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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Each year on August 8, we celebrate the life and legacy of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop - a bold woman of deep faith, tenacity, and compassion, and the first Australian to be recognised as a saint.
Mary’s story is not just one of personal holiness, but of practical action and fierce commitment to justice. She saw education as a pathway to dignity and opportunity, especially for those on the margins, and worked tirelessly to bring schooling to the poor, the rural, and the forgotten. She believed every child deserved to be seen, known, and loved.
Mary MacKillop is not just a figure from the past. Her life and mission continue to speak directly to the challenges of our time. In her own words, she reminded us to “never see a need without doing something about it.” That wasn’t just a nice idea. It was a way of life. Mary was bold, practical and fiercely committed to fairness, especially for those society often overlooked.
This year’s theme, Be Fierce for Fair, reminds us that fairness isn’t passive. It calls for action. Like Mary, we are invited to be:
- Fierce in the face of injustice
- Compassionate in our daily encounters
- Courageous in standing with those who are marginalised
Mary and her co-founder, Fr Julian Tenison Woods, faced many setbacks and disruptions. However, they stayed rooted in their deep trust in God and in their mission to educate the poor and serve the vulnerable. They didn’t wait for the world to change. Instead, they helped change it.
At STA, we carry this legacy forward in the way we build community, seek justice, and uplift every student in our care. The story of Mary MacKillop urges us to notice the needs around us and respond with love, fairness, and a bold spirit.
Let us keep her example alive in our classrooms, our friendships, and our hearts, not just on her feast day, but every day.
“Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” – St Mary MacKillop
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Student Anti-Bullying Procedure
CEDoW recently updated their Student Anti-Bullying Procedure to support schools and staff to maintain safe and supportive environments where respect for human dignity is valued. The procedure provides a clear and comprehensive definition of bullying as per the following information:
Definition of bullying
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm.
It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Single incidents and conflicts or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.
National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
11–15 August 2025
Theme: Bullying. No Way!
At STA, every student has the right to feel safe, included, and respected. That’s why we’re proud to take part in the National Week of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
This year’s theme, Bullying. No Way!, is a reminder that bullying has no place in our classrooms, playgrounds, or online spaces. It’s also a powerful invitation to take positive action, to stand together, speak up, and support one another.
Throughout the week, students will be involved in activities that explore kindness, empathy, respectful relationships, and how to respond safely if bullying happens. We'll be reinforcing the message that we all have a role to play in creating a culture of respect and inclusion.
By working together we can build a community where everyone feels they belong.
When it comes to bullying, the message is clear:
Yours in partnership
Acting Principal
Council of Catholic School Parents Conference
The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) has announced that tickets to the 2025 CCSP Parents and Carers’ Conference on Saturday 25 October 2025 are now on sale.
This year’s conference celebrates 30 years of CCSP supporting and advocating for parents and carers of children in Catholic schools. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee.
The 2025 conference theme is Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World.
Keynote speakers at the conference include:
- Dr Justin Coulson – one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au.
- Michelle Mitchell – author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens.
- Daniel Principe – passionate youth advocate and educator. Through his work, Daniel encourages young people to recognise and resist distorted attitudes towards bodies, relationships, and sex.
The conference, which is being held at the Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, is a one-day event and is only $30 to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear and engage with some of Australia’s leading experts on raising young people in our complex society.
Father’s Day Breakfast & Reflection/Prayer
On Friday 5th September, we are celebrating Father’s Day with a short prayer reflection followed by a light breakfast. Prayer will commence at 7:45am. Please note that breakfast will not be served until after the prayer reflection has concluded.
Notifying Parents/Carers in Emergencies
In the case of an emergency and/or critical incident parents/carers will be notified via Compass alert and/or text message. Please ensure your contact details (i.e., mobile number and email address) are up to date. If any details have changed please contact the office at your earliest convenience.
Staff Development Days
Following are the dates for the remaining staff development days for this year. Please note the student’s final day for the 2025 academic year is 17 December.
13 October (first day of Term 4)
18 December
19 December
2025 School Calendar
The key date of events and celebrations for 2025 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website.
Upcoming Events
- 13 August Year 6 Leadership Day
- 15 August Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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- 15 August 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 20 August Book Week Parade/Fun Day
- 21 August Year 5 Leadership Day
22 August Happy Birthday Milo - turns 1 today
- 28 August Western Region Soccer Gala Day (Stages 2 & 3)
- 29 August 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 5 September 7:45 am Father’s Day BBQ & Prayer
- 8 September Year 3 Excursion
- 11 September Year 4 Excursion
- 12 September 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 15 September Kindergarten Excursion
- 16 September Year 5 Excursion
- 17 September Years 1 & 2 Excursion
- 19 September P&F Fundraiser (Colour Run) at Chevalier College ??
- Basketball Gala Day @ Moss Vale
- 26 September 1:30-2:15pm Lunch on the Lawn
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- 26 September 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
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- 26 September Last day of Term 3
- Tuesday 14 October - First day of Term 4
Sports News
Celebrating Success!
The Westerm Region Athletics Carnival was held last Friday. Congratulations to all athletes who took part and well done to the students who will compete in the CEDoW Selection Trials next Tuesday: Lucas H, Isaac H, Allira H, Ava M
The CEDoW Soccer Gala Day will be held on Friday 26 August at Picton Sports Ground. Further details TBA.
The CEDoW Basketball Gala Day will be held on Friday 19 September at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium. Further details TBA.
Renee McFayden
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Parish News
STA is proudly supporting Bullying No Way: National Week of Action
We have been participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action, 11 to 15 August 2025.
Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.
The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.
It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.
Students can be bold, kind and speak up to support others being bullied. While trusted adults are there to support children and young people learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.
This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking you to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone and be proud to speak up against bullying.
For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.
Kindergarten have been learning about Bullying No Way
Just a reminder that a link to our School Calendar can be found on the STA website, when viewing the newsletter, and on your Compass feed. |
Contacting staff
If you need to email a staff member, could you please use the email address: info@stabdow.catholic.edu.au and your email will be directed to the relevant staff member for you.
- If you would like to make an appointment with a staff member (including the Principal and Assistant Principal) could you please contact the office to organise a convenient time.
- Please do not contact office staff direct via their mobile phone except in case of emergency. If you need to make contact with the office, please call or email.
Policies
Please find below a link to our Policies, Procedures & Forms that can also be found on the website:
https://stabdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/policies-procedures-forms/Attendance
Attendance
If your child is away for any reason, can you please enter the absence in Compass. Otherwise you will receive an automatic notification at 12 pm that day to justify the absence. Thank you.
Sickbay
Due to the all the current winter ailments, the office staff have had to make a lot of phone calls to advise parents/carers or to request children be picked up. Can we please ask that you do not request we call another parent or emergency contact on your behalf. Thank you for your understanding.
School Fees
If you would like to pay by instalments, please complete and return the form below to the email address on the form.
New uniform supplier - Lowes
Please see the Price List below:
2nd hand Clothing Pool
The 2nd hand clothing pool is located adjacent to the school office and is managed by the P & F Association. It is open Friday mornings 8.30-9.30 am.
- 2nd hand items = $4 (note price rise)
- New hats, bags, gloves, scarves
Cash or card is accepted.
Medication
Please note that the only medication students are to carry on them at school is an asthma puffer (if required) for students in Years 3 - 6. All other medication is to be brought into the office. However the form below needs to be completed for all medication brought to school:
- Medication prescribed by a medical practitioner (the form needs to be completed by a parent/carer and medication needs to be sent in original packaging)
- Over the Counter medication (the form needs to be completed by a parent/carer and stamped and signed by a Medical Practitioner)
The form can be downloaded here:
P & F Committee 2025
| President | Erin Adams |
| Vice President | Carl Davey |
| Secretary | Polly Colgan |
| Treasurer | Justin Mulcahy |
The minutes from the last meeting can be found here:
The next meeting will be in the Fr Glynn Centre on Wednesday 29 October 2025 (Term 4).
Uniform Shop
Donations readily accepted. If you would like to be on the roster, could you please contact Polly Colgan at stapandfsecretary@gmail.com
Mittagong Junior Disco
- Date : Saturday 30 August
- Times : 4pm to 6pm
- Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
- Cost : $5
- Ages : 0-14
- Please note: This is a CASH ONLY event.
- Alcohol free event.
All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community. We hope to see you there .
Bowral District Children's Foundation
