Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Thursday night and Friday all Mary Immaculate staff gathered for our Spirituality Day. The focus of our day was looking at our roles as educators through the lens of mission. 

Sadly, on Friday morning we awoke, like so many around the world to the news that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. Although this moment was inevitable, this will be one of those moments in history that each of us will be able to recall where we were and what we were doing when we heard the historic news. The continuous broadcasts during the past few days have noted the many impacts made by the queen during her life, but much has also been said about the person behind the title. What has become evident in conducting some research for this newsletter is that Queen Elizabeth II was a woman of deep personal faith. 

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, said "She was unafraid to be a strong, personal and courageous witness to the teachings of Christ. Here was a woman who lived her faith - who served the Lord at every moment of her life and who really wrote faith into everything that she thought, said and did."Archbishop Martin said that he always believed the Queen was someone who practiced her faith, who regularly went to church, and was "clearly steeped in the word of God". He said that he was extremely grateful for the efforts she made in crossing "safe boundaries" and interacting with the Catholic Church, noting she had met five different popes during her reign. "That, to me, shows that she wanted to show that she was not in any way narrow in her understanding of her Christianity, she was prepared to accept and support all of those within the Christian faith, and outside," he added.

Reverend Kirkpatrick, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church spoke of the Queen's capacity to treat people in a way that dignified them, even when the cameras were off. He said she possessed the spirit of Christ in her power to understand and empathise with people.

"It was those quiet moments," he said. "You sense that genuineness - she's not doing it because she has to. It comes out of her life which is shaped by her faith."

Director of the ministries team of the Methodist Church: The Reverend Dr Janet Unsworth described the Queen as an approachable person who took an interest in those around her, praising her constant values of tolerance and respect. "That desire to seek the common good, not just selfish good, a desire for the value of public service - all of that has remained constant even in the midst of huge societal changes that we have seen during her reign," she added.

In 2016, in one of her many, widely-broadcast Christmas messages, Queen Elizabeth stated: “At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago. It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important. Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far. He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong. And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.”

Elizabeth II was a true model of mission, devotion, and service. There is much we can learn from this life well lived as we too strive to make Christ our way and life.

Tina Murray

Principal

In line with the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that Thursday 22 September 2022 will be a public holiday for the National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

I confirm that all schools in the Diocese of Wollongong will be closed on this day and your child/ren will not be required to attend. 

We have been informed by Campbelltown Council that the construction of a raised pedestrian crossing is scheduled to commence on September 19, during the holiday period. The council aims to have the works completed as quickly as possible.

There will be a need to review our school Kiss and Drop processes when the works are completed.

We thank you in advance for your support as the works will focus on safety improvements at student arrival and dismissal times. 

 

CLASS FORMATION FOR 2023

Thank you to the many parents who have provided input into the class formation process that will commence in earnest in Term 4

This process involves the current class teachers preparing draft lists for next year’s classes. The process takes into consideration the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of each individual student. Decisions are made to establish balanced, equitable class groups with the potential to work well together. As the teachers know the students within the school environment exceptionally well, the best interest of each individual student is always considered during the discernment process.

Parents are invited annually to contribute to the process of class formation by informing us in writing of any special needs that may affect class placement. Please complete the linked form to provide input regarding the class placement of your child in 2023.

https://forms.gle/WLeK7MQrsTwQPUyx7

 It is important to note that whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that these requests will be granted. If parents make a request, particularly about their child being placed within a friendship group, please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding such requests that may prevent it from being granted.

All requests are considered when classes are constructed and must be provided prior to classes being finalised.

 STUDENTS NOT RETURNING IN 2023

If parents are already aware that their child/ren will not be returning to Mary Immaculate in 2023, we request that this information be provided to Mrs Pizarro in the school office as soon as possible. This information will assist us with accommodating both new applications and students who are currently on our waiting list.