Last week the Wollongong Diocese launched the 2019 Catholic Mission's appeal.  The theme of the 2019 Launch was "Do Not Fear For I am With You". The focus for the Diocesan Mission Appeal this year is the country of Ghana. In Ghana there are many children who go to school, hang out with friends and family, and do fun things like sport. Distressingly, some children, especially those with a disability, struggle to have their basic needs met, such as food, clean water, healthcare and education.

Catholic Mission aims to support the generous work of Missionaries in countries such as Ghana. One of the initiatives by the Catholic Church in Ghana is the Nazareth Home for God’s Children. This program was developed to nourish the country’s most vulnerable young people. The survival of this program and other initiatives and the quality of life these children and young people experience relies so much on the support school communities like ours can provide. Our Mini Vinnies Team is planning a day next term where we, as a school community, will raise funds for this worthwhile appeal. 

Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated this weekend on 29 September. This year, the Australian Bishops’ Social Justice Statement titled: Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world, considers the great changes that modern communications technology has brought to our lives. The Statement affirms the positive possibilities for encounter and solidarity offered by new digital media, while warning of those elements of our digital world that may be harmful. These include information overload; social isolation; marginalization of the vulnerable; consumerism and fake news. 

Pope Francis is calling us to ‘boldly become citizens of the digital world and to ensure it is a place of genuine human encounter.’ We all have a role in making this new digital world one where hatred and divisions are rejected and our love of God and neighbour is always fostered. 

As we come to the end of another busy Term at Mary Immaculate I take this opportunity to thank parents for your support and assistance. We as parents, staff and parish community are partners in the education of our children and your contributions are valued. I wish each of you a happy and relaxing holiday with your children and I look forward to working with you all again when school resumes on Monday 10 October. 

HAIR STYLES/ UNIFORMS - During the holidays children will undoubtedly have haircuts etc in preparation for the term ahead. A reminder to parents that hairstyles for the school term should be one’s which do not attract attention. Hair for both boys and girls should be neat, tidy and of natural colour. Shaved indents and shaved patterns are not an acceptable hairstyle.

A reminder also, that all children are expected to return after the October break in their Full Summer Uniform. Thank you for your support.