Dear Parents,

Welcome back to the start of Term 2. I trust that you all had an enjoyable and restful break together as a family and are refreshed for another busy term. The children have all made a positive start to the term and I have enjoyed seeing their smiling faces and talking to them about their holidays.

The start of a new term makes it timely to remind you all of our School Wide Expectations. St Mary’s values the following School Wide Expectations; Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be a Learner. These expectations provide a framework, which encourages all those in our school community, through their actions and words, to be the best that they can be. For these expectations to be most successful in our school environment, these need to be encouraged and supported at home.

ANZAC Day

This Sunday, 25^th March is ANZAC Day. ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance that commemorates all Australian and New Zealander soldiers who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peace operations. This year, the Yarram Commemorative Service and Wreath Laying will be commencing at 11:00am. In the past, students from St Mary’s have participated in the march, however due to restrictions, the decision has been made that only our two school captains and a staff member will represent our school. All other families are encouraged to attend the service; however, you will need to register your attendance by contacting the RSL Secretary, Karen Rogers on 0455 660 298 or email karrick29@gmail.com.

YDHS Healthy Schools Achievement Program

St Mary’s is participating in the Healthy Schools Achievement Program coordinated by the Yarram and District Health Service. This program aims to encourage students to live healthy lifestyles. The focus for the month of April is on ‘Healthy Eating’. Teachers will be discussing with their students’ healthy recess and lunch food options and will also be keeping an eye on what your children are eating. At the end of the month, a prize will be awarded to one student from each class who has eaten healthy.

Safe Routes to School Program

Our Grade 6 students have been working with Melissa from the Wellington Shire as a part of the Safe Routes to School Program. Through this program, the students will develop a map that will provide all families with safe routes to and from school. A survey will be sent home shortly for all families to complete. Your support in completing this survey and returning it to school would be greatly appreciated.

Insight SRC Survey

Next week all families will receive the Insight SRC Parent School Improvement Survey. This survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents' perceptions of their children's experience of school. The survey may be completed once, either on paper or via the online survey. I encourage you all to complete this survey so that we can work towards providing the best possible school experience for your child.

School Closure Day

Next Friday, 30^th April, will be a school closure day for all students. The St Mary’s staff will be participating in a Religious Education Professional Development day with Marg Carswell. Marg is a lecturer at Australian Catholic University and will work with staff to provide strategies on how to teach Scripture to students.

Kind regards,

Joel