Newsletter 2025 Term 3 Week 9

PRINCIPAL NEWS - Mr Peter Hughes

Last night 24 students mainly from year three and year four made their First Reconciliation. It was a very prayerful celebration and a step on the journey to making their First Holy Communion which will occur next term. 

An article I recently read, which was shared by our director, reminds us of the role of Catholic schools. The first states that ‘classrooms ought to be a sacramental space where water slowly turns into wine.’ The second points out that when Catholic schools ‘pursue Catholic values schools can provide low doorways to learning which will also be gateways to the Gospel’. It goes on to say ‘that the Kingdom is ushered in by excellence in the undertaking of the ordinary activities of the school day.’

The prayer life of the school, religious education lessons, reception of the sacraments and the daily living out of the school’s values of respect, responsibility and service helps to make the Kingdom visible to others.

I thank Fr Jiss, Fr David and Fr Alex for hearing confessions on the night. Thank you also to Jillian Murray, our REC, for her organisation as well as the parents and other members of the school staff for helping to prepare the children for the night.

AP NEWS- Mrs Katie Thompson

Safe On Social - Kirra Pendergast

Group Chats

Group chats are a popular way to stay connected with friends and classmates, but

they can sometimes become overwhelming or toxic if not handled properly.

Learning how to manage group chats respectfully and create healthy boundaries will

help you maintain positive relationships and protect your mental well-being.

By managing group chats responsibly and setting healthy boundaries, you can

maintain positive relationships and protect your mental well-being while staying

At St Mary’s we frequently have to deal with issues between students that begin in Chat Groups from games or apps being accessed away from school. Whilst these environments can provide a safe and fun experience, they can become problematic very quickly. The following Cheat Sheet from Safe on Social provides some healthy and responsible suggestions for parents to discuss with their children. 

RE - Ms Jillian Murray

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Congratulations to our Year 3 and 4 students who celebrated their Sacrament of Reconciliation last night. It was a meaningful and prayerful occasion, and it was wonderful to see so many families and members of our school community come together to support each other and their children.

Bridie  Armstrong          

Ella Armstrong          

Rhaegar Bloor                

Evie Brodbeck                  

Ashton Callaghan

Alexander Carson     

Edith Clarke                     

Oliver Collins                    

Josephine Denniss                 

Imani  Fernandez               

Henry Maloney                

Nellie Madden                 

Ella McGovern             

Pippa McKnight               

Monte Murphy                  

Clancy O'Brien                   

Max O'Brien                   

Mackenzie O'Brien                  

Frankie Patterson             

Connar Smithers             

Levi Thorp                                    

Indi Wilder                  

Henry Wright     

Mission Day Fair – next Thursday!

Mission Day is next week! 

On Thursday, September 25th (last day of term), 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.

Students are encouraged to bring in their coins to spend on fun 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!

Whole School Mass

Next week, on Tuesday September 23rd at 9 am, we are celebrating the end of term with a whole school mass. This mass will be held in the school hall and all are welcome to join us. 

SPORTS NEWS - Mrs Leonne Challen

MacKillop Athletics Championships

We wish Henry Aiken the very best of luck as represents our Archdiocese at the MacKillop Athletics Championships in Sydney next Wednesday. He will be competing in the 12 yrs 100m, Snr 200m and Snr High Jump. We will be cheering you on!!!

NSWPSSA Golf Championships

We wish Tom McKnight the best of luck as he competes with the MacKillop Golf Team in the NSWPSAA Golf Championships in Barooga next Tuesday. This is an amazing achievement and we look forward to hearing all about your experience. Go Tom!!!

Young League Stars Tag Gala Day - K-2

It is time for our infant students to have their turn to attend a NRL gala day!! On Wednesday 29th October students from Kindergarten to Year 2 will have the opportunity to go to Keith Cullen Oval from 10am to 12.30 to participate in league tag games. The day is for all students regardless of experience to come along and have some fun. If your child would like to participate please complete the online permission on Compass. It can be found in the events section. The permissions for this event will close on Thursday 16th October so please opt in for your child before then!

Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival - Training change for netball

Training is cancelled for Monday Wk 10 and will recommence on Monday of Wk 2. Mrs Wright will supervise the students from 3pm and they are welcome to bring training clothes to change into after school. Students can be collected from the basketball courts by parents at 4pm. 

Archdiocesan Sport for 2026  - NOTIFICATION OF **NEW TRIAL DATES

Please note that some Archdiocesan Sporting trials for 2026 will occur this year in Term 4. These trials will be open for students who will be in Year 5 & 6 in 2026. Registrations will be via the Canberra-Goulburn Sports Webpage.

2026 Cricket  - to be held in Queanbeyan on Friday 31st October 2025. Registrations are open now and will close on Friday 24th October.

**2025 Tennis - to be held at the Melba Tennis Club on Friday 21st November. Registrations are open now and will close on Monday 17th November.

**2025 Basketball - to be held in Belconnen on Friday 21st November. Registrations are open now and will close on Monday 17th November.

Links for the Canberra-Goulburn Sports Webpage:

LEARNING SUPPORT - Mrs Kirsty Miller

 Parents Seeking Support – Current Availability for Key Services

We understand that accessing timely support for your child’s developmental, behavioural, or learning needs can be challenging. If you are currently seeking appointments with Paediatricians, Psychologists, or Occupational Therapists, please reach out to Kirsty Miller (Learning Support Coordinator), who can assist with referrals and up-to-date availability. (Please note: appointments are filling fast.)

👩‍⚕️ Paediatrician Appointments – Canberra

If you're having difficulty securing a paediatrician appointment within a suitable timeframe, Kirsty can provide a list of Paediatricians in Canberra who currently have availability.
Paediatricians can:

• Diagnose conditions such as ADHD
• Refer to educational psychologists for cognitive assessments
• Refer to behavioural psychologists for Autism assessments

🧠 Psychology Support – Hilltops Region

If you're seeking psychological support or assessments, Kirsty can provide a list of psychologists in the Hilltops region with current availability.
Psychologists can assist with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD
• Anxiety and depression
• Cognitive and academic learning disabilities
• Other developmental or emotional concerns

🖐️ Occupational Therapy – Mercy Care, Young

If you're experiencing difficulty securing an occupational therapy appointment, the school is currently providing referrals to Mercy Care at Young Hospital.
Occupational Therapists can support your child with:

• Fine and gross motor development
• Emotional regulation
• Social skills and communication

⏳ Act Quickly – Limited Availability

Kirsty can assist with referrals and provide contact details to help you secure appointments. However, availability is limited and filling fast.

To ensure your child receives the support they need without delay, we strongly encourage families to contact Kirsty as soon as possible.

📧 Contact:kirsty.miller@cg.catholic.edu.au

CANTEEN NEWS - Mrs Jennifer Harden

School Canteen Volunteers Message  Group

I am very excited to introduce you to our Canteen What’s App group.

From now on I will be requesting volunteers through this group.

Please join using the QR Code or link below, to receive notice of when volunteers are needed.

I look forward to seeing some new faces in the group and having you in the canteen to help us stock up on all the food and baked goods we serve the children.

Click here to join our Volunteers WhatsApp Group

CLASS AWARDS

ST MARY'S ON STAGE

COMMUNITY COUNCIL - Family Event