YULMBURRAL
As a way of honouring our First Nations people we embrace ‘Yulmburral’ – the Kuku Yalanji word for ‘WELCOME’.
Saints has certainly been a fluid community over the past term with some significant changes for staff, students and parents.
Firstly I would like to extend our genuine appreciations and farewell to Mr Paul Rayner who has been principal here in our school for the past 6 years. Under Paul’s leadership, we saw our Saints’ family grow and flourish in so many ways. We send our prayers, blessings and best wishes as he moves forward in his new role as Principal at St. Thomas’ in Mareeba.
Secondly, a very humble and gracious, “Thank You” for your support as I have stepped into the role of Acting Principal. I believe we have an incredible team here at Saints (Staff, Students and Parents), and know that as we transition together to a permanent appointment, we will continue to do what we do best – quality learning and teaching!
Our new Drop ‘n’ Go has been a great addition to our school this year. We have had some teething problems, as with any change, but generally speaking it has been well received and well utilized.
A strong reminder to all parents/caregivers who do drop off/pick up out in Jack St that it is a one-way entry into the Drop ‘n’ Go zone from the Showground end. For the safety of all children, we request that U-Turns into this one-way lane be done down in the Showgrounds space (NOT DIRECTLY IN JACK ST.) Also, please monitor your speed as you come through/along Jack Street as there are still some students who cross this street to walk/scooter home. Be aware of pedestrians and the 40 speed limit in this area.
For those of you who are parking in Jack Street, we request that it is not in front of the houses directly leading into the Drop ‘n’ Go Zone and again for safety, when parking opposite the school, please walk across to collect and escort your child/ren across the road as there is no controlled or designated zebra crossing. This same request has always been in place for Grogan Street with buses and vehicles travelling here.
We are proud of our school and our school uniforms are a reflection of this. We will be maintaining high expectations with our Uniform Policy which can be found on our Parent Portal.
There have been many students of late, wearing incorrect uniforms (incorrect shoes with either the everyday or sport uniforms, extra jewellery, the wrong colour hair ties/bands, long hair not being tied back etc.).
In moving forward, teachers will be issuing Uniform Infringement Notices to students who are not complying with our policy. This notice will need to be signed by parents/caregivers and returned the following day to assist in maintaining the pride and expectations we hold here at Saints. If there is a genuine reason for a student to be wearing something inconsistent, we simply request a note of explanation.
Wow – what a term this has been. With eight weeks down and barely two weeks to go, we find ourselves sky rocketing towards the holiday period and the celebration of Holy Week and the Easter Season.
Thanks to our P and F, the Easter Raffle is in full swing. A reminder to keep bringing in your contributions to the Easter Hampers and to continue selling the raffle tickets (new books can be collected from our front office!). Note – there is a prize to the family for most tickets sold!
Saints has certainly been a place of learning, growth and celebration across the term and we have had some amazing events take place including-
- Appointment of Mrs Ottone as Acting APRE
- Appointment of Mrs Shearer as our Year 5 classroom teacher
- Bravehearts (Preps-2)
- Arts Council (P-6)
- Parent/Teacher Interviews
- Live like Jesus Day (Y1)
- Year 6 visit to St Stephen’s College (Mareeba)
- School Photo Day
- Zoo to You (P-6)
- JOYful Activities Afternoon and National Day of Action Against Bullying And Violence
- Farewell to Mr Rayner.
I commend our staff and students for all their achievements and learning gains that have been made over the course of Term One. High Expectations = Greater Achievement!
As we enter the season of Easter, may you all take time to rest, reflect and be reborn in the spirit of the cross and the hope that Jesus’ resurrection brings.
Sincerely,
Gayle Duncan
Friday 19th March ~ Mini Vinnies Bake Sale
Friday 19th March ~ JOYful Activities afternoon & National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
Wednesday 31st March ~ Saints Cross Country
Thursday 1st April ~ Stations of the Cross
Thursday 1st April ~ Easter Raffle Draw
Easter Holidays ~ 2nd April – 18th April
School Resumes Monday 19th April
Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about:
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
