2025 Term 2 Week 3
Dear Parents, Families and Caregivers,
Lockdown Drill Monday 19 May
The safety and welfare of our students and staff is a priority at St Mary’s Primary and to support our safe learning environment we engage in regular whole school emergency drills ensuring, in the unlikely event that an emergency occurs, our staff and students are familiar with the response procedures.
Our students and staff will participate in a school-wide lockdown drill on Monday 19 May.
Parents and carers are able to assist class teachers by reassuring students that they are safe during practice drills. Please remember that these safety practice drills help maintain our school as a safe place to learn and work.
Sacrament of Confirmation - 20 May
Confirmation is a special and meaningful step for our baptised children, where they will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and make a deeper commitment to their faith. It affirms the promises made at Baptism and marks a significant moment in their faith journey.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms Maartje Jansen, Mrs Samantha Ford, and Ms Larissa Davey, our dedicated teachers and the 2025 catechists for their commitment in preparing our students for Confirmation. Your guidance, wisdom, and support have been invaluable in helping them grow in faith and understanding.
We warmly invite families and parishioners to join us in celebrating this important occasion at St Mary’s Church Grafton on Tuesday 20 May at 5:30pm, and we wish all our candidates a blessed and joyful experience as they continue to grow in their faith!
Bully No More Incursion Coming Soon - 22 May
Mark your calendars! Our school will be hosting the engaging and important "Bully No More" incursion on Thursday, 22 May, in the school hall. This valuable session will provide students with practical strategies and insights into understanding, preventing, and responding to bullying.
We believe this incursion will empower our students to foster a more positive and respectful school environment. More details about the specific timings for each year group will be shared with students and teachers soon.
We encourage you to talk to your children about the importance of kindness and respect in the lead-up to this event and to provide your consent to attend in our Compass portal. We look forward to a productive and impactful day!
We kindly request that all parents provide permission for their child to attend this important incursion through our Compass portal. Please log in to your Compass account and complete the relevant permission module. Payment for this incursion has been covered by the school.
Senior Constable Tegan Baker to Discuss Online Safety with Years 4-6 23 May
We're excited to announce that Senior Constable Tegan Baker will be visiting our school to deliver important sessions on Online Safety for students in Years 4, 5, and 6. This valuable incursion will take place on Friday 23 May.
Senior Constable Baker will be focusing on key aspects of navigating the online world safely and responsibly, including:
- Gaming: Understanding the potential risks and how to stay safe while enjoying online games.
- Social Media: Navigating social media platforms responsibly and being aware of privacy settings and online interactions.
- General Online Safety: Covering essential topics such as cyberbullying, sharing personal information, and identifying trustworthy online content.
The modules and resources that Senior Constable Baker will be using are sourced directly from the eSafety Commissioner's website, ensuring that our students receive up-to-date and relevant information.
We kindly request that parents of students in Years 4, 5, and 6 provide permission for their child to attend this important incursion through our Compass portal. Please log in to your Compass account and complete the relevant permission module.
We believe this session with Senior Constable Baker will equip our primary students with crucial knowledge and skills to stay safe and make positive choices online.
You're Invited! Week 4 Principal Awards Assembly - 23 May
We'd love for you to join us in celebrating the achievements of our wonderful students at the Week 4 Principal Awards assembly! This special event will be held on Friday, 23 May, commencing at 2:30pm in the school hall.
The Principal Awards recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding growth and achievement in learning. It's a fantastic opportunity to see our students shine and be acknowledged for their efforts in achieving their goals.
We warmly invite all parents and guardians to come along and share in this moment of pride with our students and staff. We look forward to seeing you there!
Support the Walsh Family at the Helping Hands Trivia Night! - 24 May
Join us for a night of trivia fun and help support a wonderful cause! The Helping Hands Trivia Night, raising funds to support the Walsh family as they care for Tilly, will be held on Saturday, 24 May 2025, at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC).
Gather your team of six and put your knowledge to the test! Tickets are available directly from the GDSC at a cost of $150 per table of 6.
The evening kicks off at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start. All proceeds from the Trivia night will go directly to the Walsh family to assist them in providing the best possible support for Tilly.
Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a great night out while making a real difference in the lives of the Walsh family. Grab your friends and book your table at the GDSC today!
Join Us for St Mary's Family Parish Mass - 25 May
We warmly invite all our school families to join the St Mary's Family Parish Mass on Sunday 25 May, at 8:00am.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together in faith and fellowship. We encourage you to bring your family and participate in the Mass and stay for a sort morning tea.
We look forward to seeing you there as we share in this special time together.
Resilient Kids Workshop - 26 & 27 May
Social Futures, in consortia with the Family Centre and Human Nature Adventure Therapy, is delivering the ½ day Resilient Kids Program – Disaster, Resilience, Social and Emotional Wellbeing at St Mary’s Primary School Grafton. On Monday 26 May Years 3-4, and on Tuesday 27 May Years 5-6 will engage with the program.
The Resilient Kids Program is led by Social Futures, and shares information and provides children and young people with the tools to explore their strengths and how they contribute to their resilience and emotional wellbeing. Students will be provided with opportunities to explore disaster preparedness, and explore their individual strengths & resilience.
National Reconciliation Week liturgy - 27 May
St Mary’s will celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a special liturgy at 2:15pm on Tuesday 27 May, coordinated by our Aboriginal Education Worker, Matt, and some of our students. All are welcome to join us in the School Hall as we reflect on this important time of unity and healing.
A special liturgy to farewell to Fr Joe - 28 May
We warmly invite all families and parishioners to join us in expressing our gratitude to Fr Joe Holloway for his time and dedication to the Clarence Valley Parish on Wednesday 28 May at 10:00am in the School Hall. As he returns closer to his family in Kyogle, let us come together to wish him well and send him off with our heartfelt blessings.
Year 6 GLOW Gathering - 28 May
On Wednesday 28 May, our Year 6 students will travel to St John Paul College in Coffs Harbour to take part in a special day hosted by the Catholic Schools Office Mission Services Team. This new pilot program brings together Year 6 students from across our region to gather in Coffs for a day of immersive prayer, engaging small group sessions, and fun activities. We wish our students a meaningful and joyful experience as they connect with others and grow in faith.
Get Ready for Our K-6 Athletics Carnival! - 29 May
Get set for a day of fun, fitness, and friendly competition! Our annual School Athletics Carnival for all students in Kindergarten to Year 6 will be held on Thursday, 29 May, at the Terry West Athletics Field in Junction Hill.
We warmly welcome all parents to come along and cheer on their children as they participate in a variety of track and field events. It's always a fantastic day filled with school spirit and sporting achievements.
Good news! The cost of the bus transportation to and from Terry West Athletics Field will be fully covered by the school for all participating students.
For your convenience, a coffee van will be onsite for parents to enjoy a warm beverage throughout the day.
Wet Weather Contingency: In the event of wet weather preventing us from holding the carnival on the 29th of May, our backup date is Thursday, 5 June. We will keep you informed of any changes via Compass.
Year 6 Fundraising BBQ: Our wonderful Year 6 parents will be running a fundraising BBQ on the day, so please come prepared to support their efforts and enjoy some delicious food!
A detailed note with more information about the day's events and what students need to bring will be sent home via Compass in the next week. We can't wait to see you all there!
Grafton Schools Eisteddfod Taking Place in Week 6! - 3 & 4 June
Just a reminder that our talented students and dedicated teachers are busily preparing for the Grafton Schools Eisteddfod, which will be held in Week 6 of this term, specifically on Tuesday, 3 June, and Wednesday, 4 June.
The Eisteddfod offers a fantastic stage for our students to share their skills and enthusiasm across a range of disciplines, including music, drama, public speaking, and dance. We are so proud of the effort and dedication they are putting in.
We're excited to see their performances and celebrate their accomplishments during these two days. More specific details regarding the schedule for different categories will be shared directly with participating students and their families as the event draws closer. We wish all our students the very best as they prepare!
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal Fundraising Initiative - 6 June
To support the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, students are invited to roll into the long weekend by wearing their warm & cosy pyjamas to school for a gold coin donation on Friday 6 June. All money raised will go directly to St Vinnies to help those in need. Thank you for your generosity!
School Closed for King's Birthday Public Holiday
Please be reminded that Monday, 9 June, is a public holiday in observance of the King's Birthday. As a result, the school will be closed on this day.
We hope you enjoy the long weekend! School will resume as usual on Tuesday, 10 June.
Your Feedback Matters: Tell Them From Me School Survey Coming Soon!
We value your input and are preparing to launch our school survey shortly. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to share your thoughts and perspectives, which will help us to continually improve our school.
Keep an eye out for information coming home soon regarding how to log on and access the survey. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
School Photo Day - Friday, 20 June
Just a friendly reminder to all parents that our school photo day is scheduled for Friday, 20 June.
Please ensure that your child attends school on this day wearing their full formal school uniform, including black shoes.
These photos capture a special part of the school year, and we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring all students look their best. More information regarding ordering photos will be sent home in the coming weeks.
Important Dates: End of Term 2 and Start of Term 3
Please note the following important dates regarding the end of Term 2 and the commencement of Term 3:
- Thursday 3 July: Last day of Term 2 for students
- Friday 4 July: This day is a Staff Development Day.
- Monday 21 July: Staff development day
- Tuesday 22 July: School resumes for the start of Term 3.
We wish all our students and families a safe and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3 on Tuesday, 22 July!
Warm regards
Jacki
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Help your child to learn that going to school on time, every day is important.
Reinforcing the idea that attending school regularly is crucial for a positive school experience. Foster a love for learning by encouraging your child's natural curiosity.
Help your child to see school as a place to explore new ideas, discover interests, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Foster positive social connections at school by encouraging friendships. Knowing that they have friends to look forward to can motivate children to attend school regularly.
Polding Hockey Trials
Last Friday, Addison Peppernell and Charlotte Ensbey represented our School and Diocese at the Polding Hockey Trials in Bathurst. Both girls played exceptionally well and both were selected for the Polding Team. They will now travel to Newcastle next week for the NSW Primary Schools State Hockey Championships. This is an exceptional achievement so far for these girls, and we wish them luck in their endeavours to maybe make the NSW State Team.
Clarence Zone Cross-Country
St Mary’s Cross-Country squad will travel to Woolgoolga on Monday, May 19, for the Clarence Zone Cross-country trials. This is the 3rd back up date for this event and it will certainly go ahead on Monday. The Woolgoolga course is a cement track that runs around the new Wilgulga Sports Centre. We wish all our runners the best of luck.
Diocesan Rugby Union Trials
Braxn Nipperess and Jimmy Walsh will be representing our school at the Dioceasn Rugby Union Trials here in Grafton next Friday. The trials were to be today but obviously fields are closed at the moment and so hence the trials next Friday. Good luck to both boys on making it onto the next level of representation.
Basketball
Today was the beginning of our basketball program with Blake from NSW basketball. This program is funded by the grant money we received off the NSW Government to promote sports within our community. Blake does a wonderful job with our students imparting great coordination skills and teamwork.
Parent Assembly
Fees
April fee account statements have been sent out via email. Please contact the school office if you have not received your statement or if you are having difficulty in processing payments. NB 2025 fees are to be paid in full by the end of November, and this is especially important for families who are finishing at St Mary's this year.
Free Webinars for Parents
Lithium Safety
- Only charge e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools in the garage or shed, away from living areas and exit doors.
- Never use or charge batteries or equipment showing signs of damage such as swelling, leaking, discolouration, or odours
- Only use chargers that comply with relevant standards and have been supplied with, or deemed compatible with, your battery or device
- Never leave devices on charge for extended periods (e.g. overnight) or unattended
- Switch off once fully charged
- Don’t charge phones on your pillow or in bed, only charge devices on hard surfaces
- Buy products from reputable brands and suppliers
For further information go to https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe
Follow the Fear - a Guide to Online Bullying
Whether you’re a student being harassed in a group chat, a parent unsure how to help your child, an educator overwhelmed by tech-fuelled drama, or a professional watching your reputation unravel this resource is for you.
Relay for Life
School Year Safely: Tips for 2025
Getting In and Out of the Car:
- Always use the door closest to the curb to prevent stepping into traffic
- Make sure your child waits until the car has completely stopped before exiting.
Walking Safely:
- Encourage distraction-free walking by asking your child to remove headphones and put away devices while crossing streets.
- Teach your child to stay alert, follow traffic signals, and use designated pedestrian crossings.
Using the Bus Safely:
- Wait at the bus stop together, standing at least one step back from the edge of the road.
- Always meet your child at the bus stop on the same side of the road—never call them across from the opposite side.
- Wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street, ensuring it is safe to cross.
Using Wheeled Transport:
- Remind your child that helmets are mandatory when riding a bike in public—it’s the law.
- Encourage helmet use and protective gear for other wheeled activities, such as scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades.
Never sacrifice safety for convenience, source: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au
CVCON 2025 enrolment forms
Uniforms
St Mary's School uniforms are available to purchase from Lowes in Grafton Shopping World. The sports uniform is worn on Wednesday and Friday each week.
Attendance
- If your child is arriving to the school after 8:45am please sign them in at the office.
- Please use Compass to record full day absentees. Partial absences are recorded by staff when students are signed in and out of the office.
- Students who leave a school event early will have a partial absence recorded.
- A medical certificate or other documentation may be requested where frequent absences due to illness occur.
- Generally, extended leave (greater than 10 days) during the school term would not be approved. These absences are recorded on the roll as unjustified and a completed Form 01 Extended Leave Notification Travel/Other Greater than 10 Days is required.
- In exceptional circumstances parents may complete an Form 02 Approved Extended Leave Application - Travel/Other Greater than 10 Days for consideration by the Principal, explaining why an absence for extended leave is in the best educational interest of the student. The Principal may decline or accept this application.
Parking in Hoof Street
There are a small number of parking spaces near the Sunrise Shop (corner of Hoof and Turf Streets) for use by their customers. To assist this small business, we suggest parking away from the corner.
Overseas Visa Details
Reminder: Parents and Carers are to keep the school informed of any change in residency/visa status during the course of their child's enrolment, with evidence of new visa status provided. Parents should be made aware that the school must be informed of any change in residency status.
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
At St Mary's we are committed to creating and supporting a culture of safety for children and ensuring that children are protected. All employees and volunteers are required to have a current WWCC.
NB - The vast majority of volunteers in schools are parents of a child attending the school at which they are volunteering (eg reading groups, fetes, camps, excursions and canteen) and therefore do not require a WWCC. Exceptions to this are
-
volunteers interacting one-on-one with a child not their own,
-
working with children who have a disability,
-
offering mentoring services,
-
when the volunteer is not a parent or close relative.
Child Safeguarding Statement
The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS) is wholly committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
As school communities and as individuals, we commit to fostering communities of safeguarding that recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and young people. Our commitment is drawn from the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, in love and justice, whereby the dignity and sacredness of each child is respected. Additional information may be found on the DLCS website or by using this link: Child Safeguarding Policy.