Mary MacKillop Feast Day

Honouring Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop – August 8 

Each year on August 8, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s beloved first saint. This day invites us to reflect on her extraordinary legacy and the profound impact she had on education across our nation.

Mary MacKillop devoted her life to making Catholic Education accessible to children in rural and impoverished communities. Her unwavering commitment to serving those most in need opened doors of opportunity and hope where few others dared to go. She was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a compassionate leader who believed deeply in the dignity of every child and the transformative power of education.

As we honour her today, may we be inspired by her courage, faith, and dedication to justice. Let us continue her mission by nurturing inclusive, compassionate learning environments that reflect her spirit and values.

Year 4 led our school in a reflective liturgy highlighting Mary's values and through prayer calling us to serve like Mary in our school, parish and wider community. Each class carried their MacKillop hamper baskets to our prayer space as an offering of what we can do together to make a difference to those in need in our own community alongside the works of the Forster Community Kitchen run by Catholic Care. Congratulations to Mrs Harrison, Mrs Quilter and Yr 4 for the great preparation that went into promoting and leading their Catholic Social Teaching Action Plan for "Preferential Care for the Poor"- MacKillop Hamper Drive and for connecting it with our faith through scripture, prayer and song. Our actions reflected that at the heart of everthing is Jesus Christ. 

Saint Mary MacKillop, pray for us.

Mary MacKillop Prayer

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, or needy.

With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request……………….

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.

Mackillop Cup

Our annual Staff V Yr 6 game of Basketball was held later in the afternoon. Both teams played strongly, the staff drew on their netball skills close to the hoop and Yr 6 never gave up the fight, scoring several amazing baskets from outside the key in particular from Bryce Quillan and Max Stephenson. We noted that it was wonderful to see how well the Yr 6 students played as a team, passing the ball around and really making the teachers work for their victory. Our students cheered enthusiastically for each team. Mary MacKillop's spirit was alive in the hearts of all- thank you Yr 6 and Staff!

Welcome Fr John Lovell

Fr John Lovell is replacing Fr John Vo Vien whilst on long service leave for the next two months. We warmly welcome Fr John into our school community and hope he enjoys his visit here in Forster Tuncurry. 

Fr John joined our school community today for the Mary MacKillop Liturgy and was presented the Staff with the MacKillop Cup. He has also visited Year 3 to discuss sin anf forgiveness and God's unconditional love he has for us all. At the end of his visit the class engaged in a reflective laborinth prayer exercise.

Classes Attending Friday Parish Mass

Term 3 sees classes returning to celebrate Friday's Parish Mass with the Forster Tuncurry Parish. Yr 3 celebrated this mass with Fr John Lovell. It was meaningful for our young students when Fr John directed them through the mass, supporting them through the rituals of the mass and unpacking the messages in the readings of the day. The Assumption of Mary is celebrated on Friday 15th August and Yr 4 will be attending this mass next Friday. Parents and friends are welcome to join them at 9:30am. 

Mini Vinnies

Genevieve Williamson

Religious Education Coordinator.