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Dear Parents and Carers,
It's wonderful to be back after my time away on pilgrimage. During my travels, I was deeply moved by the words of Irish theologian John O'Donoghue: "Every time you leave home, the road takes you into another world, one you were never in before. New strangers will wait for you on other paths. New places that have never seen you will startle a little at your entry. Old places that you know well will pretend that nothing has changed since you last came."
This perfectly describes my experience, as I journeyed and reflected on the many sacred sites and artifacts of our Catholic tradition. I was privileged to deepen my understanding of Jesus's life, witnessing how his message of divinity and humanity spread throughout the world and profoundly influenced society through the ages. I was also deeply inspired by the stories of communities and individuals who so passionately fought for their faith. I hope that we all appreciate how fortunate we are to openly practice our faith in our community and to live peacefully alongside people of other faiths.
Navigating the Online World
Yesterday, you would have received a separate letter addressing the challenges parents face in navigating the online world and ensuring children's happiness and safety. Many reports highlight the increasing issues of bullying and misrepresentation that prey on vulnerable young children. As a parent of older children, I've had a glimpse into these challenges and have great empathy for those guiding their children through this complex minefield. In primary schools, we see the impact of children having unrestricted access to the internet, often with skills far beyond their parents. Hopefully, this information will help you navigate some of these challenges and ultimately protect your child. A copy of this letter is also included in this newsletter.
My Recipe for Success: Be Present
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to be truly present for your child. Ensure you give each child at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted, device-free time each day. This is my recipe for success:
- Read together: Read one favourite and one new physical book to your children before bed. It calms them down, boosts their literacy, and avoids the stimulating blue light from devices. All children love to be read to!
- Talk and connect: Give your child a chance to talk about their day in the quiet of the night before they go to sleep. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to offload worries and for you to reflect on reasons to be grateful together.
- Consistent bedtime routine: Ensure your child has a calm, device-free space for sleeping and a consistent, strong bedtime routine.
Family homes are busy places, but this investment in your child’s future will pay enormous dividends for many years to come.
It's been wonderful to see many of you since my return, and particularly lovely to see you at our Athletics Carnival on Friday. I look forward to seeing you at school next week.
Yours in faith and partnership,
Lindy Nelson
Principal
| WEEK 3 | |
| Sunday 3 Aug | Family Mass, 5:00pm, Milton Church - Year 2 students receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation are encouraged to attend |
| Monday 4 Aug | |
| Tuesday 5 Aug | Year 6 Mass with the Bishop, 8:15am departure |
| Wednesday 6 Aug | |
| Thursday 7 Aug | Canteen Open P&F Meeting, 1:30pm, Meeting Room |
| Friday 8 Aug | Whole School Mass, 10:00am, Church Lip Sync Competition, 1:00pm, Hall |
| WEEK 4 | |
| Monday 11 Aug | |
| Tuesday 12 Aug | South Coast Diocesan Athletics Carnival |
| Wednesday 13 Aug | |
| Thursday 14 Aug | Canteen Open |
| Friday 15 Aug | Assembly (Year 1), 2:20pm, Hall |
Welcome to Term 3! We are looking forward to celebrating many significant occasions with you this term.
This Sunday, we will have a family Mass at St Mary Star of the Sea Church, Milton, commencing at 5:00pm. Gathering in faith allows us to nourish our spiritual connection and celebrate the beautiful journey we share as a school and parish community.
Last Sunday, we honoured the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the beloved grandparents of Jesus. This feast reminds us of the special role grandparents play in shaping hearts and minds through faith, love, and wisdom. As a community, we continue to hold our grandparents in prayer and gratitude.
We will celebrate our grandparents together during our Grandparents’ Day celebrations in Week 9, where we will offer joyful prayers, reflections, and celebration to honour these treasured members of our families. More information will be shared soon.
Looking ahead to next Friday, we welcome families to join us for Mass at 10:00am to celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, the founder of the Josephite Order. As a Josephite school, we are deeply shaped by her legacy of compassion, education, and faith in action. This is a special opportunity to reflect on her enduring message: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Upcoming Sacramental Celebrations
Our students preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Confirmation have some important dates coming up:
Reconciliation
- Sunday 3 August, 5:00pm – Family Mass at Milton Families preparing for First Reconciliation are warmly invited to attend.
- Friday 5 September, 9:00am–3:00pm – Retreat Day for First Reconciliation held at St Mary’s School, Milton, this day will help students grow in understanding and reflection before receiving the Sacrament.
- Friday 5 September, 6:00pm – Sacrament of First Reconciliation Celebrated at St Mary’s Church, Milton.
Confirmation
- Sunday 10 August – Sacrament of Confirmation Enrolment - families are invited to attend the 9:00am Parish Mass at Ulladulla. Enrolment will take place after the Mass.
- Sunday 7 September, 5:00pm – Family Mass at St Mary’s, Milton - Confirmation families are invited to participate in prayer and preparation.
- Friday 19 September, 9:00am–3:00pm – Retreat Day for Confirmation. A meaningful day at St Mary’s School dedicated to reflection and prayer before the celebration.
- Sunday 21 September, 9:00am – Sacrament of Confirmation Held during the Parish Mass at Holy Family Church, Ulladulla. A joyous milestone for our young people receiving this sacred rite.
We look forward to sharing these moments with you and your families. Together, let us continue to grow in faith, love and unity.
Yours in faith,
Dylan Anderson
Religious Education Coordinator
We're very proud of the learning our Kinders have undertaken over their first 100 days of school. Well done Kindergarten! We had some very wonderful looking 100 year olds on their celebration day.
Dear Parents
I remind our community that vehicles are not to enter the turning circle when a bus is in the turning circle. You may enter the turning circle in front of the hall only when the bus has exited. Please help us to keep everyone safe. As you know, the conditions at drop off and pick up are complex at St Mary’s, including the need for buses to do a three-point turn in front of the school hall. This is a situation that requires our entire community to follow procedures to ensure the safety of all students and their families.
