Dear Parents and Carer’s,

Last week we celebrated the feast day of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Year 6 led us through a beautiful litugy acknowledging the deep contribution Mary made to Catholic schooling, particulary in rural communities and her vision for all children to receive access to education. Mary was a woman of vision and deep faith so the litugy was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her visionary leadership in education and faith in God.

WR PUBLIC SPEAKING FINALS: How excited were we to hear the news that both Indi Cole (Year 5) and Taite Johnson (Year 6) nailed the WR Public Speaking competition finals that were held at St Mary’s Young last Friday! Indi won the Year 5 division and Taite was named as Runner Up of the Year 6 division. Both Indi and Taite will now go on to compete in the Archdiocesan finals in Bateman’s Bay in Week 8. We are so proud of these two young people who have worked so hard to achieve this success. A huge thank you is extended to Mr Peter Gain for all his support with coaching Indi and Taite through the last few weeks in preparation for the WR finals.

CANONICAL VISIT: This week we welcome Archbishop Christopher Prowse to our Tumut mission as he conducts his canonical visit to this area. Archbishop Christopher will lead Mass this Friday 16 August when our Year 3 students present their class Mass celebrating the Feast day of the Assumption of Mary. Archbishop Christopher along with Fr Joe and Fr Rofin will then join the staff for lunch and visit classrooms following lunch.

Archbishop Christopher will also lead Mass on Saturday evening in St Patrick’s Parish. Families are more than welcome to attend Mass at 5pm in St Patrick’s Church.

BOOKFAIR: Thank you to Mrs Hughes for organising another wonderful Bookfair last week. It is always a special event that our students look forward too. Thank you to families for their support in purchasing books as the school receieves a percentage from the sales to put owards buying new books for our school library.

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY: Please mark Wednesday 21 August (Week 5) in your calendars and phones for School Photo Day! School photos will be taken first up in the morning. ALL students are required to be in FULL WINTER SCHOOL UNIFORM please. Please ensure your child is wearing the school jumper and a tie. Hats do not need to be worn to school in the morning until after photos are taken.

BOOKWEEK: Another exciting event coming up is Bookweek on Thursday 22 August (Week 5). The theme for this year’s Bookweek is ‘Reading is Magic’. Students are invited to dress up in a book character that represents this theme. Our parade will start at 10.15am and all families are invited to attend.

TELL THEM FROM ME PARENT (TTFM) SURVEYS: Our annual TTFM school survey link was sent home to families last week. We ask parents and carers to please take the time to complete the online survey. The information enables us plan effectively for 2025 and beyond.

CATALYST UPDATES: Today we welcomed Gillian Forrester from CECG Teaching and Learning Team and Jo Barrett MultiLit consultant, to observe Literacy sessions utilising the MultiLit programs. Gillian and Jo together with Jess Eccleston (HITP Leader) and myself, conducted observational walkthroughs of InitiaLit, MacqLit and the Reading Tutor programs. Individual and group feedback was provided to staff and the leadership team. These visits are vaulable ways to support teachers and staff with ensuring our students are receiving best practice in all areas of literacy.

On Thursday we celebrate the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please join Year 3 for Mass on Friday at 12pm to celebrate this special feast day.

Christine Baron

Principal

New arrival On the 25^th July our family welcomed our first grandchild, Gunner Mark, born to David and Tori. We are over the moon with this beautiful little baby and are so excited to that he has come to join our family. We feel truly blessed knowing he has arrived safely, and we are able to spoil him with lots of love.

We have received so many messages and I would like to thank you all of you who have sent them. The children presented a precious gift at Monday’s Assembly, a NSW Blues t-shirt (I am sure he will wear it with pride).

Archbishop Christopher Prowse’s visit

On Friday we will welcome Archbishop Christopher to our Parish. He will say our School Mass at 12 noon to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.

Year 3 and Mrs Carberry have prepared a beautiful Mass to celebrate this special feast day. Everyone is most welcome and encouraged to attend Friday’s Mass.

Afterwards, the Archbishop will have lunch at the school with the Staff and meet the children.

Archbishop Christopher will also celebrate Mass on Saturday evening at 5pm in St Patrick’s Church, followed by a Parish dinner.

The Feast of the Assumption

On the 15^th August the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”.

The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.

Father’s Day Invitation – SAVE THE DATE

Father’s Day will be celebrated at St Patrick’s on Friday 30^th August. We love to celebrate our Dads, Grandfathers and those special men in the lives of our children. This has become a great social occasion, and we welcome you to join us again this year.

Kindergarten and Year One will present their first Mass for the year and then a BBQ lunch is being provided for all these special males. Invitation will be sent out this week. 

Kate Howe

REC

Year 4/5/6 were very grateful to have Mrs Anne Saunderson visit yesterday to talk about her recent Mary Mackillop pilgrimage walk. Mrs Saunderson walked from Portland Victoria to Penola South Australia, following the footsteps of Australia’s first saint, Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop. The 8 day pilgrimage was an opportunity for spiritual fulfilment with the beautiful experience of nature and camaraderie of fellow pilgrims. Mrs Saunderson walked 193kms while learning more about Mary Mackillop’s life that exemplified faith, forgiveness, kindness, strength and encouragement.

Some reflections from Year 4/5/6:

1. Mary Mackillop was a determined woman who was a pioneer that vowed to fulfil the things she believed in.
2. Mary started the first Catholic Schools in rural and sometimes remote areas.
3. Australian’s are proud that she is our patron saint and it is important to preserve all the precious artifacts that have a deep connection with Mary’s journey.
4. Mrs Saunderson experienced some challenges on the pilgrimage such as walking through sand dunes, railway tracks, forest, beaches and farms. The walk reflected the challenges Mary encountered in her life journey.
5. Mrs Saunderson made new lifelong friendships.

STREET STALL - THURSDAY 22ND, 23RD AND 24TH AUGUST 

Thank you to the families who have returned their street stall volunteer slip to the office. Miss Smith is in the process of drawing up a roster and will be sent home shortly with allocated time slots.  We are very grateful for your time and assistance. Could parents please return the slip to the office by THURSDAY 15th August so we know what times need to be filled. 

We are calling on our families to assist us with baked goods, preserves, donations of eggs and fresh produce, flowers etc - anything that can be sold to assist with our fundraising would be much appreciated. 

Just a reminder that cooking and donations can be dropped off to the office next week or to the stall which will be set up near FoodWorks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Last week a notice was sent out via Compass calling upon our families to help our Yr 6 Tournament of the Minds group find allowable materials for their challenge competition that they are currently working on with Mr Ferguson. 

If any of our families have any of the items on the list below could you please send into the office as soon as possible.  These items will help our students create and build on their project for the Tournament of the Minds.  THANK YOU

Best of Luck to our Year 3/4 students that will head off to the TBS competition to be held in Tumut this Thursday. The students will be accompanied by Mrs Carberry, Mr Makeham, Miss Bartlett and Mrs Johnson. We wish them a great day of competition.

Each year the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn assesses school satisfaction through the Tell Them From Me Survey (TTFM). This feedback is sought from staff, parents and students (Years 5-12).

Comments and suggestions form part of our strategic and longer-term planning and informs us of our areas of strength and development. The survey helps identify what we are doing well or where improvements need to be made in the following areas:

1. Catholic culture and identity
2. Excellence in learning and teaching
3. Staff capacity and leadership
4. Partnership and community
5. Stewardship and resources

Please access the survey by using this link:  http://tellthemfromme.com/qfc76
The survey is open until Friday 23 August 2024.

Marty will now be visiting St Patrick’s School on Thursdays (all day) and Friday’s (9.00-11.00am) to run his music program, due to additional teaching requests. Marty is also planning a music concert for Friday 13 September 9.00-11.00am for all interested parents, grandparents and family members. This will be a great opportunity for students learning a musical instrument to showcase their talents.

SCHOOL UNIFORM - School uniform requirements are set out clearly in our School Uniform Policy. We ask that parents and carers please continue to support the school uniform. The school uniform is endorsed by the St Patrick’s School Community Council. If you would like to address any school uniform items, please contact a SCC representative.

UNIFORM: Please note that our school colours are bottle green, navy and black. The uniform policy clearly outlines the unifrom requirements for both boys and girls. This includes hair ties and accessories. Hats are required all year round for outffor play and sport activities.

JEWELLERY/MAKE UP:

Students are NOT permitted to wear coloured bracelets, rings or necklaces. A religious medallion on a chain worn inside the uniform is acceptable, a solid gold or silver bangles are permitted as well as a plain ring (signet style). Plain gold or silver earrings either studs or sleepers are acceptable. Dangly or colourful earrings are not permitted. Makeup or nail polish is not accepted.

HAIR POLICY: We ask parent support in ensuring that student haircuts are neat and tidy. Unusual haircuts including shaved sides, symbols, mullet style and colours are NOT permitted. Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back for both girls and boys. Navy/bottle green or black hair accessories only please.

Thank you for your support.

Any families wishing for their child/ren to attend counselling sessions with our our wonderful school counsellor Lucinda, are welcome to contact the school and fill in the online application form. Lucinda has some sessions available this term for new students.   Below is Lucinda's email and link to register your child should you wish for counselling sessions during Term 3 and 4.

lucinda.clay@mccg.org.au 

https://mccg.my.site.com/housing/s/school-referral-form 

The 2024 Bookweek them is ‘Reading is Magic’! Our Bookweek dress up day will be held on Thursday 22 August. Students are encouraged to dress up in a costume related to a book they enjoy, on this theme. The possibilities are endless!

Parents are most welcome to attend the BOOKweek parade commencing at 10.15am on the blacktop. The students will also enjoy other Bookweek activities organised by Mrs Hughes throughout the day.

Gundagai Preschool children will join us for our Bookweek parade this year. The children will then stay for recess and playtime.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has been successful in receiving funding from the NSW Governments - Open Streets Program. Together in both Cootamundra and Gundagai they will be holding multiple events under the title of the Starry Nights Festival. The first event – Festival of Gundagai will be held on Friday 20th September 2024 from 4.00-9.00pm.  

The event will be held in Sheridan Street (the block between Otway Street and Bryon Street) and in Carberry Park. Festival of Gundagai is a family event that Council hope boosts community spirit and creates strong community connections! The event will be complimented by market stalls, light shows, outdoor movies and kids’ amusement rides.

We are hoping to use this event to showcase all our amazing local talent we have right here in Gundagai. 

If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions, please contact Casey Polsen (Tourism & Economic Development Officer for Cootamundra/Gundagai Regional Council) via email casey.polsen@cgrc.nsw.gov.au or call on 1300 459 689 between 9:00am – 4:30pm weekdays.

Congratulations to our Week 2 and Week 3 Class Awards

Week 2 - 2nd August 

Kindergarten - Michael Winters for showing focus when on the floor 

Year 1 - Olivia Smart for fast and accurate Maths work 

Year 2 - Kevin Lyu for standing in front of the Class and presenting his thoughs on News (Absent from photo) 

Year 3 - Sarah Gailey for always showing focus and applying herself to tasks

Year 4 - Leila Gaskin for great participation and effort across all areas

Year 5 - Conor Cotterill for consistently trying to improve 

Year 6 - Corby Rose for continually reflecting on how to make improvements across all learning areas 

Week 3 - 9th August 

Kindergarten - Ivy Lyu for neat and accurate writing 

Year 1 - Chelsea Crowe for effort and accuracy in Mathematics

Year 2 - Imogen Graham for her participation in lessons and independent work on tasks

Year 3 - Harrison Barton for neat presentation of all written work 

Year 4 - RV Calub for a positive attitude to her learning 

Year 5 - Lachlan Hargreaves for thought provoking discussion topics 

Year 6 - Christyne Calub for stepping up consistently and setting an exemplary example to all

Congratulations to our Week 2 and Week 3 WildCat Class Awards

RESPONSIBLE - Eliza Graham, Molly Lott, Archie McDonnell, Harry Ryder, Isla-Faith Masikesa, Gus Hufton, Sarah Gailey

RESPECTFUL - Lachlan Hargreaves, Remi Taylor, Sarah Gailey

SAFE - Billy Eccleston, Skye Somerville

Tune into "Sounds of the Mountains" radio station (FM94.1) every Wednesday at 2.15pm to hear about what our classes and school have been up to over the week.

Week 10 - Year 4 Students - Zoe Paton & Charlie Ryder

This is our Last Term of Meat Raffles at The Family Hotel.  Can you please make sure you mark your rostered dates on your calendar and if you are unable to do your rostered day arrange to have it swapped.   Your assistance and support for our Meat Raffle Fundraising in appreciated. 

WEEK 6:

Wednesday 28 August: NAIDOC activities and Aboriginal Culture Day celebrations

Friday 30 August:

* 12pm Year K/1 Mass

* Father’s Day celebrations - BBQ Lunch 

WEEK 7: Family Week

Friday 6 September: Year 3/4 Excursion

Saturday 7 September: 6pm Family Mass (St Patrick’s Church)

Sunday 8 September: Tournament of the Minds Competition in Wagga (Yr 6)

WEEK 8:

Tuesday 10 September: 6pm SCC Meeting

Friday 13 September:

* 9.00-11.00am Marty’s Music Concert

* 12pm Year 2 Mass

WEEK 9:

Thursday 19 September: Christine Wishart Dance Performance K-6 GHS

WEEK 10:

Monday 23-Thursday 26 September: Year 5/6 excursion to Sydney

Thursday 26 September:

* 2.30pm Week 10 Award Assembly

* Term 3 concludes for students

Friday 27 September: Staff Development Day (NO STUDENTS)

Sending out a BIG Birthday wish to the following students who have recently celebrated a birthday 

31st July - Archie Peterson 

1st August - Hamish Tobin

5th August - Tannah Elliott