Dear Parents and Caregivers
We have had a relatively smooth start to the term, however, there is plenty happening at Mary Mac as usual. In the coming weeks, we celebrate our wonderful patron, Mary MacKillop, with a week of activities. Mary’s feast day falls on 8 August each year, and we take the time to celebrate her life. If it wasn’t for Mary MacKillop, there probably wouldn’t be as many Catholic schools, as in many ways, she started Catholic Education in Australia with her rural schools in Penola, South Australia which were set up for students most in need.
Empathy Reflection Matthew 7:2 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Kindergarten 2025. We are now full for next year. This means that if you haven’t let us know about a younger child coming next year, your child will unfortunately be placed on a waiting list. Thank you to those of you who responded to our many reminders and got your child enrolled.
P&F Meeting Our meeting for this term will be held on Monday 5 August at 8.45am in the staffroom. All welcome.
Art Exhibition Mr Miller has been working diligently over the past 12 months preparing for this year’s exhibition which will be set up in the Church hall from 5 August until 18 August. I’m sure you will make time to come along and get a snapshot of some of the amazing work our budding young artists have created this year. I would like to thank Owen and his team of staff helpers who have put so much of their own time into preparing for this celebration of student achievement.
Mary Mac Week Mass All parents and grandparents are invited to join us on Wednesday 7 August from 8.45am in our Church to celebrate the life of our patron saint. Morning tea will be provided in the staffroom straight after Mass. However, please check out the art exhibition before coming down for either morning tea or a visit to the classrooms (or both) which will be open until 12pm. Cup cakes will also be given out during the day.
Mission Fete Apart from the camp, this is another highlight of the year for the Year 6 students who will have a big hand in organising the day. All money raised goes to the Sisters of St Joseph to support their missionary work in places like Timor and Papua New Guinea. Last year, we managed to raise over $2000 which was a mighty effort. I’m sure that you will be just as generous this year. Mary MacKillop will be very proud of us!
Confirmation Please keep our Year 6 students in your prayers as they receive the final sacrament of initiation on the weekend of 17 and 18 August. This is a very special time in their lives as they will now be seen as adults in the Church. As babies, their parents made the choice to get them baptised. However, this time it is their own choice to be Confirmed. I would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Sara Blair and Mrs Tash Strecker and all other staff members who have assisted in preparing them so well. I’m sure it will be a wonderful occasion.
Faction Carnival This year, we are going to trial holding the carnival in Term 4 instead of Term 3 as the weather hopefully will be better. Therefore, please note Friday 11 October in your diaries, which is the first week back next term. The netball club will be providing the sausage sizzle as usual. Let’s hope we get a lovely day for everyone to come together and enjoy.
Fr John’s 50th Anniversary Celebration A special Mass and dinner will be held in our Church on Saturday 31 August from 6.00pm. If you would like to attend the dinner, please contact the parish soon as tickets are selling quickly. If you can’t make it to the Saturday night Mass or dinner, morning tea will be provided the next day after the 9.30am Mass.
Yours sincerely
Laurie Bechelli