Dear Parents and Carers

Several of our Year 3 students made their First Holy Communion last weekend. The word 'Communion' means 'to be united with'; Catholics believe that in Holy Communion we are united in a special way with Jesus Christ. This is a Sacrament of Initiation, Holy Communion and the whole celebration is also known as Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning ‘thanksgiving’. We congratulate the children and their families who celebrated this special occasion. 

We are sending a special invitation to our Grandparents and special people on Wednesday 25 September starting at 9:10am for a blessing, then into open classrooms. Our special visitors will then be invited to the matinee performance of our amazing school production ‘Superstan’.  On the day our visitors are invited to enjoy a picnic lunch with the students during intermission, and return for the second part of the performance after lunch. If Grandparents are unable to join us please feel free to invite a person that makes a difference in your child’s life.  

Our play ‘Superstan’ would not be possible without the dedication of Mrs Daniella Cooper, Mrs Erin Chard, Ms Bridget Tegart and Mrs Glenda Johnston, these ladies have dedicated so much time and attention to bringing the arts alive for our children. Please make sure you come along to a perfomance on either Tuesday 24 September at 5:30pm or our matinee on Wednesday 24 September at 10:00am. 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. 

I am pleased to announce following a recruitment process, Dylan Anderson will be joining our St Mary’s community in 2025 as our Religious Education Coordinator. Dylan has been teaching and leading in the Wollongong Diocese since 2020, most recently Dylan held a leadership position at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Nowra. Dylan holds a Bachelor of Education (UOW) a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (BBI) a Graduate Certificate in Leadership & Theology (BBI) and is currently completing a Master of Educational Leadership (UOW). We are looking forward to welcoming Dylan to our school community.

Next week I will be accompanying our Stage Three on their overnight excursion to Canberra. As Mrs Valenitni is currently on leave, during my absence Mr John Walsh will be Acting Principal next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Mr Walsh is a wonderful Principal with many years of experience. If you see him in the playground please have a chat, he is very happy to have a few days in our beautiful school. 

I hope to see you in our school next week,

Yours in partnership
Laurinda Nelson

Our Merit and Care Awards will be presented and acknowledged at Assembly.

First Holy Communion

With joyful hearts, we celebrate the wonderful milestone of our young Communicants who have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion last Sunday. As a community, we pray that their faith continues to grow and shine brightly in their lives.

Christmas Art Competition

Each year our Year 5 and 6 students participate in the Diocesan Christmas Art Competition. Students are currently working on their artworks with three being selected from each class to be judged again with the best being displayed at Wollongong Art Gallery. The judges are looking for artworks that reflect an understanding and interpretation of one of the scripture verses that also includes authentic imagery from the time of Jesus. This imagery can be represented in any style. Our senior students can be commended for the effort that they are putting into these works. We look forward to them decorating our Hall walls in Term 4.

Blessing of the Animals

As we come together in faith and community, we also warmly invite you to join us for The Blessing of the Animals on Sunday 6 October, 3:00pm, at Mollymook Beach Reserve. See poster below for more information. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our school was represented beautifully this week at the Catholic Mission Launch. Max, Arabella and Jemima traveled with St John’s High School and St Michael’s Nowra to St Michael’s Thirroul. Catholic Mission reminds us to care for people within and outside our own community.

Year 1 has loved working with Uncle Phil this year in Culture. Together we chose a totem - the Googenyella (Kookaburra). Uncle Phil taught us all about Googenyella and why it is such a special message bird for animals and humans. Have a look at our first draft writing!