Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of St Mary’s School,

It’s hard to believe that we are in Week Ten, Holy Week already. It is often said that this has been a busy term but I have to say that from a whole school perspective this term has been massive.

A highlight obviously has been the great feedback that we received from the Education Review Office confirming the excellent teaching and learning that is going on at St Mary’s.

Another highlight has been to welcome so many new pupils to our school and the number of new entrants coming during the remainder of the year (we already have 10 for 2013).

The Year Seven and Eight group are proving to be excellent leaders and they enjoyed an excellent E.O.T.C. experience rafting on the Taieri last week (see pictures).

The ERO team commented on the ownership that the older children felt for the school, that it was their school and if we have our senior pupils so proud of their school that they speak of it with proprietorial air then we must have a successful school community.

I wish to thank you all for all of your support throughout the term especially those who coached or managed sports teams, went on school outings or helped around the school. A huge thank you to Elsie Middleton for keeping our planter boxes looking great and full of colourful flowers.

Thank you also to the staff for all of your work throughout a long busy term.

I wish you all a happy and holy Easter and look forward to seeing you all back for Term Two.

Have a great break, Mike Brosnahan.