Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The school newsletter is being distributed today due to major staff absences during the last week. Thank you for your understanding. 

Yesterday Catholics around the world celebrated Ascension Day, a significant feast in the liturgical calendar. Parishioners gathered in churches to commemorate the ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven, following his resurrection. We were reminded of the significance of this event, as Jesus, in his glorified form, returned to his Father, promising to send the Holy Spirit to guide and empower his disciples. Through prayers, hymns, and solemn rituals, Catholics embraced the mystery and hope of the Ascension, reaffirming their faith in the divinity and triumph of Jesus Christ. 

On Saturday 10 June, the Year 6 students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. In two sacred ceremonies held in St Michael’s church, these young students will reaffirm their faith and commitment to the Catholic Church. Surrounded by their families, friends, and the entire faith community, Bishop Brian Mascord will anoint all parish Confirmation candidates with holy oil and bestow the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them. This is a moment of great significance, as these students embrace the responsibility of living out their faith in their daily lives, guided by the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The students are in their final stages of preparation. Please keep these students and their families in your prayers. 

There have been a number of significant events in the last two and a half weeks.

• On Saturday 6 May 2023 the school conducted interviews for Kindergarten 2024. This is always a wonderful privilege to meet new and existing families and commence the journey. The school has now had over a hundred interviews with families and looks forward to making formal offers towards the end of this term. I am very grateful to the 20 staff members who assisted on the day. 
• The Mothers’ Day Liturgy in the school hall on Friday 12 May 2023 was a beautiful event. Many families joined us in celebrating the gift of mothers and all people who are significant in the lives of our students. Mrs Mathieson and staff organised a very meaningful liturgy involving the students. Thank you to all staff who assisted in the preparation of the liturgy and led the students on the day. 
• This term each grade has commenced attending a Parish Mass during the week. Father Joseph ensures that these masses, prepared by the staff, are student centered. The participation of parents through their attendance at the grade masses has been especially appreciated by the students. 
• Last week Year 4 travelled to Sydney for an excursion at Hyde Park Barracks and the Museum of Sydney. From all accounts, it was a very worthwhile excursion. Thank you to all staff who planned and attended the excursion. An early 6.30am departure from Nowra and a 5.30pm arrival back to school -a long day for all staff, students and parents! Well done to our Year 4 students who displayed exemplary behaviour. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday 23 May 2023, St Michael's Nowra will be hosting the Wollongong Diocesan Cross Country at Willandra. Our prayers have been answered and it is going to be a beautiful sunny day. Congratulations to our students who will represent St Michael’s Nowra at this carnival. Mr Andrew Allmark is the carnival convenor and has prepared an excellent day. He will be supported by some of our school staff. A special thank you is extended to members of our Parents and Friends Committee who will provide drinks and refreshments on the day. Your generosity of spirit is very much appreciated. 

Teachers at St Michael’s Nowra are presently preparing the half year Semester Progress Reports for Year 1 to Year 6 students. Formal written reports are not provided to Kindergarten parents at the end of Semester 1. The formal reports for students in Year 1-Year 6 will be released through the Compass portal in Week 9, on Thursday 22 June 2023. Thank you teachers for your hard work in this area. 

Last week I attended the NSW Catholic Principals Conference which was held in Wollongong. The Theme was ‘New Hope, New Growth’ and was the first state conference for Catholic Principals in NSW following the pandemic, floods and bushfires of the last three years. International speakers included Andy Hargreaves, Ben Walden and Pak Tee Ng. Local speakers included Brother David Hall, Jacinta Collins, Philomena Billington and Paul Kidson. During the conference Principals were encouraged to reflect on our role in guiding teachers and school staff, leading the faith, learning and wellbeing agenda; and supporting students, families and the broader community to strive for continual excellence and improvement. One of many highlights of the conference was the ‘Conference Mass’, led by Bishop Brian Mascord. The sense of sacredness was very evident during the liturgy and throughout the conference. Thank you to Mrs Rutkowski who was Acting Principal and was well supported by staff and students during my attendance at the conference. 

CHANGE TO ASSEMBLY COMMENCING TIMES 

THANK YOU KIND DONATIONS

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Nowra Branch of the Catholic Women’s League NSW Inc for their recent $700 donation to our school. $200 will be used for our Breakfast Club, accessed by 20-30 students daily, whilst $500 will be allocated to supporting a number of our disadvantaged children.

The Catholic Women’s League of Nowra has always been such an extraordinary generous supporter of our school.We thank this wonderful organisation for assisting the students at St Michael’s Nowra. 

In appreciation of attendance at our ANZAC Day Service, Callala Beach RSL Sub Branch have kindly donated $200.00 to our school. We plan to use this greatly valued gift towards purchasing library resources for our Junior grades.

We would also like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our P&F Committee and volunteers, organising several fundraising opportunities to school as well as the following businesses who kindly donated items for our Mother's Day Raffle;