Save the date! 

Last day of Term 4 Wednesday 18th December 

Wednesday and Friday - Icy Poles to raise money for the Giving Tree $2.00 each

Week 6

Swimming all week

Tuesday 19th - 11:30am – 12:30pm Year 6 class visit with Fr Paul

Wednesday 20th - Universal Childrens' Day

Sunday 24th - Our Lord JESUS CHRIST, KING of the UNIVERSE

Week 7

Swimming all week

Welcome Frankie for work experience

Week 8

Welcome Bella for work experience

Welcome Gracie for work experience

Monday 2nd - 9.15-9.45 Marybells extra transition 

Tuesday 3rd - 11.30-12.30 Fr Paul with Kinder

Week 9

Tuesday 10th - 11.30-12.30 Fr Paul with Year 5

Thursday 12th - Christmas Picnic and Disco 

Thursday 12th - Christmas Casual Dress Day

Friday 13th - Rewards Day 

Friday 13th - Bellingen High School - All Schools Transition Day

Week 10

Monday 16th - Year 6 Big Banana

Tuesday 17th - Giving Tree and Yr K-5 awards

Tuesday 17th - Reports available on Compass

Tuesday 17th - 11.30 - 12.30 Fr Paul with Year 2 

Tuesday 17th - Year 6 Graduation at the Golf Club

Wednesday 18th - Last day for students

Thursday 19th - Last day for staff

https://angelusnews.com 

Near to his passion and death, Jesus gives us a teaching of hope — telling us how it will be when he returns again in glory.

2025 School Captains - Solomon Day and Seanna Condon

Vice Captains - Nitesh Grimson and Ishani Hannah

Parent Information Session: Supporting Your Child’s Transition into School

We’re so excited to welcome you and your child to our school community. Starting school is a big moment for your child, and we’re here to make it as smooth and positive as possible. Today, we’d like to share a few tips on how you can help them feel safe, happy, and ready to dive into this new adventure.

1. The Power of a Quick Goodbye at the Gate

We know it can be tough to say goodbye, especially on those first few days! From experience, a quick and positive goodbye at the gate is the best way to help your child settle in. Going right up to the classroom can make it harder, as children often start feeling more nervous if the goodbye lingers. A confident “See you later!” at the gate helps them know that school is a fun and safe place.

2. Positive Talk About Coming and Going

Before each school day, try chatting positively about the day ahead. Simple, clear messages like “You’re going to have so much fun today, and I’ll be back to hear all about it!” really help reassure them. Keeping things upbeat and straightforward gives kids confidence and helps them understand that you’ll be back soon.  These words help them understand that school is a safe and enjoyable place to be.

3. Managing Upset Moments

It’s normal for some children to feel tearful or hesitant, especially in the first weeks. If your child becomes upset, know that our team is here to support them. We’re experienced in helping children settle quickly and positively. If we notice that your child continues to feel unsettled, we will call you to provide an update. Most children settle very quickly once they’re in the classroom, and by letting them take that brave step alone, you’re supporting their confidence and independence.

4. Why This Approach Works

As young children navigate new experiences and challenges, moments of worry and even tears are natural. At these times, one of the most powerful ways we can support them is by offering both validation and confidence. Psychologist Karen Young reminds us that simply saying, "I know this is hard, and I know you can do it," can make all the difference. This message reassures children that it’s okay to feel nervous, while also instilling a belief that they have the strength to overcome the challenge. By validating their feelings we help build their resilience and foster a secure sense of self.

Children are very attuned to our feelings, and a confident goodbye helps them feel assured that school is a safe, welcoming place. By establishing this routine, you’re helping them build resilience and independence, which are important skills as they begin their school journey. It’s common for children to feel nervous in new situations, but when they see your calm and positive attitude, they’re more likely to feel that way too. Trusting in the routine helps children adapt to school life more smoothly.

Thank you for partnering with us to make this transition a positive experience. Your encouragement and support at the gate go a long way in helping your child grow and enjoy their school journey.

Angela presented to 19 people at school last Monday and her messages resonated with everyone in the room.  The main message that Angela gave was that our children need attachment and connection. If you are interested in finding out more check out her podcast;

https://www.angelalockwood.com.au/podcast 

A massive thank you to Angela who travelled 4 hours to be with us, and Parent Assembly for providing the funds to cover this valuable event.

Our school captains represented St Mary’s on Monday at Piggott Park for Remembrance Day. Thanks to Claire and Bon for doing such a great job.

Keep your eye on what is happening each week as we start to get to the busy part of the year. The next 4 weeks have been included so you can see what has already been planned to help with your end of the year planning.

Save the Date

Family Picnic and Disco

Children will get a sausage sandwich and Popper

Adults BYO Picnic rug and drinks

Craft Table

Disco

Year 2 have had a fabulous start to Term 4 and have been very busy learning all sorts of new skills! 

In Maths we have been focusing on applying skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to a variety of problems. This has included selecting the correct operation, representing the problem in different ways, such as arrays and  writing correct number sentences. 

Today we started our 2 week Intensive Swimming program. The Year 2's showcased their wonderful swimming and fantastic listening skills. Here are a few photos from the pool;

P.S- Did you hear that Year 2 were this year's St Mary's Socktober photo winners? We enjoyed posing for our winning photo and getting our reward of 20 minutes extra play, all while raising money for a good cause - Catholic Mission and their programs benefiting children around the world!

Week 4

Kinder - Jed Ravell & Tully Ouali

Year 1 - Jaxon Fitzgerald & Harrison Piper

Year 2 - Tully de Jong & Florence Frost

Year 3 - Evie Murcott & Cooper Nichols

Year 5 - Solomon Day & Monty Scott

Year 6 - Hazel Garrett

PBS - "We say no to bullying"

Kinder - Archer Curwood

Year 1 - Benji Mills

Year 2 - Finley Flood

Year 3 - Eloise Harper

Year 5 - Neerav Pratap

Year 6 - Isla-Rose McLennan

Good Samaritan - Vera Farrugia

Week 5 

Kinder - Vera Farrugia & Kohan Phoenix

Year 1 - Tully Brown & Zion Sullivan-Njemanze

Year 2 - Gabby Carlon & Jed Bridger

Year 5 - Aoife Tsang & Arlo Pym

Year 6 - Aryan Sharma

PBS - "I help my friends do the right thing"

Kinder - Lily Hogarth & Jed Ravell

Year 1 - Jack Barne

Year 2 - Henry Hart

Year 5 - Ishani Hannah

Year 6 - Ashar Hynes-Honnet

Police School Liaison Officer -  Bernadette Snow - 0437774483

Police Youth Liaison Officer - Jo Brooker - 66910799 -

Kids Help Line - 1800551800 http://www.kidshelp.com.au/

Cyber Safety  - Incredible resource for parents and children  www.esafety.gov.au

Piano = Victoria Christie 6655 8782

Brass/Piano = Kate Butcher 0419 789 078

Guitar = Katie Crane 0431 151 987