Mary MacKillop

Dear Parents and Caregivers

We are now in the middle of one of the most important weeks of the year for our community, which is of course Mary MacKillop Week. Mary MacKillop is a very important person for us as she was the person who started Catholic Education in Australia when she opened her first school in Penola, South Australia, in a converted stable on 19 March 1866. We actually have a small wooden cross in the staffroom which is made from the timber in that first building. One of the things I love most about this community is how everyone lives out her famous quote of, “Never see a need without doing something about it”. There are many needs in our community, and everyone is working hard to meet those needs for the benefit of the students in our care.

Scripture Reflection 1 John 3:17s If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need, but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

Mary MacKillop Week Mission Fete This wonderful occasion will be held on Friday this week across two time slots. The Kindy to Year 2 students will join the fun from 9.25am to 10.25am, whilst the Year 3 to 6 students get their turn from 11.30am to 12.30pm. All students are encouraged to bring in as much money as possible as all funds raised will go to the Josephite Sisters who provide an education for children in poor countries. This lives out the mission of Mary MacKillop as we are doing something about supporting people in need around the world.

Confirmation The commitment Masses will be held this weekend on 8 and 9 August. All students who are in the programme are required to attend one of these Masses to make their pledges. This will be one step closer for our Year 6 students who will soon be seen as full members of the Church as adults. Please keep them in your prayers.

Interschool Winter Carnival Our Year 6 students will represent our school on Monday 10 August at the Kingsley Sport Complex in Soccer, Netball and Football. These three sports are our strongest and we usually do really well. However, of more importance is the way in which we conduct ourselves, and our students always display excellent sportsmanship. All parents and grandparents are most welcome to come along and support our students. Miss Thorp has already sent home all the details.

Confirmation Retreat Our Year 6 students are going to be very busy over the coming weeks! On top of all the other great activities they are participating in, they will also get some reflection time to help them prepare for their Confirmation. This day will be held in our hall on Wednesday 12 August. The retreat will be run by Faith Retreats who do a wonderful job in this space.

Assumption Mass There are not many holy days of obligation left on the liturgical calendar. However, the Assumption of Mary into Heaven remains, and therefore, we will be having a whole school Mass on Friday 14 August at 9.00am in the Church (the actual feast day falls on 15 August every year). All parents and grandparents are most welcome to join us.

Catholic Day As you may be aware, all staff in Catholic schools are granted an extra day’s leave in recognition of our faith commitments we make out of hours. Therefore, the school will be closed on Monday 17 August as we take our Catholic Day. As well as this, we are using the next day, Tuesday 18 August as a staff development day as we participate in a workshop on challenging behaviours. This will be a nice long mid term break for our students. School will resume on Wednesday 19 August.

Kindergarten 2027 I am well into the enrolment process for next year’s intake. If you have a younger child who is coming here next year, please contact the front office immediately.

Laurie Bechelli
Principal