Newsletter 12/12/2024

From the Principal:

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the final newsletter of the 2024 school year.

Tuesday, we held the final assembly for the school year in which we celebrate the achievements of our Graduating Grade 6 class.  Whilst a small class, their impact on our school this year has been wonderful.  I have included my address to them (and to the school) below...

To the Grade 6 class of 2024.  You are an amazing group. Next year's Grade 6 class has a lot to live up to!

Your sense of community has been outstanding this year and each of you have made a remarkable contribution to our school.  

Carys and Darcy - You two are the only two students here today who have been here since Kindergarten.  You have seen many students come and go during your time here.  You have contributed much to our school over eight years, thank you.

Matthew, Angus and Connor - Three gorgeous young men whose example to the rest of our school community has been truly outstanding.

Grace and Grace - You both joined us this year and have fitted in beautifully.  You have brought grace, charm and energy to our school this year for this we thank you.

Lenny - greeted me every morning as he came into my office with his spelling group knocking and then singing….."Do you want to build a snowman?" (from the Disney Musical, Frozen). I will miss it.

Cooper and Cedric - two young men who thrive on being given extra jobs or activities that require commitment and responsibility.  If they came across a problem, they would just work out the best way to solve it.  Your contribution has been outstanding this year.

The growth and achievements of this class are the result of parents and the school working in partnership.  We each have had a significant role to play in the development and growth of each of these students over the past eight years and this is a class that our community is very proud of.

Thank you to all families for allowing us the privilege of working with you and your children this year.

Have a safe and happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all at the start of the 2025 school year.

Kind regards,

Mary

Grade 6 Graduation Awards:

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at our End of Year Assembly.

Aboriginal Leadership Award: Lenny Hall

Lions Club Young Citizen of the Year: Cedric Greive

St Brendan-Shaw College  (Leadership and Community Service): Cooper Jensen

NMPSSA  Sporting Excellence Awards: Lenny Hall, Grace Avery, Grace Paton

Important Dates:

Monday 16th December: Whole School Fun Day - PE Uniform for all students.

Tuesday 17th December: Mass of Thanksgiving and End of Year Mercy Awards, 1:15pm

Tuesday 17th December: Last Day Term 4

School Captains 2025:

Congratulations to Oliver Brunner and James Badcock for being voted by students as our School Captains for 2025. 

House Captains 2025:

Beechinor: Hedley Hall

Monaghan: Ned Jones, Archer adams

Walsh: Connor Jensen, Ethan Youd

School Uniform Expectations 2025:

THE SCHOOL UNIFORM 2025

Over the next two years, will be transitioning Kinder to Grade 2 into sports uniform all year round.

If you already have a summer dress, or boys formal uniform, by all means wear those if you want to. 

We have a new school sock that will hopefully be available by the start of 2025. These are a sports style crew sock.  When they become available we would like all students to wear these school socks.

Green bike shorts are also available for girls to wear under dresses and skirts, for $12.00 a pair.

Grade 3-6

Girls - White Shirt, tartan skirt, school jumper, green softshell jacket, green or white socks, black shoes, add stockings for winter.

Boys - Uniform stays the same, grey shorts or trousers,  school short or long sleeved shirt, school jumper, green softshell jacket, grey socks, black shoes.

Kindergarten – Grade 2: sports uniform all year round, black shoes.

Changes in the uniform will be a 2 year transition. So if you have old uniform items you are still able to wear those.

Shoes - could parents please ensure that school shoes or sneakers are plain black in colour.  Some examples are pictured below.

Children's University Graduation:

We are immensely proud of our Children's University graduate students. They have all embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and commitment to enhance their learning beyond the school setting. We take this opportunity to thank the parents for embracing the program, encouraging their children and demonstrating their support for the value of education. Thank you, especially to Michelle Donohoe, who has coordinated our involvement over the previous few years. Michelle’s dedication, love of teaching, and enthusiasm for the program are why we have Our Lady of Mercy students graduating this year.

Grade 6 Big Day Out:

The Grade 6 students had a fantastic day at the Grindelwald Tamar Valley Resort. Their adventure included mini golf, pedal carts, a delicious meal at the bistro, and a refreshing swim. The day was filled with sunshine, laughter, and the creation of lasting memories. Our Grade 6 students are truly exceptional, and they will be deeply missed.

Grade 1/2 Carols at Kanangra:

Last week Year 1/2 Pagett and Schaap popped into Kanangra next door to bring some Christmas spirit. The students had been practising their Christmas carols the last few weeks and performed a few songs for the residents. Students also made a small Christmas card for each of the residents. The Christmas spirit was certainly high, and everyone had big, beautiful smiles on their faces, which was so wonderful to see.

School Holiday Activity:

Free Learn To Swim Lessons:

Every year the Rotary Club of Deloraine conduct Free Learn to Swim Lessons for school aged children. This is a wonderful community initiative. Any extra time children can have learning to swim and basic water safety is time well spent. Please see the flyer below for more details.

Christmas Mass Times:

Term Dates 2025: