Principal’s  Report 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

This week we are very fortunate to have Bishop Brian Mascord visiting our Parish, and therefore our school. Bishop Brian has the heart of Catholic Schools front and centre as he has spent his earlier career training and working as a teacher in primary education. He spoke during the week at the Education Mass in Wollongong of the critical role of Catholic Schools in developing the generation of students who will go forth to make a difference in their world from our schools. He also spoke of the Pope’s direction to focus on each child as a unique person, precious and unlike any other, our role as Catholic educators is to develop the ‘minds, hearts and hands’ of our students. The staff present were heartened to hear this echo of our own St Mary’s Vision and Mission statement:

Vision: St Mary's Star of the Sea, Milton is a supportive community of learners, living Christ’s love through faith in action. 

Mission:  By nurturing the head, the heart and the hands of every student we:  

• ensure quality learning

• create a sense of joy and belonging

• contribute to a just and sustainable world.

We are happy to welcome a new P and F Committee elected at the AGM on Monday night. Our P and F Association fulfills the following important roles in Catholic Schools:

• Formally recognising the primary role that parents/ carers have in educating their children.

• Provide a collaborative accessible forum for parents to meet formally and regularly with the school leadership regarding education in the school.

• Provide a parent and community perspective to the Principal to assist in the decision-making process. 

• Promote the building of community within the school committee. 

• To raise funds for the benefit of all students in the school.

This meeting represents the passing of the baton from our previous committee who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the P and F, thank you to Liz Woods, Anna Sim, Rosie Spencer, and Emma Wilson who have been the backbone of many school events, we thank you for your service to our community. We welcome and thank our new committee members: Melissa Gibson (President), Sophie Costello (Vice President), El Donnellan (Treasurer), and Lidia Hill (Secretary). One of the first initiatives of the incoming committee was the stall at the Milton Show which was a great success, thanks to the many parent and staff volunteers. 

Congratulations to Isla Peters and Oliver Beasley on their excellent achievements at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival, this week. We are very proud of you and we wish you every success in your swims next week. 

I look forward to seeing you around our school,

Yours in partnership

Laurinda Nelson 

We extend an invitation to everyone to join us for Mass at St Mary’s Church, Milton at 10:00am this Friday 8th March.

We welcome Bishop Brian Mascord who will preside over the Mass.

Principal Awards

Xavier S (Stage TwoP), Phoebe H (Year 6) & Ally S (Year 6)                          

Class Merit Awards

Kindergarten: Ellie I & Penny T
Year 1: Maxon DP, Seamus H & Tyler M
Year 2: Charlie K & Grace P
Stage TwoC: Seave D & Sunny G
Stage TwoP: Henry Ha, Finn M & Olivia T
Year 5: Ruby F, Ben K & Lachlan W
Year 6: Torin D & Sadie N

We Care for Others Awards

Kindergarten: Billy B, Ayla E & Rosa C
Year 1: Charlotte P & Banjo S
Year 2: Keanu S
Stage TwoC: Adele B, Mia L & William N

Stage TwoP: Ariana C, Steven K, Oscar O & Xavier S
Year 5: Jay B & Jemima C
Year 6: Phoebe H & Ally S

Library Merit Awards

Olivia T (Year 1), Ben K (Year 5) & Delphi SH (Year 6)

South Coast Diocesan Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday 5th March a team of 16 students travelled to Corrimal Pool in Wollongong for the South Coast Regional Swimming Carnival. I was very proud of all our competitors for their positive attitude, their team spirit and determination. Most competitors achieved at least one PB (personal best time) with a special mention to Ari L who beat his PB by 8 seconds! 

Finally, congratulations goes to Isla P who placed 2nd in the 9 years 50m freestyle in a time of 44.66 and Oliver B who placed 3rd in the 9 years 50m freestyle in a time of 41.63. This qualifies them both for the next level and will be returning to Corrimal next Monday for the Wollongong Selection Trial.  We wish Isla and Oliver the best of luck!

Congratulations to our Mini Vinnies team for the Cake Stall last Wednesday which raised over $300 for Caritas (Project Compassion). It was a wonderful effort for their first attempt at fundraising this year. We look forward to future events.

This is our Mini Vinnies Team who meet each fortnight to discuss their fundraising ideas and to review the outcomes of their most recent fundraisng efforts like the Cake Stall.