It has been so lovely being back at St Mary's and seeing all of the children again.  I can't get over how much they have grown in the short time I have been away.  It's also lovely to meet all of the new students who have joined the school community this year and get to know them as well.   I have spent some time in the classrooms this week, mainly in Year 1/2, and have been very impressed with the work that the children are producing and how confidently they have shared their learning with me.  Keep up the great work everyone!

At this week's staff meeting, the teachers have been working on Writing moderation tasks and ensuring that there is a consistency in how teachers assess each student's work.  The aim is that there is a consistency in judgement across the school, irrespective of the year level a student may be in.  There was rich discussion regarding the samples that the teachers looked at and where they would be placed according to the curriculum.  This is important and ongoing work for the teachers and will continue to be a focus throughout the year.

Tomorrow, we have 14 students who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Mary's Church.  Bishop Gregory will be officiating the Mass with Fr Edwin.  Confirmation is the final of the 3 Sacraments of Initiation and links closely with Baptism.   In Confirmation the candidates further celebrate their initiation into the Christian community through the renewal of Baptismal promises and anointing with chrism. It is where they stand up to profess their faith to the church community and move towards being adult members of the church. We wish each of the students and their families a special celebration as they receive this sacrament.

As you are aware, I will be at St Mary's until Friday, 17th June, with Ms Dicorleto returning for the final week of term.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the coming weeks.

Thank you everyone and have a lovely weekend.

Kind regards

Di Austin