Dear Parents and Carers

Thought for Book Week from Roald Dahl: 

“I think probably kindness is my number one attribute in a human being. I’ll put it before any of the things like courage or bravery or generosity or anything else ...Kindness - that simple word, To be kind - it covers everything to my mind. If you’re kind that’s it.”

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and has enjoyed the amazing sunshine that we have been blessed with. Last week we gathered to celebrate two very significant events in our Catholic life. The first being the Feast of ‘The Assumption’, which marks the entry of Mary into Heaven to be with her son, Jesus. Mary like all mothers showed great unconditional love and kindness to her son, Jesus. Even so, I can only imagine the worry and heartache that Jesus caused his mother as he revolutionised the church and human relationships, openly challenging the religious customs and society of the times. What strength and faith Mary must have had to stand by and have faith that such a miracle could happen through her son in her world. So all of us mothers can take heart, showing patience, kindness and love to our children with the hope that like Jesus, our children will grow and also be a light of hope for our world. 

The other significant event was the Commissioning Mass for our Mini-Vinnies team on Friday. Strength and faith are two of the characteristics that are indicative of our St Mary’s students, and this was clearly evident in these amazing young men and women who volunteer their time to make the world a little easier for those in need through their commitment and works of kindness. The local St Vincent de Paul President Mr Neil Parker was present at the commissioning as well as many parents and friends. Mr Parker spoke about the hope that Mini Vinnies brings to his local chapter and to the broader community, as our students hear and act to the call of those in need. The students had collected many things for the Winter Appeal including blankets, tinned food and money all donated from our wonderful families. An enormous thank you to Mrs Julie Valentini and Mrs Anneleise Robinson who support this group within the school. 

Some of our students also had the opportunity to represent St Mary’s at the Diocesan South Coast  Athletics Carnival last week. For a small school our results were outstanding, with Eden Sakora being named Age Champion on the day. The team displayed great sportsmanship and I was delighted to receive an email during the week complimenting one of our senior students, Jasper Tay on his kindness to a younger child on the day. It is wonderful to see that our senior students are leading the way for our younger students in word and action, please see the sport report in our Newsletter for all of the details of our great team on the day. Congratulations to our whole team, we are so proud of you all!

A big congratulations to our P and F on a great Disco on Friday Night, it was a fun filled night and lovely to see our Kinders all dressed up ready for their first school disco. The hall was transformed by TJ the DJ with smoke machines, lights and some groovy tunes. A big thank you to our P and F for their amazing organisation and to our parents that volunteered to help on the night, it was a great response making it a great night. 

Today the Year 5 and 6 will be heading to Berry Sport and Rec Centre for their annual camp. The excitement has been building for quite a while and the day has finally arrived! Being involved with peers and teachers in this different environment , having a go at outdoor activities allows our children to grow and learn together, it also gives an opportunity for children to share their talents out of the classroom. I am looking forward to joining the students and teachers on Monday afternoon, I thank Mr Brent Harding, Mrs Ann-Marie Wilson and Mrs Emily McGregor for giving up their time to organise and support our students on camp. I know everyone will have a great time, and maybe will have parents a little moment of peace tonight. 

This week we will also be celebrating Book Week on Friday with a book character parade with the Theme of ‘Reading is my superpower!’ We invite all parents and friends to our parade at 9:20 then we are excited to welcome A. L. Tait -author extraordinaire to talk to our students about the world of books.  The Year 3/4/5/6 will have the opportunity to do a writing workshop with A.L on the day also. 

Next week, we are looking forward to inviting our dads in on Friday (30th August) for a Father’s Day Breakfast before school and the P and F will be helping the mums by holding a Father’s Day stall on Thursday. 

I hope everyone has a great week, and I hope to  see you at school.

Yours in partnership 

Laurinda Nelson