Last Sunday’s Gospel

Last Sunday's Gospel reading, Luke 12:49-53, presents Jesus's intense message about the division his ministry would cause. He states, "I have come to bring fire upon the earth," and expresses a desire for it to already be kindled. This "fire" is understood to represent a purifying and transformative presence, bringing about both judgement and spiritual renewal. The core message of this passage is that following Jesus is not a path of easy peace and harmony. Instead, it can lead to division. Jesus warns that his message will pit "father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother." This is not a call for discord, but a realistic acknowledgment that choosing to follow Christ may require a person to stand apart from those they love if they do not share the same beliefs. The ultimate loyalty, Jesus asserts, is to God and the kingdom, which may at times create tension with earthly relationships. The passage challenges believers to consider the cost of their discipleship and their willingness to prioritize their faith above all else.

From the Principal and Assistant Principal…

Term 3 Parent Information and Q and A Session

The first parent information and Q and A Session  for Term 3 will take place on:

Monday 18th August at 6 pm

OR

Tuesday 19th August at 1:30 pm

Topics to be presented: 

Cyclic Inquiry Recommendations

Behaviour Data (parents’ request)

School Uniform possible update (parents’ request)

The Q and A session will follow so please feel free to be ready with anything you would like to bring up.

Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian

We hosted almost 500 students and staff from other Catholic schools in our diocese for Mass and conversation with Bishop Brian. It was a huge logistical effort as you can imagine. Ms Boehm and the Year 6 staff did a brilliant job working with CEDoW staff to make sure everything ran smoothly. Of particular note were the singing and the liturgical movement our students presented. Bishop Brian was especially pleased to see some of our boys in the movement and taking a prominent place in the combined choir alongside the girls. I was very proud.

Out and About

We were very well represented at the Western Region Athletics Carnival recently and have a number of students going through to compete against the other regions. Congratulations on all your efforts. Years 3 and 4 are off on excursions in the coming days and the soccer gala day is almost upon us as well. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in experiences and see places they may not ordinarily do. I know they will take advantage of all the learning, book learning but also life learning, these experiences provide. Parents are an integral part in enabling this because we need extra supervision when we take students out and I appreciate the management of your own time and activities to be of assistance to us.

School Photos

Just a very quick note to thank you for the effort you made in presenting your children in the correct school uniform and looking neat and tidy. We were quite a few ties short but students were prepared to share so we were able to look our best!

Kiss and Drive 

We would like to thank those parents who continue to keep our students and children safe in the afternoon. To the parents who are ensuring that the crossing is safe and allowing people to cross, thank you. To the parents who continue to utilise Kiss and Drive safely, ensuring that they are not double-parked, causing cars and buses to cross over the other side of the road to maintain traffic flow, thank you. These are the rules that ensure everyone is safe. 

If the Kiss and drive line is full and there are cars parked along the road, then the line needs to be continued BEHIND the cars that are parked, and when safe to do so, pull around the parked car and maintain the flow. Cars are not meant to impede the flow of traffic. Parking inspectors will be making surprise visits over the coming weeks, so please ensure that you are doing the right thing.

Fathers' Day Stall

Our Fathers' Day stall will be held on Monday 25 August. Families are invited to bring no more than $20.00 to purchase items on the day. As in previous years we will require our wonderful parents to support this event either through setting up on Thursday 21 August at 8:30am or assisting on the day. If you are able to offer your time; please select the link and complete the form. 

Michelle Rolfe and Emilia Ahern

Principal      and     Assistant Principal

Upcoming Events:

Feast of the Assumption Mass 

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated annually on 15 August. It  holds profound importance for Catholics, and attending Mass on this day is a significant expression of faith. As well as being a Holy Day of Obligation, we also celebrate our  belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed, body and soul, into heaven at the end of her earthly life. This is a unique privilege granted to her due to her sinless nature and her pivotal role in salvation history as the mother of the Messiah. 

All students from K - 6 will be attending this Mass in the Church. Due to limitd seating in the Church we are unable to open the Mass up to families and friends. 

Year 6 Mass with the Bishop

On Tuesday 12 August students in Year 6  participated in a special Mass at our school, that was celebrated by the Bishop. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in a significant Diocesan event alongside other Year 6 students from across the Macarthur Region. 

Bishop Brian spoke to the students about the importance of Confirmation and becoming adult members of our Church community.

Grandparents’ Day & Book Parade

This year our Grandparents’ Day will be held on Friday 12 September 2025. This day will commence at 10.30 am. Further details will b available closer to the day.

On the 23 of July the students and teachers participated in a Winter Warmer Mufti Day organised by the Mini Vinnies to raise money for people in need. The money will go to the St Vincent de Paul society, helping people in need get shelter, food and other necessities. We are excited to announce that with the help of our school community we were able to raise $823.60. 

Thank you to everyone for your participation.

Athletics Carnival

On Friday 4 August, Mary Immaculate hosted its annual Athletics Carnival at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. In the days leading up, rain clouds threatened to dampen the event, but we were blessed with clear skies and sunshine as our students gave their all in a variety of track and field events.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful parent helpers and the Mt Carmel student volunteers who generously gave their time to support the day’s activities. Your contribution was invaluable, and the carnival would not have been the same without you.

Congratulations to our age champions:

8 Years: Taylah N & Leo C

9 Years: Amelia M & Sonny-Jake R / Neil S

10 Years: Charlotte J & Emmett R

11 Years: Hina V & Abel F

12 Years: Maia T & Caesar F

We look forward to celebrating your achievements at our Week 6 Assembly.

Western Region

Last Friday 8 August, Mary Immaculate was proudly represented by a talented group of athletes at the Western Region Athletics Carnival. This year marked our best-ever results at the event, with 11 students qualifying for the South Coast Region Trials — a remarkable achievement that gives them the chance to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the Mackillop Trials.

Congratulations to all athletes who gave their best on the day. A special commendation goes to our senior athletes, Maia, who was awarded Senior Girls Age Champion, and Jax, who achieved Senior Boys Age Champion Runner-Up. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship shown by all.

Gala Days

We’re excited to share that this term we have our Soccer and Basketball Gala Days coming up! Team selections are based on the preference forms that families completed earlier in the year.

These Gala Days are all about fun, teamwork, and getting active with friends — they’re non-competitive events designed to give every participating student the chance to enjoy playing sport alongside their peers. Selection isn’t based on representative experience, so everyone has an equal opportunity to be involved. We’ll share more details with students once the dates and arrangements are confirmed by CEDOW officials. It’s going to be a great experience for all!

Mr Holmes

Sports Co-ordinator