‘The person of each individual human being and his or her material and spiritual needs is at the heart of Christ’s teaching
and the goal of the Catholic School’

Dear Parents and Carers,

“Welcome to the New School Year at Mary Immaculate!”

We hope that after a restful holiday break all members of our School Community return re-energized for another year filled with learning, eager to resume old friendships and to be introduced to new ones.

As a staff it is our sincerest hope that all our students recommence the new school year, with an appreciation of the great opportunities that a Catholic education, here at Mary Immaculate will provide and that they will each embrace this new school year with enthusiasm, determination and a positive mind set.

St Thomas Aquinas, whose Feast was celebrated on Tuesday, once commented that, “Whatever is received is received according to the mode of its receiver”. It is our greatest hope that all our students return with an attitude to do their very best and to support learning, not only for themselves, but also for their fellow students.

I would especially like to extend a warm welcome to all the new families who have joined our School Community in 2020, especially those parents who will commence the journey with their child at ‘big school’ for the very first time. We welcome in a very special way all our new staff who are commencing at Mary Immaculate in 2020. The appointments of Darren Orazi  (6Gr), Karen Voda (2Gr), Jayden O’Brien (PE) and Bevina Potter (Cr Arts) were confirmed in 2019. After further recruitment during the holidays we are now able to confirm that we are also welcoming Robynne Young (4B), Therese Smith (1B/ML2) and Alison Harris (Leadership Release 5Gr) to Mary Immaculate.

As we welcome new members to our community, we extend our prayers to all 2019 students and staff who are commencing new adventures in 2020. We wish them every blessing for the future and continue to be grateful for the contributions made to our community during their time here.

On a personal note, I wish to thank the staff of Mary Immaculate for the generosity they have already extended to me and I look forward to becoming acquainted with as many members of the parent and student community as possible in the coming weeks. I thank all of you in advance for your patience and support during this period of settling in and transition.

In our role as teachers and educators we devise plans and make decisions that directly affect and impact on the life of your child. As a staff we willingly accept the great joy and important responsibilities that come with our chosen vocation. Please keep all our staff in your prayers over the coming months so that we can complete our work with grace, courage, compassion and faith.

In a sense, our school has a double staff; not only the staff who perform within the school, but also the very important staff that perform in the home. Your child’s education can be greatly enhanced by your engagement in their learning at home and through involvement in school activities. It is often the enthusiasm, support and involvement of parents that will help to inspire children to do their best. Children frequently adopt attitudes and opinions held by the adults they look up to; and enthusiasm for learning is no exception. If children sense that parents consider their education to be a high priority, they are likely to view it in a more positive manner themselves. Positive reinforcement will help children to adopt a more enthusiastic attitude towards the learning process.

As members of a Catholic School Community we all teach in Jesus’ name, we all have Him as a wonderful example from which to draw inspiration and confidence as we, the staff at school and the staff at home, work together to create the best possible learning environment for all the students in our school.

Once again, “Welcome to our New School Year!”

May we enter this new adventure together in anticipation of the possibilities that lie ahead and remember our collective responsibility to Christ our Way and Life, and make it a lived reality within our community.

Enjoy your week!

Tina Murray

Principal

 STAFF LIST

 ENROLMENTS FOR 2021

Applications for enrolment for Kindergarten 2021 at Mary Immaculate will be accepted by the School Office from Monday 17 February 2020. Enrolment applications can be downloaded from the school website  www.mievdow.catholic.edu.au or alternatively, from the Catholic Education website www.dow.catholic.edu.au

Children are eligible for enrolment if they turn 5 before 30 June, 2021.

Mary Immaculate is a fantastic community of learning. Parents please spread the word!

PARENT MEET and GREET SESSIONS – CLAIM THE DATE

Parent / Teacher Meet and Greet sessions will be held for each class on Monday 17 February, Tuesday 18 February and Wednesday 22 February. This is an important opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teacher and provide important information about their child that will assist teachers to optimize learning in 2020. It is also an opportunity for the staff to provide information about class procedures and expectations for 2020. At least one parent from each family should attend. More details to follow.