Newsletter 2025 Term 3 Week 10

PRINCIPAL NEWS - Mr Peter Hughes

As we come to the end of term three I hope that all students and staff have a restful holiday and come back recharged for what promises to be a hectic term four.

This week we have had a number of events that have allowed us to finish the term on a high. On Tuesday Fr Jiss and Deacon Joe celebrated a mass in our school hall. These are always special occasions and it was a wonderful mass with the children, staff and members of the wider community celebrating with reverence. We are scheduled to have another whole school mass in our hall on Wednesday 15th October at 9am. Please place this in your diary and try to join us. Thank you to Ms Murray for her organisation.

On Wednesday evening we saw many courageous students showcase their talents at our talent quest, St Mary’s On Stage. There were twenty six acts with performers displaying a variety of skills and talents. These ranged from singers and dancers, to musicians and comedians. There were displays of strength by our karate exponents, extreme flexibility by our contortionist and children showcasing their fitness by skipping and doing cartwheels. All in all a wonderful night. Congratulations to Mrs Presser and the senior students that worked behind the scenes to ensure the night ran smoothly. Thank you also to school staff and community council members for catering and working the door.

To finish off the term we had our annual Mission day stalls to raise money to assist the less fortunate overseas through Catholic Mission. There were many wonderful activities and I thank everyone for their participation on the day.

Stage One Worksamples

Due to Mrs Challen being on carers leave this week we have been unable to upload our writing worksamples for our Stage One students as planned. These will now be uploaded in week one of next term.

Summer Uniform

Students are required to wear their Summer uniform from the start of term four. This includes the school hat. Failure to wear a hat will see students sitting near the front office during the breaks.

School resumes on Tuesday 14th October.

AP NEWS - Mrs Katie Thompson

Change of Uniform in Term 4:

Students will return to school wearing their full summer uniform. Please see attached policy for detailed descriptions and pictures detailing the summer uniform.

Important Reminders:

• Girls socks are white crew (mid-calf length), not ankle socks.
• Boys socks are navy crew (mid-calf length), not ankle socks.
• Sport socks are white and should cover the ankle.
• All students are required to wear a hat on the playground - “No Hat, No Play.”
• School Bucket Hat with school crest, labelled with students name. (All students must wear a hat on the playground - “No Hat, No Play.”
• Hair should be a natural colour (no divergent colours), and if at shoulder length or longer, must be tied back with plain hair bands or ribbons in school colours only.
• No coloured nail polish or make-up should be worn to school. 
• Jewellery should only be ONE plain ring on ONE finger and ONE pair of studs or sleepers with one earring in the lobe of each ear.
• The only other jewellery permitted is a watch, and a small crucifix or other religious symbol on a fine chain. Medical alert bracelets are acceptable.

We thank parents for their continued support of our school’s uniform policy. Your commitment to ensuring your children come to school dressed in the correct uniform not only reflects pride in our school community but also helps to foster a sense of belonging and equality among students. 

Holidays and children’s online activity:

As we head into the holiday break, we encourage families to take some time to talk about online safety and healthy device habits. While technology can be a great tool for learning and entertainment, it’s also important to help children find balance.

We recommend setting clear boundaries around screen time and encouraging alternative activities such as reading, outdoor play, creative projects, or spending time with family and friends. These moments help build important life skills and lasting memories.

Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you a safe and restful holiday.

Safe-On-Social Kirra Pendergast: Guide to YouTube safety 

YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, has evolved into more than just a hub for entertainment. Read Kirra’s advice for maintaining safety for your children on this platform. 

RE - Ms Jillian Murray

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Mission Day Fair

What a wonderful way to end our term!

Today, St. Mary’s celebrated the end of Term 3 with its annual Mission Day Fair - a joyful event filled with fun activities, cheerful faces, and plenty of laughter. More than just a day of celebration, it was a meaningful opportunity for students to come together in support of Catholic Mission Australia, raising vital funds for a worthy cause.

Whole School Mass

On Tuesday this week, we marked the conclusion of a busy term with a school Mass. The celebration took place in the school hall, where Fr. Jiss led us in the liturgy. Deacon Joe also joined us to celebrate the Mass. It was wonderful to come together in prayer as a whole school community.

SCHOOL FEE REMINDER

A friendly reminder that Term 3 school fees are now overdue. If you currently have an outstanding balance on your school fee account, we kindly ask that you take steps to finalise your payment as soon as possible.

If you're unable to pay the full amount at this time, we strongly encourage you to set up regular payments through BPoint Enterprise Direct Debit. This service is designed to help families manage school fee payments more easily and consistently.

What is BPoint?

BPoint is a secure payment platform provided by the Commonwealth Bank. It offers a safe and reliable method for managing online payments, allowing families to pay using either a bank account or credit card (excluding AMEX). Please note: a small 0.5% surcharge applies to credit card payments.

How to Set Up Direct Debit

To establish a direct debit arrangement, please contact Mrs Dal Molin in the front office to discuss your preferred repayment frequency—weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

Once a payment schedule is agreed upon, you will receive an email with a secure link to complete and finalise your direct debit setup.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Dal Molin in the front office.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

SPORTS NEWS - Mrs Leonne Challen

Young League Stars Tag Gala Day - K-2

It is time for our infant students to have their turn to attend a NRL gala day!! On Wednesday 29th October students from Kindergarten to Year 2 will have the opportunity to go to Keith Cullen Oval from 10am to 12.30 to participate in league tag games. The day is for all students regardless of experience to come along and have some fun. If your child would like to participate please complete the online permission on Compass. It can be found in the events section. The permissions for this event will close on Thursday 16th October so please opt in for your child before then!

MacKillop Girls - 10-12’s years Rugby League Pathway Development Day 

An exciting new initiative has been developed for Girl’s Rugby League!! Registrations and all information can be found on the Canberra-Goulburn Sports Webpage.

Date: Thursday 30th October 

Venue: Collegians Sports Complex, Wollongong

Aim and overview of the day: 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. 

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. 

Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival - Training change for netball

The final training session will be held next Monday - Wk 2. Mrs Wright will supervise the students from 3pm and they are welcome to bring training clothes to change into after school. Students can be collected from the basketball courts by parents at 4pm. 

Archdiocesan Sport for 2026  - NOTIFICATION OF NEW TRIAL DATES

Please note that some Archdiocesan Sporting trials for 2026 will occur this year in Term 4. These trials will be open for students who will be in Year 5 & 6 in 2026. Registrations will be via the Canberra-Goulburn Sports Webpage.

2026 Cricket  - to be held in Queanbeyan on Friday 31st October 2025. Registrations are open now and will close on Friday 24th October.

**2025 Tennis - to be held at the Melba Tennis Club on Friday 21st November. Registrations are open now and will close on Monday 17th November.

**2025 Basketball - to be held in Belconnen on Friday 21st November. Registrations are open now and will close on Monday 17th November.

Links for the Canberra-Goulburn Sports Webpage:

LIBRARY NEWS - Mrs Joanne Murphy

CANTEEN NEWS - Mrs Jennifer Harden

School Canteen Volunteers Message  Group

I am very excited to introduce you to our Canteen What’s App group.

From now on I will be requesting volunteers through this group.

Please join using the QR Code or link below, to receive notice of when volunteers are needed.

I look forward to seeing some new faces in the group and having you in the canteen to help us stock up on all the food and baked goods we serve the children.

ST MARY's ON STAGE

WOW! What a night!!

Last night we held the inaugural St Mary's on Stage event and it was a feast for the senses. The hall was pulsating with energy and excitement from both the audience and performers. It was such a wonderful opportunity for our students to share their hidden talents. Who would have thought we would witness a young girl fit through the head of a tennis racquet? Or be inspired by the bravery and courage of our many soloists?

I wish to personally thank each of the performers for their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm to making this show a success. The encouragement and support the students gave each other during rehearsals and the performance was heartwarming to see.

We look forward to hosting this event again in 2026!

COMMUNITY COUNCIL - Family Event