Dear Parents and Carers,

As 2025 has been designated ‘The Year of Pilgrimage,’ a special time for reconciliation, conversion, and hope, I wanted to share some significant news with you. Traditionally observed every 25 years, a Jubilee offers us, as Baptised Catholics, a profound opportunity to renew our faith through pilgrimages, prayer, and acts of charity. During this Holy Year, we are encouraged to undertake pilgrimages to designated sacred sites, such as the major papal basilicas in Rome or other locally recognised churches, to receive Reconciliation and Communion, and to pray for the intentions of our newly invested Pope Leo.

We are particularly blessed that Bishop Brian Mascord has named St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Milton as one of the official Jubilee pilgrimage locations within the Diocese of Wollongong. Visiting these sacred places offers a meaningful way for our families to deepen their faith and receive the special grace of the Jubilee plenary indulgence.

In this significant Holy Year, I have been granted a personal opportunity to embark on a pilgrimage from Monday 2 June, until the conclusion of Term 2. I will be walking in the footsteps of my Irish Catholic ancestors, journeying to significant religious sites in Ireland. This pilgrimage will provide a period of spiritual renewal and reflection upon the experiences of those people of faith who travelled to the colonies to establish our Australian Catholic Church and the enduring impact of their journey on our faith community today.

I have found inspiration in the words of the insightful Irish theologian, John O’Donohue, who eloquently encourages us to approach the world with an open mind and heart, ready to fully embrace God’s universal message of love. His words resonate deeply with the spirit of pilgrimage:

“We enter the world as strangers who all at once become heirs to a harvest of memory, spirit, and dream that has long preceded us and will now enfold, nourish, and sustain us. The gift of the world is our first blessing.”
― John O'Donohue,
To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings

As I undertake this journey, the people of our school and parish community will be in my constant thoughts and prayers. I humbly ask for your prayers in return as I engage in this time of spiritual renewal.

During my absence, I am delighted to announce that Mrs Julie Valentini will step into the role of Acting Principal, and Mrs Ann-Marie Wilson will assume the responsibilities of Acting Assistant Principal. I have complete confidence that our students and school community will be exceptionally well-cared for by these capable and dedicated leaders during my time away.

Finally, a reminder that we have a Pupil Free Day scheduled for Friday 6 June. Our staff will be participating in Professional Learning focused on Reading and evidence-based teaching practices. Thank you to all our families for making the necessary arrangements for their children on this day.

I hope to see you in our school before I leave,

Yours in partnership
Laurinda Nelson