Dear Parents and Caregivers

I have mentioned on a number of occasions, that on the whole, the students at Mary Mac are very well behaved and we don’t have a lot of behavioural or social issues. Like all schools though, we are not perfect, and from time to time things pop up. By far, the most common incidents involve some form of social media usage, and generally they start away from school. Unfortunately, they often end up coming into the school and we are left to deal with them, which should not be happening. As you know, the Federal Government is bringing in legislation to ban the use of social media for children under the age of 16. Did you know, that the legal age is currently 13? This means that all the students in our school should not be on it now. However, the reality is that many of our older students are using it daily and often without adequate parental supervision. I implore all parents to carefully monitor your children’s use of social media. I know many of you have already banned it and/or monitor it closely and I applaud you. Whilst social media can be a powerful tool if used correctly, it can also be very destructive. Please be very vigilant at home and put structures into place to make sure you know exactly what your children are looking at and accessing. Their safety and wellbeing could be at risk!

Scripture Reflection Ephesians 5:15 “Pay careful attention, then to how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise.”

Edu Dance Concert I’m really looking forward to our concert on Monday 22 September in the hall from 6pm for all the Gold classes from Pre Primary to Year 6. As usual, all students will need to meet in their classrooms from 5.45pm in their costumes. Please note that the Kindy classes do it a bit differently. Instead of doing a concert item, parents are invited to come along and watch them in action during a class. Therefore, on the same day, Kindy Gold will be in action from 1.35pm and Kindy Blue are on at 2.05pm. Both classes will take place in the hall. Parents and grandparents are most welcome to come along and watch. It promises to be another wonderful event.

P&F Colour Run Just a reminder to keep your fundraising efforts going as I know the P&F have put a lot of time and effort into organising this fun event which will be held on the last day of term from 1.45pm on the oval. What a wonderful (and messy) way to end the term! All information regarding this event has already been sent home.

Term 4 Please note that Term 4 starts on Tuesday 14 October for all students. The staff will be participating in a faith retreat on Monday 13 October at a venue away from school. I wish all our families a wonderful holiday and I look forward to seeing you again next term. Please note that all students should return to school in the summer unform next term.

Laurie Bechelli
Principal