CLASS OF 2017

At North St Marys Children’s Centre we feel very proud of the child and family involvement and support at our 2017 Preschool Graduation! The afternoon was a celebration of all  pre-schoolers who will be attending kindergarten in 2018, and commencing their journey into ‘Big School’. We were blown away by the volume of families and friends who came to support the graduates in receiving their graduation certificates and to watch their end of year performances; Taba Naba, Kangaroo Rock and Bumble bee where there were smiles, dancing and laughter all round! We wish all our graduates the very best of luck for Kindergarten, and hope that you all return to show us how grown up you are in your school uniform!”

TAFE OUTREACH BARISTA COURSE

During Term 4 staff at North St Marys looked forward to Tuesday mornings when our TAFE Outreach Bartista Class made coffees for staff and our Tuning into Kids group.  Natalie our TAFE teacher came each week with two coffee machines and taught students how to make Café quality coffees.  They were also taught how to clean the machine and correct  procedures in food handling.  This group have formed great friendships and are looking forward to the next TAFE Course Beauty

Therapy that will be run during Term 1 2018.

TREE SCARRING

Adrian Shafer Cultural Identity, Indigenous Historical Researcher carved the platypus and echidna into two trees located in the grounds of the neighbourhood centre at North St Marys. The platypus and echidna are significant as they represent totems of the North St Marys area and join the turtle which was previously carved into a neighbouring tree. Historically Aboriginal people scarred trees and would remove large pieces of the trees bark to be used for traditional purposes. Adrian removed the bark from the trees and has made coolamons from the removed bark.  These coolamons will be used by Adrian for a smoking ceremony to celebrate and present the tree carvings to the local community. The carving of the trees at the neighbourhood centre not only links culture to the centre, but creates a talking point and has made it a site of special significance. The carvings are 

magnificent and have become a focal point of the garden.

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FOOD AND TOY DRIVE  

During  November and December  we held our annual Christmas Food and  Toy Drive in partnership with St Clair Public School, St Clair Shopping Centre, Erskine Park Children’s Centre and St Vincent  De Paul Society to assist local families in need over Christmas. We received a great response from our local  communities and would like to thank everyone who supported us.

ROCKING AROUND THE PEPPERTREE

Our Rockin' Around the Peppertree Christmas Event at Erskine Park was an overall

success, apart from the hot weather hindering some activities - everyone had a fantastic time. Santa surprised event goers by busting some moves in a dance competition against some of the young people attending, with some walking away with prizes! The night was filled with laughter, good music, fantastic food and Christmas cheer with a real sense of family. Friendships were strengthened and new friendships were made by all who attended.

NORTH ST MARYS Christmas Event

The #NorthStMarysMatters local residents held a free Community Christmas Party that over 150 local residents attended.  The community enjoyed a free BBQ, cooked by the residents, and children enjoyed many free activities.  The jumping castle was a big hit along with the face painting, popcorn and free frozen slushies.  The craft room kept children entertained making Christmas cards .The weather was hot, so at the end of the evening water games were the answer!  Santa arrived,  making children smile as he handed out lolly bags.  Thank you to all those that assisted with the event that made it such a great evening.