Dear Parents

We have had a busy week at St Mary’s highlighted by a number of important events and celebrations. Our week ended today with the recognition of our teachers. Today marks the date to celebrate World Teachers Day, 2020. The theme for this year is Teachers : leading in crisis, reimagining the future. This was particularly noticeable this year with remote learning during COVID-19. Together with all families our teaching staff worked to ensure all of our children continued to learn and be supported. I am sure all of the teaching staff at St Mary’s would also thank all of the parents for their cooperation and support in lockdown. As a family many of us had to continue to work, assist the children and look after households. Finally, we have now seen some light after many months of isolation.

Today also marked an important occasion in memory of Daniel Morcombe. We joined many schools and registered with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation which raises awareness of child safety, protection and harm prevention. Thanks to the many children and adults who were able to wear some red (Daniel’s favourite colour) as we were educated through child safety and protection initiatives and helping empower children to ‘Recognise, React and Report’ if they feel something is not right. Not only do we want to honour the memory of Daniel, but to also utilise the resources from the Foundation about child safety.

Yesterday the school participated in a parade for the 2020 Book Week Celebrations. The theme this year was ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’. We had some fantastic costumes by the students and staff. It was very much appreciated the effort that everyone put into making the parade a success. Some of the books that achieved awards this year were The Little Wave by Pip Harry, Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour and This is how we change the ending by Vikki Wakefield. St Mary’s has copies of all of the award winning books and the children will be able to spend time reading and discussing the important messages.

Currently in our learning spaces we are addressing and agreeing with a list of expectations for our learning environment. This follows our school working towards a Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support. This is an area that our staff will be working hard to ensure positive behaviour and respect is followed by children and adults. In this issue of the newsletter I will include some of the responses that have been formulated since we have returned from remote learning.

As you are aware we have a long weekend this weekend with the school closed next Monday and Tuesday. School will resume on Wednesday, 4th November.

Enjoy this time and I hope if you have a flutter on the horses you are able to pick a winner.

Jason