Dear Parents and Carers 

The term seems to be flying by rather quickly.

Our Year 6 students are currently preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation where they will renew their faith and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit can have a transformative impact on our lives. These gifts are shown in our thoughts, words, and actions, guiding us to live and act like Jesus. It's through living out these gifts that we can witness the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not just for ourselves but as a testimony to those around us.

As Year 6 take this next step in their faith journey, please keep the Year 6 students in your prayers. All families are welcome to join us at Mass on Sunday 29 June at 10.00am.

In the coming weeks, the Sacred Heart Parish of Moruya will farewell our Parish Priest, Fr George Azhakath, as he takes up his new appointment as Parish Priest of Narooma. We extend our appreciation and thanks to Fr George for his faithful service and the care he has shown to our parish and school communities. We wish him every blessing as he begins this new chapter in his ministry.

Fr Josh Scott will commence his role on 4 July and is very much looking forward to working with our students, staff, and wider community. We look forward to warmly welcoming Fr Josh and supporting him as he begins his ministry with us.

Fr Josh – A Journey of Faith and Service

Fr Josh comes from the country town of Young, NSW, where he grew up as the eldest of three siblings. A true country boy at heart, he’s known for his down-to-earth nature, his approachable personality, and his genuine love for people. He’s passionate about helping others explore life’s big questions and discover a sense of purpose and meaning.

Unlike many priests, Fr Josh didn’t grow up in a religious household. His family lived as atheists or agnostics, and faith wasn’t part of daily life. But as a teenager, he found himself searching for something more—asking questions about existence, truth, and what it all means. This journey led him to explore Christianity, and in 2005, he made the personal decision to become Catholic.

After his conversion, Fr Josh became active in his local parish, serving at Mass, visiting the sick, and helping out with community projects in his local community. In recognition of his service, he was named Young Citizen of the Year for his hometown in 2007.

Before becoming a priest, Fr Josh worked with students with special needs, and later in tourism, public relations, and economic development. Still, he sensed God calling him to serve in a deeper way. In 2010, he entered the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Sydney to study for the priesthood, preparing to serve in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

During his formation, Fr Josh ministered in a variety of settings—working with young people and in aged care, with migrant and indigenous communities, the homeless, and the dying. He was ordained a priest in 2017 and has since served in schools and parishes across the ACT and NSW.

One of the most profound chapters of his ministry came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he served as Senior Chaplain at Calvary Hospital in Canberra. As one of the only priests allowed in hospitals at the time, he supported patients, families, and exhausted healthcare workers with prayer, a listening ear and mentos.

Fr Josh also spent seven years as Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain, working closely with teens and young adults through retreats, events, and one-on-one ministry. Most recently, he served as Interim Administrator of St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra.

Outside of ministry, Fr Josh enjoys rugby league (especially the Sydney Roosters), Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, music, philosophy and politics.

Fr Josh brings heart, honesty, and a strong sense of mission to everything he does. He is excited to serve the community of Sacred Heart Parish in Moruya and looks forward to journeying together in faith, service, and friendship.

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

Last Monday marked National Sorry Day, a time to remember and acknowledge the Stolen Generations—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families. This year, 26 May 2025, also marks 28 years since the Bringing Them Home report was presented to the Australian Parliament in 1997.

The theme for both Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) this year is "Bridging Now to Next". This theme reminds us of the importance of learning from the past, recognising its impact today, and working together to build a more respectful and united future.

On Monday our First Nations students from Years 3–6, along with our Stage 3 classes, took part in the annual Sorry Day Bridge Walk at Batemans Bay. This meaningful event brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in a powerful act of unity, promoting understanding, healing, and reconciliation. St Mary’s is proud to be part of this important initiative. By participating, we affirm our commitment to walking alongside our Indigenous community and working together toward a more reconciled future.

Leadership
In Week 3, I had the privilege of attending the Experienced Principals’ Leadership Program—a gathering of school Principals from South Australia, NSW, Canberra and Victoria, designed to deepen our understanding of leadership and strengthen our capacity to make a positive impact in our schools. A highlight of the course was hearing from leadership expert Dean Williams, who offered powerful insights into the role of principals as leaders of change. He challenged us to look beyond the day-to-day demands of school management and reflect on how we lead with purpose, influence our communities, and foster meaningful growth. 

Dean spoke about the importance of adaptive leadership—understanding the complexities of school communities, engaging others in the process of change, and leading in ways that empower staff, students, and families to contribute to a shared vision.

As I reflected on our school community at St Mary’s, I felt blessed for the opportunity to lead such a welcoming and committed community. Although I’ve only been at St Mary’s a short time, it is clear that this is a school built on strong values, dedicated staff, and a genuine care for every student. I look forward to applying what I have learned to continue growing a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. 

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting webinars for parents and carers in June.

Kind regards
Jo 

Johanna Wain
Principal