Principal's message
God of the prophets you gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage.
In her we see one who was not afraid to speak fearlessly your gospel of love.
Help us to recognise, as she did, that the poor of our time will hear the gospel in the way we serve them.
Be with us as we strive to follow her and carry out our mission of service and care.
Amen
Last week we celebrated Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint.
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”– St Mary MacKillop
When Mary saw families living on the margins without access to education, she set out right away to open a school in an old stable and teach children herself — regardless of their gender, race, faith, or wealth.
Mary’s faith and determination inspired the hearts of those around her with many other young women joining her ministry as Sisters of St Joseph. She and her Sisters went wherever the need was greatest. They gave up everything to live amongst the people they served and teach with love and compassion.
Mary knew the power of education to lift communities out of poverty.
Eucharist
The sacrament of Eucharist will be celebrated on the 27th August in St. Patrick's Church at 6.00pm. On the 22nd of August the children will participate in a special day of Eucharist preparation here at school. Just as Jesus gathered with friends and shared a meal we will gather, share a meal, receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and prepare for the Celebration of the children's First Communion.
Reconciliation
This will be held in term 4.
The children will prepare here at school over four weeks and then receive the sacrament of penance for the first time in our school Chapel.
Preparation will begin in week four with the sacrament being received in week 8.
School Advisory Council
Tonight we have our School Advisory Council meeting beginning at 6.00pm in the staffroom.
The key focus area is Child Safeguarding.
We remind everyone that tomorrow is a pupil free day across our whole diocese as all staff participate in a Spirituality Day. There is no school for the children.
Orima Surveys
On the 18th of August Orima School surveys begin for our senior children, teachers and parents.
The purpose of the surveys is to gather the data used to inform planning, improve learning, and enhance school culture.
The ORIMA surveys are independently managed, confidential, and evidence-based. They provide valid insights across key domains aligned with our school improvement goals. By increasing participation this year, we strengthen our collective understanding and ability to respond meaningfully to the needs of our communities. We urge you to complete this survey if one is sent to you, your voice is important in helping shape our school for the future.
Have a great week
Patricia Boak
Principal