Today saw us begin the day with our first Class Mass, shared by Year 2 SC.
Fr Brendan came over and as part of the children’s class, he celebrated Mass in person for the first time since March. We did run virtual masses during the COVID lockdown and the Year 5/6 class watched the Mass on the St Mary’s Parish Youtube channel, but to have Fr Brendan be able to celebrate Mass in our classroom today was a wonderful experience, and something we have all missed! It’s great to be able to celebrate our Faith together once more. Of course all of the COVID safety guidelines were followed to keep everybody safe, and the children took part beautifully.
What a way to start week 3!
It’s Official...
At the beginning of this year, well before this crazy COVID business hit, the Leadership Team spent a great deal of time putting together a comprehensive application for a building grant for the school. This kind of application takes a great deal of time and effort, and guess what...we have been successful!!! I took a call from Minister Gabrielle Williams yesterday and she had rung to congratulate me and confirm that St Mary’s had been successful in gaining a Building Grant!!! This is just fantastic for our Community...we already have some Master Plans underway with Harding Architects, and we look forward to being able to share with you some ideas when they are becoming a reality!
Keep your eyes peeled...more information will be coming your way when we have it.
What a settled return to school life we have had!
It has been truly wonderful to walk around the school during the learning hours to see all of our wonderful children settled into their learning. There is such a wonderfully quiet and focused hum around the place...its just the way a school should be - lots of learning with a bit of a buzz going around! I know the teachers are so happy to have the students back in front of them, and I know the students are happy to be back too!!!
(And quietly, as a parent myself...I’m happy that my kids are back at school!) St Mary’s School Fees
We have tried to hold off on sending fee statements as long as we could as we had no real way to make payments occur. Now that we are beginning to open up again, we really do need people to come in and pay their fees as soon as possible. Families are able to come in to the office to pay as long as they are wearing a mask, maintain Social Distancing and use the sanitiser provided. If you would like to call the office to make an arrangement to pay your school fees, please feel free to do so. If you have any issues with fees, please call the office to discuss or to make an appointment with me.
Have a super week everyone!
Terry
Mr Gardiner’s Rib Ticklers…
Mr Gardiner: Mr Handasyde, what is fast, loud and crunchy?
Mr Handasyde: Hmmmmm, I don’t know Mr Gardiner...what is fast loud and crunchy?
Mr Gardiner: A ROCKET - CHIP!!!!!!!! Ba-ha-ha-ha-ha-a!!!!
This week is Book Week
Thurs 22ndFooty Day - wear your footy jumper, scarf or socks to school with your school uniform
Fri 23rd
Public Holiday School Closed
Fri 30th
Day for Daniel
November
Mon 2nd
Report Writing Day School Closed
Tues 3rdMelbourne Cup Day School Closed
Wed 4thSchool Photos - no payment
required this year as we are
taking them ourselves.
Book Week Celebrations
Curious Creatures, Wild Minds
The importance of Reading
Speaking of reading…..we welcome back all of our students and we are so excited to see their enthusiasm for reading and learning. We are working hard in literacy and the students are focussing on reading fluently and understanding what they read. We encourage all families to make reading and talking about books that your children read the number one activity choice.
Reading a good book is like taking an exciting journey!
Enjoy!
Please see Mrs Rena Walsh if you have any questions, if you’d like any ideas or if you’d just like to have a chat about reading! [email protected]
The school was a sea of colour, laughter and curious characters today as we celebrated Book Week. We thank everyone for the effort made to come dressed in the theme of ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’ and for the fabulous masks made. Our thanks to Cristina Gostimir our Librarian for ensuring that the school had access to all of the amazing Book Week Books. In a year which demonstrated how difficult the world can be, the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards have recognised thought-provoking and uplifting stories that allow young people to take on all challenges. CBCA National Chair, Emeritus Professor Margot Hillel OAM, said,
‘Lockdowns and school closures have given many children and young people more time to read in 2020. ‘Whether they are seeking solace and reassurance, or simply the escape of a gripping plot, well-told Australian stories are there for them,’ Professor Hillel said.
We have enjoyed reading these selected books by Australian Authors and illustrators.
Make sure to ask your children which book was their favourite.
Curious Creatures Wild Minds !
Enrolments 2021
If you, or someone you know, has a child turning 5 by 30th April 2021, they may be eligible for enrolment into Prep next year at St Mary’s. Please give us a call or come in to the Office.
We are also taking enrolments for children in other year levels.
Fees
All fees are due now, unless you are paying by Direct Debit.
Please call to make an appointment with Mr Gardiner if you have any concerns.
School Contacts
Principal: Mr Terry Gardiner Deputy Principal: Mr Bryan Handasyde Family Engagement Leader: Mrs Yvette Silva
School Secretaries: Ms Sandra Higginbotham, Ms Jane Merchant School Office Hours: 8.30am - 4.15pm Phone: 9791-7650 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.smdandenong.catholic.edu.au
Parish Contacts
Parish Priest: Fr Brendan Lane
Parish Office: 9791 4611 Pastoral Associate: Kathy Gottliebsen
Birthdays
22nd Braden Uniforms can now be purchased the following ways:
1.
Online via the following website:
www.aplusschoolwear.com.au
Orders will be sent home or left at the school office on a Thursday afternoon as per normal.
2.
In person at the school uniform shop as per normal from 5th November OPENING HOURS: Thursdays 8.30 to 10am
3.
