Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to Week 3 at St Mary’s. With so much happening last week it is good to have a week where all classes are settled and ready to learn. Last week we had number of primary students travel to Wagga for Rugby Union and AFL. A special thanks to those teachers who accompanied them and to Wendy Connellan for organising.

Last Thursday, the students at St Mary’s enthusiastically supported the “Do it for Dolly Day”. The entire school wore blue and supported the cause by purchasing the many blue treats that were on offer at recess. A special thanks to Sarah Curry and Paul and Anne Crerar who cooked the BBQ donated by the community council and for the many hours they spent baking the blue treats for the students. Also, a special thanks to Bernadette Fitzgerald (Evie McKinnon’s grandma) for baking some tasty treats to sell at the canteen. The school community supported this important cause by raising $1730.20 for the “Do it for Dolly” foundation that helps fund vital anti-bullying programs, education, and support services - giving families, schools, and communities the tools to prevent bullying and promote kindness.

I trust all the mothers in the St Mary’s community had an enjoyable day on Sunday. A particular thanks to Casey Judd for running the Mother’s Day stall and to Fiona Hague, Stacey Smith and Kate Cassidy for helping with setting up.

On Friday morning we awoke to the news that white smoke had risen out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the Cardinals had voted and that a new Pope had been chosen.  We are delighted to acknowledge the appointment of Pope Leo XIV to lead our Church. I encourage you to read Archbishop Christopher’s statement (attached) on the occasion of the announcement of the 267^th successor of St Peter. Therefore, let us join together in offering our prayers for Pope Leo XIV.

Remember my door is always open.

Principal

Damian Collins