Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we enter this season of Lent, we are reminded of the importance of making time to reflect, pray, and give to those in need. During this season, we encourage our students to embrace acts of kindness, charity, and prayer, and to deepen their relationship with God. At St Mary’s, we will be engaging in activities that will help our students reflect on the true meaning of Lent. We hope that all of our students can use this time to grow in faith and character.
Alongside the Lenten season, we also want to remind families that NAPLAN testing has commenced this week for our students in Years 3 and 5. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) provides an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning in key areas of literacy and numeracy. At St Mary’s, we take a supportive and holistic approach to NAPLAN, ensuring that our students are prepared but not stressed. We encourage students to approach these tests with confidence, knowing that they have the skills and knowledge to succeed. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and being on time for school are all strategies that help every student achieve their best.
We are currently accepting enrolment applications for 2026, we are hosting an Open Day session next Thursday night from 5:30pm-6:30pm, and on Friday from 9:30am-11:00am. The greatest advertisement is word of mouth in our community, so please spread the word about our wonderful school. Please feel free to attend one of our Open Day Sessions if you would like the opportunity to wander through our beautiful school.
At Mary’s, the safety of our students is always our priority, after consultation with our community we have made the decision to trial our students walking or riding bikes home through the western end of Cork’s Lane to provide a safer route home. A teacher will escort students to the corner of the oval and send them on their way down Cork’s Lane through the new subdivision. This routine will begin next Monday. If you would prefer for your child to continue to walk down via the highway, please let the school know so we can ensure students are supervised to the corner.
I look forward to seeing you in our school next week,
Yours in partnership
Laurinda Nelson
Please come along and bring your friends to one of our Open Day sessions.
| WEEK 8 | |
| Monday 17 Mar | NAPLAN |
| Tuesday 18 Mar | NAPLAN |
| Wednesday 19 Mar | NAPLAN Stage 2 & 3 (opt-in students) Inschool Safe Tackle Clinic |
| Thursday 20 Mar | Canteen Open St Mary's Kinder 2026 Open Day Session, 5:30pm-7:00pm |
| Friday 21 Mar | St Mary's Kinder 2026 Open Day Session, 9:30am-11:00am |
| WEEK 9 | |
| Monday 24 Mar | Harmony Day - Traditional Dress or something Orange |
| Tuesday 25 Mar | Whole School Mass, Church, 12:00pm |
| Wednesday 26 Mar | |
| Thursday 27 Mar | Canteen Open |
| Friday 28 Mar | Stage 2 & 3 NRL Legends Gala Day, Ulladulla Sports Complex Assembly (Year 1), School Hall, 2:20pm P&F Trivia Night, School Hall, 7:00pm |
| DATES TO REMEMBER | |
| Friday 11 Apr | Last Day of Term 1 |
| Monday 28 Apr | Term 2 Commences |
This week, we have the opportunity to celebrate three significant occasions that highlight the richness of culture, community and faith.
Harmony Week (March 17–23) reminds us of the beauty of diversity and the importance of inclusion. It’s a time to recognise and appreciate the many cultures that contribute to our shared community. By fostering respect and understanding, we help create a society where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We will acknowledge and celebrate Harmony Week on Monday 24 March. We invite students to wear the traditional dress of their cultural heritage or a splash of orange to join in the celebration.
St Patrick’s Day (March 17) is more than just a day of green attire and festivities - it honors St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, whose legacy of faith and perseverance continues to inspire people around the world. It’s a time to celebrate Irish heritage, but also a reminder of the power of faith and resilience.
The Feast of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 19) is a special day in the Church dedicated to St Joseph, a model of humility, strength and unwavering trust in God. As the protector of the Holy Family, St Joseph’s life reminds us of the value of faithfulness, service, and quiet leadership.
In Week 9, we invite parents and carers to join us for a Whole School Mass, celebrating the solemnity of The Annunciation. This Mass celebrates the time when the Angel Gabriel came to Mary and announced that she would bear the son of God. The Mass will be held in the church, commencing at 12:00pm.
As we celebrate these occasions, may we be inspired to embrace diversity, honor our traditions and deepen our faith in ways that strengthen our communities.
Yours in Faith,
Dylan Anderson
Religious Education Coordinator
Last week, Years 2 and 4 spent time in the school gardens learning about common and invasive weeds, and how to successfully remove them from the soil to help our beautiful native plants thrive. Guided by Mrs McGregor and Mrs Cooper, the students enjoyed rich discussions and a productive weeding session across all the rock gardens.
