Dear Parents and Carers, 

As we approach Mother's Day this weekend, we are reminded of the incredible gift of motherhood and the profound impact mothers have on our lives and our communities. At St Mary’s, we hold a special place in our hearts for our mothers, recognising them as nurturers, educators, and beacons of love in our families. Mothers exemplify compassion, resilience, and selflessness.  Our Catholic school community is named in honour of Jesus’ own mother, Mary, let us take this opportunity to reflect on her uncompromising love, dedication, and strength. Jesus challenged her as a child, running away from her at the temple, like most mothers I’m sure there were moments when she wondered if she was doing all she could, and was his willful behaviour her fault?  I hope that this Sunday every mother, grandmother, special aunty or friend will be blessed with the gratitude of the children they love. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the mothers within our community, your tireless effort, sacrifices, and support do not go unnoticed. You are the guiding lights who shape the character, values, and aspirations of the next generation.

During the week, we held our Open Day including a night session, this was a wonderful showcase of our school. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful Stage Three students who escorted the visitors around the school at both sessions. Our visitors were so impressed with the joy and passion for St Mary’s that was clearly evident during the tours. A big thanks to the staff who supported this important event in our enrolment process, we are blessed to have such dedicated teachers at St Mary’s. If you have a child starting school in 2025, please get your enrolment from in, as interviews will be held in the next few weeks. 

This week the funeral of Bishop Peter Ingham was celebrated. Bishop Ingham was the Bishop of Wollongong Diocese for many years, he was a man of great faith, wisdom and humour. I am grateful that I worked closely with Bishop Peter as he confirmed many students in Nowra, he was a humble man, a man of God and a man who walked with his people. Please keep him in your prayers, may he now rest in peace. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone in their full winter uniform next week, don’t forget the tie!

Yours in partnership
Laurinda Nelson