Successful Catholic Schools Week of Celebrations at St Mary’s Primary, Grafton

Fun and excitement at St Mary's Primary, Grafton as staff, students, and families celebrate Catholic Schools Week together.

The classrooms at St Mary’s Primary, Grafton were more lively than usual on Thursday with parents, carers, and grandparents welcomed back to the school after a year of COVID-19 restrictions.

'To see the enthusiasm and the appreciation of the 150 people who attended our Catholic Schools Week Liturgy and Open Classroom event gives credence to the efforts and care that our staff give to our students,' said Principal Jacki Moore.

'After attending the Catholic Schools Week Liturgy and Open Classrooms, I felt included in the school community and content with the progress I could see in my children’s work this year so far,' commented parent Kate Thompson.

Parent Nicola Nipperess said, 'I loved seeing all the work that my children have done and seeing them working with big smiles on their faces. It was also great to cross paths again with parents in the classrooms.'

This was followed by a successful 'First 50 Days of Kindergarten Family Celebration' on Tuesday through the Better Together: Strengthening Family-School Partnerships initiative.

The night consisted of a prayer liturgy, a presentation by the Kindergarten students, a series of fun '50-themed' team building and connection activities and a short Community Conversation about their hopes and dreams for their Kindergarten students.

Everyone enjoyed the lively energy, sense of fun and the opportunity to connect with other families and staff. Kindergarten teacher Rebecca Bently declared that “it was a wonderful evening that ended with everyone sharing a meal and getting to know each other in a social setting.”

Upon reflection of the event, Principal Jacki Moore said, 'The room was filled with conversation, laughter and friendship. Having the opportunity to connect with families of the students and share time with the staff was appreciated by all.'

School Captain Sieanna Sutherland explained that she loved showing her mum around the school and her work this year. She insightfully summed up the celebration by stating that, 'I really liked seeing all the parents smiling at their children.'