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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
Next week is a solemn and important week for Aboriginal and Religious Education.
National Sorry Day is on Monday 26 June. This is a day for all Australians to acknowledge and reflect upon the devastating impacts of the Stolen Generations. It's a vital moment to recognise the impact caused by these past policies, and to honour the strength and resilience of the Aboriginal people.
Next week is also National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3). This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. With the theme for 2025 being "Bridging Now to Next," it's an invitation to reflect on the past, consider the present, and collectively work towards a more united and respectful nation. This week encourages deeper understanding and strengthens relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, fostering a future built on justice and equity. We invite all families to join us in the school hall for a whole school liturgy and assembly on Friday May 30 from 2:30 pm.
As we move through late May, the Christian calendar invites us to reflect on a profoundly significant event: the Ascension of the Lord. Observed on the sixth Sunday in Easter. This feast marks a pivotal moment in the Easter season. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, completing His earthly mission and taking His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father. We invite you to join us in the Church for a whole school liturgy that will be held at 10:30 am Monday 2 June.
Yours in faith,
Dylan Anderson
Religious Education Coordinator
Ann-Marie Wilson
Aboriginal Education Contact
| WEEK 5 | Reconciliation Week |
| Monday 26 May | National Sorry Day |
| Tuesday 27 May | |
| Wednesday 28 May | |
| Thursday 29 May | Canteen Open |
| Friday 30 May | Assembly (Year 4), 2:20pm, Hall |
| WEEK 6 | Mrs Nelson on Leave Week 6-Week 10 |
| Monday 2 Jun | Liturgy of the Word - The Ascension, 10:30am, Church Book Fair |
| Tuesday 3 Jun | Book Fair |
| Wednesday 4 Jun | Book Fair |
| Thursday 5 Jun | Canteen Open Book Fair |
| Friday 6 Jun | Pupil Free Day - Staff Development Day |
This term, our Kindergarten students are engaging in a rich storytelling journey set in the Australian bush. Through our story table, the children have been introduced to five key characters: the Yuin Clever Man, Kangaroo, Koala, Wombat, and our main character, the Australian Swaggie.
The story has been thoughtfully crafted to spark imagination while supporting the learning outcomes of our integrated unit, with a strong emphasis on cultural immersion and understanding. Guided by these characters, the children are participating in a wide range of experiences—creating, building, painting, playing, writing, singing, sketching, and investigating.
At the heart of the story is the Australian Swaggie, a character on a journey full of important lessons. After exploring various images and stories about swaggies, the students have begun to share their own interpretations through painting and discussion. We’re excited to share some of their creative perspectives with you!
StoryFest is coming to St Marys Star of the Sea Milt
on
St Marys will welcome some of Australia’s best known - and most loved - writers in June as part of StoryFest 2025.
We will have books by these authors in the library, and will be encouraging our students to read them ahead of these exciting visits. Our special thanks to the publishers who have donated books to our library so these sessions really come alive.
St Mary’s Star of the Sea can’t wait to welcome:
- Best-selling author and podcaster Tami Sussman who will bring her own lively brand of fun to some of our youngest story lovers in Kindergarten, Years 1-2.
- Acclaimed children’s writer Sue Whiting, a hit at the 2023 festival, who will return with sessions for Year 3-4 guaranteed to inform, inspire and entertain.
- The Vegetable Plot, a trio that has wowed school audiences across the country, and will give a quirky whole-school performance that tells stories in a different way.
- Poet, advocate and author Solli Raphael, who will show Years 5-6 why he’s reached a global audience of two billion people.
- International award-winning author and illustrator Sami Bayly, who confesses she loves all things weird and wonderful. Sami will do sessions with Years 1 & 2 and Year 5 & 6.
Now is the time to buy books by these wonderful authors for your children, grandchildren and younger friends. Knowing the authors will add real excitement to StoryFest at Schools as local students get to meet the writers who’ve brought new worlds to life!
As well, for the first time, dedicated StoryFest book stalls will be held at St Mary’s Star of the Sea on Thursday 5 June. There will be two sessions: a morning session near the office from 8:30am-9:30am, and an afternoon session in the hall from 2:30pm-3:30pm.
StoryFest at Schools will run from June 17 - June 20, and is free thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors including Community Bank South Coast, Veolia and Mollymook Golf Club.
