Since the last newsletter, the school has celebrated Book Week with a special parade attended by many parents and friends. The imagination of parents, students and staff resulted in an excellent array of themed outfits. It was exciting to see so many families joining us on the playground. The following Monday numerous families joined us for the Father's Day prayer assembly. Senior students led the assembly and Year 2 completed the assembly with a reading and dramatisation of ‘My Dad’ by Anthony Browne. Thank you to the staff and students who participated so enthusiastically in both events. 

Last Saturday many of the students in Year 6, along with other students in the parish, were ‘Confirmed in the Holy Spirit’. Bishop Brian Mascord led the two Confirmation liturgies which were celebrated in the school hall. Mrs Royston, Mrs Mathieson, Mr Anderson and numerous staff converted the school hall into a reverent mass setting. The students were well prepared for the sacrament through religious education lessons taught by the three Year 6 teachers, Ms Scurr, Mr Allmark and Mrs Boyton. ‘Saints’ assignments guided the students to choose a Confirmation name that was used by Bishop Brian when he sealed each candidate with the ‘Oil of Chrism’. Bishop Brian spoke in an engaging manner with the students and encouraged them to use the Holy Spirit to guide them in their everyday lives. It was wonderful to see the extended families back to celebrate this Sacrament. A special thank you is extended to Mrs Maree McMillan who arranged and provided lunch for the Bishop, staff and choir parishioners. 

In the last week, students in Years 3 and 5 received their NAPLAN results. Many students received very pleasing NAPLAN results and the teachers will use these results to inform future teaching. This week students in Years 1-6 have also been engaged in Mathematics and Literacy assessments. Ipads have been used by all of these students to complete the assessments which will also guide future teaching. These assessments will be completed by early next week. 

This term all students have been able to attend at least one class mass, along with their families and friends. These masses have been a welcomed return to celebrating the cornerstone of our Catholic faith. Father Joseph Pothenparampil, our Parish Priest, has given each class a very positive mass experience and the school looks forward to these masses continuing next term. A roster will be shared soon so that families can join these students at these masses. 

The monthly Parents and Friends meeting will occur this Tuesday 20 September 2022. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this small but dedicated group has continued to serve our school community, using ingenuity and imagination. As the country emerges from COVID-19, parents and caregivers in the school are encouraged to attend this monthly meeting. There are some exciting future events planned and the more parents and caregivers involved, the better. Your involvement in the Parents and Friends group can assist your child in numerous ways. The meeting commences at 6.00pm in the school hall foyer and concludes by 7.30pm. Fundraising activities conducted this year will provide opportunities for enhancing playground facilities. Please join us and bring a parent friend with you! 

As the term comes to an end, I would like to formally thank and acknowledge two of our teachers who took on new teaching roles at the commencement of Term 2. Due to COVID-19 and the current shortage of teachers, the school was unable to fill a teaching position in 4W, brought about by Mrs Michelle Warner’s Long Service Leave for Term 2 and 3 of this year.

Mrs Michelle Heffernan and Mrs Barbara McKenna accepted the teaching position and have worked incredibly hard together to provide an excellent education for the students in this class in Terms 2 and 3. Mrs Warner will commence back at St Michael’s Nowra for the commencement of Term 4 and will be warmly welcomed back by all students, staff and families. A big thank you is extended to Mrs Heffewrnan and Mrs McKenna for a ‘job, incredibly well done’. 

The Public Holiday on Thursday 22 September 2022, will mean that many Australians will not attend work or school on this day. However, school concludes officially next Friday 23 September 2022 at 3.00pm. The term has seen a positive return to school excursions, parent participation and better health of students and staff. The new term will commence on Monday 10 October 2022. My hope is that all students, families and staff have a relaxing two week break. 

Mr Christopher Paton
Principal