Principal’s Message

Staff charges

This is the last week for Mrs Jessica Fortescue and Ms Logan Hanigan before they begin their maternity leave. We want to thank Jess and Logan for their dedication to our students and send them our very best wishes for this exciting time.

Stepping in as the Year 1 Blue class teacher will be Mrs Emma Ingram, who will work alongside Ms Tory. Ms Sophie Berry will take over for Logan as the Year 1 Red class teacher. We are delighted to welcome both Emma and Sophie to our teaching staff.

We also want to share that Mrs Dominique Montford, who has been on leave this year, has resigned from her role at St. Mary's. We thank Dom for her contributions to our school and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. The Assistant Principal - Mission role will be advertised over the holidays.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Stage 3 Camp 24 - 26 September

Next week, our Stage 3 students and their teachers will head off on an exciting adventure to Lake Ainsworth for their much-anticipated school camp.

This camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to build independence, develop teamwork skills, and deepen friendships. 

We would like to extend our thanks to the parents who have generously volunteered their time to assist with supervision and support during the camp. Your willingness to step in and help ensures the camp runs smoothly and safely, and your presence adds so much to the sense of community and care.

We look forward to hearing all the stories, laughter, and learning when our students return!

Final Day Term 3 - Friday 26 September

Next Friday is the last day of school for term 3 and we wish everyone a fun and safe time.

Staff Development Day - Monday 13 October

Staff return to school to undertake professional development on Monday 13 October.  Students enjoy an extra day of holidays. 

Students return for Term 4 - Tuesday 14 October 

Classes recommence on Tuesday 14 October.

Stage 2 Excursion to Treetops in Coffs Harbour - Wednesday 22 October 

Stage 2 are looking forward to their excursion next term to Treetops in Coffs Harbour. Students will be tested mentally and physically on a range of high ropes courses up to 25 metres above the ground, through the Orara East State Forest. 

They will be working on team-building, bonding and personal, and respectful, relationships which they have been covering in their PDHPE unit this term. 

Stage 3 Walking Rosary Thursday 23 October 

We are looking forward to an upcoming special prayer experience: the Walking Rosary. This prayer experience will be graciously led by Warren Niethe, Religious Education and Catechesis Education Officer from the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Lismore.

The Walking Rosary is a reflective prayer procession that moves through a sacred space as we meditate on the Mysteries of the Rosary. It offers a peaceful, sensory way for our students to experience prayer: walking together, holding rosary beads, reflecting on scripture, and praying as one community.

School Disco - Thursday 23 October (New Date - 6 November)

Year 6 students will hold a whole school disco on Thursday 23 October as their final fundraiser for 2025.  They will be running a sausage sizzle, selling lolly bags, drinks, and 100s boards.

Volunteers are needed for the BBQ.  Please contact the school if you are able to assist.

Jacaranda Parade of Youth - Saturday 25 October 

We are excited to share that our school will be participating in this year’s Jacaranda Parade of Youth on Saturday, 25 October! All students are invited to March behind our student-created banner. 

This community event is a highlight of Grafton’s Jacaranda Festival. Our students will have the opportunity to represent the school proudly as part of the parade, and we encourage families to come along and join in the fun.

Students will assemble by 8:45am outside the Clarence Valley Council building at the river end of Prince Street in their full formal school uniform, including school hat. Students may also wish to bring a water bottle. 

The Parade finishes at Market Square where the banners will be judged.  We ask parents and carers to collect their children from the teachers at the conclusion of the judging.

An Event in compass will be shared for parents and carers to indicate if their child will be participating in the Parade.

CVCON Valley Schools on Show - Wednesday 29 October 

Our school’s Dance Groups will again, be proudly participating in the upcoming CVCON Valley Schools on Show event!

This celebration brings together schools from across the Clarence Valley to showcase the amazing talents of our students in the creative arts. It’s a great opportunity for students to perform, and share their creativity with the wider community.

The event will take place at Market Square and will feature performances from a range of local primary and secondary schools. Further information will be shared closer to the event. 

Jacaranda Thursday ( School Closed ) - Thursday 30 October 

Please note that there will be no school on Thursday, 30 October as we observe Jacaranda Thursday. This day is a special community celebration and public holiday in our local area.

Jacaranda Float Parade - Saturday 1 November 

We’re excited to be taking part in the vibrant Jacaranda Float Parade on Saturday, 1 November. This is a highlight of the Jacaranda Festival for many of our students. 

This event relies heavily on the support of volunteers, including the teachers and the truck driver who generously volunteer many hours of their time on a Saturday. To help make lighter work of this, we would love to have lots of parents join us to assist with decorating. Your time and creativity will make a big difference in bringing our float to life!

Please mark this day in your calendars, more details will be shared closer to the date. 

Thank you

Thank you to those families who participated in the Media visit this week.  We look forward to sharing the results with you. 

School Fee Assistance

We recognise the financial pressures that families may face and strive to offer flexible payment options to accommodate different circumstances. DLCSL is developing an organisation fee assistance and debt management processes that will replace the current policies that exist at our schools. 

Please reach out to Jacki if your family experiences financial difficulty or hardship, or alternatively you can complete the form on our school website.

Term 3 2025 Calendar link

Pupil Free Days and Public Holidays 

Warm regards

Jacki, Jasmine and Hannah

Message from The Council of Catholic School Parents

Dear Friends,

From 10 December 2025, age restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account. 

Is your family ready?

Find out more about the social media ban from the eSafety website here!

Regards,

Cath Garrett-Jones
Executive Director