A very warm welcome back for Term 2!

I hope that you enjoyed the blessings of Easter and were able to celebrate this special time within your families and parish communities.

Hopefully the holidays were a time to enjoy the company of family and friends and to bask in the beautiful weather. The Easter holidays are always an excellent opportunity for all of us to rest, relax and recharge our batteries in preparation for another extremely important term of learning at Mary Immaculate. 

ANZAC Day each year goes beyond just the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice and resilience continues to have meaning and relevance for our national identity.

Yesterday, Mary Immaculate was well represented by approximately 50 students and their families who joined Mrs Simpson, Mr Edwards and myself to represent our school at the Campbelltown ANZAC Day March and Service. This annual celebration acknowledges our veterans, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. All our students were exemplary in their behaviour and very publicly and confidently demonstrated our important school value of respect. We are very grateful to all those who were able to represent our school at this important community event.

On our first day back for Term 2 all grades had the opportunity to gather to remember the sacrifices and courage of past and present service men and women who have served and died in many and varied conflicts.

Over the next few weeks Mrs Del and I will be involved in Kindergarten Enrolment interviews. Conducting these interviews, especially with parents who attend for the enrolment of their first child is a wonderful privilege. In our conversations with families one of the topics touched upon is the motivation behind choosing Mary Immaculate as the school for their child. In outlining the reasons behind their willingness to apply for enrolment at Mary Immaculate, the conversation often centres on the fundamental differences between the choice of a Catholic School, such as Mary Immaculate and other schools in the area. Our surrounding area is blessed with many quality schools. All strive to be places of quality learning and teaching, and all follow the common curriculum provided by NESA. We are alike in so many ways. The fundamental difference, however, is reflected in our Catholic identity. Our school actively promotes, teaches, and celebrates our Christian faith and our Catholic traditions. Supporting this identity must be a conscious choice that is made by parents seeking a Catholic education.

Catholic Schools enrol approximately 20% of Australian students and whilst we teach the same curriculum as our government colleagues, the primary difference is on our faith being central in all that we do. We proudly and willingly identify ourselves as Catholic and we strive to bring to life the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ in all that we do and say.

It is with hope and excitement that we commence this new school term together. A term where we can continue to work together through our words and actions, to provide a rich and nurturing environment where all our students can strive to be the best they can be. In doing this we hope to ultimately bring Christ’s presence into our corner of the world and bringing to life our school vision ~ enabling each person to Walk with Christ, inspiring lifelong learning, respect for others and service to all in the light of our school motto, Christ our Way and Life.

Mrs Tina Murray

Principal

WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRIESTS

During the holidays our parish community farewelled Fr Slawek and Fr Nadeem and welcomed Fr Leo and Fr Vasanthan.

As a School Community we wish Fr Leo and Fr Vasanthan every blessing as they take up their important leadership roles within our Parish and School Community.