Dear Parents and Carers 

Many of you would be aware of the recent gathering of world leaders for the Glasgow Climate Summit, below is an extract from Pope Francis calling for urgent and real action to save our common home for our children and future generations. 

Pope Francis warned world leaders gathered in Glasgow that if there is real political will, it is possible to tackle the climate crisis and emerge better off after the COVID-19 pandemic. In his message sent to Alok Sharma, President of COP26, read by Card. Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, who heads the delegation of the Holy See, Pope Francis said: “As the Glasgow Conference begins, all of us are aware that it has the vital task of demonstrating to the entire international community whether there really exists a political will to devote – with honesty, responsibility, and courage – greater human, financial and technological resources to mitigating the negative effects of climate change and assisting the poorer and more vulnerable nations most affected by it. “All too many of our brothers and sisters are suffering from this climate crisis. The lives of countless people, particularly those who are most vulnerable, have experienced its increasingly frequent and devastating effects. At the same time, we have come to realize that it also involves a crisis of children’s rights and that, in the near future, environmental migrants will be more numerous than refugees from war and conflicts.” 

Read and pray with the pope’s full statement:
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/11/02/211102b.html

I’m sure many of you will understand firsthand the impact of the housing crisis locally, escalating real estate prices and so many homes being used for holiday rentals, so many houses and so few homes. This crisis is resulting in families having nowhere to live, the reality is many are being forced to move into tents and camper vans permanently to stay in the area. Please be mindful of these vulnerable people in our community, support them through your decisions, your practical support, and your prayers. 

This week we welcomed into our school, our Kinder 2022, there is nothing quite so wonderful as walking those first school steps with these little ones. What a privilege to welcome these families as many join our St Mary’s community for the first time, there was a great sense of joy and excitement as the children gathered to start their big adventure. Enormous thanks to Gabrielle Peters, Julie Valentini, Jodie Lee and Karynne Treweek as our 2022 Kinder team for making the first day so exciting. 

Last Friday night the school and Parish celebrated First Reconciliation with many of our Year 2 and 3 students, there had been earnest preparation by the parents, teachers and the Parish team to ensure that our children understand the real power of forgiveness and the importance of repairing relationships in our families and communities. Recently some of our world leaders could take a little advice from our Reconciliation candidates. Congratulations to our students, our families, the Parish sacramental team and our staff for being the community behind these significant life moments.  

As we returned from remote learning, the staff made a commitment to ensuring that our students experienced lots of fun before the year ends, last Friday was no exception with our makeup Feast Day. We could finally gather for a beautiful mass together after a very long break, our Year 6 Cake stall appeared again with great success, the Year 5 games of yesteryear, and finally the Year 6 fun fete activities. A great way to finish the week, thanks to Gabrielle Peters, Ann-Marie Wilson and Stage 3 students for their great organisation. 

Yesterday also saw the filming of our production ‘Murder at Magpie Manor’, there were many spectacular costumes, dance numbers and outstanding acting performances. We are looking forward to the premiere in Week 10. Congratulations and thanks to Daniella Cooper, Erin Chard, Glenda Johnston, Ann-Marie Wilson and our brave students who have stepped onto the stage. 

We have so much to be grateful for in our school community, have a great week.

Yours in Partnership

Laurinda Nelson
Principal