Dear Parents,

I again welcome everyone back to the final term of the school year. I am sure there were many parents keen to see their children back at school and most students I am sure are happy to be back with their friends. I especially welcome the McGovern family who have joined us this term with Ella joining Year 3/4A.

I welcome back Mrs Brigid O'Connor on her return from maternity leave. Brigid will be in Year 1/2C on a Monday and Tuesday. She replaces Mrs Annie Carson who taught for the first three terms. It was remiss of me not to thank Annie last term for all the work she put into covering for Brigid. We appreciate your efforts and I am sure we will see you often in a relief capacity at St Mary’s.

Yesterday was a special day in the life of Deacon Mark Ha. Deacon Mark became Father Mark after his ordination at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka. We pass on our blessings to Father Mark and ask God to bestow upon him the gifts of the Holy Spirit needed to carry out such an important yet challenging role. There will be a presentation to Fr Mark from the school in the parish centre at 11am following the 10am mass. All are welcome to come along to celebrate this significant event.

Excursions

At the beginning of this week families would have received via Compass a note regarding excursions for 2025 and how this will work in the multi-age setting going forward. This was particularly relevant for students who will be in any of the Year 5 & 6 multi-age classes. Details of the excursions are now on COMPASS along withpayment information should you wish to make partial payments.

Clothing Pool

We are after parents that have a spare hour or two every week to help organise our used clothing pool. This is an important resource for families but at times it can be a little untidy. Please let the front office know if you can assist.

Open Classrooms

Parents are reminded we will be holding our open classrooms on Wednesday 30th October from 3.10 - 4.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents to come and see the wonderful work being done by their child and the improvement they have made since the start of the year.

This is not a time for a lengthy discussion with your child’s teacher as there may be other families present. If you want to talk with your child’s teachers please talk to them about making an appointment.

Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival

Updated team lists and the draws for netball have been uploaded to the Compass event and can be found in the Resources section. Touch draws will be uploaded there when available. I have also added Parking Information, a Canteen Price List and a Mud Map of the grounds. 

Reminders:

• Students are to wear their school sports uniform (no Cherrypicker or Yabbies shorts)
• Please ensure students wear their school hat, sunscreen and plenty of food and drink for the day
• Canteens will be in operation. Preferred payment is CASH. Eftpos is available but may be limited.
• Students should arrive by 8.30am due to the expected amount of traffic. First round games will begin at 9am sharp. Students must have their name checked off by a teacher on arrival and departure please. Teachers attending are: Yr 2 - Mrs Collins, Yr 3/4 - Mrs Rumble & Mrs Sullivan, Yr 5 - Miss Dwyer, Yr 6 - Mrs Eastwood.
• Please look for the large blue St Mary’s tent that will be set up near the Marquee area - please see the mud map on Compass - this will be our base for the day. 

• Team Managers will receive a full pack with all the information next week.
• Hennessy students will be our Umpires/Refs and will be attached to a team. 
• Students are asked to please inform a teacher or their Manager if they are going to either the toilets or Canteen and must go with a buddy.

Sporting School Grant

A reminder we will be hosting Geoff from Gecko Sports once again in Term 4. This term we will be focusing on Year 3 to 6 and will be giving students in K to 2 one session each. These sessions will run from Week 1 to Week 8 on Wednesdays. Students are required to wear their sports uniform for their timetabled sessions. 

Weeks 1 to 3: 6C, 6E, 3/4S & 5Z. 

Week 4: KKW, Yr1 students from 1/2C, 3/A, 3/4S & 5Z

Week 5: 6C, 6E, 5D, 3/4R

Week 6: KMW, Yr 1 students from 1/2C, 5D, 3/4R

Week 7: 1M, 3/4A, 5D, 3/4R

Week 8: Yr2, 3/4A, 5D, 3/4R

South West Slopes Tri Tag Gala Day

Thank you to those parents who completed the Google form for an EOI to participate in this event. Unfortunately we were unable to form a team in either the 3/4 division or the 5/6 division so will not be competing this year.

Archdiocesan Sport for 2025  - NOTIFICATION OF TRIAL DATES

Please note that some Archdiocesan Sporting trials for 2025 will occur this year in Term 4. These trials will be open for students who will be in Year 5 & 6 in 2025. Registrations will be via the Canberra-Goulburn Sports Webpage.

2025 Cricket  - to be held in Queanbeyan on Tuesday 19th November 2024. Registrations are open now and will close on Tuesday 12th November 2024.

2025 Tennis - to be held in Belconnen on Thursday 28th November, 2024. Registrations are open now and will close on Friday 22nd November, 2024.

2025 Basketball - to be held in Macquarie on Tuesday 26th November 2024. Registrations are open now and will close on Friday 22nd November, 2024.

https://www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/nominations

https://csnsw.sport/help/help-guide-for-parents

YEAR 5 RELIGION EXCURSION

Yesterday, Year 5 visited St Mary's Church to commence their new Religious Education unit, "Mary - Her Portrayal in our Faith".

It was a hot day so we enjoyed an icy pole as we walked down to the church. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Fr Jiss, and then we explored the church, examining that many artworks on display. We then chose our favourite artwork to sketch and will look at the meaning behind the various pieces as we work through our unit. We look forward to learning about the ways authors and artists use language and images to express insights to communities of faith about Mary throughout Term 4.

Term 4 is always a busy time here at school. To keep up to date with planned events we remind parents that you can access the school calendar via the school website or Compass. 

All families have received a paper order form to use for cash orders. Orders can also be taken via the square. 

$15 per dozen

• Orders in by 30 October 2024
• Pickup from St Mary's Thursday 14 November 2024 - between 2 - 4pm

The Community Council will be hosting the end of year Family Christmas Event on Friday 13th December starting at 6:30pm.

There will be a visit from Santa, class/stage group performances and as the sun starts to set, we will be treated to a movie on the big screen featuring Elliot the Littlest Reindeer.

This will be a free event with food and drinks available for purchase on the night. 

• Hot Dogs
• Chips
• Pulled Prok or beef n slaw
• Fish bites and chips
• Prawn poppers and chips
• Nuggets and chips
• Oven roasted vegetable medley with aioli rolls

Charcuterie Boxes

• $25 per box (for 2-3ppl) option of meats or vege and GF option

Orders to be placed via the square by 5pm Wednesday 12 December 2024.

Concession Stand 

• Drinks
• Snacks
• Ice creams
• Lollies

Bring your own picnic