Dear Parents and Carers

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Principals’ Retreat in Bowral alongside Interim Executive Director Pam Betts, Leaders from Catholic Education, and Principals from across our Archdiocese. Pam reaffirmed our role as Catholic educators, reminding us of the vital contribution Catholic schools make in providing families with a faith-based education—one that nurtures students, empowering them to become who God created them to be. Our schools are places of belonging, where dedicated staff foster a deep awareness of God’s presence and bring each school’s motto to life, guiding students on their journey of faith, learning, and personal growth.

Following Pam’s address, I have been reflecting on why families choose St Mary’s. My hope is that each family feels truly welcomed and that every child knows they are supported and encouraged to aspire to be the best version of themselves. We are blessed to journey alongside your family, sharing in the gift of a Catholic education and the difference it makes in shaping young hearts and minds.

As we continue through the season of Lent, may we take the opportunity to reach out to others and recognise the light within each of us. Compassion, integrity, and a commitment to presence are at the heart of authentic leadership, and at St Mary’s, our staff are dedicated to fostering both the spiritual and academic growth of every student. I hope you feel the deep trust that exists between home and school, knowing that we are united in our care and commitment to your child’s development.

On Saturday 29 March, all families are invited to attend a family mass at Sacred Heart Church at 5.00pm. If you are available to attend, can you please let Mrs Durnan or Mrs Afflick know, as we would like children to take on the roles of the mass.

Curriculum
Last week the teaches of St Mary’s engaged in Mathematics professional learning with Mr Jamie Kemp, Teaching and Learning Officer, Catholic Education. Every teacher is committed to teaching with a low variance curriculum to ensure we have no gaps. Teachers have an excellent understanding of what needs to be taught and when. One of the key teaching strategies we use is the "I Do, We Do, You Do" approach. This method ensures that students receive explicit instruction, guided practice, and independent application, helping them to master mathematical concepts step by step.

• I Do – The teacher explicitly models the concept or skill, demonstrating the process while thinking aloud. This provides students with a clear example of what success looks like.
• We Do – Students and teachers work together to practise the skill, with guided support and feedback to build confidence and understanding.
• You Do – Students independently apply what they have learned, reinforcing their skills and deepening their understanding.

This structured approach helps students develop mathematical fluency and problem-solving skills while ensuring they feel supported at each stage of their learning.

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jacqui Heffernan (Principal of Carroll College), Karen Hadley (Principal of St Bernard’s), and Tim Smith (Performance and Improvement Leader) to St Mary’s. They visited our K-2 classrooms to witness the teaching and learning in action.

It was evident that our students are thriving in a rich and engaging educational environment—a true credit to our dedicated teachers. The visitors observed highly engaged students, while our teachers demonstrated consistency, explicit curriculum teaching, and the use of high-impact teaching practices.

Cross Country
The annual St Mary’s Cross Country Carnival will be held next Friday 28 March at Gundary Oval. All children from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be participating and we invite you to come along and share the day with us. We will begin our races at 9.30am. Students in Years 3-6 will compete in their age group category from 8-13 years. This is the age they are turning or have turned this year.  Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students will participate in races in their class groups. We are looking forward to a great carnival.

School Assemblies
School assemblies are held on either a Thursday or Friday throughout the term at 2.00pm, with different grades taking turns to lead them throughout the year. These assemblies serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the learning occurring in the classroom. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to present awards to students who demonstrate readiness to learn and exemplify the values of St Mary's school. The names of the award winners are published in the school newsletter, ensuring recognition of their achievements. Parents, grandparents, and members of the community are encouraged to attend these assemblies. Upcoming assembly dates can be found on the parent Compass calendar or the school's Google Calendar. This regular assembly tradition not only fosters a sense of community and pride within the school but also reinforces the importance of academic excellence and positive behavior among students. 

Many of our Year 3 students are currently preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will take place on Thursday 10 April at 5.00pm. This Sacrament is an important step in their faith journey, allowing them to reflect, seek forgiveness, and grow in their relationship with God. Please keep our young people and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this special occasion.

Catholic Care

Catholic Care offers online (via Zoom) Parenting and Child Development Courses each school term. These courses provide valuable support and guidance for families navigating various challenges.

Their programs focus on key areas, including:

• Separation
• Managing emotions
• Effective communication
• Understanding and responding to difficult behaviours

The flyer below provides more details, including course options and contact information. If you’re interested, I encourage you to take a look and see if one of these courses could support you and your family.

Blessings on the week ahead.

Kind regards
Jo

Mrs Johanna Wain
Principal