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Dear Parents and Carers,
Last Friday, we observed the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Mass attended by Stage 2. The Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that true compassion is not passive. It is a courageous response to suffering, expressed through love and action. During June, Pope Leo XIV invited us to pray “that the world might grow in compassion.” His intention called us to seek consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus and, from His Sacred Heart, to learn how to extend mercy to a world in need. May this intention continue to guide our hearts, reminding us that true peace begins with compassion, rooted in Christ, and extended to the world.
Last Friday night, our Mini Vinnies students embodied this call for compassion by participating in the Vinnies Sleepout, choosing to experience—if only briefly—the discomfort faced by thousands of Australians who sleep rough each night. Their witness was more than symbolic; it was a heartfelt act of solidarity and a powerful reminder that compassion begins with empathy. A huge thank you to Mrs Ann-Marie Wilson, Mr Dylan Anderson and the Mini Vinnies faithfuls - Aleia D, Henry H, Luke S, Ruby F, Fleur C, Daisy D, Jasper S and Evie P for raising awareness and showing compassion in action. This effort was part of their broader support for St Vincent DePaul, and along with the now annual ‘Souper-Hero' day in Week 8, both raising vital funds for those who will go without this winter.
As I reflect on the term, I am continually moved by the daily expressions of compassion within our school community—some clearly visible, as above, others gently discreet. While compassion is not unique to our community, what sets us apart is the extraordinary depth with which we live it out. Thank you for making this a truly special place to belong.
Many thanks to our incredible P&F and canteen crew for hosting a fabulous Disco last Friday night. Your time and energy are greatly appreciated. Thank you for putting smiles on little faces and bringing together our school community in a wonderful end-of-term celebration.
You may have read my Compass alert informing you that our School Counsellor, Kelly Cubis-Higgs, will be concluding her time at St Mary’s at the end of this term. Kelly has accepted an exciting new work opportunity, a move that will also allow her to spend more time with her family. On behalf of the entire St Mary’s community, I extend our sincere thanks to Kelly for her dedicated and compassionate service. Her thoughtful support of our students and their families has made a meaningful difference, and her gentle, professional presence will be greatly missed. CatholicCare is currently in the process of recruiting a new counsellor to join us in Term 3.
Many thanks to Nadja Cohendy (Leif and Clay C) who has created a stunning mural in the Greenzone portraying our local bush to surf environment. Please feel free to wander down to the Greenzone sometime to view her masterpiece.
On our final day of Term 2, we will celebrate NAIDOC Week, 2025 with a special ceremony and class activities. NAIDOC Week runs from 6–13 July and is a powerful opportunity for families to come together in celebration, reflection, and learning. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week as a national movement, and it shines a spotlight on the role of young people in carrying forward the strength and wisdom of their communities. We are excited to welcome back past student Angelique McCabe, to speak to our students about her vision for the future as a young Aboriginal woman. Thank you to Mrs Ann-Marie Wilson for her thoughtful preparation of the NAIDOC ceremony and class activities.
As we conclude Term 2, I offer my gratitude to the wonderful staff I work with, and the fantastic students and their families I work for. In particular, I thank Mrs Ann-Marie Wilson, Mr Dylan Anderson and Mrs Tania Speer, who have been an incredible support to me as I have undertaken the Acting Principal role. Next term, we are very excited to welcome back Mrs Laurinda Nelson.
Wishing all families a restful and rejuvenating break.
Yours in faith and partnership,
Julie Valentini
Acting Principal
| WEEK 1 Term 3 | |
| Monday 21 Jul | Pupil Free Day - Staff Development Day |
| Tuesday 22 Jul | Students Return - Term 3 Commences |
| Wednesday 23 Jul | |
| Thursday 24 Jul | Canteen Open |
| Friday 25 Jul | Athletics Carnival |
| WEEK 2 | |
| Sunday 27 Jul | Mass, 9:00am, Holy Family Church, Ulladulla - Reconciliation Enrolment session follows Mass |
| Monday 28 Jul | |
| Tuesday 29 Jul | |
| Wednesday 30 Jul | |
| Thursday 31 Jul | Canteen Open |
| Friday 1 Aug | Assembly, 2:20pm, Hall |
It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of Term 2. This term saw many moments that have deepened our students' connection to our faith and community.
On Friday 27 June and on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, our Stage 2 students attended Mass with deep reverence and humility. Their prayerful presence was a beautiful witness of devotion, warmly acknowledged by members of the parish community. We commend them for embracing the sacredness of the occasion so sincerely.
During Term 2, the students have been enthusiastically learning what each of our school values; Respect, Joy, Compassion, and Creativity looks, sounds and feels like at St Mary’s. This learning has enabled the students to link each value to the teachings of Jesus. Throughout this period of learning, students at each assembly have been recognised for embodying our school values with our new School Values Award. We look forward to recognising more students who demonstrate our school values next term.
Looking ahead, our Sacramental Program begins in Term 3. Families preparing for Reconciliation are invited to attend the enrolment session following the 9am Mass on Sunday, 27 July at Holy Family, Ulladulla. This is a special time in the faith journey of our students, and we pray for them as they prepare to receive the healing grace of this sacrament.
As we farewell another term, I would like to wish every student, staff member, and family a happy and safe winter break. May this time offer rest, warmth, and renewal. We eagerly anticipate the start of Term 3, which will be rich with joy and celebration, including Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day, two special opportunities to honour guiding lights in our lives.
Yours in faith,
Dylan Anderson
Religious Education Coordinator
This semester, Year 2 students have embraced daily meditation as a calm and purposeful part of their school routine. It has been a wonderful opportunity for students to practise stillness, focus on their breath, and gently develop a sense of presence in their learning day.
Students are becoming increasingly confident in their ability to sit quietly, let go of distractions, and centre themselves. This practice has supported their emotional regulation, helping them transition smoothly between activities and respond more thoughtfully to challenges.
Through meditation, students are learning valuable lifelong skills—such as self-awareness, patience, and resilience—that positively influence both their wellbeing and classroom engagement. It's been inspiring to see them take this practice seriously and benefit from the calm and clarity it brings.
How we meditate in Year 2 is explained below:
- A leading student rings a singing bowl. Students find a comfortable seated position on the floor.
- Leading student guides us through 10 inhalations and exhalations.
- Together we say the following prayer -
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Heavenly Father, Open our hearts to the silent presence of the spirit of your son. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus. |
- Leading student guides us through 10 inhalations and exhalations.
- Leading student rings a singing bowl and students open their eyes.
Meditation is a daily practice in all classrooms at St Mary’s. I hope this reflection inspires a conversation at home about the benefits of meditation.
Emily McGregor
Year 2 Class Teacher
In Week 8 the StoryFest school programme started and we were lucky to have four well known authors visit our school.
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Tami Sussman was fun and everyone enjoyed her reading her story from the series Tiny Tradies. The last group of kids got to watch a reenactment of one of the pages, performed by the library leadership team in year 6. (Jemima). |
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Solli Raphael was a fun author who let us write our own poems about whatever we wanted. He read us poems and told us about his books and how he decided to be a poet and go into the competition The Poetry Slam. He visited year 5 and year 6 on Friday week 8 Wednesday (Evie). |
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On Friday in Week 8, Sami Bayly visited our school, it was really fun. She let us draw an interesting animal that is extinct called a Heliprocorn. It was exciting getting to know her and about her books. It was super funny listening to her story with the cassowary escaping the Port Macquarie Zoo. We all loved it! (Ben). |
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Sue Whiting inspired us with her talk about what authors do and how she got the ideas for her Pearly & Pig series. Three students from each class were chosen to be Adventurologist in training. And students make up their own island adventure stories where everything went wrong. |
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StoryFest weekend was a great community event that celebrated Storytelling in all of its forms.
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KOORI CUP Koori Cup is being held on Sunday 17 August in Kiama, it is open to all students aged 10-15 with playing options for both girls and boys. People can register a team via the link, or individual students can register to be put into a team. To register an individual student please contact klangdon@netballnsw.com |