Dear Parents and Guardians,

We eagerly anticipate the new school year and are thrilled to share our meticulously planned classroom and teacher structures for 2025 with you. These structures are designed to create an enriching and supportive learning environment for our students.

We welcome Nicole Ellis, who will join our St Mary’s family in 2025. Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as the Prep/One/ Two teacher at St Therses’s Primary School Kennington (Sandhurst Diocese). She is known for her dedication to student learning and innovative teaching methods. We will welcome and support Nicole in her new position as a school community.

Teacher Positions and Structures

Maria Moore - Principal

Debra Owens - Classroom, Deputy, MHiPS, Adjustments

Anthony Sheedy - Classroom, Deputy, Collective Mathematics 2.0/English 2.0 leader, STEM

Keira- Lee Williams - Classroom, Collective Mathematics 2.0/English 2.0

Leader, Physical Education

Sue Benc - Classroom, REL

Nicole Ellis - Classroom, Italian

Heather Flynn - Classroom

Tracey Richard - ESO

 Joanne Griffiths - ESO

 Sharon Garland - ESO

Deborah Isemann - Administration

Classroom Structures

Prep/ One - Nicole Ellis Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Heather Flynn - Wednesday

One/Two/Three - Keira- Lee Williams Monday, Tuesday, Thursday morning and Friday

Debra Owens - Wednesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:15 pm

Four/ Five / Six - Anthony Sheedy - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Sue Benc - Thursday, Friday

ESO Staff Structures

P/1 - Joanne Griffiths - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Sharon Garland - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

1/2/3 - Tracey Richards - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

4/5/6 - TBC

At St Mary's, we are dedicated to our students' educational and emotional well-being. Our classroom and teacher structures for 2025 have been carefully designed with this in mind, ensuring a 20-22 student-to-teacher ratio. These ratios allow our teachers to implement explicit and targeted teaching practices, guaranteeing that each student's needs are met.

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent Swimming and Water Familiarisation program! It has been an incredible experience for all our students, and we couldn't have achieved this without our fantastic staff's tireless dedication and hard work.

A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, instructors, support staff and parents who made this program possible. Your unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment has helped our students gain valuable water safety skills that will benefit them for years.

Our top priority is the safety of our students in the water, and this program has played a vital role in helping them build confidence, learn vital water safety techniques, and, most importantly, have fun!

We look forward to continuing to provide enriching experiences that help our students stay safe and confident in the water. Thank you once again for your support and dedication to this important initiative!

Let’s continue to keep our students safe and skilled in the water!

We celebrate the Combined Choirs this Sunday, December 8th, at the Regent Theatre. Thank you to all the students and families who can attend. We will gather in the foyer of the theatre by 6:45 pm.

The end of term is approaching quickly. Please use the calendar to keep up to date with all end-of-year events.

Maria

Our swimming program has been through a few seasons these past two weeks and in spite of this our students have done amazingly well. Thank you to all our staff for so much work put into this amazing program.

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate their birthdays this fortnight. We hope you have a wonderful day.

Tyler MacKay 4th December

Nolan McCormack 9th December

Kasharna Aliberti 31st December

Please remember these dates and don't forget to submit your signed permission forms.

WHOLE SCHOOL EXCURSION

All our students will be going to watch Moana 2 in Sale  on Friday, 13th December 2024.

Permission Note - Whole school excursion to Sale Cinema 2024

We request that all library books please be returned by Wednesday, 11th December 2024.

Mental Health and Wellbeing News

Dear Parents/Carers,

The holiday season is often filled with excitement, joy, and a sense of togetherness. However, for many parents, especially those with school aged children, the Christmas holidays can also bring a range of challenges. While it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a time when family dynamics shift, routines change, and young people may experience increased stress or emotional challenges.

 We all understand that supporting young people’s wellbeing during the holidays requires a balanced approach, one that promotes emotional resilience, maintains healthy routines, and fosters positive connections. As parents, you play a crucial role in helping your children navigate the ups and downs of the season, which is why we have included this guide to offer evidence-based strategies on how to help your child or teen thrive during the festive period.

 Why Supporting Young People’s Wellbeing During the Holidays is Crucial

The holidays can be overwhelming for children and young people for several reasons. With the break from school, there’s often a loss of routine, and the festive season can bring about feelings of both excitement and anxiety. The pressure to “have fun” or meet certain expectations, such as receiving presents or seeing extended family members, can add stress, while the increased focus on material gifts and consumerism may contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction. Moreover, young people are navigating critical stages of emotional and social development, and disruptions to their normal routine can amplify any underlying emotional struggles or mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Supporting young people’s wellbeing during this time is vital in helping them feel grounded, emotionally supported, and confident moving into the new year.

Practical Tips to Support Your Child’s Wellbeing Over the Holidays

1. Maintain a Routine (As Much As Possible) 
   
   While it’s important to let your children enjoy the holiday festivities, maintaining some sense of structure can help them feel secure. This doesn’t mean sticking rigidly to school-time routines, but keeping consistent mealtimes, sleep schedules, and designated periods for quiet time or activities can provide much-needed stability. Routines are particularly helpful for young people who may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Predictable routines can reduce feelings of stress and provide a sense of control.
2. Encourage Open Communication About Feelings
   The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions for children and teens. While some may feel excitement and joy, others might feel sadness, frustration, or even loneliness. Encouraging your children to talk openly about their feelings is one of the most important ways to support their wellbeing. If your child is feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it can be helpful to validate their emotions by acknowledging how they feel and gently guiding them to express those feelings. For example, ask open-ended questions such as, “How are you feeling about the holidays?” or “What’s been the best part of this holiday season for you so far?” This helps children and teens express their emotions, and it opens the door for deeper conversations. Emotional support during this time is just as important as physical health.
3. Create Opportunities for Physical Activity and Play
   
   
   The holidays often come with a more relaxed schedule, but staying physically active is vital for supporting young people’s mental and physical wellbeing. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and can help improve mood and energy levels. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a family bike ride, or just playing outside, try to build time for movement into each day. Engaging in physical activities as a family not only supports your child’s physical health but also promotes bonding and fun.
4. Be Mindful of Social Media and Screen Time
   The pressure to have a “perfect” holiday can sometimes be amplified by social media. Young people who spend excessive time on social media may experience negative impacts on their self-esteem and mental health, especially during the holidays when comparisons to others may feel more pronounced. While it’s unrealistic to completely cut out screen time, it can be beneficial to set boundaries around social media usage. Encourage your children to disconnect from their screens during family time or outdoor activities and consider setting limits on the amount of time spent on devices.
5. Foster Gratitude and Mindfulness
   The holiday season can sometimes emphasise materialism, but it’s also a time when families can reflect on what truly matters. Encourage your children to practice gratitude and mindfulness, which can improve emotional wellbeing, foster connections and appreciation, and help to reduce feelings of stress or entitlement. Try to make it a daily family tradition to share things you’re grateful for, or engage in mindfulness activities such as deep breathing exercises or a moment of silent reflection before meals
6. Support Positive Sleep Habits 
   
   The disruption of routine during the holiday season can also affect your child’s sleep schedule, and insufficient sleep can negatively impact their mood, behaviour, and ability to cope with stress. It’s important to encourage healthy sleep habits, including keeping a consistent bedtime and creating a calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading together or practicing relaxation techniques. Adequate rest is critical for maintaining emotional and mental health, especially during a time of increased activity and change.
7. Be Aware of Mental Health Struggles
   Finally, the holidays can be a challenging time for young people who are struggling with mental health issues. If your child seems particularly withdrawn, irritable, or overwhelmed, it may be an indication that they need extra support. As a parent, it’s important to watch for signs of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties. Seeking professional help can provide your child with the tools they need to manage their emotions and feel more equipped to manage difficulties.

Supporting young people’s wellbeing during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention, empathy, and intentionality. By maintaining some routine, encouraging open communication, fostering physical activity, and promoting mindfulness, you can help your children experience a balanced and enjoyable holiday season.

If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Deb Owens

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

Religious News:  Thursday the 5^th of December

Graduation Mass

Graduation Mass will be celebrated on Thursday December the 12^th commencing at 9:30 am. Everyone is invited to celebrate this special Mass with us.

Sacrament of Confirmation 2025

Sacrament of Confirmation 2025 has been set for Sunday the 11^th of May.

Combined Church Choir is scheduled for Sunday the 8^th of December commencing at 7:00pm.

Advent:

Last Sunday, the 1^st of December we began Advent.  Advents lasts for four weeks.  The word ‘Advent’ means, ‘coming.’  When we light the candles on the wreath, it symbolises the coming of the light into the world.  This light is Jesus.

Advent is a special time in the church year when we prepare and get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The Advent wreath has 4 candles, 3 purple and 1 pink. 

The first candle is the candle of hope and is purple.  We can be messengers of hope who share the message that God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us. 

The second candle is the candle of peace and is purple.  We can be messengers of peace and share the message that we can find peace when we are willing to forgive others and show mercy just as Jesus did. 

The third candle is the candle of love and is pink.  We can be messengers of love and share the message that we can find purpose and meaning in our lives when we follow the example of Jesus. 

The fourth candle is the candle of joy and is purple.  We can be messengers of joy who share the message that living in Jesus’ way can bring us joy and happiness.

 Advent Prayer

Loving and generous God, 

As we wait to celebrate the great feast of Christmas, 

help us to proclaim your message in the world. 

Help us to be truly generous to others with our time and effort, 

willing to show compassion and mercy to those around us, 

and ready to be messengers of your Word. 

We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. 

Amen.

Kind Regards,

Sue Benc