Filter Content
At St Mary’s we are so blessed to be surrounded everyday by the beauty of our natural world right at our doorstep. Our natural world is a gift that we are called to protect as stewards of the environment for our children in future generations. This week we celebrate and embrace LAUDATO SI, the powerful encyclical that Pope Francis issued to the world calling for action to work together to save mother earth, our common home. The theme for this weeklong celebration is, “For we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’ 13). As Pope Francis said on Earth Day, “When this destruction of nature is triggered, it is very difficult to stop it. But we are still in time. And we will be more resilient if we work together instead of doing it alone.” Our students are so aware of the need to be active in this movement, there are many ways that we, as a school community promote earth friendly practices including: composting, recycling of cardboard / paper, soft plastics, care for gardens around our school under the banner of our St Mary’s Environmental Group. It is so encouraging to see the involvement of our children and parents in local community initiatives such as Treading Lightly, Take Three for the Sea and Regrown Conjola. As adults we lead our children through our own actions and words. Thanks for caring for our world!
And here is a little poem to celebrate Ladauto Si this week from Jemima in Year 2
Jesus, the light of the world.
Jesus gives this to us.
Water, whales and creation.
The whales are big and amazing.
Whales are swimming in the ocean
When the whales are swimming they are slow and peaceful
The calming water with other sea animals are family
There is a sunrise that brings warmth to the sea.
During the week I have had the privilege of welcoming into our school many new Kindergarten students and their families preparing to start school in 2022. It is one of my favourite aspects of my role, to see these beautiful people so full of energy and enthusiasm on the cusp of beginning the great journey of formal education. It is also an opportunity for me to reflect on what these families see and value at St Mary’s. The message I am hearing loud and clear is that St Mary’s is a strong community where children are known and celebrated for who they are, you notice when you walk through our classrooms during the day there is an obvious buzz of learning and working with an overall sense of calmness and purpose. These are indicators of a positive culture in a school community, together we continue to build this with our students, families and staff. It is the little things that make things that make the biggest difference, the way that children greet our visitors with a strong sense of welcome and respect, the presence of our families in school grounds and the peaceful way that staff work with and guide our children. We are truly blessed in so many ways.
There have been several articles in the news recently regarding the impact that social media and internet connectivity have on our children. The vulnerability of children who have social media apps being insidiously contacted through messaging functions attached to what appears to be ‘harmless games’. As parents the responsibility lies with us to ensure the safety of our children, if they are using the internet on devices ensure that they are monitored and establish rules that make boundaries clear. The other aspect of devices that concerns me is the impact devices are having in terms of children’s social interaction and the art of conversation. I share with you some tips for teaching your child how to initiate and continue quality conversations:
- Be present to the person you are speaking using good eye contact.
- Be there to learn something, assume you have something to learn.
- Ask open ended questions - How did that feel? What was that like, you will get to know that person more deeply.
- Remember everyone has different perspectives, conversations are about connection and empathy.
- Listen - Buddha says ‘If your mouth is open, you are probably not listening. “ Listening can mean giving up control but if you don’t you are not having a conversation.
Have a lovely week and I will see you around our school.
Yours in partnership
Laurinda Nelson
Class Merit Awards Week:
Year 1 – Arlo S, Leeyana M
Year 2 – Jemima C, Bryn S
Year 3 – Phoebe H, Louis R
Year 4 - Anika D, Tehya G
Year 5 – Ross K, Chiara G
Year 6 – Zara C, Keiley P
Super Star Awards for Week,
We care for Ourselves- Louis R, Delphi S-H, Max C, Aurelia R, Austin G, Isabelle S, Freya A, Xavier B, Faith S, Uma D, Zuri G, Ellyana S
We Care For Others- Imogen H, Alexandra W, Frankie N, Jacob Mc
We Care For Our Learning- Elijah D, Henry K, Allyana S,Jacob Del Guzzo,Tehya G, Kayden L, Lucas B, Rylan B, Zach D, Keiley P, Zuri G, Bryn S,
Lachlan W
We Care For Our School- Georgie D, Tess W, Audrey S, Zuri G, Max B, Madeleine G, Ellyana S
Shinning Star: Ross K, Uma D, Tex L, Noah H
Pennants: David K, Jack C, Zac D, Charlize D
All Stars Award: Year 6
Religious Storytelling in Classrooms
Last week we were lucky to have Mrs Moore come to St Mary’s from Wollongong and tell us some bible stories. The children listened to and participated in telling stories such as the good Samaritan, The Pentecost Story, The lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd. Teachers learnt more about storytelling with props and will be having a go of this more often in their classrooms. (Glenda, photos in folder)
Confirmation Information Evening for Parents
On Thursday evening at 6pm there will be a Confirmation Information session for our Year 6 parents of children making this sacrament in June. This will be held in the Ulladulla Church and will go for an hour. Reminder that Confirmation will be on Sunday June 20 at 11am at Ulladulla Church.
Pentecost and Mini Vinnies Mass this Friday
On Friday 21st May at 12pm, we will hold Mass in our hall. We celebrate the feast of Pentecost fifty days after Easter Sunday, which ends the Season of Easter. This year, the Feast of Pentecost will be celebrated this Sunday, May 23. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the disciples with courage and faith, empowering them to share the Good News with others.
On Friday we will also celebrate and commission our Mini Vinnies Leaders, who are the courageous and faithful representatives of St Vincent de Paul for our school - sharing the Good News by caring for those in our community who need support and putting others first. These students will receive their badge and certificates.
Mother’s Day Morning Tea and Liturgy
On Friday May 7th we celebrated our beautiful mothers with a Liturgy and shared morning tea with them. Thank you for all you do for your children. It is a privilege to be walking this journey with you.
Laudato Si Week
This year’s Laudato Si’ Week 2021, is held from May 16th - 25th, and is the crowning event of the Special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year begun in 2020, and a celebration of the great progress the whole Church has made on its journey to ecological conversion.
The theme for the weeklong celebration is, “For we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’ 13).
As Pope Francis said on Earth Day, “When this destruction of nature is triggered, it is very difficult to stop it. But we are still in time. And we will be more resilient if we work together instead of doing it alone.”
Website: https://laudatosiweek.org/
KINDERGARTEN 2021 INTERVEIWS
Thursday 20th May
Book Fair
Confirmation Parent Information 6pm Ulladulla Church
Friday 21st May
Canteen - Healthy Snacks / Orders for Tuesday due
Mass- 12pm School Hall, celebrate Pentecost and our Minni Vinnes Team
Book Fair
Tuesday 25th May
Canteen- Spaghetti Bolognaise $5
Wednesday 25th May
National Sorry Day
Play Group - 9.30am - 11.00am School Hall
Friday 28th May
Canteen - Healthy Snacks / orders for Tuesday due
School Assembly - 12pm Carers/Parents Welcome
Tuesday 1st June
All Year 5- St Johns Nowra work shop
Canteen- Sea Juice Sushi $4
Wednesday 2nd June
Play Group- 9.30 am - 11.00 am School Hall
Friday 4th June
Canteen - Healthy Snacks / orders for Tuesday due
Mission Week - 9.30am Liturgy and Art display in hall followed by Morning Tea. Parents/ Carers/ Parish welcome
Sunday 6th June
Family Mass Milton Church- 5pm
Monday 7th June
Year 6 from St Michael's Nowra visiting
Year 3 & 4 - Fossil Walk Excursion, Ulladulla Harbour
Tuesday 8th June
Canteen - Bay Leaf Butter Chicken & Rice $6
Wednesday 9th June
Play Group School Hall 9.30am -11.00 am
Friday 11th June
School Assembly - 12pm
Monday 14th June
LONG WEEKEND
Tuesday 15th June
Canteen- Beef Nachos $5
Wednesday16th June
Athletics Carnival
Friday 18th June
Confirmation Retreat Day
Sunday 20th May
Confirmation
Tuesday 22th May
Canteen - Pies $6
Friday 25th June
Last Day For Students Term 2
Students will visit the Book Fair during class on Thursday and can make a selection.
Parents & Carers can purchase at the following times
- Thursday afternoon 2.30pm-3.20pm
- Friday morning 8.30am 8.30am-9.20am
- Friday afternoon 2.30pm - 3.20pm
EFTPOS Available
Spaghetti Bolognaise with Parmesan cheese $5
Orders to the office by Friday 21st May, 3.20pm
Thank you
UNIFORM SHOP - Open Thursdays 2.30pm-3.30pm
Orders can be placed via phone, email and at the school office. Orders will be filled and sent home when payment has been made (usually on Friday). Payments can be made in person or over the phone.
All black lace up leather school shoes with School Uniform.
Predominately white sports shoes with white laces with sports uniform.
WINTER UNIFORM
BOYS
St Mary's Navy Long Pants $32
St Mary's Blue Long Sleeve Shirt $27
Navy School Jumper $40
Tartan Tie $20
Navy Socks
GIRLS
Navy Tunic $62
St Mary's White Blouse $27
St Mary's Girls Navy Pants $40
Navy School Jumper $40
Tartan Tie $20
Navy Stockings with Tunic
SPORTS UNIFORM
Unisex Sports Polo $27
ST Mary's Navy Track Pant $36
Red Polar Fleece Jumper (sport days only) $30
White Socks
St Mary's Hat $15
Navy School Jacket (all days) $50
