Dear Parents and Carers,

This week, we welcomed our new Kindergarten class to their Transition To School Playgroup. It is one of our favourite moments in the school community when those fresh little faces full of excitement, wonder, and joy come together to meet for the first time. Stepping into a big school is certainly a milestone in every child’s and parent's life; it's another little step towards independence and making one’s own way in the world. For some children, this is the moment they have been waiting for, they are the children who wake up early and count down the days. For others, it will be difficult to release the very familiar and reassuring hand or trouser leg of their parent. It can be very challenging for some parents, too, as they adjust to their child standing on their own two feet. The small challenges that they encounter are the moments that present opportunities for our children to learn the most, and as hard as that can be, we must let them. Kindergarten 2026 will commence on Friday 30 January 2026.

Next Wednesday we are thrilled to present the premiere of Peter Pan in our school hall. This production will be the result of many hours of work from staff and students. Mrs Chard, Mrs Cooper and Mrs Johnston have been working tirelesssly to ensure that the lines are learnt, the outfits are ready, the sound system is ready to go. Our actors have been generously giving up their playtime to bring great joy to our school community. We are looking forward to welcoming our Grandparents on Thursday for Open Classrooms, then at 10:00am the matinee performance will begin.

Our week will end with a Power FM Breakfast Broadcast live from our school. Our visitors will be here from 7:00am and a complimentary breakfast will be on offer.

I would like to thank our P&F for providing a wonderful breakfast last Thursday for our Father’s Day celebration. It was lovely to see so many fathers, grandads and father figures spending time with their children in our school. A big thanks to Mr Anderson and Year 6 for preparing and hosting the beautiful liturgy to celebrate these special people in our lives. It was particularly special to welcome Father Michael back from his pilgrimage to Assisi to be with us for Father’s day. 

I look forward to seeing you in our school next week, and at our play performance!

Yours in partnership,
Lindy Nelson
Principal

A Heartfelt Thanks & A Call for Helping Hands

First, a huge thank you to St Mary’s School, the students, and parents for your ongoing support of St Vincent de Paul here in Ulladulla. Because of you, we’ve been able to stand beside many local families when they’ve needed it most.

Sadly, the need in our community is growing. Right now, many families are facing tough times — whether through unemployment, homelessness, mental health struggles, or the heartbreaking reality of family violence. 

At Vinnies, we’re here to offer more than just food or financial assistance. We offer a hand up — helping people regain their confidence, stability, and hope for the future. Families know they can turn to us not only for practical support, but also for a compassionate ear and the reassurance that they’re not alone.

The challenge we face is that our small, dedicated group of volunteers is stretched thin. With fewer hands available, it’s becoming harder to provide the level of support our community so urgently needs.

That’s where you come in. 

If you can spare just three hours a fortnight, you could make a real difference to local families doing it tough. You don’t need special skills — just a caring heart and a willingness to help. Together, we can ensure that Vinnies remains a lifeline for those who need us most.

If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful, we’d love to welcome you to our Vinnies team. Your time, kindness, and support can change lives.

Chris Hayes
Mobile:  0419 203 044
Email:  chris.p.hayes@outlook.com