Dear Parents, Carers and Friends, 

They school Term is flying by as Monday marks the beginning of Week 4.

Year 7 to Year 10 student's end of Semester examinations will begin on Monday 11^th November; leaving just 10 school days for students to ensure they are prepared. An effective way to approach this task is to ask their teachers for an overview of the areas that the exams will cover. The second part of the preparation is that the students then need to revise the areas indicated by their teachers.

Times of change:  We used to think the maturation of student’s frontal lobes (responsible for impulse control), was complete by 18, but now scientists say it’s more like the mid-to late-20s. Puberty occurs between age 8 and 13 for girls, 9 and 14 for boys – and physical changes are preceded by chemical rumblings. We celebrate early developmental milestones – moving from a tricycle to a two-wheeler – but not when it comes to preparing children for adolescence. We serve students well by letting them know as that just as they grew from babies to second graders, they will also grow from second graders to teenagers – and we are there to support them.

The first Kindergarten Orientation Day was held on Tuesday; some of the parents were a little shocked to be informed that their child was a member of the Graduation Class of 2031. It was wonderful to welcome the 22 students to their first day of big school. Kinder Orientation day #2 will be held next Wednesday 6th. 

We then welcome current Year 6 students on Friday 8^th November to our Secondary Campus for our second Year 7 Orientation Day.

As we approach the end of the school year, I encourage you all to keep up to date by viewing our Electronic Calendar regularly. 

Kind regards and warm wishes to you all.

Rod Little. 

When your spirit needs to be lifted, bring your mind back to when everything was new and fresh, mistakes were expected, and curiosity was limitless.

School Fee Statements have been emailed today. Please ensure payment of all school fees and excursions are finalised by the end of term.

We appreciate your support and financial commitment. 

How great would it be to WIN this raffle? If you have not returned your book of tickets (and money) please do so as soon as convenient. Thanks everyone for your support. 

Kindergarten students are pictured enjoying using a variety of materials to create “structures” during Science this week. Clever little engineers they are! 

We have a terrific group of 22 Kindergarten children currently enrolled, for next year. The children seemed to take the big-school environment in their stride and really enjoyed their day. Mrs Barton's Facebook quote, summed it all up: "Super awesome little people! Had a ball with you all today! Can’t wait for next Wednesday. Amazing things planned".

Our Year 9 and 10 McAuley girls had a very successful meet at the Combined Catholic Colleges Basketball Carnival this week in Sydney. The girls won all three of their games on day one. They defeated Tamworth (45 to 40), Pennant Hills (47 to 34) and then Glenmore Park (38 to 29), finishing off in top place in their division for the day. Unfortunately, day two, saw them defeated in their first game, by a very strong Port Macquarie rep team. This team went on to eventually win the carnival.

It was a pleasure to take the girls away and we appreciated the support of their parents and coach, Rachel Hassett. Thank you so much. 

Thank you girls - and CONGRATULATIONS on your great team spirit and effort. 

Year 10 students, Kayla Smit, Cody McLachlan and Luke Wen have all been selected to participate in a week long (TAFE) Forestry Industry Training Course. Congratulations to these students on their selection - we are pleased to assist in providing career choices and opportunities for our students and we thank TAFE for their continued support.

Full payment of this excursion is due by next Friday 8th November (total cost $440). Please ring the school office if you are unsure of how much you have remaining to pay. 

Payments can be made via QKR! or by the usual cash, cheque, card etc. Thank you for your support.  

We are pleased to be able to offer an OPTIONAL K-6 swimming program, in conjunction with the Snowy Valleys Council and the Tumut Pool Coordinator, Narelle Buckingham. 

The approximate cost will be $55-00 per student with full details going home next week. Please do not send money at this stage. This program offers NO REFUNDS. The program is based on a 7 day program even if your child cannot attend all lessons. Full payment per student, will be required BEFORE the commencement of the program. 

FIRST WEEK: 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th December. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)

SECOND WEEK: 9th, 12th and 13th December. (Monday, Thursday and Friday)

Thanks to the following generous parents who are rostered on our PRIMARY CANTEEN next week:

Monday 4th November - Wendy Fardell

Wednesday 6th November - Tiffany Casey

Friday 8th November - Sylvia Flynn

If you cannot make your rostered day, please try and find a replacement - or ring the school office. Thank you for your support.