At the recent 2023 Kinder Parent Orientation I requested that our School Captains, Ysabella and Patrick, who are now preparing to leave Mary Immaculate, share their reflections of their time here.  Who better to talk to our new parents about what life is like at Mary Immaculate but the students themselves?  I share these reflections in the hope that Ysabella and Patrick’s reflections reinforce the conscious choice of Mary Immaculate as the school for your child/ren.

My name is Ysabella and I am the 2022 Girl School Captain of Mary Immaculate Parish Primary School. And I would like to talk to you about my experiences here and in kindergarten. 

I think that I can speak for everyone when I say that kindergarten was a mixture of emotions, mostly sad ones. But through all the help from the teachers and the new friends that I made after a little adjusting, I eventually was able to feel comfortable in my surroundings but also happy and safe at this school. Back then I was not used to the experience of a new environment but what helped me the most was our Year 6 buddies. My Year 6 buddy was the person that I could go to when I feel uneasy. Your child will receive a Year 5 buddy who will also be there for them and will be a friend throughout their first years. In Kindergarten I discovered so much socially and mentally that I didn’t know even existed, and it made me feel at ease.

As my primary years come to a close, I realise that kindergarten was the start of the true reason why I have been shaped into the person I am today. I remember being the shy kid in class but because the teachers gave us that little extra push I have always wanted to reach for what I believe in. Throughout my years here at Mary Immaculate there are many opportunities for a child to grow as a person. For example, Gala Days, Cross Country, Public Speaking, Leadership Teams, Art Competitions just to name a few. These various opportunities and challenges have been so amazing and fun and have helped me develop a variety of different capabilities. I am sure your children will feel the same way.

In conclusion, I absolutely loved Kindergarten and I just know that your children will too! I learned so much while having so much fun. I made so many memories and friendships and your children have already taken the first step by going to playgroup. I promise you that your children will be just fine. I learned so many skills that helped me through my studies and education that have shaped my mind to new possibilities and new outcomes.

Hello, my name is Patrick and I am one of the 2022 School Captains and I will talk about my experience in Kindergarten.

It started in February 2016 when I began Kindergarten. I remember I was scared and shy, but the teachers and students were very kind and helped me adjust to life in kindergarten. When you are adjusting to kindergarten you form lots of bonds and become more comfortable with everything. I was adjusting to kindergarten I formed lots of friendships and bonds that helped me throughout my years at school. When it is your first day I can assure you that your child will be safe. Although because it is your child's first day in big school they may be nervous due to the new faces and new teachers, but kindergarten will be some of the most fun they will ever have.

Coming to Mary immaculate is a great opportunity for your child to have a better understanding of our faith, about Jesus’ teachings and about the bible. Because as you get move through the different years it will be important to keep your faith in God and Jesus. When you are just beginning the understanding of the bible the teachers will make learning fun for your children. Once your children have a better understanding of the bible they can have a greater consideration of God and Jesus. The reward system is good and really fair if you show that you are kind, loving and show our school values that are celebration, stewardship, compassion, and faith. 

The most important thing to remember when you're in kindergarten is to be yourself and do not let other people bother you and if they do you can tell the teacher or a trusted adult. But it is highly unlikely for this to happen. The main thing is to enjoy your time in kindergarten as you soon will grow up.

In conclusion we can assure that your child/children will have so much fun in kindergarten, and they will have so much fun in our playgroup too.

Thank you, Ysabella and Patrick, for reflecting upon and describing so beautifully your time at Mary Immaculate!

We keep our current Year 5 students in our prayers as they attend their Leadership Camp this week and commence the process of nominating for formal leadership positions for 2023.

May Christ continue to be our way and life in the week ahead. 

Tina Murray

Principal

FROM THE PARENT HANDBOOK

Birthday Treats:  As a school we believe it is important to recognise student birthdays.  We do this by honouring students celebrating birthdays in classrooms each day and prior to or after holiday periods. We also believe it is important to reinforce practices that promote positive student health and learning.  We request that parents consider the following so that learning time, hygiene and wellbeing are not impacted.

We request that parents do not send in whole cakes, instead we encourage individual cup-cakes or an individually wrapped lollipop that can be easily distributed at the end of the day.

Small inexpensive nonedible treats can be a sharing alternative.  Items such as stationary items are always appreciated and needed by students. 

COVID UPDATE

NSW Health recently advised that we are already starting to see a rise in COVID-19 transmissions within the community, with a peak of cases expected in early December.

The COVID-smart measures continue to be in place and are vital in allowing us to keep our schools operational while prioritising student and staff wellbeing. We encourage parents to ensure children stay home if unwell and / or showing any symptoms and use rapid antigen tests (RATs) when showing symptoms or exposed to COVID-19.  RAT tests are available from the school office for collection by parents or can be sent home with students if requested by parents.