Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It is almost unbelievable that Week 6 has arrived and that this is the final newsletter I will write as the Principal of Mary Immaculate, Eagle Vale.

At this time of great personal reflection and in looking back over 40 years of service to Catholic Education I realise how strongly I can relate to the old French proverb that says, 'Gratitude is the memory of the heart.’ I’m grateful for the goodness of so many people who have been part of my journey for the last 40 years. This includes the parents, students and colleagues in our parish schools, the wonderful clergy and members of the parish communities to which I have belonged and worked, the members of religious congregations, especially the Sisters of Charity, my Diocesan colleagues in surrounding schools and in the Catholic Education Office, the Bishops who have led our diocese and organisations in the wider community who have enhanced our work such as the Campbelltown Catholic Club and Diocesan organisations such as Catholic Care and the Catholic Development Fund.

Each of them has left an indelible imprint on my heart and have contributed to my growth and work as an educator and as a leader. Many of them I now consider to be my lifelong friends. 

When I left Mary Immaculate in 2007 to join the staff at St Thomas More I was given a book that contained the translation of the African word Ubuntu which means “I am, because you are”.

As I am about to leave the Mary Immaculate community for the last time, I am extremely thankful for the myriad of opportunities that being part of this wonderful community has afforded me. These opportunities have assisted me to develop both personally and professionally and I leave here a much better person, educator, and leader than the young teacher who first joined the foundation staff of the school that was known as St Mary’s in 1986. I remember vividly reading the local paper, the Macarthur Advertiser in 1985 and in a ‘Holy Spirit moment’ saw a small advertisement seeking a teacher to join the staff in a new school that was to be established in the suburb of Eagle Vale. I had no idea the impact my application for this job would have on my life. When I sent in my application, it seemed to make perfect sense for the most practical of reasons. I was newly married, and we had just moved to our first home located in Raby. At the time, this was a brand-new suburb in the growing area of Campbelltown. When the school commenced, no school existed. We started our school through the generosity of the Marist Brothers and were technically squatters at St Gregory’s College for the first term. At the time I was commencing my fourth year of teaching and I was the youngest staff member. I joined a very small community of passionate educators and school staff who were determined to collaborate with our Oblate priests, religious and parent community to establish the very best school we could. This school had at its centre the desire to have the look and feel of an extended family. It was during my long association with Mary Immaculate that I became a parent for the first, second and third time. In the various roles I held over the years I was challenged and stretched as an educator. This was the place that gave me the foundations and the confidence to continue to grow within other communities – All Saints, Liverpool, Sacred Heart, Cabramatta, St Thomas More, Ruse and St John the Evangelist, Campbelltown. It was largely because of this place and more importantly, through the relationships with its people – the staff, clergy, students, parents, and parish that I had the courage to take the steps to move away. It has been one of the greatest professional joys to have a full circle experience and return to finish my career at Mary Immaculate as Principal. What a privilege to teach students and then be able to support them when they have children of their own! 

I wish to thank each of you, the Mary Immaculate community past and present, from the bottom of my heart for providing me with such fertile soil for growth. All the schools I have worked at hold a place in my heart, but this one holds an extra special place in terms of my experience of being part of a Catholic educative community.

I want to seize a final opportunity to thank my family for their ongoing support and for accepting with patience and grace the many demands my work has presented over the years. Thank you for understanding when I have had to place the needs of other families above those of my own.  

I look forward to the new adventures that await in this new chapter, and I do this with the knowledge that once part of the Mary Immaculate family one forever remains so. I look forward to continuing this connection, even if it is from a distance. Much love and gratitude are extended to each of you, my extended Mary Immaculate family.

Tina Murray

Principal

DOGS IN SCHOOL GROUNDS

In the interests of safety, all parents are reminded that dogs are not allowed on school grounds. The school recognises that even well-behaved dogs can behave unpredictably when placed in an unfamiliar, busy, noisy and crowded school environment and that this can lead to unexpected behaviour in even the best-behaved pet. Children can also behave unpredictably when in the presence of dogs especially where they are not used to being with them. The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 states dogs are prohibited in some public places. Section 14 (e) of the Act specifically refers to schools and states that this applies to dogs whether they are leashed or unleashed.

Indigenous Literacy Day - Thursday 7th September

THE GREAT BOOK SWAP

Literacy provides a fundamental step of building context, comprehension and understanding, whether it is written, visual or auditory. For kids who miss that foundational step in their literacy journey, it has a lifelong impact. 

This year the teachers and students at Mary Immaculate will be taking part in the Indigenous Literacy Day Book Swap. The Great Book Swap is a fantastic way to celebrate reading locally and learn more about Indigenous languages and culture. Schools, libraries, universities, book clubs and individuals can host a Great Book Swap. 

Students will need to bring in a gold coin donation and a book (in good condition) from home, that they no longer want or read. It does not need to be a brand new book. They will exchange / swap it with another book with their grade peers. 

This day will also be a MUFTI Day. 

We thank you in advance for your support for this day.

Mrs Danielle Grados

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordinator

Year 3 Teacher

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT UNTIL

MRS MURRAY'S RETIREMENT

TINA'S RETIREMENT MASS AND LUNCH INVITATION

Ms Kirsty Simpson

Religious Education Co-Ordinator

Alpha

 Alpha is set to start again! If you are interested in learning more about your faith in a relaxed fun atmosphere, then this is the place for you.

ALL STUDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD BRING A HAT AND WATER BOTTLE TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY, ESPECIALLY ON SPORT DAY.

Congratulations to the ten students who represented Mary Immaculate at the Wollongong Athletics Selection Trials last Tuesday. All students showed great sportsmanship and did themselves and our school community proud. A special mention to Larae A and Maia T who have made it through to the next level and will represent the Wollongong Diocese at the Mackillop trials next month. The Senior Girls relay team are also waiting to see if they have made it through.

Two weeks ago Larae travelled to Strathfield to trial for the Mackillop Rugby 7's girls team. After a busy day of training and trial games, Larae was selected to be a part of the Mackillop Rugby 7's girls team who will participate in the NSWPSSA Rugby 7's Championships held in Mudgee at the beginning of September. Congratulations Larae on this wonderful achievement!

Tracy New                           Leah Beckman

Sport Teacher                     Sports Co-Ordinator