Dear Parents,

As Week 11 quickly draws to a close, I want to thank the school community for the welcome I have received at St Mary’s. I feel very privileged to be a part of ‘our school community’ (as it now feels for me!) and look forward to the terms ahead. A big congratulations to our students and staff for their dedication and effort throughout the term. There has been so much participation and achievement in a wide variety of events and learning.

ANZAC Day

We look forward to ANZAC Day in Batlow, Students are asked to meet staff at 10.20am at the RSL carpark to march in full uniform. Please fill out the form below to confirm your child’s attendance.

Anzac Day Attendance (click link)

Western Region Cross Country - WE NEED YOUR HELP!

As I have flagged in previous newsletters, Batlow will be hosting the Western Region Cross Country on Thursday 2nd May. This is a fairly big undertaking for the school and our community council. With the support of St Joseph’s, Adelong, we are running a canteen, a raffle, assisting with First Aid and standing at check points on the course. If you are interested in assisting with this, please fill out the attached form. This will assist both schools and their Community Councils with their organisation on the day.

Cross Country Helpers - CAN YOU HELP?

Holiday Break

Monday 29th April - CECG System Wide Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 30th April - students return to school

As the Easter holiday period approaches, I encourage families to show safety and care, both for ourselves and others. Whether you're travelling or staying put, this break offers a chance to recharge and connect with loved ones, reflecting on blessings in our lives. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday!

Ryan

Wow, 11 weeks have come and gone so quickly already! What a fantastic start to 2024 we have had at St Mary’s. 

I was recently gifted a book called ‘Thoughts to make your heart sing’ by Sally-Lloyd Jones and Jago. I thought I would share a page with you all this week. It reads:

‘True colours"

Did you know that leaves aren’t really green? They only seem that way. 

Each leaf contains chlorophyll - the green colour that captures light and turns into food for the tree. It’s this green that hides the leaf’s true colour. In the autumn, trees produce less chlorophyll, the green fades, and so the leaves show their true colours - blazing reds, yellows and golds. 

The leaves were always those brilliant colours - we just couldn’t see them

And the Bible says you can’t see all you really are either.’ 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -  JEREMIAH 29:11

Embracing authenticity is a journey, one that's filled with both challenges and incredible beauty. God has amazing plans for each of us, plans for a bright and hopeful future - when you remember this, then your true colours will shine through. 

Wishing you all a lovely Autumn break and I look forward to seeing you in Term 2. 

Amy Buckmaster - Religious Education Coordinator

3/4 had a wonderful visit to the Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. We had practiced several songs and chosen two books each to share with the residents.

To start with we sang Home Among the Gumtrees, Teddy Bears Picnic and The Butterfly Song. Then we paired ourselves up with someone with which to read and share our books. As it was nearly afternoon tea time the kids were treated to a biscuit each.

To finish our visit, we assembled again and sang Waltzing Matilda. We knew it was a favourite as some of our audience were singing along as well.

We look forward to visiting again in Term 2.

Ms Jackson

A reminder that those paying by installments need to continue this during the holiday break.

Term 2 fees will be emailed out by CE after the term begins. 

Students return on Tuesday

30 April for Term 2

Please remember to put any student absences on the

Compass portal absentee section.

This is a requirement by law.

Year 5/6 are learning about gases.

On Monday they conducted a fair test comparing the mass of an empty balloon to the mass of one filled with air.

They saw that the inflated balloon was heavier than the empty one and learnt that gases have mass.

Vanessa Hall has spots available in term 2 for students 

to be taught during school hours

Please contact Vanessa direct on

0448 609 478 if interested

In preparation for the upcoming hockey season, Tumut and District Hockey is holding an open training session THIS Thursday the 11th of April at 4pm.

All school aged children, new to the game or returning, are encouraged to come down to the Tumut Hockey Fields on Elm Drive for a hit.

For more information, contact the Tumut and District Hockey facebook page.