Principal's Message

From the Principal

Dear Families of Our Lady Star of the Sea,

The Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Next Friday, the 8th of August, will be the feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Many of you are very familiar with the story of Mary Mackillop and the amazing qualities she demonstrated to the people of her time. By the time of her death in 1909 she was renowned as a woman of great vision, of heroic character and outstanding holiness.

Below is a traditional Novena prayer calling on Mary MacKillop to help people in times of need. It is a tradition in the Catholic Church which is usually a nine-day period of meaningful praying. Most people use it when they or someone else needs God’s special love and care.

Never more, than at this time, is our world needing prayers. Prayers for healing. Prayers for wisdom. Prayers for solidarity. Prayers for courage. Prayers for humility and grace and Prayers for Peace.

May I encourage you and your family to pray this following novena daily.

NOVENA TO ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP

Ever generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop to live her life

faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and constant in bringing hope and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely, sick or needy. With confidence in your generous providence and joining with Saint Mary MacKillop

we ask that You grant our request

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We ask that our faith and hope

be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit

so that we too,

like Mary MacKillop,

may live with courage, trust and openness.

Ever generous God,

hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Let us pray to St Mary of the Cross Mackillop; That the challenging time that we are all experiencing at the moment, to come to an end as quickly as possible and to offer up our sufferings for those who are suffering more than us.

If you come into the school, you may have noticed our beautiful statue of St Mary of the Cross has been taken to be restored. She needed a little makeover.

Sydney Synod

Archbishop Fisher has called for a Sydney Synod in 2026 in response to Holy Spirit-inspired longings from Sydney Catholics for more prayerful liturgies, more Christ-centred communities, and a more mission-oriented Church. Within our Archdiocese, there is much to give thanks for: vibrant parish communities, increasing vocations, dedicated lay faithful, and a rich variety of initiatives in evangelisation, pastoral care, and social outreach.

In preparation for the Synod, the Archbishop invites you to share your positive, faithful, and practical ideas on how we can become a more prayerful, Christ-centred and missionary people by attending any of the three regional consultations later in the year.

Holy Family, Menai

Saturday, 30 August 2025 | 9 AM – 12 PM

St Mary’s Cathedral

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

All Saints, Liverpool

Thursday, 16 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

You are encouraged to get involved by discussing these hopes within your communities, and bringing forward your collective ideas on how these can be met to our regional consultations. You can register to attend any of the three consultations.

Late Arrival / Early Leave

Students arriving late (ie, after 8.50am) or leaving early (before 2:55pm dismissal) must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver and have electronically signed in or out at the School Office.

Parents are requested NOT to go to the classroom. If arrangements for student pick up changes please notify the School Office. If lateness is consistent parents will be asked to make an appointment with the principal. Absence and partial absences are recorded on the mid-year and end of year report.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation regarding this.

God Bless,

Mrs Maria Rose

Principal

'Our love is not just words but something real and active'. Jn 3:18