Dear Parents 

It has been pleasing having everyone onsite this week. One thing we need to give credit to our children is for being resilient. It has been common when speaking with them to have a conversation about finding learning at home ‘not bad’, I still did my best in one breath, then pretty happy to be back in the classroom with their mates. This is important to the staff in keeping up with the conversation about how we are all feeling both at home and school. Please remember we are happy to help in any way to ensure everyone’s well being is nurtured.

On the subject of our children being resilient - they are also smart and need to be given credit for what is happening in the world around them. Every morning before school I make a point of talking to the kids about anything that comes to mind. It doesn’t take long for them to initiate conversation. Just in the last week we have talked about vaccination or anti-vaccination, what are the hard parts to resuming school and just yesterday some of the older boys wanted to express their opinion on the South African cricketer, Quinton de Kock who refused to kneel with his teammates in support of the Black Lives Matters (BLM) movement. While it is not up to teachers to influence opinions we do like to hear student opinions, and they are that with strong articulation.

An email was sent home yesterday about Foundation 2022 Orientation. Please note that because of COVID-19 restrictions we do not have a definitive date for Orientation. All schools are working closely together as we prepare for the slow easing of restrictions that will follow in the coming weeks. We also have a number of school functions that we are trying to organise before the end of the year. Our Grade Six students will graduate to secondary school at the end of term and we really would like to send them off with a celebration when allowed. Our Sacramental Program has stalled now for many months and we hope together with Father Edwin to begin these celebrations soon.

We are beginning to organise our staffing for next year. Over the coming weeks the school will make announcements of staff coming to our school (or leaving) for the 2022 school year. This will include the structure of our PODS and the support in each space.

I hope you all can enjoy the long weekend

Jason

Great news!!  We are able to have our 2021 Color Explosion on site at St Mary's on Friday 12th November.  Unfortunately due to DOSCEL directives parents, carers and friends are unble to help cheer on students as we are not able to have you onsite until further notice.  We appreciate and thank you for your understanding.

Please find the dates below for the Sacrament of Eucharist;

• Saturday, 13th November at 1:00pm
• Saturday, 20th November at 1:00pm
• Saturday, 27th November at 1:00pm

I thank you for your continued understanding as we make adjustments to our program.

God Bless,

Dianne Austin (REL)

Please remember St Mary's has a 'No Hat - No Play' policy.  All children must wear their hats.  If they do not have a hat they will have to spend recess or lunchtime under the shade of the gazebo.

Hats can be purchased from Stobie's Land & Surf for $19.

TERM 4 - Monday 4th October - Friday 17th December

Term 4 School Closure Dates

Monday 1st November - Report Writing Day

Tuesday 2nd November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Last Day Term 4

Wednesday 15th December - 3:20pm finish

Staff First Aid

Thursday 16th December

Friday 17th December

WEEKEND MASSES

Heyfield:

Saturday    6:00pm

Maffra:

Sunday    9:00am 

Cowwarr:

1st and 3rd Sunday   11:00am

Newry:

2nd and 4th Sunday  11:00am

Dargo:

5th Sunday   12:00pm

WEEKDAY MASSES

Heyfield:

Tuesday      9:30am

Maffra:

Wednesday   9:30am

Thursday      9:30am

Friday          9:30am

Stretton Park:

2nd Friday  10:00am