Principal Message

Giinagay Families,

    Welcome to Term 4. We have such a fabulous term ahead here at St Mary's with many sporting, educational and faith opportunities.

  As it is World Teacher's Day today, I would like to acknowledge all of our amazing St Mary's staff and the incredible work that they do each and every day. From the moment our children arrive at St Mary's, our staff are so dedicated to each and every need of the children here. 

  I would like to inform our parent community that Mr Troy Pascoe will be taking long service leave next week until Week 7. We wish him and his family a wonderful holiday. During his absence Mrs Rachel Gadsby & Mrs Sam Kennedy will be taking the 2/3 class. 

 This week we had the privilege of welcoming The Diocese of Lismore Board to our school. The feedback I have received since this day has been nothing but positive, with many comments around how much our school has improved and continued to thrive. It is wonderful for the Board to see how much our amazing little school can achieve. 

Many Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore are currently impacted by smoke haze due to bushfire events. Bushfires can result in a large amount of smoke particles in the air even when fires may be many kilometres away. Please monitor your child for any potential health implications.
Signs and symptoms students may experience include runny nose, itchy or burning eyes, headaches, coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath. For families of students with Asthma, respiratory illness or heart conditions, please be reminded to consider your child's current health condition, ensure they carry relieving medication with them.

Please contact the school if you have any concerns about your child being at school.
Communicating with your child during this time is important. Discussing being prepared for natural hazards, such as bushfires, is not harmful to your child, but avoiding conversations can leave them to worry on their own.
Emerging Minds provides the following tips:
● Your child may have already been exposed to media coverage or heard conversations about the bushfires. Finding out what they already know will help you to address their specific worries and concerns.
● Tell your child that disasters can happen and if all members of the family know what to do, it will help everyone keep safe. It’s important for adults to stay calm and speak with confidence when discussing the family emergency plan. This will help to reduce your child’s worries.
● Allow your child to ask any questions or make any comments they may have about disaster preparedness. This will help you to understand what needs clarification and dispel any misconceptions they may have.
● Assure your child that with preparedness, things will be less scary and a lot safer.
Involving your child in the planning can make your child feel more able to deal with a bushfire threat and feel safe and secure in knowing that you have a plan. Your child will know that even if they are affected by a disaster, you and your family will use your resources to work together. For information on how to make a Bushfire Family Plan go to NSW Rural Fire Service.

Looking forward to a wonderful term ahead with you all.

Nadine