Term 3 Week 3 2025
Dear Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we settle into the second half of the school year. Term 3 is always a busy and exciting time, and it's wonderful to see students fully engaged in their learning and school life.
Focusing on Respect
Over Weeks 3 and 4, our school value focus has been Respect. This value underpins all that we do at St Mary’s and supports the development of a kind, inclusive and responsible community.
We have been unpacking the children’s understanding of Respect as:
“We care for people, our land and ourselves.”
This simple yet powerful message is being explored in classrooms, on the playground, and during prayer and reflection. We encourage you to talk with your child at home about what respect looks like in their words and actions, and how we can all contribute to a respectful school environment.
Every Day Counts
As we continue through the term, I’d like to take a moment to highlight the importance of regular school attendance. Every day counts when it comes to learning, and even small gaps can have a big impact on your child’s progress—academically, socially, and emotionally.
We understand that from time to time, students may be unwell or unable to attend school. However, we encourage all families to prioritise full attendance wherever possible and to speak with us if there are challenges. Working together, we can support every child to thrive. If your child is going to be absent, please remember to notify the school promptly through your Compass App.
Kindergarten Enrolments 2026
We are already preparing for Kindergarten 2026. If you have a child who will be turning five by July 31, 2026, or know a family considering joining our school community, now is the time to start the enrolment process.
We welcome all interested families to contact the office for enrolment information or to arrange a school tour. Our early planning helps ensure we provide the very best transition experience for our youngest learners. We are incredibly proud of the nurturing, faith-filled, and high-quality start to schooling that we offer here at St Mary’s.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our school. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to speak further about your child’s learning.
Warm regards,
Nadine Slingsby
Principal
| Date | Day | Event |
| 13/08/2025 | Wednesday | School Photos |
| 15/08/2025 | Friday | Stage 3 bake sale |
| 18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 | Monday - Friday | Book Week |
| 22/08/2025 | Friday | Book Week Parade |
| 29/08/2025 | Friday | Stage 3 Digital Technologies Day- St Pat's |
| 02/09/2025 | Tuesday | BCS Year 7 transition day |
| 03/09/2025 | Wednesday | Mass: Stage 1 & 2 |
| 05/09/2025 | Friday | Fathers Day Breakfast |
| 11/09/2025 | Thursday | Kindergarten Transition Day 9.15am - 10.45am |
| 25/09/2025 | Thursday | Kindergarten Transition Day 9.15am - 10.45am |
| 26/09/2025 | Friday | Football Jersey Day- Gold Coin donation |
| 26/09/2025 | Friday | LAST DAY TERM 3 |
| 29/09/2025 - 02/10/2025 | Monday - Thursday | Kincoppal School Holiday Program |
| 14/10/2025 | Tuesday | FIRST DAY TERM 4 |
| Kindergarten | Adrianne & Oaklynn |
| Year 1/2 | Liam, Carmella, Josiah & Mia |
| Year 3/4 | Peyton, Djanaambi, Keziayah & Bradley |
| Learning Club | Thomas |
| Year 5/6 | Aaliyah, Lilly, Ariana & Jacob |
Our school Athletics Carnival, held on 27th June at Hennessy Tape Oval was a fantastic day of energy, enthusiasm, and healthy competition. From the crack of the starting pistol to the final relay, our students showcased not just athletic ability but also teamwork, determination, and great sportsmanship.
Our 2 school house groups, Gaggal (Blue) & Bindarray (Green) made posters for the day. Conratulations to BINDARRAY for taking out the winning house for the day.
It was heartening to see so many students giving their best in events like sprints, discus, shot put, and relays. Whether competing or cheering, everyone played a part.
Event Winners:
Infant Girls 70m- 1st Mia 2nd Kelaari 3rd Deborah
Infant Boys 70m- 1st Roman 2nd Callum 3rd Jai
Junior Girls 100m- 1st Djanaambi 2nd Aliyana 3rd Lexi
Junior Boys 100m- 1st Joe 2nd Dominik 3rd Lance
Senior Girls 100m- 1st Aaliyah 2nd Sofia
Senior Boys 100m- 1st Harry 2nd Regent 3rd Jacob
Infant Girls 200m- 1st Mia 2nd Deborah 3rd Kelaari
Infant Boys 200m- 1st Roman 2nd Jai 3rd Callum
Junior Girls 200m- 1st Djanaambi 2nd Aliyana 3rd Lexi
Junior Boys 200m- 1st Joe 2nd Dom 3rd Sage
Senior Girls 200m- 1st Aaliyah 2nd Sofia 3rd Miss Brooke
Senior Boys 200m- 1st Luka 2nd Harry 3rd Regent
Open age Girls 400m- 1st Aaliyah 2nd Aliyana 3rd Keziyah
Open age Boys 400m- 1st Regent 2nd Joe 3rd Harry
Junior Girls Shot Put- 1st Aliyana 2nd Peyton 3rd Lexi
Junior Boys Shot Put- 1st Dominik 2nd Joe 3rd Edward
Senior Girls Shot Put- 1st Aaliyah 2nd Sofia
Senior Boys Shot Put- 1st Harry 2nd Luka 3rd Adrian
Junior Girls Discus- 1st Lexi 2nd Aliyana 3rd Djanaambi
Junior Boys Discus- 1st Joe 2nd Dominik 3rd Lance
Senior Girls Discus- 1st Aaliyah 2nd Sofia
Senior Boys Discus-1st Harry 2nd Luka 3rd Tayven
A big thank you to Mr Troy for organising the day, Miss Sam for the food and to staff who helped run the day so smoothly. And a thankyou to our wonderful families who came to cheer on the students.
We’re proud of the way our students represented themselves and the school. Events like these strengthen our community and celebrate the diverse talents within it.
Go St Mary's!
Our students love singing with Miss Alice. A video of this session can be viewed on our facebook page
This year, our school community is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week in the last week of Term 2.
NAIDOC Week is a vital time for all Australians to learn about and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," is particularly inspiring. It celebrates the achievements of the past while looking ahead to a bright future, empowered by the strength of our children and young people, the vision of our communities, and the enduring legacy of our ancestors.
This year, students participated in various activities such as creative arts, story telling & literature, indigi games and NAIDOC mass with our community and elders.
We welcomed St Pat's for Indigi games and a shared lunch. Students had the opportunity to try emu, crocodile and kangaroo.
Community and elders attended NAIDOC Mass on the Wednesday.
We believe that by celebrating NAIDOC Week and embedding First Nations perspectives into our daily learning, we are helping to shape a future where all children grow up proud, respectful, and connected to the world's oldest continuous living cultures. We thank our students, staff, and families for their enthusiastic participation and support in making this a meaningful celebration.
A Canvas of Strength, Vision and Legacy
This artwork, created by the students and staff of St Mary's Primary School for NAIDOC Week, weaves together themes of Strength, Vision and Legacy. It's a vibrant testament to intergenerational learning, cultural connection, and environmental stewardship.
The piece centers on a sun rising behind Titty Mountain, symbolizing new beginnings and the enduring spirit of the community. The sun's rays are formed by the handprints of staff, representing their dedication and the warmth of their guidance. Along the mountain's contours, the spirits of Ancestors are depicted, acknowledging their enduring presence and wisdom. From these Ancestral spirits, the Elders draw their profound knowledge, a vital link to the past. This knowledge is then lovingly passed down to the students, teaching them the crucial responsibilities of caring for our Land, Water, and Sky.
At the base of the mountain, student footprints trace the path of Nambucca River, flowing from fresh to saltwater and eventually merging with the vast ocean as it leaves the V-Wall. This journey symbolizes the students' ongoing learning and their connection to the natural world. Flowing and intertwining wool represents the movement, connection, and countless stories embedded within this journey. Throughout the artwork, local animals are subtly integrated, signifying the rich biodiversity of the land and our interconnectedness with all living things.
The yarning circle is included as it is more than just a method of communication; it is a profound cultural practice that cultivates respect, fosters connection, and empowers individuals and communities through shared storytelling and collective wisdom. Its importance lies in its ability to bridge divides, promote understanding, and create safe and inclusive spaces for genuine human interaction.
Central to the artwork's identity is the St Mary's Primary School logo, featuring the Brolga. This significant Aboriginal cultural symbol represents Our Blessed Mother Mary, embodying her protective and nurturing spirit. The Brolga is depicted with her wings, sheltering and fostering all members of the St Mary's Primary School community. Her graceful stance over the crucifix further reinforces the school's values, representing salvation and faith.
This collaborative artwork is a profound visual narrative, celebrating Indigenous culture, honoring ancestral wisdom, and inspiring a shared vision for a sustainable future for all.
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Dear Parents , PLEASE JOIN US FOR CCSP’S TERM 3 SLEEP WEBINAR Do you know how vital sleep is to your children's health, learning and emotional wellbeing? Do you know what effects screens are having on the quantity and quality of our sleep? Don't miss this opportunity to find out strategies you can use to help your children develop healthy sleeping habits for optimal function! Join Sleep Educator Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection for an insight into how important sleep is for your children - and you - and tips for making sure the whole family gets enough zzzzzzzz. Wednesday 13 August 7pm - 8pm PRESENTED BY THE SLEEP CONNECTION Register using the link - See you online! For parents and carers of K-12 school students |
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