Newsletter 2025 Term 3 Week 6
AP NEWS - Mrs Katie Thompson
Important Reminder for Families
To support a focused and safe learning environment, students are not permitted to bring toys or sporting equipment from home. Our school provides access to these items during appropriate times, such as recess and physical education.
Personal items brought from home are often lost or broken and can cause unnecessary distractions during the school day. We appreciate your support in helping students stay organised and engaged in their learning.
Helping Parents with Children who want to avoid school
Sometimes despite your best intentions, getting your children to school can be difficult. If your child is reluctant to go to school, it can be challenging, but there are several approaches you can take to address this:
- Open Communication: Talk to your child to understand the reasons behind their reluctance. It could be due to academic pressure, social issues, or other concerns.
- Positive Reinforcement: Encourage and reward your child for attending school. Small incentives can motivate them to go.
- Involve Them in Solutions: Ask your child for their input on what might make school more enjoyable or less stressful for them.
- Work with the School: Collaborate with teachers and school counsellors to address any issues your child might be facing.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure your child feels supported at home. Help them with homework and be there to listen to their concerns.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down the school day into manageable parts and set small, achievable goals to help your child feel more in control.
It's important to be patient and understanding while working through this. Every child is different, so finding the right approach might take some time.
Safe on Social - Kirra Pendergast
AI Agents & Kids – Navigating Digital and Legal Identities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing children's lives, from learning tools to personalised health assistants. As AI becomes more integrated into education and daily activities, it's essential for parents and educators to understand how AI agents affect children, both legally and digitally.
BOOKWEEK
On Friday we have the Book Week parade which is based on Book Characters from children’s books. Some examples are Red Riding Hood, The Gruffalo, Baby Sitters Club, Weirdo, Roald Dahl characters. We ask that children do not come as movie characters from any films with a rating above PG. We would love to read your character’s book, so bring the book along so we can share it with our classmates.
RE NEWS - Ms Jillian Murray
Crazy Sock Day
THANK YOU to all our wonderful students and teachers of St. Mary’s who “rocked their socks” to raise money in support of a great cause! All funds raised have been donated directly to our local Vinnies Sleepout Appeal, helping those in our community.
Mission Day Fair – Coming Soon!
We’re excited to announce that on Thursday, September 25th (Week 10), St. Mary’s will be hosting our annual Mission Day Fair! This much-loved event is a wonderful opportunity for students to enjoy a day filled with fun activities, friendly smiles, and plenty of laughter.
As part of our Christian faith, we are called to care for those in need, both locally and globally. Mission Day gives our students the chance to put this into action by raising money for those who may not have the everyday essentials we often take for granted.
Students are encouraged to start saving their coins, with activities and games starting from as little as 20 cents. There will be a wide variety of exciting stalls and activities, all aimed at supporting the important work of the Catholic Missions.
Let’s come together, have fun, and make a real difference in the lives of others!
Upcoming Dates:
Term 3:
September 9th Combined Whole School Mass with Hennessy
- 9 am at St. Mary’s Church
September 18th Sacrament of Reconciliation
- 6 pm at St. Mary’s Church
September 25th Mission Day Fair
Term 4:
October 23rd First Eucharist (Holy Communion) Retreat Day
November 22nd Sacrament of First Eucharist (Holy Communion) Mass
- 6 pm at St. Mary’s Church
SPORTS NEWS - Mrs Leonne Challen
Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival
Currently our teams still have some spots available while others do have students on the waiting list. If your child is unable to attend the day please let me know.
Touch
Year 2 - full
Year 3 - 3 spots
Year 4 - 3 spots
Year 5 - 1 spot
Year 6 - full
Netball
Year 2/3 - 2 spots
Year 4/5 - full
Year 6 - 1 spot
The updated teams list is available in the Resources section of the Compass Event. Please check there regularly.
MacKillop Golf Tournament
A big congratulations to Tom McKnight who was successful in being selected in the MacKillop Golf Team on Monday in Blackheath. What an amazing achievement Tom! He will now go on to compete in the NSWPSSA Golf Championships in Barooga in late September. We look forward to hearing all about the next stage of your golfing journey!
Launch It Golf Program
On Wednesday we were lucky enough to have the team from Golf NSW visit us showcasing their lunchtime Launch It program. This program has been run in well over a hundred schools throughout NSW and is designed to encourage students to get involved with their local Golf Club.
From the team: The aim for the students (and teachers) is to have a go and try to smash real balls into the net as hard as they can. We are looking to find the biggest hitters in NSW & ACT in all year levels of schools.
From all accounts the kids loved the experience. Our 3/4 students came and had a go during lunch and recess and our 5/6 students enjoyed sessions between the break times. The competition was fierce and even some teachers tried it out!! We are very thankful to Casey and Cade from Golf NSW who ran the day so smoothly. What a great initiative! Keep an eye out for our testimonials on the Golf NSW website.
LIBRARY NEWS- Mrs Sarah Sullivan
BOOK WEEK IS NEARLY HERE!
We’re going on a….Character Hunt!
Keep an eye out for some famous book characters on the playground NEXT WEEK (at Lunchtime!)
Find the character with your stage level printed on it e.g. K/1/2, 3/4 or 5/6 and bring it to the library to Mrs Sullivan for a prize!
In week 7, we will “Book An Adventure” with lots of different activities happening all week.
Tuesday 2nd September-K-2 come to the Library at Recess for some Book Week fun!
Wednesday 3rd September- 3-4 come to the Library at Recess for some Book Week fun!
Thursday 4th September 5-6 come to the Library at Recess for some Book Week fun!
FRIDAY 5th September-
Meerkat Performance.
Book Character Parade- Dress up as a book character you love and bring along your favourite book!
“Choose your own Adventure…Movie” in the afternoon!
CANTEEN NEWS - Mrs Jennifer Harden
Hot Lunch Tuesday 2, September
Chicken or Bean Burritos served with optional, sour cream, guacamole or salsa
$6.00
Friday 5, September
In Celebration of Book Week “The Garden of Broken Things” Cupcakes
Available via flexischools or over the counter.
$3.00
Hot Lunch Tuesday 9, September
Sloppy Joes with potato gems and veggie sticks
$6.50
Hot Lunch Tuesday 16, September
Hot Lunch Leftovers
This will be our last hot lunch for the year and will include individual portions of some of previous meals.
Thursday 25, September
Last day of the term Meal Deal
Meal to be determined and flyer sent home as we get a little closer.
Volunteers Needed
I am looking for volunteers on Monday’s and Tuesday’s each week. Also Thursday 25/9 for the MEAL DEAL DAY.
Feel free to reach out via my email Jennifer.vorvis@cg.catholic.edu.au or phone 0428 115 296
Every little bit helps even if it’s only an hour or so.
Term 3 Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Sophie from Yr 5 for winning the SLATE $50 Gift Voucher.
Sausage Sizzle Lunch – Monday 1st September
We’re excited to celebrate the following children with a special Sausage Sizzle Lunch on Monday, 1st September!
This is a fun way to recognise their efforts and achievements—well done to all!
Sophie Anderson | 5/6 Gold | Elissa Batinich | 1/2 White | Nandini Jhunjhunwala | 1/2 Blue |
Bella Robinson | 5/6 White | Tanvi Reddy | 1/2 White | Paislee Johnson | 1/2 Blue |
Annabelle Carson | 5/6 White | Hartley Braham | 1/2 White | Bridie Martin | 1/2 Blue |
Yuhan Alicoy | 5/6 White | Ethan Davies | 1/2 White | Aydron Peiris | 1/2 Blue |
John Eastwood | 5/6 White | Ravleen Dhillion | 1/2 White | Charles Murdoch | 1/2 Blue |
Toby Price | 5/6 Gold | Isla Mead | 1/2 White | Archie Spring | 1/2 Blue |
Belle Morris | 5/6 Gold | Oliver Parkes | 1/2 White | Reuben Van Emmerik | 1/2 Blue |
Amy Gerrard | 5/6 Gold | Thenuli Arachchige | 1/2 White | Ivy Wilder | 1/2 Blue |
Kate Aston | 5/6 Blue | James Regan - Roche | 1/2 White | Evelyn Anderson | 1/2 Gold |
Matilda Hill | 5/6 Blue | Myles Sullivan | 1/2 White | Chelsea Crossan | 1/2 Gold |
Indi Wilder | 3/4 White | Ava Yelverton | 1/2 White | Annie Gledhill | 1/2 Gold |
Evie Brodbeck | 3/4 White | Lawrence Amos | 1/2 Blue | Sophie Holland | 1/2 Gold |
George Hill | 3/4 White | Marcus Anderson | 1/2 Blue | Halle Leibick | 1/2 Gold |
Poppy Murdoch | 3/4 Gold | Divija Baddevolu | 1/2 Blue | Isaac Longhurst | 1/2 Gold |
Naia Sofo | 3/4 Blue | Quinn Chalker | 1/2 Blue | Richi Robinson | 1/2 Gold |
Henry Burgess | 3/4 | Chloe Deasey | 1/2 Blue | Sonny Walker | 1/2 Gold |
Pippa McKnight | 3/4 Blue | Zaffrin Genge | 1/2 Blue | ALL KINDERGARTEN | |
Alexander Carson | 3/4 Blue | Shane Jackson | 1/2 Blue | | |
FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST & RAFFLE
Don't forget to return your raffle tickets by Friday 5th September to be entered into the draw for some fantastic prizes!
🎁 First Prize: Ozpig Series 2 Portable Wood Fire Stove – valued at $370.00, kindly donated by Thompsons Rural Supplies
🥩 Additional Prizes: Meat trays and “Dad Bags” generously provided by our Community Council
Thank you for your support and good luck in the draw!
CLASS AWARDS WEEK 6
SCHOOL DISCO- Community Council
PARISH BULLETIN