for ways to strengthen our teaching and learning programs and ensure every student is supported to achieve their best. Based on advice 
from Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn and current educational research, we are excited to introduce in Term 4 — Rocket Math.
Rocket Math is a fun, structured, and evidence-based program designed to build students’ fluency with basic maths facts. It is a ten-minutes-a-day, supplemental maths facts practice program that helps students achieve automaticity — the ability to recall maths facts instantly and without hesitation.
Here’s how it works:
- Each student progresses through the program at their own pace, mastering two maths facts (and their reversals) at a time.
- Students practice orally with a partner each day, reinforcing both accuracy and speed.
- One-minute timing checks help determine when a student is ready to move on to the next set of facts.
This short daily practice complements our existing Mathematics Curriculum by providing focused opportunities to develop fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Just as reading fluency helps students recognise words instantly, maths fluency helps them recall facts automatically — freeing up mental space for problem-solving and deeper mathematical thinking.
We’re excited to see our students blast off into Rocket Math and strengthen their confidence and speed with number facts!
Healthy Harold Visits in Week 4!
We are excited to welcome Healthy Harold and the Life Education team back to our school during Week 4 this term! (Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 November) Thanks to generous funding from Bay Soldiers Club there will be no cost to families.
Life Education is a non-government health promotion charity that has been supporting the health and wellbeing of young Australians for more than 40 years. Many parents will fondly remember their own visits from Healthy Harold the giraffe — and the program continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s children.
The Life Education program is all about prevention through education. It helps students build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make safe and healthy choices as they grow. Lessons are designed to be interactive, engaging and age-appropriate, with sessions tailored for each year level.
Students from Kindergarten to Year 2 will enjoy a 1-hour session, while Years 3 to 6 will take part in a 1.5 hour session. Each session takes place inside the Life Education mobile classroom, led by a specialist educator and, of course, joined by everyone’s favourite giraffe, Healthy Harold!
This year, the program for students when they work with Healthy Harold and friends in a scenario story, and the educator about a situation, is as follows:
|
Year Level |
Module Title |
|
Kindergarten |
Safety Rules
|
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Year 1 |
Growing Good Friends
|
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Year 2 |
Harold’s Online World
|
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Year 3 |
Friends and Feelings
|
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Year 4 |
bCyberwise
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Year 5 |
Relate, Respect, Connect
|
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Year 6 |
Decisions
|
Classroom teachers will also use Life Education resources to plan follow-up activities in Health and Physical Education lessons, reinforcing the important messages covered during the sessions.
School isn’t just about learning to read and write — it’s also about helping students understand themselves, their health, and how to make positive choices. We’re thrilled to continue this partnership with Life Education to empower our students to live safe, healthy, and happy lives.
For more information about the Life Education program you can also visit the Life Education website or speak with your child’s classroom teacher.
God bless and take care,
Sue Heffernan
Assistant Principal
A very warm welcome back to Term 4, it is hard to believe we are here already. As we look to the term ahead we have plenty to look forward to and know it will be a busy and enjoyable time.
Mission Week
On Friday, 31 October, our school community will come together for Mass at 9:15am, followed by our much-loved Mission Market stalls. Each year level will host a stall, selling a range of creative, handmade or food items to raise funds for those in need. Our Year 6 leaders will also be running a variety of sports-based activities for students to enjoy throughout the morning. This annual event is always a highlight at St Mary’s; a joyful celebration of community spirit, student leadership, and compassion in action as we work together to make a difference for others. We ask students to come dressed in colourful mufti as we are helping others to create a bright future! We warmly invite families and parishioners to come and join in the festivities.
Your child’s teacher/s have emailed a list of supplies needed for their class to sell, so please check weekly memos to see how you can help. Here are a list of some of the stalls that are being hosted:
Kinder: Jelly cups
Year 1: Sensory Station
Year 2: Trash and treasure
Year 3: Lolly bags
Year 4: Cup cakes, rocky road and snow cones
Year 5: Ice cream spiders and crazy nails
Year 6: Hosting a variety of sports activities on the oval
Mini Vinnies - Operation Christmas Child
Our Mini Vinnies Team is excited to be leading this year’s Operation Christmas Child initiative. We are collecting donations of new toys, sports equipment, craft items, learning materials, and hygiene products to help bring joy to children in need. Donations can be brought to school up until Monday 20th October. For more information, please check your class list or contact Mrs Afflick.
Parish Mass Attendance
As part of our faith life at school, classes will join our parish community for Friday morning Mass at 9:15am where possible. These celebrations are a wonderful opportunity for students to come together in prayer and thanksgiving.
Families are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Mass alongside their children.
Week 2, Friday 24 October - Year 5
Week 3, Friday 31 October - Whole School Mass
Week 6, Friday 21 November - Year 2
Week 7, Friday 28 November - Year 3
Week 8, Friday 5 December - Giving Liturgy & Kinder Nativity
Week 9, Friday 12 December - Year 6 & Kinder Buddies
Prayers and Condolences
As a school community, we hold in our thoughts and prayers the Blanchard, Jokinen, and Irwin families following the passing of Emily, Jai’s (Year 1) cousin. We keep you close in our hearts and pray that you find comfort and strength in the love and support of our caring school community during this difficult time.
Mrs Jessica Afflick
Religious Education Coordinator
Mrs Carla Durnan
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)
Religion
This term in Religion, Year 3 is exploring the themes of social action and justice, with a focus on how we can be advocates for caring for creation. We have been learning that even small actions can make a big difference when it comes to looking after God’s world and showing kindness to others. Our discussions have centred around ways we can respond to the needs of our world through prayer, action, and community support. Students have also been learning about different types of prayer; especially prayers of petition, and how through prayer we can ask for God’s guidance and help to bring about positive change. Students reflect on how they can make thoughtful choices each day that show care and respect for creation.
Maths
We have launched into Maths in Term 4 with Rocket Maths in Year 3. Across the school this term, students have been launching into Rocket Maths; a fun and fast-paced program designed to strengthen mental maths skills and improve recall of key number facts. Each day, students have one minute to complete as many maths facts as they can, aiming to “beat their score” from the previous day. Year 3 are particularly loving the challenge, showing great enthusiasm and determination as they test their multiplication skills. It’s fantastic to see our Year 3’s developing confidence and celebrating their growth in maths through this engaging daily challenge!
English
Year 3 have been immersing themselves in the much-loved classic Charlotte’s Web this term. Together, students have been exploring the story’s rich vocabulary, identifying and unpacking new and interesting words from each chapter and using them in our Daily Review sessions to strengthen comprehension and writing skills. These new “wow words” are being used to create original sentences and short paragraphs, helping students expand their vocabulary and experiment with descriptive language.
In writing, we’ve also been revisiting how to craft a captivating opening paragraph that draws the reader in. Students are learning to include the who, where, when, and what in their opening lines to immediately set the scene and spark curiosity. It’s been inspiring to see students apply these techniques in their own creative writing, taking pride in using powerful words and thoughtful structure to bring their ideas to life!
Creative Arts
This term in Creative Arts, Year 3 students have been exploring the exciting world of printing, pattern, and colour. We have been unpacking a range of printing techniques and experimenting with different ways to use dye to create vibrant and textured effects. These skills are being developed in preparation for our major artworks later in the term, where students will combine their understanding of pattern, repetition, and colour to produce unique and meaningful pieces. Our art units are closely linked with our Geography and Religion studies this term, encouraging students to reflect on creation, place, and culture through their visual expression. We are looking forward to sharing these colourful and creative works with our families later this term!
Mrs Carla Durnan
Year 3 Teacher
Congratulations to Our MacKillop Athletics Representatives
A huge congratulations to Mackenzie H, Maisie B, and Olivia L, who proudly represented St Mary’s and the Archdiocese at the MacKillop Athletics Championships in Sydney during Week 10 of last term.
Olivia achieved an impressive 5th place in discus, an outstanding result, especially as one of the youngest competitors in the junior division. Mackenzie and Maisie also delivered exceptional performances in both high jump and discus, showcasing great skill and determination.
We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication, talent, and sportsmanship while competing at such a high level and I am sure we will see more of them in future competitions.. Well done girls!
CECG Individual Sports Trials
Students in Years 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to participate in Canberra Goulburn Individual Sports Trials for the 2026 school year. For the sports of Tennis, Basketball and Cricket, these trials take place this year (2025) in readiness for 2026. This is due to the continued pathways for these sports taking place early in the new year. Other sports, such as Rugby League, Netball, AFL, touch football etc will take place throughout the 2026 school year and details for all events will be communicated to families in the newsletter and via the CECG Sport Facebook page.
Please find below relevant information regarding Cricket, Tennis and Basketball trials taking place this term. Closing dates via the CSNSW website apply.
In exciting news, 2026 will see the introduction of the girls standalone rugby league pathway and team selection for PSSA Sport. In preparation for this exciting new pathway, we are inviting primary catholic school students in Years 4 -6 to attend the MacKillop Girls Rugby League Development day to build skills, raise awareness and be prepared for this opportunity. Please see below the eligibility criteria for those best to attend.
CECG Cricket Trials – 2026 Pathway
The CECG (Archdiocesan) Cricket Trials for 2026 will be held on Friday, 31st October 2025. These trials are open to boys and girls currently in Years 4–5 (please note, current Year 6 students are not eligible as this is the 2026 pathway). Students who currently play, or have previously played, competitive cricket are encouraged to register.
Successful students will then have the opportunity to attend the MacKillop Trials on 17th–18th November, ahead of the NSWPSSA Championships in February 2026.
Registrations are to be completed via the CSNSW Portal and will close on Friday, 24th October 2025.
Tennis and Basketball Trials - 2026 Pathway
The CECG (Archdiocesan) Tennis and Basketball Trials for 2026 will be held on Friday 21 November. These trials are open to boys and girls currently in Years 4–5 (please note, current Year 6 students are not eligible as this is the 2026 pathway). Students who currently play, or have previously played, competitive Tennis and Basketball are encouraged to register.
Registrations are open now on the CSNSW.
MacKillop Girls Rugby League Pathway Development Day Event
MacKillop Girls - 10-12’s years Rugby League Pathway Development Day
Date - Thursday 30 October
Eligibility - Students must meet all of the following
Students must be turning 10, 11, 12 in 2025*
Years: 4 - 6
Encouraging students who currently play rugby league, league tag or those interested in becoming tackle-ready to attend the day. Students who demonstrate skills and ability of being ‘tackle ready’ on the day will have the opportunity to trial for the 2025 MacKillop exhibition team via a 9 a side round robin (students in Year 5 & 6 only).
All other students will be engaged in a Rugby League development program, skills, tackle-ready session and league tag round robin in preparation for the 2026 pathway.
All students when registering will be required to self-nominate into one of two key groups:
Group 1: Rugby League experience* The student has had experience in training, playing in regular competition and is skilled and has some experience tackling as a rugby league player.
Group 2: Rugby League development * The student has played touch, oztag, league tag and has foundational skills in footy but have not engaged in tackle rugby league and has not yet acquired tackle skills.
Venue
Collegians Sports Centre - TBC
147 The Avenue, Figtree NSW 2525
Time
8:30am - 3:00pm
Close Date
Thursday 23 October 2025
Cost
$40
Further Representation
An exhibition MacKillop team will be selected from the Year 5 and 6 students able to compete in the tackle component of the Pathway Development Day. The selected team will be involved in a day development camp where they will play against the selected Polding representative team.
Date: Tuesday 25 November 2025
Venue: NSWRL Centre of Excellence
12 Dawn Fraser Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
For further information, please be in touch with me at school. This is an amazing opportunity for any of our girls interested in playing Rugby League.
Please be in touch if you have any questions or queries regarding the above information.
Intensive Swimming Program
We are excited to announce that St Mary’s students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be participating in a swimming program in partnership with the Moruya Swimming Pool and Bay Pavilions. Swimming is a lifelong skill and an essential part of water safety, especially in our coastal community. It also offers many health and wellbeing benefits. The program will begin in Week 4 at the Moruya Swimming Pool and will be delivered by experienced staff from both the Moruya and Batemans Bay Pools. Further details including consent forms, costs, and other arrangements will be shared with families next week via the COMPASS portal.
Please note that this year, only Kindergarten and Year 1 students will take part in a swim proficiency assessment on Friday, 31 October
Project Elevate Swimming Program
Today, our wonderful Year 2 students had the fantastic opportunity to participate in the Project Elevate Swimming Program at the Moruya Swimming Pool.
This program is a Royal Life Saving NSW initiative, designed to help 7–8-year-olds across the state build confidence and improve their swimming and water safety skills.
We are so pleased that our students could take part in this fantastic, fully funded program and are confident they will gain valuable lifelong swimming and safety skills through this experience.
