Dear staff, families, carers, grandparents and students.

I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Sharlene Gelle and I am very excited and proud to be welcomed by you all in my new role as the pastoral support worker at St Michael’s Nowra. I have been very welcomed by students, staff, and families for 2023 and feel most grateful to be with you. My role is to support and empower the school community, with an approach to improve and foster an atmosphere for positive wellbeing and learning. I will be supporting the development of social skills and positive friendships which promote tolerance, resilience, fairness and equal opportunities for all. I will be a listening ear in times of challenges where I will let your voice be heard, valued and respected!

I will also provide individual students with pastoral support during times of grief and change. My role will allow me to welcome new families, as well as provide information workshops focusing on parenting education, skill building of support groups, positive self-development education, and support for families experiencing conflict after separation.

I will work closely with:

• The school Middle Leader Mr Douglas and the area of ‘Wellbeing’
• Defence Liaison Natalie Hayes
• Counsellor Kelly
• Religious Education Coordinator Mrs Mathieson
• Middle Leader - Literacy Mrs Heffernan 
• Aboriginal Education Assistants, Vanessa, Zali, Mark and Aunty Christine

and work within the school team to support the wellbeing and safety of all students. I also will support the Mini Vinnies and assist Mrs Mathieson with liturgies, masses, fundraising events as well as the Winter and Christmas appeals.

I will also run the Season for Growth program for students who may have had loss and grief in their life. My location is upstairs next door to Year 6 Blue Classroom, unless I'm in a classroom supporting children. Please report to the school office if you wish to meet with me on Wednesdays or Fridays. 

Next Term, I am hoping to commence a St Michael's Family Morning Tea to invite our whole community back into the school, with the aim of supporting families, parents, carers, grandparents, step-parents, and foster parents. Everyone who joins this group will be so welcomed and valued. Through meeting together I believe we can build further acceptance of our differences, diversity and develop respect for all. I hope we can build positive connections by listening and sharing stories over morning tea and craft.

My days at St Michael's are Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please Note! Keep an eye out for a flyer invitation coming soon with more details about our weekly Morning Teas.

My work email is : sharlenegcatholiccare.dow.org.au if you wish to contact me.

May God bless you all always. 

Sharleen Gelle
Pastoral Support Worker