Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 2. It has been lovely to see the children return with such energy and to feel the school come alive again. We are very happy to be back and are looking forward to a wonderful term together.

This week I shared a prayer with our staff that I would also like to share with you. It came after hearing someone say that we are all in the same boat when talking about the cost of living pressures many families are experiencing. The truth is that we are not all in the same boat, even though we are in the same storm. I found writing this reflection both grounding and comforting, and I hope it offers the same to you.

Christ With Us in the Storm

I heard someone say that we are all in the same boat, but it is not quite like that.

We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat.

Your boat may be taking on water while mine is still steady.

Mine may be battered by waves while yours finds a moment of calm.

Each of us is navigating this season from a different place.

For some, this time of financial strain is a challenge but manageable.

For others, it is a deep worry, rising costs, unstable work, and the fear of not having enough.

For some, talk of conflict and war feels distant.

For others, it brings real fear for loved ones, for peace, and for the future of our world.

Some households are finding small moments of rest and connection.

Others are stretched thin, carrying burdens that feel heavier each week.

Some families have safety nets.

Others are watching theirs unravel.

Some feel hopeful, trusting that God is at work even when the path is unclear.

Others feel anxious, longing for reassurance that they are not alone.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat.

But Christ is in every boat, and Christ is in the storm with us.

May we look beyond what we first see.

May we notice the hidden burdens others carry.

May we be gentle with one another, patient with one another, and generous in spirit.

And may the God who calmed the waves on the Sea of Galilee steady our hearts, guide our steps, and lead each of our boats safely through this storm.

This reflection feels especially fitting as we prepare to launch our revised school motto, At St Margaret Mary’s we Care.

In this simple statement C.A.R.E stands for Collaborative, Accountable, Reflective and Engaged, and it captures the way we want our children to learn, grow and treat one another. Each class now has a CARE poster displayed, and we are ready to celebrate this vision as a whole school.

Revised Motto Launch

Next Wednesday we will be holding our CARE Launch Day. Children are invited to wear their sports shorts and a T shirt in their House Colour. The morning will run as usual, and after the first break our teachers will lead four activities that bring our CARE motto to life. At the second break we will enjoy a sausage sizzle, and we warmly invite families to join us from 2.45 pm as we sing the school song and say our school prayer together in celebration of our wonderful community. More details will be sent in a separate Compass push and shared on Instagram in the lead up to the day.

Anzac Day

I also want to mention the beautiful ANZAC Dawn Service hosted by Randwick Council at Clovelly. It was a privilege to attend with our school captains, Lucia and Noah and their families, who represented St Margaret Mary’s with such pride and respect.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for the many ways you contribute to the life of our school. We are looking forward to the term ahead.

Warm Regards,

Kylie