This Wednesday we will be acknowledging the beginning of Lent with an Ash Wednesday liturgy at 12 o’clock. Please join us if you can. Lent is the period of preparation for Easter – a time of prayer, fasting and giving to those in need. During this time, we have an opportunity to draw nearer to God and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. The theme for Lent 2020 is Renewed by the Spirit. Pope Francis says, ‘Let yourself be transformed. Let yourself be renewed by the Spirit... do not abandon the path of love but remain ever open to his supernatural grace, which purifies and enlightens.’ (Gaudete et Exsultate #24) Life is a journey, with mountains, valleys, and unexpected challenges. We all need time to be renewed and transformed. God is the ultimate source of truth and love. Through this season of Lent let us encounter the Spirit anew so that we can continue on the ‘path of love’ as Jesus showed us.  

This week we will be inviting parents to come into our school with their child/ren and meet class teachers. All parents should receive a ‘Three Stars and a Wish’ page to complete before you come into the meeting with your child’s teacher. It is important that you have a discussion with your child prior to the meeting to list three things that they believe they are successful at. This sheet will inform the meeting as parents, children and teachers can discuss the areas of strength then collaboratively establish a goal for future learning. This format was also attached to the original compass alert. We look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday and Wednesday. Please book your appointment through the Compass portal, or if you are having difficulties call the Office who can help you. 

This Saturday, St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Parish in Milton is coordinating the Rising from the Ashes family outdoor event on the grounds of the Ulladulla Civic Centre in collaboration with various volunteer organisations, community service groups, local clubs, businesses, schools and churches. Everyone is invited to come along as neighbours, as families and as a community from 12:00pm–4:00pm on Saturday 29 February 2020. There will be lots of music, entertainment, food, arts and crafts, market stalls, as well as rides and activities for the children. There will also be a healing and renewal blessing between 1:00pm–1:30pm. Pet friendly—bring a chair/rug and spend the afternoon with us! St mary’s School will be running a stall with Fairy Floss and Cold Drinks, Mini Vinnies will also be involved, more details coming out this week so parents and students can volunteer to help on our stalls. 

Last Friday our ‘Chillzone’ sessions with Catholic Care began in each class, this first week was focusing on “Making Sense of Children’s Emotions” and next week ‘How Thinking Affects Feelings” . The classes really enjoyed working in groups and engaging in social and emotional learning without sharing any personal experiences. Please have a look at the attached information sheets for parents so you can support and discuss this important learning with your children. 

I hope you have a wonderful week and I hope to see you at school.

Yours in partnership

Laurinda Nelson (Principal)

Class Merit Awards Week, presented at Assembly on Friday afternoons

Kinder – Seave D, Luke S

Year 1 – Mana V, Bryn S

Year 2 – Imogen, Torin

Year 3 – Leah B, Cameron W

Year 4  - Abby L, Finn B

Year 5 – Tess W, Jack C

Year 6 – Luka T, Alexander L

Shining Star

Bowie M, Summer G

St Mary’s Pennant - 

Super Star Awards for Week,

We care for Ourselves

Eden S, Finn W, Axel B, Samuel S,  Lucas DG, Steven K, Leeyana M

We Care For Others 

Bowie M, Kayden L, Anika D, Joshua McC, Andie M, Axel B,

Parker Manning Jones, Elijah Diver

We Care For Our Learning 

Daisy D, Madeleine G, Jemima C, Ben K, Ellynana S, Parker G, Max B, Georgie D, Samuel S, Aurelia R, Summer G, Finn B, Noah H

We Care For Our School

Axel B, Georgie D, Henry H

Tuesday 25th February

Mrs Hogan Principal from St Johns High School visiting Year 6

Meet the Teacher meetings

Wednesday 26th February

Meet the Teacher meetings

Ash Wednesday Liturgy 12pm

Friday 28th February

Year 2 Assembly 2.40pm Hall

Monday 2nd March

P & F Meeting 6pm Staff room

Wednesday 4th March

St Johns Nowra Information Night - Tour 5.00pm -7.00pm information session - 6.00pm or 7.00pm

Thursday 5th March

Primary South Coast Swimming

Friday 6th March

Mass- Year 1, 9.30am

Milton Show - Grand Parade March 12.45pm at show ground

Thursday 12th March

Sacramental Enrolment Evening- St Mary's Church Milton 6pm

Friday 13th March 

Year 6 Assembly 2.40pm School Hall

Friday 20th March

Year 5 Mass 9.30am Milton Church

Dear Parents

You will have noticed the 2020 School Fee Statements were issued by email last week.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to make arrangements regarding school fees.  The Catholic Education Office and we as a school have made a sincere commitment to supporting our families.

If you have any concerns over school fees or your ability to meet the fees set by the Catholic Education Office payment schedule please contact our school office to discuss.

• For families who pay annually, payment in full is due on 28 February 2020.

• For families that have submitted a Request to Pay by Instalment or who previously had a School Fee Agreement in place, a schedule of the required payments and the due date will be issued with school fee statements.  The first instalment payment will be due on 28 February, 2020.  Parents may commence payments earlier if they wish, however, it is important that any existing regular payment is equal to the instalment amount provided on the schedule and that payment is made on or before the due dates on the schedule.  Reference should be made to the Request to Pay by Instalments on the school’s website for conditions relating to payment in this manner. 

• For families who have a Fee Concession in place, you will be contacted prior to your review date to complete annual documentation and arrange an interview with the Principal.  If you have a current payment plan in place, and you are unable to increase your payments to meet your 2020 school fees, you may continue to make these payments until your next review date.

• Parents should be aware that our new accounting system will send automatic reminders for overdue payments.

Madeleine G, Millar N, Madeleine H, Anika D, Coen R and Leun R

Transport NSW

• Please update addresses and contact details
• Parent/guardians are encouraged to make their application as soon as possible via the website

https;//apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/3/applyNow

• If parents have any concerns with application lodgement , please call 131500

The school oval is open in the morning and afternoons for parent drop off and pick up. It is very busy at these times with limited parking at the front of the school. Please be mindful of the parking signs at the front of the school , hall and across the road as the school buses need the entire turning circle in front of the hall to turn around. Parents who park illegally run the risk of being booked.