Dear Parents
Welcome back to the start of the second half of the year, although I’m sure many of you are watching the situation in Sydney, Melbourne and now Adelaide and are saying your prayers that it doesn’t happen here as well. Over the past 18 months, we have had to change most of our planned activities and deal with a number of disruptions. I’m very pleased to say that here at Mary Mac, we have caught up and delivered on most things whilst many other schools have just cancelled them outright. I know many of you appreciate this and it is a testament to our staff for not wanting our students to miss out. It also demonstrates their commitment to our community.
As you may know, I am the conference convenor for the Catholic Primary Principals Association and we are having our annual conference next week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Unfortunately, our keynote speaker was due to come from Sydney to present. However, this is no longer possible, and I have spent most of the holidays rearranging the programme and looking for new speakers. I too am saying my prayers that the conference can proceed as last year’s one was cancelled due to lockdowns and a significant amount of work has gone into this one. Just like here at Mary Mac, everything is subject to change at very short notice and we have no choice other than to make the best of what the situation demands and keep working through. Again, I thank you for your patience and understanding as we deal with so many unknown and unpredictable factors. We certainly are living in very challenging times!
Gratitude Reflection The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything. Hannah Whitall Smith.
New Fence Thanks to a $30 000 grant from our local member of the State Government, Rita Saffioti MLA, we will be replacing the fence at the front, along Cassowary Drive. The new fence will be more secure as well as matching in with the existing one around the internal perimeter of the school. I’m sure that Rita will come along to an assembly soon where we can formally thank her for the grant. It certainly will improve the front appearance of the school near the recently upgraded nature playground.
EduDance This amazing programme will now be offered to the students in all the Gold classes and both Kindy classes throughout this term. Lessons will be held every Wednesday, plus this Friday only, with the concert night currently being planned for Wednesday 8 September (as long as there are no disruptions or lockdowns!). If there are any changes beyond our control, we will inform you as soon as possible.
Interschool Cross Country This will take place next Tuesday 27 July and as usual, I’m sure Mr Power will be sending all the details home to the parents of the students who will be representing our school. We have had a very successful year so far at interschool sports, and I’m sure our students will continue to compete in the right spirit.
Mary MacKillop Week As usual, we will be celebrating Mary Mac Week in the first week of August to align with Mary’s feast day which is 8 August. We will be having our usual activities which include a whole school Mass on Wednesday 4 August at 8.45am followed by morning tea for grandparents and open classrooms from 10.00am to 12.00pm, our usual cupcakes which will be provided by our wonderful P&F and of course the Mission Fete led by the Year 6 students on Friday 6 August.
NAIDOC Week Mass Due to the latest COVID restrictions at the end of last term, we had to move this Mass forward to Thursday this week. All parents and grandparents are most welcome to attend. The NAIDOC Day activities planned were also moved forward to the new date. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Kindergarten Enrolments 2022 Please be mindful that we filled this year’s classes in July last year. The enrolments for next year are looking just as strong. If you have a younger sibling who is due to start school next year, please let the office know immediately. I would hate for one of our own families to miss out.
Yours sincerely
Laurie Bechelli