Dear Parents

We are coming to the end of the school year. Unfortunately, it has been challenging again with the school closed on four occasions because of COVID-19. We did witness however, a resilient school community where all children were able to learn on varying degrees of platforms. Next week we send our wishes and thanks to the Grade Six students. On Wednesday we celebrated Graduation which gave us an opportunity to reflect over many memories and events over the last seven years. To those families who have finished an association with our school, we thank them for helping us shape our school the way it is today.

We must acknowledge the following teachers and Learning Support Officers who are either retiring or moving into employment in various locations. Thank you to Tracy Christensen, Kris Bradley and Linda Allman (LSO’s)- and to Liz Coleman, Michael Todd, Dianne Austin, Vanessa Power and Kristen Dwyer (teachers) for your efforts and dedication to our school. You will all be missed by your colleagues, students and families.

Next Monday, 13th December we will be having an Orientation morning commencing at 10.00am for one hour. This will allow all of the children to spend time with their teachers they will be working with in 2022. In 2022 we will be running one extra classroom. The following grades and teachers are listed below.

Foundation- Serrin Stobie and Charmaine Wilson (Friday)

Grade 1/2 - Virginia Hellings and Jess Uldrich (Friday)

Grade 1/2 - Kylie Pendergast and Lyn McNally (0.5 each)

Grade 3/4 - Bree Burgiel

Grade 3/4 - Samantha Zabaneh and Tara Battista (Friday)

Grade 5/6 - Rebecca Halley

Grade 5/6 - Brendan Morgan

Principal- Jason Slattery

Deputy Principal (Acting)- Tara Battista

Sport- TBA

Art- Kathy MacLean

Japanese - Jess Uldrich

We welcome Kylie, Lyn, Bree and Brendan to St Mary’s. We also welcome back Samantha from maternity leave and congratulate Tara Battista for her appointment as Deputy Principal.

Next Wednesday, December 15th (the students last day) we ask everyone to come dressed up in Christmas colours. During the day we will have our final assembly, mass and the Foundation Nativity Play. A hot dog lunch and Christmas movie will complete the day in the afternoon. Parents are welcome to attend Assembly, Mass and the Nativity Play. Mass will commence at 10.00am, assembly will be after recess at 11.30am and the Nativity Play will be at approximately 11.50am. Parents are asked to check in at the front office and have proof of double vaccination.

On behalf of the school we thank you for your ongoing support. Have a relaxing and safe Christmas.

Jason