As the year draws to a close and our Year 5 class prepares to transition into their roles as senior students at St Mary’s, it is important to reflect on the year that has been. We have had an amazing journey together this year full of strong personal, and academic growth. Year 5 had a fantastic influence on a very successful musical, both on and off the stage which is testament to the growing maturity of the students and willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved for the good of the school. We’ve had some brilliant sporting success both inside and outside of school in a myriad of different sports including track and field, cross country, tennis, swimming, local junior football, netball, basketball, soccer, physie, cheerleading, gymnastics and jiu-jitsu. We’ve time and time again shown that we can raise the bar and represent the school with respect and dignity during off-campus trips to Wollongong University, the local swimming pool, St Bernard’s Batehaven, sports carnivals, sporting gala days and more. Well done Year 5 Blue - bring on Year 6 in 2025!

We have taken the time to sit down and share our highlights and favourite memories from the year 2024. Enjoy!

Oliver: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport/PE because you don’t have to write anything, it’s all action. My favourite memory of 2024 was the Ack Weyman Shield footy gala day. The thing I’m looking forward to most in 2024 is finally going into Year 6!

Billie: My favourite subject in 2024 was PDHPE because I liked participating and learning about health. My favourite experience for 2024 was getting to meet new people in our school (like buddies) and writing a leadership speech. In 2025, the thing that I am most looking forward to is having the responsibility of a buddy and being a school leader.

Abbie: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because you get to go outside and get fresh air while playing lots of different sports. The best bit about 2024 was that every time me and Bella see each other we laugh non-stop. The thing I am most looking forward to in 2024 is spending time with friends and making a fresh start in a new year.

Tessa: In 2024 my favourite subject was PDHPE because I liked finding out ways to keep myself safe both generally and online. My favourite experience was book week because I loved going as Sebastian the lobster and seeing my Dad with lipstick and long hair as the “Little” Mermaid. In 2025, I am most looking forward to hanging out with my buddy and being a leader.

Mackenzie: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because you get to do lots of different sports and games. The best experience for me was making it to NSW All-Schools for athletics. The things I am most looking forward to in 2025 are the athletics carnival and cross country.

Anikah: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because I’m pretty sporty and I got age champion in athletics. The best experience for me in 2024 was meeting new people coming into our class. The thing that I am most looking forward to in 2024 is being a leader. 

Andre: The best subject for me in 2024 was Sport/PE because you’re getting exercise. My favourite memory of 2024 was going to Sydney to run Cross Country. The things I am looking forward to most in 2025 are Cross Country and the swimming carnival.

Pham: In 2025 the thing I am most looking forward to is more sport and more art.

Madelyn: The best subject in 2024 was Art because I love art and it’s always very fun. My favourite experience in 2025 was meeting our buddies for the first time. I am most looking forward to doing lots more art and learning new things in 2025.

Liam McA: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because it was fun learning skills for 2-3 weeks then changing sports. My favourite memory of 2024 was coming first in the 100m and doing a great discus throw and making it to Bega for Athletics. In 2025 I am most looking forward to being a school leader and helping the kids that are younger than me.

Lily: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because I love sport and Mr Hill make sit fun by changing it up a lot. My favourite experience in 2024 was delivering my house leader speech to Cassidy. In 2025 I am looking forward to being in Year 6 and having a buddy to help out.

Dion: My favourite subject in 2024 was Sport/PE because it is the most fun subject and there is no classroom. The best experience and my favourite memory was being awarded age champion in athletics. The thing I look forward to most in 2025 is being a leader.

Gracie: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because I love to play league tag at school and lots of other sports. My favourite memory of 2024 was getting to see my buddy for 2025. (and also that i’m the best dancer!). In 2025 the thing that I’m most looking forward to is seeing my buddy again and getting the big oval in Year 6!

Benjamin: My favourite subject in 2024 was Art because Art is how I express myself and it is fun. The best experience I had in 2024 was performing in the Mary Poopins Jr musical. I am most looking forward to spending time with my buddy and doing fun activities in 2025.

Reyansh: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because it is fun and I like doing sporty things. The best part about 2024 was moving to Australia from Ireland. In 2025 I can’t wait to meet my buddies and go into year 6.

Bella: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport. I made it to Canberra/Goulburn with my friends and came runner up age champion. The best part of 2024 was that me and my best friend Abbie just could not stop laughing. In 2025, I am most looking forward to spending my last year at St Mary’s with my friends and my buddy.

Charnaya: My favourite subject in 2024 was sport because we don’t have to do schoolwork and by the end of the day I only want to exercise and have fun. My favourite memory of 2024 was Pyjama Day when everyone got to wear their PJ’s. What I am most looking forward to in 2025 is being with our buddies and welcoming new kids who join the school. 

Declan: My favourite subject in 2024 was PE because we have been playing volleyball and tee-ball. The best part of 2024 was being in the school play and learning how to act (and missing out on a tiny bit of school work)

Sam: The best subject for me in 2024 was PE and Sport because we get to go outside and play games. My favourite experience for 224 was going Canberra to play rep footy. The thing I am most looking forward to in 2025 is being a “year 6er” and playing rep footy again.

Matilda: My favourite subject in 2024 was Art because Mrs Afflick is very creative. My favourite experience in 2024 was by far the musical. In 2025 I am most looking forward to hanging out with my buddy.

Mr James Campbell
Teacher 5 Blue