There can be a beautiful simplicity about Christmas that is calming to our senses amidst the furious activity of daily life at this time of the year. When we listen to carols and view the stable scenes that are in our cribs at school, church and home, we are comforted. Christmas is not only the commemoration of a historical event that occurred 2000 years ago, it is a spiritual event to be lived within each of us. Our mission is to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas and we do this by being holy people – kind, patient, generous, loving, laughing people no matter how maddening the Christmas rush around us.

It is difficult to put into 'ordinary terms' the mystery of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who grew in wisdom and age, who preached a way of love, who suffered, died and rose again, who became the model for our human and spiritual growth. The birth of Jesus made possible, not just a new way of understanding life, but a new way of living it. Even though all around us are signs that are rushing us to a Christmas of celebration that equates spending with love, we need to feel a strong undercurrent of authentic meaning. If we were to put into 'ordinary terms' the meaning of Christmas, perhaps it might look something like this:

“It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts.

It’s not wrapping presents, it’s being present and wrapping your arms around the ones you love.

It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time, it’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time.

It’s not having the best Christmas light display, it’s displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart.

It’s not Santa coming down the chimney, it’s Jesus coming down from heaven and giving us the gift of Himself.” 

As the school year draws to a close we farewell staff who will not be with us next year. Mrs Liz McGinnity, Mrs Moira Bryan and Mr Peter McFadden who are all retiring. Mrs Tracey Christieson who will be working as an Educational Officer with the Parramatta Diocese, Mr Darryn Warren who will be working as an Educational Officer with the Wollongong Diocese, Mrs Kylie Booth who will be working at St Paul’s, Camden, Mrs Paula Grados who will be working at St Gregory’s Junior School and Miss Bronwyn McCormack who will be travelling for the early part of 2020. I thank Liz, Moira, Peter, Tracey, Darryn, Kylie, Paula and Bronwyn for their work and commitment during their time at Mary Immaculate and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours. Due to late appointments, some staffing for the 2020 school year is still yet to be finalised.

As this is the final newsletter for the 2019 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the very committed and dedicated staff of our school. I appreciate the time and effort they give to provide the best possible learning opportunities to our children. I thank all parents for your support throughout the year. The year has been most rewarding and your support is very much appreciated. To all those who will be leaving Mary Immaculate, I hope you will carry with you very fond memories of your time with us. Please do your best to keep in touch and remember that there will always be a special place for you in our hearts. On behalf of the staff of Mary Immaculate I wish all families of our community a safe, holy and joy filled Christmas and a prosperous new year. Enjoy the time with your family. The staff and I look forward to working with you and your children in 2020.

Have a great holiday and let Christ be your way and life.

MRS LILLIAN DEL GIUDICE

ACTING PRINCIPAL

DATES/TIMES FOR COMMENCEMENT IN 2020

Staff return - Tuesday 28 January 2020

Years 1 – 6 return Wednesday 29 January 2020

Kindergarten Best Start appointments Wednesday 29 January – Wednesday 5 February

Kindergarten commence whole day on Thursday 6 February

HAIR STYLES / UNIFORMS - During the holidays children will undoubtedly have haircuts etc. in preparation for the school year ahead. A reminder to parents that hairstyles for the school term should be ones, which do not attract attention. Hair for both boys and girls should be neat and tidy and of natural colour. Shaved indents, undercuts and hair covering eyes etc are not permitted.

Please also be aware of the school’s uniform policy especially in regards to sports socks and sport shoes. Socks should be white fold over and shoes are to be predominantly white in colour with white laces. Thank you for your support.

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

Mrs Lillian Del Giudice

Acting Principal