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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- GRADE 10 CELEBRATION DINNER
- KINDERGARTEN - AUSTRALIAN ANIMAL COLLAGES
- KINDER CHRISTMAS
- PRIMARY CHRISTMAS CRAFT
- PRIMARY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
- ENE SWIMMING CARNIVAL
- 2024 LEVIES AND CHARGES GRADE 7 - 12
- 2024 LEVIES AND CHARGES KINDER - GRADE 6
- SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
- COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
2023 has been a busy and productive year for students and staff and although we have seen changes and challenges due to staffing shortages, overall it has been a year of successes, with much to celebrate. Early next year, we will send home one copy of the 2023 school magazine to each family, and I encourage you to take time to read the Magazine and reflect on the wonderful student achievements that are showcased throughout. Families will be able to look back over the year, and see clearly displayed, the school values of Courage, Growth, Aspiration and Respect that are at the very heart of our school community.
External School Review (ESR)
Part of the DECYP improvement cycle for all schools is an External School Review (ESR) which is held once every 4 years. In November, we welcomed the review panel to our school and over the course of 2 days they spoke with most staff, many students and parents, and they also visited most classrooms. During the Review process, the panel verified the following effective practices that are contributing significantly to school improvement at St Marys District School:
- The school principal and other school leaders are united, committed to and explicit about their core objective to improve learning outcomes for all students in the school.
- The school uses data to identify starting points for improvement and to monitor progress over time.
- The staff demonstrate an understanding of the importance of positive and caring relationships to successful learning, and work to build respectful relationships across the school community.
- All interviewed teachers articulated the strong use of learning intentions and success criteria across all learning areas and year levels.
- There is a high awareness of the Kindergarten–Year 2 Reading Program and the benefits that it has to student outcomes.
- The respectful relationships between staff, students, and the broader school community were evident.
- The strong, resilient and cohesive leadership team was obvious.
- The school environment is well maintained with attractive learning environments.
- The school has a focus on lifting reading outcomes for all students.
Facilities and Resources
During 2023 we have continued to improve facilities and resources to maximise student engagement and learning outcomes. During 2023 the following work has been completed:
- The early childhood playground upgrade
- The MDT workshop redevelopment
- A new Art studio and design hub
- A fresh coat of paint for the Kindergarten and Science buildings
- A new roof for the early childhood classrooms
- New student ICT Devices
- Camps, excursions & Off campus experiences to the value of $50,000
Work scheduled over the January holiday period includes:
- Completion of the outdoor courts
- Painting the exterior of MDT and Kitchen blocks
- Painting both interior and exterior of the early childhood building
- Roof cleaning
- Audit and upkeep of the many trees in our grounds and on the farm
- Arrival of new furniture for secondary classrooms.
2024 Staffing and Class Groups
As with every year, we do have a number of staff confirmed as leaving us at the end of this year. I would like to thank the following staff for their work and commitment to our school and students and wish them well in the future.
Mrs Rebecca Hibberd
Mrs Claire Neyland
Mrs Gemma Seabrook
Ms Jessica Hilliard
The following staff will be joining us in 2023 and I am looking forward to welcoming them into our school community.
Mr Peter Young
Mr Frank Piscitelli
Mrs Laura Jenkins
Mrs Emma McIntosh
Mr Justin Emmerton
Mrs Kate Lee
Ms Julia Rossi
Mrs Emily Van Galen
Mr Jordan Disley
Our school leadership group (SLG) is confirmed for the 2023 school year. Working alongside me will be:
Miss Sandra Cook Assistant Principal
Mrs Meg Burbury AST (K-6)
Mr Stephen Smith AST (7-10)
Mr David Scolyer AST (11-12)
Mrs Michele Bennett AST (Support and Wellbeing)
Mrs Susan Scolyer AST (Quality Teaching Coach)
Mrs Lisa Bean SBM
Miss Janine Burt SBM
Farewell Grade 10’s
Please see below an excerpt from my Presentation Assembly Principal’s Address:
”I would like to thank you for your enormous contribution to our school over your years here. As a group you will be remembered for your aspiration and courage, your kindness and care for others, your passion for life and your resilience – the way you tackle head on and with a touch of humour everything life throws at you. I have particularly appreciated your chilled approach (mostly), humour, cheerful greetings, inspirational stories and joy for life.
These qualities will be incredibly important as you move on to the next step in your journey. The world you are stepping into is big and exciting and it will also bring its challenges. As you take on the world beyond St Marys District School, I want you to know that your experience through your primary and high school education has prepared you well for whatever comes next. Through the partnership of your families and our school, you are well armed and ready for your next adventure. Stand tall and be proud of your efforts and of your contributions to the life of this school. Your caring attitudes, inquisitive minds and friendly faces have made this school a wonderful place to learn and work. We look forward to hearing of your achievements in the future.”
Finally, I would like to thank everyone in our school community for their ongoing support of our wonderful school. To our students who will be returning in 2024, staff, families and our school community members, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a restful, relaxing and fun filled holiday.
Warm regards,
Carolyn Watson
Principal
On Monday 18 December St Marys District School Year 10 student held their Celebration Dinner at White Sands Resort to commemorate their completion of Year 10.
Parents, staff and community members welcomed the students as they arrived in a variety of vehicles. Everyone was very impressed with the beautiful outfits. Students were a credit to their families.
Best of luck to all student in their future endeavours.
Please enjoy the photos taken on the night.
KINDERGARTEN - AUSTRALIAN ANIMAL COLLAGES
As part of our inquiry around Australian animals, the Kindergarten students painted a picture of an animal they saw, when we visited East Coast Natureworld. Students then created a habitat using collage materials to complete their artwork.
On Wednesday 20 December, all Primary students participated with enthusiasm in a Christmas Celebration on and around the Primary Deck. This celebration was an opportunity for all staff and students to celebrate a wonderful year of learning in a series of fun and relaxed Christmas themed activities. Students were invited to dress up in their most Christmassy outfit, which started the day with a buzz. Christmas carols played on repeat, as the students began by collaboratively decorating several Christmas trees. What a sight they were! Next, groups of students completed a Christmas quiz, some of the questions got us all stumped. Pass the parcel was a real hit, with some lucky students taking home the prizes. The 5/6 Class prepared a series of scavenger hunts, catering for all different Grades. These were a real hit, with some students choosing to continue this into lunch time. One of the many highlights of the day was seeing the way that all students collaborated with each other and engage in the activities with such joy and delight. A fabulous time was had by all!
ENE Swimming Carnival
Approximately 80 excited Grade 3 – 6 swimmers from St. Marys, St. Helens and Bicheno participated in the 2023 ENE Swimming Carnival in wonderful conditions on Thursday 7 December at the St. Marys School Swimming Pool. After a hiatus in 2022 due to the closure of the St Marys Pass and work on the Elephant Pass, it was so wonderful to have this sporting event back on the calendar.
Supported by St Marys volunteer parents and St Marys Primary and Secondary students, the carnival was officiated brilliantly. Thank you to these members of the school community whose time and expertise ensured the most efficient carnival organisation.
It was wonderful to see over 50 parents and supports cheering from the shallow end for swimmers from all schools. Emerging, developing and competent swimmers competed for their respective school with pride. The behaviour and competitive spirit of our St. Marys students was of the highest order! There were 7 new records broken on the day. We would like to congratulate our team members for a wonderful carnival in particular Sienna McGiveron who broke 3 new records:
- Grade 6 Girls 25m Freestyle Old record 15.72 New record 15.25
- Grade 6 Girls 25m Butterfly Old record 27.31 New record 26.77
- Grade 6 Girls 50m Freestyle Old record 36.55 New record 35.93
We would also like to acknowledge these students who were awarded Grade Champion or Grade Runner-Up Champion:
- Harry – Grade 3 Boys Champion
- Ollie – Grade 4 Boys Runner-Up Champion
- Ella – Grade 5 Girls Runner-Up Champion
- Cohen – Grade 5 Boys Runner-Up Champion
- Sienna – Grade 6 Girls Champion
- Halle – Grade 6 Girls Runner-Up Champion
NOTICEBOARD