Newsletter Term 4 Week 11
Principal's Message
Dear Parents & Families,
Everyone had a great day on Friday and enjoyed the step up to their 2023 class and spending time with their new teacher and classmates. Thanks to our teachers for their careful preparation for this day and also to the students who all suddenly seemed much older and wiser in their new classroom. Families have the opportunity to meet with staff on Friday January 27th at our Meet the Teacher Chats with a reminder on how to and book a time outlined on the newsletter today.
The end of the year is always a time to say farewell to members of our school community. For our Year 6 families who have the last of their children finishing at St Mary’s, we wish you all the very best for the future and thank you for all your contributions over the years .
Goodbye, Thank-you & Good Luck to the following staff;
Nicola Rintoule
We were very fortunate when Nicola decided to make the move from Nhill to Swan Hill. In the 2 years Nicola has been here, she has made many friends on staff and her kind and compassionate nature has always shone through to the children she has taught. We wish Nicola all the very best with the move to Darwin next year.
Kate Dunstan
Kate has taken a classroom position closer to her home at Kangaroo Lake. In the 4 years she has been our music teacher, Kate has lifted the profile of music and the choir at our school. She has introduced ukulele, keyboard and guitar to our students and has almost converted me to appreciating the merits of learning recorder along the way! We wish Kate all in her new role in 2023.
Tahera Jafari
We have been blessed to have Tahera, working as both a bilingual aide and general LSO at St Mary’s. Over the years she has been a wonderful support to many of our Afghani students and through her efforts they have thrived at school. We wish Tahera and her family all the very best with their move to Melbourne.
Wendy Rodriguez
Wendy joined our school community this year and we have been very appreciative of the role she have played on the Year 6 team and the care and commitment she has shown to her students.We wish all very best in her new role in 2023
Renee Hirst
With Renee taking time out to focus on completing her teaching degree, it is not so much a case of farewell, but good luck! Renee has been a terrific LSO and an asset on staff and we are all going to really miss her as well as those famous House of Cake brownies! We hope Ren enjoys the opportunity to focus on your study and look forward to Mrs Hirst returning soon.
We also say farewell to the following students; Ayden and Hope Auricht, Mackenzie and Amelia Showsmith, Souhayla Jafari and Josh and Lucy Kerr who are moving to new schools and locations. We have loved having you at St Mary’s and wish you all the best as you settle into your new schools in 2023.
While it is hard to believe we have only a few days of school left, there is plenty on the calendar to keep us all well and truly occupied this week.
Year 6 Graduation - Monday December 12th
Tonight, we are farewelling our Year 6 students at school with a family gathering and awards ceremony. The Year 6 Graduation Night commences with an award ceremony that will begin at 7.00pm, BYO picnic tea from 6.00pm. Our Year 6 students have been another terrific group within the school and have been recognised by the other students as responsible leaders. We wish them a future filled with happiness and success. A special thanks to Mrs Davies, Mrs Parsons, Mrs Martin, Mr Prockter, Mrs Rodriguez and Mr Daniels for their work in organising this event.
End of Year Mass- Tuesday 13th December
Tomorrow, Tuesday 13th December, we will celebrate our school year with our end of year Mass. This Mass is our way to formally reflect upon and celebrate all we have achieved this year and to say farewell to our Year 6 students and any departing staff. We hope many families can join us for the Mass as it is such a special occasion for our school community.
Break Up Day - Wednesday 14th December
Wednesday promises to be an action packed day with all year levels enjoying an array of break up parties and celebrations. While the weather forecast is on the cooler side, please ensure your child is wearing sunscreen, has their hat and plenty of drinks with them. Please refer to the various notes sent home via PAM by each year level with information about what to wear and bring.
Carols Evening
There was a sea of green and red, Santa hats and Christmas themed outfits happening with young and old getting into the spirit of the occasion. The children were very excited in the lead-up to this special evening and their singing did not disappoint!With everything from Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, to Aussie Jingle Bells there was something for everyone to toe-tap along to.It was a lovely community event and the $2082.90 raised from Carols raffles will assist to fund new playground markings being installed over the Christmas break.
End of Year Reports
Reports have been posted out so should arrive later in the week. They are a formal way of communicating with you about your children’s learning and indicate progress and effort made over the last semester in all areas of the curriculum.
Brekky Club
This has once again been a very popular service provided by the school for those children who need something to eat before they begin the day. We have many bus children who begin their day extremely early and this gives them the chance to refuel ready for learning. We thank Jo Kick for her management and organisation of Brekky Club. Sincere thanks to the wonderful group of volunteer parents, who help out. Special thanks goes to Bakers Delights who donate all the bread for the toast each day.
And finally…...
Without a doubt this year has again presented us with some challenges. Throughout the year we have focussed on creating an environment within our school that is safe for all staff and students, looks after the wellbeing of all staff and students, is aware and supportive of individual family situations and provides a rich educational program where learning is relevant and ensures every child achieves to their full potential.
I also wish to acknowledge and thank our parents for the strong partnerships formed this year with staff and I’m confident that all parents would join me in commending and thanking them for the outstanding work they do in education and for the many ways in which they go “above and beyond” in the service of the school.
On behalf of the staff of St Mary’s, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous Christmas and look forward to sharing in the responsibility, the privilege and the honour of supporting your children next year.
Happy Christmas and take care over the holiday season!
Kate
Key Dates
Monday December 12th
Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday December 13th
End of Year Mass
Wednesday December 14th
Break up day activities/Last day for students
Normal finish time
2023 Dates
Friday January 27th
Meet the Teacher Chats - information has been sent to families
Tuesday January 31st
First day for all students
Tuesday Febraury 7th
School photo day - more information to come
Meet the Teacher Chats - 2023
Bookings open this Wednesday December 14th at 3.30pm
Meet the Teacher Chats 2023
St. Mary’s Meet the Teacher Chats will be held:
- 8.30am – 3.55pm on Friday 27th of January 2023
WEB ADDRESS - http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au
LOG IN CODE - 79g76
Please arrive at your child’s 2023 classroom, 5 minutes before your appointment time. Chats take approximately 10 minutes. The Meet the Teacher Chats are designed for both you and your child to meet their teacher before school starts.
Remember if you are keen on a particular time you will need to be speedy as time slots are taken quickly. Reminders will not be sent, so please add your time to your calendar. Please keep this close by so that you are reminded of this commitment you have made. If you have any further inquiries, please contact the school office on 03 50332541.
Wellbeing with Mrs Gook & Mr Prockter
RE with Mrs Davies
SRC Christmas Present Donations
Last week the SRC went down the street to purchase presents with the money raised from our last casual dress day here at school. They then wrapped these at school ready to deliver down to the Church this week. These presents will be given out to local families around Swan Hill that are doing it tough this Christmas. It is a wonderful way that we can reach out and help our community at this special time.
Christmas Eve Mass - Nativity Play
We are very excited and looking forward to our parish Christmas Eve Mass this year. It will begin at 6.00pm on Saturday 24th December. We are looking for any children interested in being involved in the Nativity Play on this night. We will have a practice during the week beginning 19th December. If your child would like to take part in this could you please let Mrs Davies know this week via email - bdavies@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au
PE with Miss Clark
What a year it has been with so many highlights and sporting achievements to celebrate from our students. PE classes officially finished on Wednesday the 7th of December for the year.
Thank you to all parents, families and friends who have given up their time to assist with our school events throughout the year. The students really benefit from our sporting events. St Mary’s is privileged to have an outstanding and supporting family community. To the Year 6 students, I wish you all the best for the future and hope you continue to enjoy being active. To everyone else, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and see you all again next year!
@2 Murlong Before & After School Care
The Out of School Hours Care program, @ 2 Murlong, is operating out of the gym hub and provides before and after school care for school age children in the Swan Hill area. Please express your interest via the following link;
https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/enrollment/index/dHdBOThsSW9JeHUxYTEwaHNxZlMrdz0
As we approach the end of the year we are starting to plan for 2023.
We wanted to let you know that your 2022 standard bookings will be rolled over for 2023.
If you wanted to make any changes to your bookings for 2023 please send an email to office@smswanhill.catholic.
News from the Office
School correspondence during Christmas holiday break
Just a reminder to regularly check your emails during the holidays as important school related information will be sent in January.
Upgrade to PAM - January 2023
In January 2023, your PAM account will be undergoing a major upgrade to provide greater security and other improved functionality. During the week of the 16th of January 2023, your current PAM account will cease to function.
New PAM accounts will then be created by your school, and you will receive an email asking you to create new credentials for a new PAM account.
This will be as simple as:
- Clicking on the link provided in the email
- Following the prompts to create a new password for your new account.
Your username will be your email address.
Rapid Antigen Tests
We have excess supply of Rapid Antigen Tests available for families. You can collect test kits from the office between 8.30am and 4pm.
News from the Canteen
Thank-you to all of the volunteers who have helped in the canteen in 2022!!
If you are able to help in the canteen in 2023, please contact the office on 50332541 or email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au
Birthday Wishes
Farewell to our Class of 2022
