Dear Parents and Carers,

This week we celebrated the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, as the leader of the Sisters of St Joseph. Our school, St Mary’s Star of the Sea, was founded by these strong women of faith lead by Mary MacKillop. Australia’s first saint, St Mary MacKillop was committed to helping the needy in remote areas of Australia, the poor and the marginalised were the focus of Mary’s mission. During her life Mary was a renegade, fighting for what she believed in, as a result she was ex-communicated from the Catholic Church. Mary’s words are as powerful today as they were last century as she and her sisters rode through the outback, setting up schools for the poor. She understood the need for all of us to care for and respect our environment and the Aboriginal people who had cared for the land for thousands of years. It was a great privilege for all of our school to attend mass to celebrate St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, on Tuesday. Thanks to Mrs McGregor and her Year 3 class for excellent reading at the mass. 

‘Never see a need without doing something about it’ 
Mary of the Cross MacKillop

These are the words of Mary MacKillop, and one of our parents, Melissa Gibson, has followed this advice and has been working with great energy and expertise to ensure that our community is safer around our school.  Melissa has campaigned, with the support of the Parish and our school, to have the speed limit reduced on the Princes Highway coming into Milton up until Myrtle Street. I know anyone who has tried to turn right onto the Highway from Cork’s Lane will understand the difficulty and challenge of navigating the traffic both ways. Melissa is also working to have Cork’s Lane opened early to allow through traffic easing congestion. We are so grateful for your perseverance to make our community safer. 

A big congratulations to our Athletics team who competed at the Diocesan carnival on Monday. St Mary’s were proudly represented by a number of students, congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the next level: Arlo, Henry, Evie, Amber, Torin, Alexander and Oliver. What a great effort and best of luck next Tuesday. 

Please show your support for the Matildas by wearing yellow and gold tomorrow!

Have a great weekend

Yours in partnership,
Laurinda Nelson

At St Mary’s all classes participate in Christian Meditation each day. This gives us a chance to connect with God, to pray and have some quiet time to be still and calm. All of Year 1 learn Religion together and sometimes we meditate together too. Here is a photo of a beautiful class meditation we had to share!

Last Friday Year 3 were fortunate to have Mrs Nelson teach a fun and engaging maths lesson.

Students enjoyed collaborative problem solving in a game of Race to 100.

In Science, Stage 1 are learning about where our food comes from and how it gets to our plate. We have discussed what living things need and we were able to use our knowledge to plant radish and spinach seeds. We need to make sure they have loads of sunshine, water and a protected habitat to grow. We take turns to water them every day. Later this term we will be going to Cupitt’s Estate to explore their gardens and learn how they prepare meals with food they have grown!

A mighty roar echoed across Ulladulla Sports Park on Friday 28 July, as the St Mary's AFL team soared to victory, capturing the prestigious Paul Kelly Cup! In a thrilling competition with schools from as far north as Shellharbour and as far south as Eden, St Mary's demonstrated their sporting excellence.

The South Coast Regional Carnival was filled with excitement, talent, and sportsmanship. St Mary's won their first three games, showcasing their exceptional skills and teamwork. Though they lost the fourth game, it was enough to secure a spot in the grand final against Cambewarra Primary School. A nail-biting match ensued, with St Mary's emerging victorious, 26 to 19, becoming the South Coast Regional Champions in the mixed division.

Ryder and Louis, the team's top goal scorers, led the charge with their exceptional talent. But they were not alone in their heroic efforts. Henry K and Torin, along with Anika and Nat, made significant contributions with their quick thinking and solid defence, holding the line and keeping the opponents at bay.

Outstanding performers Milla G and Josh M, who had never played AFL before, played pivotal roles in the team's success. Their agility, natural instincts, and passion for the game were an inspiration to all who witnessed their performance.

A special thank you goes to Neil Woods, who helped coach the team on the day. His guidance, encouragement, and tactical insights were invaluable to the team's success.

So let's cheer once again for the St Mary's AFL team, our champions, our heroes! Congratulations to each and every player for their commitment, teamwork, and love of the game. ?? Your victory is a shining example to us all, inspiring future stars at St Mary's to strive for greatness.

On Tuesday 8 August, 18 students from Year 2 to Year 6 travelled to Wollongong to compete in the Diocesan Athletics carnival. Congratulations to all of our students who all participated with excellent sportsmanship, dedication, resilience and tremendous skill. We had 7 students qualify for the next level carnival which will be on Tuesday 15 August. Be sure to congratulate these students when you see them: Amber R, Torin D, Henry K, Alexander B, Evie P, Arlo S, Oliver B.

Thank you to all of the parents who supported not only their own child but all of the children from St Mary’s at the carnival.

Stage 2 enjoyed a Soccer Gala Day in Nowra last week. Participants came from Catholic schools across the Diocese. St Mary’s students played incredibly well, displaying great sportsmanship, positivity and a sense of fun.

Mrs McGregor

Breakfast Cheese Toasties, pre-orders not required.

Hot food must be pre-ordered with correct money in a clearly named BROWN PAPER BAG by 9.30am Thursday morning.