Dear Parents and Carers

This newsletter is sadly the last for 2022. It is hard to believe that another year has passed by and we are packing up our classrooms ready for a new year in 2023. The end of the school year of course, for the Catholic tradition and broader Christian faiths, signals the season of Christmas or the birth of Christ. The baby born in such humble beginnings sees the promise of God being kept, to love us by sending his only son to walk among us and show us the way to live harmoniously in community. The Christmas story is one of such depth and beauty, but reflective of the lives of us, the common people. 

We are called to reflect on the desperation of the heavily pregnant Mary and Joseph seeking shelter and probably like most parents, slightly annoyed by the Government’s decree to be in their town of birth for the census. Also possibly frustrated by the rough ride on a donkey and the number of potholes and corregations on the roads to Bethlehem. Only to have no where to stay and most probably being unable to afford to pay the tariff of any available rooms. 

We remember the Kings or Wise Men, spending years reading the stars and their ancient scrolls, searching for signs of this enormous cosmic event and saddling up their camel train to bring their finest gifts to greet this long promised and most powerful king. Imagine their surprise to travel such a distance to find the tiny baby, with his exhausted and puzzled parents, by the side of the manger. It would have been smelly and cold, most probably noisy with sheep and cows and various other animals crowded in. 

Then there were the Shepherds probably hoping for a quiet night in the fields and better still, possibly a few winks of sleep. Only to be disturbed by a tremendous light and angels singing, filling the night sky, no peaceful night here. I can only imagine the sheep scattering with the commotion. I’m sure the shepherds had to herd and secure the sheep and lambs before they could heed the angels calling and set off to Bethlehem. 

This story tells us that the people of Jesus’ time weren’t magical beings, they were ordinary people like you and I, with the ordinary worries that you and I have each day. They were annoyed and tired and busy like us, trying to get their jobs done and they were caught up in a story much bigger than themselves, they just didn't realise it at the time. This story is still being told thousands of years later. I’m pleased our God chose these individuals to help reveal this most sacred mystery. It is a story of faith and hope and love. If Mary and Joseph can suffer the many years of worry as parents of Jesus, we can do just the same with our own children. Let’s remember that we just have to do our best for each other, do whatever we do to bring hope and faith and love in our family, in our town, in our community and in our world. If we can do this, our children will follow in our footsteps. 

I would like to thank all of our families for their wonderful support over the last year, we have so much to celebrate and be grateful for in our St Mary’s School Community. We wish our Year 6 students every success as they step forth into High School and a wonderful future. Have a happy and holy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2023.

Class Merit Awards

Kinder – Sophie H, Theo A

Year 1 – Sunny G

Year 2 – Henry H, Goldie D, Zoe H

Year 3 – Chase F, Daisy D

Year 4 – Imogen H, Louis R, Mila L

Year 5 – Maddy H, Amber R, Georgie D

Year 6 – Finn B, Lucas

Super Star Awards for Week:  

We Care For Our School -  Hugo A, Benjamin W-G, Clementine M, Jasper S-H, Luke S, Adele B, William N, Arlo S, Harrison K, Evie P, Bowie M, Ruby F, Parker G, Georgie A, Torin D, Payten B, Max C, Ryder L, Sadie N, Ally S, Lexi L, Harvey B, Clifford C, Viraj D, Hendrix A, Mabel H

Tuesday the 6th December Year 6 along with their parents, carers and staff of St Mary's enjoyed a lovely evening celebrating their achievements and memories of their schooling years at St Mary's.

Many thanks to our talented Year 6 parents for styling the event and the wonderful cakes and sweet biscuits.

St Mary's Choir singing and a special Mini Vinnies delivery for the residents of Sarah Claydon

On Monday 12th December, the very busy St Mary’s choir and some of our Mini Vinnies members walked all the way down to Sarah Claydon retirement home in Milton to perform 2 Christmas songs and hand deliver some beautiful Christmas cards made by our larger Mini Vinnies team.

The visit was a success, and we have already been invited back for a Term 1 visit. Our students were open and respectful during the visit and we couldn’t have been prouder of them. 

A short stop for an ice block followed before working our way back up the hill to school.

Students from St Mary’s were invited to perform at the Ulladulla Carols on Saturday night. Our school choir led the performance with other students from our school joining in. As well as doing a fantastic performance for our community to enjoy, our students were eager participants in the nativity scene as well as singing along and dancing to the carols music throughout the evening. 

Our little school on the hill impressed the greater community with their ability to play and dance inclusively with children of all ages, including toddlers, happily and safely. Our ‘Caring for Others’ school rule was definitely on show.

Congratulations to all students who were able to come and sing or support us from the crowd. We thank all your parents who were able to attend an out of school event with you. We hope you all enjoyed the festive evening with your family. We are so very proud of you all and are excited to keep and eye out for events for 2023!

A big thank you goes to Mrs Robinson, Mrs Cooper, Ms Basset, Ms Hendriks, Mrs Hamilton and Mrs Chard for their help with choir this term.

Our school had a special visit from Mr Jake Speer (Actor/Producer) last Friday. Our students who had been in our Pirates V Mermaids School Musical remembered that Jake had sent them a video message to wish them 'Chookas' on opening night and were excited to meet him in person. Jake was amazed by the knowledge and passion our students had about the theatre and actors. The Q & A session saw Jake answering lots of very interesting questions that our students had about the industry he works in. Jake's latest performance in A Midsomer Nights Dream opens in the Blue Mountains next week. Mrs Tania Speer was a little excited as well to see her son.

Henry K did an amazing job on Saturday volunteering at the Disabled Surfers association Mollymook event.
Henry helped on the registration desk first thing in the morning handing out rash shirts to volunteers and participants and then in the water for hours helping people who don’t usually get an opportunity to surf to experience surfing.
This is the third DSA event Henry has volunteered.