Dear Parents and Carers

Last Friday we celebrated Fathers’ Day as a school community with an early breakfast and a heart warming Liturgy. Both served as a reminder of the profound impact fathers have on their families and the importance of showing love and appreciation for them. A huge thank you to Anneliese Robinson for her superb barbequed egg and bacon rolls, to the staff who arrived early to prepare, cook and serve, to Heritage bakery for the donation of bread rolls, and to Mrs Cerff and Mrs Wilson who prepared a beautiful Liturgy. I hope that all of our Dads, Grandads and other male role models in our lives were shown in lots of ways how much they are loved on Father’s Day. 

Last week saw the first session of our ‘Transition To School Playgroup’ for our Kindergarten 2024 students and their parents. These sessions will continue in Week 9 and will be held in our School hall on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Transition to school Playgroup plays a crucial role in early childhood development, giving new Kinders and their parents an opportunity to meet their classmates as well as ensuring that school is a friendly and familiar place for them. This week saw an incredible story-telling experience from Mrs Treweek which kept the preschoolers and their parents mesmerised. Please make our new families feel very welcome into our St Mary’s community.   

Preparations are well underway for our school production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. The premiere will be on Thursday 22nd September at 5.30 pm, followed by a Matinee to host our Grandparents at 10:00am on Friday 23rd September. Friday will also play host to a shared lunch with Grandparents and families. The production would not be possible without the dedication of Mrs Daniella Cooper, Mrs Erin Chard and Mrs Glenda Johnston, who have devoted much time and attention to bringing the arts alive for our children. It is always a great joy to witness the confidence that each child gains when they step onto the stage to act, sing or dance. We look forward to sharing this musical feast with you!                                                                                                                                                                                                     Our Stage Three students are buzzing with excitement for their two night trip to Berry Sport and Recreation Camp next week. We wish our Stage Three students and their teachers the very best of fun! 

Many of our Year 3 students will be making their First Holy Communion this Sunday. First Holy Communion is a sacred and transformative moment in a Catholic's life. It's a time for deep reflection on the presence of God in our lives, the gift of the Eucharist, our connection to the Church community, and our call to holiness, forgiveness, and witness. It marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, and it's a beautiful reminder of God's love and grace. 

Please join us at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ulludulla at 9:00 am on Sunday 10th September to celebrate this momentous occasion. 

Blessings to you all,

Julie Valentini