Welcome to our Mary Immaculate Community for 2023!

We hope that after a restful holiday break all members of our school community have returned relaxed, rested, and ready for another year filled with learning. Last Friday, our staff joined the parish community at morning mass. Mark’s gospel recounted the parable of the Mustard Seed and how tiny seeds can grow to become one of the largest of trees, just as, small acts of kindness and love can make a difference to the lives of those around us. Often, we never know the impact that our words and actions can make to others. 2023 is the year of the mustard seed at Mary Immaculate. It is an opportunity to focus on the small things so that we can achieve great things as we strive to become the best individuals and community we can be. 

We especially extend a warm welcome to all the new families who have joined our school community in 2023, 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 2023, Katherine Demasi, Melissa Barber and Soliette Markovic. As we welcome new members to our community, we extend our prayers to all 2022 students and staff including our Year 6 students who have commenced Year 7 and our staff Maryanne Bulfon, Megan King, Andrew Astill, Jessica Walker, Hollie Wulf and Sue Bryant who are commencing new adventures in 2023. We wish them every blessing for the future and continue to be grateful for the contributions made to our community during their time here. 

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.

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. 

Once again, 'Welcome to our New 2023 School Year!'

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

Tina Murray

Principal  

SITE WORK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Although our students returned yesterday, the school site has been a hive of activity during the holidays. Staff have spent many hours preparing for the return of their students. This has involved setting up new classroom spaces, planning learning activities and preparing resources.

Good weather has supported the progress of the building project which has now progressed to the construction of steel frames. 

SPORT UNIFORMS

The students will begin accessing the Sport / Library / Creative Arts timetable next week.

Students will be required to wear their Sport Uniform and bring their Library Bag for borrowing on the following days from next week.

This information has been added to the school calendar for parents to reference. 

CANTEEN

The canteen will resume operations for lunch orders only on Monday 6 February.

Parents are able to order for both Lunch 1 and Lunch 2 via the QuickCliq online ordering system.

An updated list and instructions will be forwarded to all parents via Compass. 

SCHOOL LEADERS

Congratulations to the following students who were voted to represent the student body through formal leadership roles at Mary Immaculate by their peers and staff at the end of 2022. 

School Leaders - Hannah G and Noah G

School Vice Leaders - Lily R and Jailan V 

Year 6 students are currently involved in a process to select Mission Team Leaders to spearhead the mission related activities within the school. 

This year we will be extending the opportunities for students to experience leadership roles.

Students in Years 1 - 6 will be involved in actively noticing leadership qualities and behaviours and selecting class leaders at the beginning of each term. 

Class leaders will receive badges at a presentation ceremony on the morning of Thursday 9 February at the beginning of the day. 

Parents of Term 1 Class Leaders will receive an invitation inviting them to be present during this special occasion. 

TERM DATES FOR CEDOW SCHOOLS

Term dates for Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools are aligned to the NSW Department of Education calendar.

CEDoW classifies Week 1 as Friday 27 January 2023, with students returning in Week 2 (Tuesday 31 January 2023). 

ENROLMENTS FOR 2024

Applications for enrolment for the Kindergarten cohort for 2024 at Mary Immaculate will be accepted by the school office. Enrolment applications can be downloaded from the Catholic Education website www.dow.catholic.edu.au

Children are eligible for enrolment if they turn 5 before 31 July 2024.

Mary Immaculate is a fantastic community of learning.

Parents, please spread the word to family and friends!