Newsletter Term 2 2025 15th May
Principal Report
Dear parents and carers,
This week is Catholic Schools' Week, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on all of things that make Catholic Schools great. As advertised, we held an open morning on Monday of this week and many parents took advantage of the opportunity to be in their children's classrooms for a time, observing and being part of the learning. One parent said to me that if school had been like this when they were at school they probably would have been engaged in their learning a whole lot more.
As you may know it is enrolment season and my calendar is currently busy with interviews for Kindergarten 2026.
In the enrolment package there is a section for parents and carers to describe why they are choosing a Catholic School for their preschool child. By far, the reason that is commonly named as the most important reason for enrolment in a Catholic School is community, faith and values-based. We are proud to say that we strive to do that well. If you have a child starting Kindergarten next year please remember to pick up an enrolment pack, or use the online platform.
This fortnight I would like to take you through some of the exciting developments taking place in the extra curricular life of St Mary's. Sometimes we are so busy 'doing' that we don't pause to reflect. Mrs Jemima Abbey, our music teacher, has brought fresh vigour, skill and passion to the teaching and development of the music program in our school. In addition to the choir we now have both a development and performance band. Mrs Abbey is always really keen to provide opportunities for our students to showcase their talents... so on Friday 13 June we will have a music assembly instead of a grade assembly. The choir and both bands will perform for us. We will combine this assembly with a flag raising opportunity so you can see what we normally do on those occasions. You are all warmly welcome to attend, especially those parents and carers with a child who is performing.
In addition to this, our music students have two other opportunities coming up over the next few weeks. On Tuesday 10 June our students will visit James Sheahan Catholic High School for a rehearsal for the showcase evening on Thursday 19th June starting at 6pm. Then on Monday 16 June, our band students are invited to attend workshops at the Orange Conservatorium of Music during Make Music Week. The students will soon receive permission notes for these events.
Following the success of our verse-speaking entry into the Orange Eisteddfod last year, Year 2 will once again enter this competition. We can't wait to see their performance.
Our Year 6 students will travel to Canberra at the end of this month for our annual visit to Canberra, while our Year 5 students will participate in their very first overnight school excursion later this term to Zoo-Snooze in Dubbo. This will be combined with visits to historic gold mining sites on the way. I am really looking forward to accompanying the Year 5 students as it will help me get to know them better as they prepare for the responsibilities of Year 6 in 2026.
Every day at St Mary's provides an opportunity for our students to learn something new. Just this term our lunch club roster features a Language Club, the SRC Jump Rope for Heart Group, a Dance Group, Craft, Lego, an Indigenous Cultural Club, Mini Vinnies (who are just about to launch their Winter Appeal Crochet Club!), Soccer Skills, Library/ literature, Christmas Art, Environmental Group, Gardening, Chess, Development & Performing Bands and Choir. I am grateful to our talented staff who run these groups and their commitment to providing opportunities for students to try new skills or enjoy existing ones.
Our clubs are announced daily to students just before lunch and the clubs' roster is included on the staff duty roster for each term. If your child is keen to join in and would like to know more they can ask their teachers who also have a copy of the term's clubs roster.
Next week I am attending the Australian Catholic Schools Principals' conference from Tuesday to Friday. It is opportunity to attend to my own professional learning through consideration of the current research in education and student wellbeing, as well as network across dioceses and states to learn what other schools are doing well. Please pray for me, that I find inspiration for our own school context to nurture St Mary's journey of continuous improvement for the very best outcomes for our students.
Enjoy a beautiful weekend when it arrives,
Gayle Stratton
Assistant Principal
Staff Professional Learning
This week St Mary's teachers and Student Support Officers (SSOs) attended a 1.5 hour Occupational Therapist workshop with Canobolas Kids on Understanding and Supporting Regulation and Behaviour.
This session provided staff with information and tools to support all children in the school learning environment. Topics included:
- Understanding the concepts of regulation and behaviour
- What happens in a child’s brain when they’re having difficulty regulating.
- Child development and regulation
- Understanding the concept of the Window of Tolerance and how regulation shifts throughout the day.
- Factors that impact regulation, including sensory processing, the environment and individual factors.
- How we can support regulation and behaviour in a learning environment
- Strategies tailored to the school learning environment
Student Initiative
Year 6 is starting a tradition of competing against the teachers and staff of our school in various sports across the three terms to win a trophy at the end of the year. This will take place in Wellbeing week, week 5 of every term. (This term it will be in week 6 due to the Year 6 Canberra excursion).
The sports for this term are netball, basketball, channel ball, and soccer (with a gym ball). These sports will be held during our lunch times. These competitions will be every term, the winner will be decided in Term 4. Each time a sport is played the winning team will receive one point. The point score is cumulative over the week for each sport played. Will the teachers win 4 nil?
Who do you think will win - year six or teachers and staff?
Heidi Year 6
Assistant Principal and Primary Coordinator curriculum meeting
Mrs Cranney and Mrs Curran attended a CEDB curriculum meeting this week with other leaders in our Diocese, the learnings included:
- leading moderation processes in schools to ensure good assessment and reporting practices
- curriculum compliance feedback to schools
- the role Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play in schools for teachers and students
- NAPLAN data analysis
Religious Education
Claire Nicholson
Religious Education Coordinator
Pope Leo XIV
On May 8, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. As the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV brings a deep commitment to community, humility, and charity.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Starting in week 6, students in Year 3 who have been Baptised Catholic will celebrate the sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Students will celebrate these sacraments over a number of weekends in June. For more information please contact the Sacramental Coordinator Liss Ryan at the Parish Office.
Parish Grade Masses
Parish Masses occur on Tuesdays at 9:30am. The following classes will attend Mass on the following days:
Year 4- Week 8 (17/6) Year 3- Week 9 (24/6)
School Feast Day Mass
On Friday, May 23th, we're marking our school’s feast day with a special Mass dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. Year 5 will be taking the lead in this significant event, with Fr. Greg officiating. The Mass begins promptly at 9:30 am at St. Mary’s Church and all are welcome to attend. The day will then follow with a number of activities that students will take part in to celebrate the special day.
Christian Leadership Awards
Raelene Robin, Ameya Bajracharya, Isaac Jaensch, Johan Jobis, Sophie White, Lucy Wright, Aaliyah Haynes, Charlotte Foster, Max Schwenke, Ella Hack, Gracie Cosgrove, Ken Peter Linu, Olena Babu , Bobbie Rose Stedman .
| In recognition of "Positive View of Life" |
Koghulan Sathiah Seelan, Ted Middleton, Eli Nobes, Peyton Zwiers, Lyla O'Donnell, Rihanna Robin, Charlie Barrett, Elka Schwenke, Tessa Wilson, Poppi Hummerston, Annabelle Lawford, Milan Kudos, Ainsley Nitin, Aquinah Marlyam Ajith, Matipaishe Muchapondwa , Heidi Penberthy-Neil, Rowan Mason-Kerr, Grayson Dunbar, Hallie Dickinson, Risindu Sri Kithnura Loku Thambugala Ralalage , Hunter Jones, Thulasii Sathiah Seelan, Molly Tacey, Mason Jaensch, Rose Duffy, Ryan Thapa, Sebastian Townsend, Charlotte Wilson, Carter Selwood. | In recognition of "Community & Common Good" |
Addison Gould, Lilly Ruming, Lual Deng.
| In recognition of " God's presence in the world" |
Nicholas Burford, Hailey Muchena. | In recognition of "Search for "Truth & Wisdom" |
Curriculum News
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
This year, St Mary's has been implementing the new HSIE syllabus. As a result, the learning statements on the Semester Reports have been updated to align with the new syllabus content. The new statements are:
History
- Demonstrates Historical knowledge and understanding and skills
- Applies knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and histories
Geography
- Demonstrates Geographical knowledge and understanding and skills
- Applies knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal peoples’ connection to Country and Community
Each grade will cover History and Geography across a semester (two terms). One will be reported on in Semester One and the other in Semester Two.
This table demonstrates the organisation and Focus Areas of HSIE.
Below is a Parent and Carer Guide to Supporting your Child in HSIE K-2 and 3-6, which outline what your child will learn, opportunities provided for your child and how you can help support your child at home.
RAP, RHYME AND ROCKING POETRY - Andy Jones
A children's author with an electric guitar and one heck of a voice, Andy Jones entertained and inspired Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 this week!
One minute he was delivering one of his own witty poems or raps, the next minute he was inspiring students to create their own rhyming raps and to sing them in front of people. Andy was a combination of energy and comedy who kept his audience totally engaged and encouraged them to explore their own creativity.
Students not only helped Andy write some really cool rap rhymes but perform them as well. Rap Rhyme & Rocking Poetry was full of fun, and encouraged students to explore and enjoy the writing process.
As a singer/songwriter Andy, with his band The Funky Monkeys, has recorded with ABC Music, EMI, Festival Records and PolyGram. Andy has written books for 6 year olds to young teenagers including 'The Adventures of Scooterboy and Skatergirl', 'The Awesome Book of Rap, Rhyme and Putrid Poetry' and his 'Hot Jokes for Cool Kids' series of books alone has sold over one and a half million copies world wide.
MATHS CHALLENGE OPPORTUNITIES
MATHS OLYMPIAD
Last week, our Year 5 & 6 Maths Olympiad Team participated in the first of four competition papers. They showed some impressive problem solving skills and persistence while solving challenging questions. I look forward to working with them during Term 2 & 3 to develop and extend their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION (AMC)
St Mary's will offer the AMC to interested students again this year. The competition contains unique problems designed each year by leading educators and academics to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills. We will be offering the printed paper version. The competition will take place on Thursday 7 August 2025. Entries are optional and are encouraged for Year 3-6 students who enjoy challenging mathematical problem solving.
Next week, students will be invited to complete an expression of interest. Parents will then be sent information via Compass to consent and pay the $9 entry fee, by Wednesday 2 July.
ICAS
These optional academic competitions test students’ higher-order thinking skills and develop critical thinking and problem solving through academic challenges. St Mary's is offering Maths and English Years 2-6 and Science and Digital Technology for Year 3-6. A reminder that the Parent Payment System closes on 14 July.
Parent Code: WBE353
Parent Page Link: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/WBE353
Sally Curran
Primary Coordinator
School News
BRILLIANT AT BEING RESILIENT
Be proud of who you are, there is no one else like you.
Students from K-6 attended a performance about resilience in our school hall this week.
'Brilliant at being Resilient' used stories, poetry, fractured fairy tales, illusions and loads of humour to explore the value of resilience and tolerance.
In humorous rhyme the old tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was told in fractured fairy tale style, from Goldilocks’ point of view and then from the bears.
By combining the ideas of resilience, tolerance and perspective, the show aimed to get children to recognise and use some strategies for calming down and moving on when they face challenges.
DIOCESAN SPELLING BEE
Good luck to Lucas, Aviela, Matipashe and Elliott who will travel to Wellington next week to represent St Mary's in the Diocesan Spelling Bee!
| Year Group | Grade Reps | Event |
| Kindy | Michaela Wilson & Alice Weily | Kindy Orientation |
| Year 1 | Sharon Henry & Stacey Tracey | Kindy Welcome Morning tea-"Tissues & Tim Tams" & Father's Day Gift Stall |
| Year 2 | Olivia Day Gorham & Amanda Fragar | Father's Day Breakfast |
| Year 3 | Renee Davis & Lizzy Jaensch | Mother's Day Breakfast |
| Year 4 | Olivia Day Gorham & Renee Davis | Easter Egg Raffle |
| Year 5 | Jess McGrath & Katrina Holway | Mother's Day Gift Stall |
| Year 6 | Kellie Pickering, Kym Flitcroft & Angela Duncan | Kindy Welcome Morning Tea -"Tissues & Tim Tams "& Year 6 farewell |
Sports News
Bathurst Diocesan Community Sport
Dear Parents,
Keep up to date with sporting events and achievements across the Bathurst Diocese. Search CEBD community sport or use the following link.
https://sites.google.com/bth.catholic.edu.au/cedbsportcommunity/
SPORTS UNIFORM 2 (Winter)
(any changes to the uniform days will be sent out via Compass)
Kindergarten - Friday
Year One - Friday
Year Two - Friday
Year Three - Friday
Year Four - Friday
Year Five - Thursday & Friday
Year Six - Friday
Class News
Canteen News
SEVERE REACTIONS TO ‘NUTS’ & ‘EGGS’
As some of our students have a ‘nut’ and/or ‘egg’ allergy, we ask that nuts, nut
products and eggs NOT be packed as part of school snacks and lunches.
Sometimes even contact with nuts or eggs can trigger the severe reaction. This
severe allergy is called ANAPHYLAXIS and can be life-threatening.
Please, NO eggs, peanut butter, Nutella, nut products, etc.
(Check those labels to see that products do not contain nuts.)
School-Wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPB4L)
SPB4L
Uniform Expectations
We continue our school-wide focus is on uniform expectations. The school uniform is a distinguishing symbol of belonging to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and it is expected that students wear it with pride at all times. The assistance of parents and staff is sought in maintaining a high standard of dress and presentation by all students.
Students not wearing the correct or incomplete uniform are required to provide a note from a parent/carer giving reasons and an expected date when the uniform will be corrected.
Uniforms | Summer | Winter |
Sport Uniform Girls and Boys | Navy polo shirt with logo Navy shorts - with SMCPS insignia White socks Joggers | Navy polo shirt with logo Navy track pants Navy sports jumper with logo White socks Joggers |
Regular Uniform Girls | Pink checked dress & White Socks OR White dress shirt Navy Shorts & Navy Socks Black shoes | Maroon tunic or trousers Maroon v-neck jumper Fawn long-sleeve shirt School tie Knee-high fawn socks or fawn tights Black shoes |
Regular Uniform Boys | School blue short-sleeve shirt Grey shorts Grey socks Black shoes | Maroon v-neck jumper School blue long-sleeve shirt Grey trousers and socks School tie Black shoes |
Hat – Navy bucket hat with school logo Black shoes - leather, polishable, classic style, low heel - no black joggers Socks - no sportlet or cut-away styles Shorts - no cargo, corduroy, jeans type, Canterbury or polycotton/cotton shorts Trousers - grey poly/viscose serge trousers only - no cargo, drill type trousers. Winter coat - navy school jacket with logo | ||
In cold weather, children are permitted to wear scarves and/or beanies in the playground, provided that these are plain, dark blue, or maroon. (beanies or scarves with logos or writing are not permitted).
Thank you for your support in ensuring your children come to school dressed neatly in the correct uniform.
Health Matters
Medication at School- Parental Advice
If your child requires medication that needs to be administered during school hours, please bring the medication to the school office, where it is stored safely. This includes asthma inhalers.
Medication must be authorised by a Medical practitioner with a letter
Students can come to the office at an arranged time to have the medication administered by trained First Aid Officers.
The office does not have Panadol, unless parents supply and complete a form for their child only.
Thank you
Student Wellbeing
Children with communication devices such as iPhones and Smart Watches must be handed to the school office in the morning before class and collected at the end of the day. This includes any device capable of taking photos.
Please support your child to meet this school requirement.
If you need to contact your child during school hours please call the school office.
Community News
Council of Catholic School Parents Webinars
The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) are providing a series of very pertinent free, one-hour webinars to support parent carers to be engaged with the schooling of their high school children. Please share this information.
- A Parents Roadmap to Careers and Pathways 4 June 7 – 8 pm. Register here
- Supporting your Child through the HSC 11 June 7 – 8 pm. Register here
- Parenting Tweens: What kids need to know before the teen years 24 June 7 – 8 pm. Register here
- Parenting Teens: Staying connected through the teen years 25 June 7 – 8 pm. Register here
NO Parking in the Bowling Alley car park
the bowling alley car park is for their patrons so please park elsewhere when dropping or picking up your children.
The PCYC has many parks that can be used for dropping off and picking up
Thankyou
St Mary's Uniform Shop
is run by Parent Volunteers and is open from 8:45 am for an hour on Friday Mornings.
If you have put your order through Flexi schools it will be packed the following Friday and sent home with your child.
Dear Parents & Carers
Please label students' clothing , so we can return them from lost property with ease.
Clothes that don't have names will be returned to the clothing pool, if not collected by the end of term.
Thank you