I welcome you back to the start of another exciting and challenging new Term at Mary Immaculate. I trust that you have all enjoyed the time spent with your children over the Easter holiday period. Term 2 promises to be another busy one. The staff and I once again look forward to working in partnership with parents and children.

This coming weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday of the Easter Season. In the Gospel we hear the account of Jesus appearing to his disciples whilst they were out fishing. The title of this wonderful story from John's Gospel might be "Surprise Picnic at the Beach." In a very human way, it shows the great love Jesus and his friends had for one another. While the disciples are out fishing, the risen Christ appears on the shore at Lake Tiberias. They are anchored at a distance and do not recognise Jesus. But when they follow His advice and wind up with a sagging net full of fish, Peter figures out that the stranger is Jesus. Coming ashore, they enjoy the picnic breakfast Jesus has prepared for them.

We can also share in a special meal as Jesus' disciples did. It is the Eucharist. We also recognise that Jesus calls us to care for others. I ask you to reflect on how can you show your love to those who join in the celebration of the Eucharist with you?

ANZAC DAY MARCH - Last Thursday, 25 April, was a most significant day for our nation. It was a day when we commemorated the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. Although this campaign failed to achieve its ultimate objectives, it became a symbol of courage, sacrifice, honour and mateship for Australia.  As Australians we need to continue to be thankful for our freedom in our democratic country and I ask that we take time to remember all those who have served and who are serving our country so that we may continue to live in peace and prosperity. I would like to sincerely thank the children, staff and parents who represented and supported our school at the Campbelltown ANZAC Day March and ceremony last Thursday. I was very proud of our children as they walked behind our school banner and paid tribute to those who have given their lives for our country and to those who are presently serving in the Armed Forces. During the Wreath Laying Ceremony our School Leaders, Lee and James, placed a wreath at the base of the memorial on behalf of our Mary Immaculate School Community.

CROSS COUNTRY - Best of luck to the children in our school Cross Country Team who will travel to Nowra next Tuesday to compete in the Wollongong Diocese Primary School Cross Country Carnival. I am sure the children will do themselves and our school proud.

CAR PARK - A reminder to parents that during school hours parking in the church car park is restricted to staff, parishioners who attend the 9.00am morning mass, and school deliveries. I ask parents to refrain from entering the car park-park to drop off and pick up their children. Please be aware that the speed limit around our school is 50kph, and 40kph during the morning and afternoon school zone hours. Please also be aware of the various parking restrictions around the school. As always the safety of our children is paramount.

CONCERNS OR ISSUES – From time to time parents have an issue with something that occurs in the school setting. If it is a classroom related issue then please address your concern to the class teacher directly. If not able to be satisfactorily addressed you may wish to consult a member of the School Leadership Team. If you feel that the issue or concern has not been adequately addressed, there are formal complaints handling procedures that can be followed. Seldom do matters require this level of action. It is important to note that the best place to start is with your child’s teacher. A reminder that parents are under no circumstance to approach other children to discuss or deal with matters of concern.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING - At Mary Immaculate the staff has an ongoing commitment to professional learning. The staff benefits from attending inservices, in curriculum areas, that assists them in providing quality learning opportunities for the students in their class. The following staff have or will attend professional learning and hence will be away from school.

CONGRATULATIONS - On behalf of the School Community I would like to congratulate Parker C, Year 5 student, who has been selected to trial for the MacKillop Softball Team. Well done Parker.

RELIEVING PRINCIPAL - Next Thursday, 9 May, both Mrs Del Giudice and myself will be away from school.  Mr John Walsh, an experienced Principal, will be stepping into the Principal role for the day.  I am sure you will make Mr Walsh feel welcome.

Have a great week and let Christ be our way and life.

Don Spencer

Principal

WINTER UNIFORM – As the weather is so unpredictable at present we will commence our  transition mode to winter uniform. All students are expected to be in full winter uniform from the Monday after Mother’s Day, Monday 13 May – Please note that during this transition period children must wear either full summer or full winter uniform – not a combination of both.

Staff Development Day – Pupil Free Day
A Staff Development Day for the staff at Mary Immaculate will be held on Friday 14 June, 2019 (Friday, Week 7, Term 2). The focus of the day will be related to the teaching of STEM. Children are not required to attend school on this day.