Newsletter 2025 Term 2 Week 10

PRINCIPAL NEWS - Mr Peter Hughes

Today's school mass was a wonderful way to finish the term. Besides celebrating the end of the term, the mass celebrates the life of St Thomas the Apostle which is a special celebration for me as I was, at the beginning of the new millennium, the principal at St Thomas the Apostle Primary School in Kambah, Canberra. I will always remember the school motto, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’

As we reach the midway point of the school year and the upcoming holiday break I thank the students, staff and parents for the support and effort they have put into the first half of the year. A busy and successful semester. I hope everyone has some time to recharge over the holidays and if travelling, do so safely. We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Tuesday 22nd July.

Chess Champions 2025

This week I received the official results of last week’s chess competition. The results were very close with four players finishing on the same score for third place which was decided on a count back. For 2025 our school champions are:

School Champion Joey Denniss

Runner-up Sam Cartwright

Third place Annabelle Carson

Congratulations to these three students on their wonderful achievement. The presentation of trophies will take place at the week three assembly next term.

A compass notification will be sent home early in term three about our next competition in Canberra on the 7th August.

AP NEWS - Mrs Katie Thompson

Public Speaking timeline for Term 3

It is Public Speaking season again and over the last few weeks each class in Year 3 to 6 have been writing and presenting their speeches. Each Stage has conducted speak-offs and we congratulate the following students who have qualified for the Inter-school speak-off with St Joseph's Primary School Grenfell.

• Year 3: Frankie Hardy, Pippa Harris
• Year 4: Henry Burgess, Rohan Caldwell 
• Year 5: Ayla Terry, Alex Presser
• Year 6: River Hambilton, Amity Sullivan

This year the speak-off will be hosted by St Joseph’s at Grenfell in Week 2, on Wednesday 30th July. Those students who qualify from there, will represent St Mary’s at the Western Regions Finals which are being hosted by St Partick’s Gundagai in Week 3, on Wednesday 6th August. Should students be successful and qualify from the WR finals, they will go on to represent St Mary’s and the Western Region, at the Archdiocesan Finals at Sacred Heart Central School Cootamundra in Week 8, on Friday 12th September. The topics that were selected by Cootamundra this year are:

Public speaking is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in and practice skills which are crucial in life. We appreciate that talking in public can be stressful, but in a safe and non-threatening environment, and as a growth mindset school, we believe that children can develop self-confidence, communication skills, critical thinking abilities, memory, focus, leadership qualities, and the ability to overcome fear and anxiety.

The important dates are summarised below and are on the school’s calendar. Those students who qualify will bring home letters for parents with all the relevant information that will assist with planning.

RE NEWS - Ms Jillian Murray

UPCOMING EVENTS:  

Week 1  Term 3 - GRANDPARENTS PRAYER SERVICE

We’re excited to celebrate Grandparent’s Day on Friday, 25th July at St. Mary’s! This special day is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and honour the grandparents and elders who play such an important role in our lives. 

1.00pm   Prayer Service 

1.30pm   Afternoon Tea in the Hall 

2.00pm  Open Classrooms with Grandparents

Week 1  Term 3 - NAIDOC WEEK PRAYER SERVICE

St. Mary’s will be commemorating NAIDOC Week with a special prayer service. This year NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. This prayer service will be held on Tuesday July 22nd at 1.00 pm in the hall. We invite all families and friends to attend this special service.

VINNIES WINTER APPEAL BIKE RAFFLE.

Congratulations to Charles for being our Raffle winner. All together with our Bike raffle and Beanie Day we have raised over $460 for the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

ST CLEMENT'S GALONG

LIBRARY NEWS- Mrs Joanne Murphy

HOLIDAY READING 

As the school holidays begin, it's the perfect time for students to dive into the wonderful world of books! Whether it’s a magical adventure, a funny story, or a fascinating fact book, reading helps keep minds active and imaginations growing. Just 15–20 minutes a day can make a big difference. Visit the local library, swap books with friends, or snuggle up with a favourite story. Check out SORA, a free online library bursting with great books to read and enjoy (log in instructions attached).  Happy holidays and happy reading!

HILLTOPS LIBRARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Have fun at the Hilltops Library in Boorowa, Harden and Young with their school holiday programme.  Create sensational silk paintings, improve your science knowledge at the science fair and build and code robots!

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE

Well done to all of the students who have been busy reading, completing the Premier's Reading Challenge.  Online student reading records must be completed by Friday 19^th September.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN OUR 1/2 CLASSROOMS

BEYOND BLUE POSTCARDS

Year 1/2 were invited by Hilltops councilor, Michelle Gallo to participate in the Beyond Blue / Australia Post initiative to send postcards to loved ones to let them know they are special to us. When we connect, we feel better. Today our students walked down to the Post Office to post our cards and we hope they give a warm feeling to our families when they are received over the holidays.