Dear Parents and Caregivers,

During the last two weeks the school has welcomed parents and caregivers back to our school with open arms and wide smiles. The revised afternoon schedule for picking up students is working very well and is a very calm process. Students are to remain with their class group until the bell goes at 3pm.

Two weeks ago, the school had its annual NAIDOC assembly. This was attended by a number of families and Elders. Our team of Anne Dempsey, Vanessa Longbottom, Zali Lonesborough, Marian Crossley and Mark Mongta prepared our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students thoroughly. We were all very proud of all the students who attended and participated in the Assembly. Thank you to all staff for your support and assistance. 

The class masses at 9am during the week have been well attended by students and their families. Fr Joseph was very pleased with the reverence and active participation of the students in the masses this week. It is great to welcome back families to our school and parish. 

Last Thursday, the students in Year 6 attended a combined mass with Bishop Brian Mascord at Shellharbour. Students in the other nearby Catholic schools also attended. This mass is always seen as another support for the Year 6 students as they finalise their preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday 10 September 2022. These students are also in the process of completing their ‘Saints’ assignment, which is a great opportunity to research the saint whose name the Confirmation candidate will receive during the Confirmation ceremony. Please keep these students, families and sponsors in your prayers. 

Over the next two weeks, these grades will attend the following excursions:

• Kindergarten and Year 1: Shoalhaven Library
• Year 1: Local walk within Nowra
• Year 2: Shoalhaven Library
• Year 6: Two day Canberra excursion

This Friday night, the Mini Vinnies students in Year 6 will attend the ‘Winter Sleep Out’ in the school hall. These students will gain some insight to the plight of the local homeless people and are fundraising for St Vincent de Paul. Thank you to the staff who will support these students. 

On Friday 2 September 2022, the Bookweek Parade will occur on the front playground. Further details will be shared in the weeks ahead. 

As communicated to you a few weeks ago, a ‘Pupil Free’ Staff Development Day will occur on Monday 29 August 2022. As all staff will be participating in professional learning, there will not be any supervision provided at school on the day. Thank you for making arrangements to keep your child home on this day.  

Finally, congratulations to our excellent sports students who have represented their school this year. Please read Mr Allmark’s ‘Sports Corner’ for a full round up of who has represented their school in recent weeks, and those who will represent MacKillop at the elite level before the end of this term. Well done to all of the students who have participated in athletics, football, netball and other sports this term. 

Christopher Paton
Principal