As the year comes to an end for 2023, on behalf of the Parent and Friends Committee would like to say a great thank you to all the families and friends of St Mary’s who have supported us through our fundraising events and lending a hand when needed. We are very fortunate that though our committee may be on the small side, the parents and friends of the school are always willing to help when needed and we are very grateful for this.

It is because of the assistance and contributions of our wonderful community this year we have been able to purchase much needed resources for the school. We begin each year with a ‘wish list’ from the school with our fundraising efforts working towards reaching these goals for the school and your children. This year we have been able to purchase the following, thanks to our wonderful families.

• Laptops for the grade 3 and 4’s. Allowing children access to 1:1 laptop use for their learning and preparation for their senior primary years and transition to secondary college.
• More decodable books (we had purchased some in 2022) for our junior school children to further their literacy.
• Mindful Aus program. Allowing the children to be taught the importance of mental health with a session being offered to parents and training for staff to build their confidence and knowledge in teaching and maintaining the mental health of your children.
• Provide funds to the wonderful craft group that make the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stall items

P+F aren’t just about purchasing resources for the school. We aim to raise these funds in fun exciting approaches for your children. Our wonderful P+F committee has planned and implemented these events for your children this year.

• Colour fun run
• Disco
• Footy day sausage sizzle
• Working with children in revamping the vegetable garden
• Beginning the revamping of the school’s front yard (alongside with the school)
• Yearbook
• Assisting in the school concert

As we look towards 2024, we wish all our families, children, and friends of St Mary’s a wonderful Christmas and New Year. P+F encourage and welcome all families to come and join our little committee in 2024 to share suggestions, provide resources (sometimes it can be just who you know!) and/or offer a hand when needed throughout the year.  We cannot wait to see the fun things we have brewing for 2024 to be brought to fruition for your children in the new year ?

Parent and Friends Committee (P+F).