2 minute read
PARENTS' SOCIETY
Throughout its history, St Mary’s Parents’ Society has primarily focused on organising and running events to support our community. While ongoing COVID-19 restrictions somewhat clipped our wings this year, we were delighted to fund the School’s traditional Welcome Sundowner in January and the inaugural event for our revitalised St Mary’s Fathers’ Group in March. More than 800 parents from our Junior and Senior Schools gathered at the school on Friday 28 January for this year’s Sundowner. I would like to extend my appreciation to our Parent Representatives for making our new families feel welcome and for facilitating countless conversations that will undoubtedly lead to the beginning of lifelong connections. A highlight of the evening was an address from our 2022 Head Girl, Menaaz Khan, who outlined her theme for the year, ‘All Aboard’. Her vision for the year ahead is to invite all students aboard a ‘big maroon bus’ and ensure that everyone makes the most of the opportunities available to them throughout 2022. It was an uplifting start to the school year under the fairy lights and our majestic plane trees. We were thrilled to receive a lot of positive feedback about the event’s timing and format. I am pleased to report that our new St Mary’s Fathers’ Group is up and running and that they began the year with a relaxing game of bowls at Doubleview Bowling and Recreation Club. More than 30 fathers and father figures attended the social event. The group is now working with our Year Group Representatives to engage fathers and father figures in more social gatherings and activities. We are grateful to everyone who purchased a ticket in this year’s School Fees Raffle, which contributed $7380 to our balance sheet. The raffle – which was drawn on 11 February 2022 by Principal, Mrs Judith Tudball, and Parent Representative, Mrs Lisa Manuel – was won by a Junior School family who wished to remain anonymous. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our online Parents’ Society meetings throughout Term 1. It was fantastic to engage with you and witness your passion for the School, albeit in a virtual setting. I know that everyone will be looking forward to gathering in person moving forward. Our meetings are held twice per term and details are listed on the Parent Portal.
