Issue #8 28th May 2025
Principal's Update
National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week This week, our school acknowledges National Sorry Day, a day of reflection and recognition for the Stolen Generations. This important day invites us to honour the strength and healing journeys of survivors and their families. It is also a reminder of the importance of empathy and respect as we walk together toward reconciliation. National Sorry Day marks the beginning of Reconciliation Week, a time for us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in our school, homes, and communities.
This week, our students gathered as a grade with Mr Gainsford, our Aboriginal Learning Support Assistant, to share in a Liturgy. Mr Gainford then spoke with the children, and they had the opportunity to ask questions and continue conversations around the significance of this week, before completing an activity together.
School Feast Day Saturday, May 24, was the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians. In 1844, Mary, Help of Christians was chosen as the Patroness of Australasia, entrusting the fledging Church in the region to her protection. This feast honours Mary’s role as a mother, protector, and powerful advocate for Christians around the world. She has always been a source of hope and strength, especially in times of trial. It was this day that was chosen by our school, to celebrate Mary and our school, St Mary's.
During our feast day celebrations last Friday, we began with a celebration of Mass, followed by many fun activities led by wonderful members of our school and local community. Students from MacKillop also attended, to lead the classroom activities and our Mary reflection activity. They did a tremendous job. A big thank you to the following groups, who gave up their time to our school;
- Tim from O'Grady Drama
- Rebecca and Mia from BBMA Northlakes
- Ethan from Hockey NSW
- Bianca, Shaylah, Myah and Rhani from Cathy Makin Dance
- Mel from Creative Kids
- Unfortunately, the AFL, NRL, NSW Touch and Waves Basketball groups were unable to attend due to the weather.
The children were also provided with a delicious sausage sandwich. A huge thank you to our team of parent helpers who assisted in cooking and serving lunch to our children. We appreciate your support. A special mention and thanks to Corinne, who ordered all of the food for the day.
Athletics Carnival Our Year 2-6 carnival will be held on Wednesday 2nd July at Mingara Athletics Centre. The carnival will begin at approximately 10.00am and finish at approximately 1.40pm (unless your child is participating in high jump, 800m or the first-time event of the 1500m).
A note will go to you through Compass this week, which will have all information. Please complete the form and choose your child's events as soon as possible, so that the events can be organised. 8yrs to 12yrs children can choose to compete in the timed championship events of 100m, 200m and 800m or they can choose the 50m and 70m which will be untimed events.
Winter Uniform The children have made a great start to wearing their winter uniform. Thank you for your support in this.
Reports and Parent Teacher Meetings Semester 1 reports will be sent home this term, on the afternoon of Friday 20th June. Reports are sent to parents through Compass, and they will be available from 3.15pm. Parent Teacher meetings are then held the following week, 23rd - 26th June. Teachers will be available across various mornings and afternoons through the week. On the Wednesday of that week, 25th June, all teachers make times between 12.00pm and 6.00pm to meet with parents. Children will be supervised in grade groups between 12.00pm and 3.15pm that day. All meeting timeslots are 15 minutes, and we encourage all parents to make a booking to discuss the effort, learning gains and achievements of your child. You will be able to book times for these meetings from today (until 20th June). Please log into your Compass app, go to 'Conferences' and follow the prompts.
Year 6 in Canberra Next week, Year 6 will travel to our National Capital, exploring the landmarks and see the home of democracy. They leave early Wednesday morning, and will arrive back on Friday night. We hope you all pack your warm clothes and get ready for some fun as you explore the AIS, Parliament House, Old Parliament House, the Electoral Commision, GeoScience and Questacon.
Debating Our capable debating team are gearing up for an exciting debate tomorrow, against St Cecilia's - stay tuned to see their critical thinking in action, as they debate "That Australia should close all its zoos"!
Year 6 Leadership Day On Tuesday, 10th June, our Year 6 children will attend (via Teams) a Leadership Day. During the day, students will talk with other Year 6 students from across the diocese, participate in leadership activities, and listen to Bishop Anthony talk about faith and Catholic leadership.
1, 2, 3 Magic! This term we are offering the 1-2-3 Magic Program, which is designed to help parents and carers manage behaviours with children 2 - 12 years old. The program will be run by Victoria Price, our Parent Engagement Coordinator, over 3 sessions that begin next week (June 5, 12 and 26, 1-3pm). Registration is now open, and spaces are limited so please sign up early. https://forms.office.com/r/GZFy7Fr62T?origin=lprLink
Early Arrivals A reminder that supervision for children begins at 8.30am. Children should not be arriving to the school site prior to 8.15am. At this time, children are unsupervised. OOSH is available for families who require care before school. Thank you for your support.
Broken Bay Cross Country Good luck to all of our runners who are participating in the Broken Bay Cross Country this Friday, after rain cancelled the event last week.
Touch and Rugby Good luck to the students who are participating in the BBP Touch trials (29th May) and BBP Rugby trials (2nd June).
Playgroup This morning we had our second playgroup for the year, we loved seeing so many happy faces! Our playgroup is a fun and friendly way to help children get ready for school next year.
From our REC
Feast Day Fun!
We began our Feast Day with a beautiful Mass. Thank you to 2 Blue, 3 White and 5 Gold for looking after the various ministries. We were also blessed to have 3 junior serves, serve of the altar. Thank you to Sr Jiji for training and preparing these students.
A huge thank you to the Youth Ministry and Year 10 PASS students from MacKillop Catholic College who helped lead many of our Feast Day activities. It was wonderful to have Sr Jiji and Mr Sadler oversee the Youth Ministry activities with our Years 4 - 6 students. They had lots of fun and learnt about Mary in a more mature way. The Year 10 PASS students led many activities including, Kahoot, relays, kneeling volleyball and various games. They showed great flexibility in working indoors due to the weather. It was wonderful to have many ex-students come back and support our community.
Sacred Space - 4 Green and 3 Green
Thank you to 4 Green who shared their learning about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As we approach Pentecost Sunday it is important to understand the many gifts the Holy Spirit has given us.
Thank you to 3 Green who built on the work of 4 Green and created a modern day re-enactment of Pentecost. We all enjoyed the song you sang, Holy Spirit Rock!
Year 6 Leaders Day
On Tuesday 10th June all the Year 6 students in our Diocese will come together online to take part in a Leadership Day. They will hear from Bishop Anthony and Mr Danny Casey (Director of CSBB). They will participate in a range of leadership activities through out the day. We look forward to sharing with you all the activities they do.
First Eucharist Preparation
We have many students in Years 4, 5 and 6 preparing to make their First Holy Communion. Please keep these children in your prayers. For the children preparing for this sacrament, please ensure you attend all classes or attend make up sessions.
Year 4 Sunday Parish Mass
On Sunday 15th June at 9am our Year 4 students will be leading the ministries for our Year 4 Parish Mass. This coincides with many of our Year 4 students preparing for the Sacrament of First Eucharist. During this mass these students will be presented to our Parish Community. The students will be singing a Thanksgiving song. Our Year 4 teachers will be handing out reading and jobs for this Mass in the next week. Please bring a plate of food to share after Mass with our Parish community. This is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with families in our Parish.
St Joseph’s Men’s BBQ - 7-8.30pm Friday 30th May
St Mary’s Parish Centre Who: Men 18+
Good food. Cold drinks. Good company. A chance to grow in faith and brotherhood. Join us for an evening of real conversation and genuine fraternity as we explore what it means to live authentic Catholic masculinity. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17