Dear Parents/Caregivers,

During the last two weeks we have had a number of important events including:

• School Photos
• Kindergarten 2025 Playgroups
• Kindergarten 2025 Orientations
• Extended transitions for numerous Kindergarten 2025 students
• Year 1 Intensive Swimming program
• Year 6 Cupcake Fundraiser

As usual, our school staff have been magnificent in supporting all of our students in these various endeavours. The school staff at St Michael's Nowra genuinely care for all students and I am very thankful for their commitment.  

Thank you to Year 6 students and parents/carers for providing a range of delicious treats for the Year 6 Cupcake Fundraiser held on Wednesday. $770.70 in sales were made, adding to the $854.80 in sales generated during the first Cupcake event in June. Year 6 are well on their way to their goal of raising enough funds to purchase a drinking water fountain for the front playground for their graduation gift to the school.

Next week is looking to be a very important one for all staff, students and parents. On Monday 11 November 2024, each grade will gather in a class space to honour Remembrance Day. This is a very significant day for the local Nowra area and throughout the world.  Remembrance Day, observed on 11 November each year, honours the sacrifices of military personnel who fought and died in wars, particularly World War I. It marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918, and it’s a time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices made for peace. In Nowra, Remembrance Day holds special significance as the area has a strong military presence due to the nearby Royal Australian Navy base, HMAS Albatross. The day serves as a reminder for the community to honour those who served and to appreciate the ongoing efforts for peace and security.

On Tuesday 12 November 2024, students attending St John’s Nowra in 2025 will attend an Orientation Day at the school. Best wishes to these students. A group of Year 6 students will also attend the State Championships of the Mixed Netball Competition’ as well. These students have won two regional carnivals to have the right to participate in the State Championships. Well done to these students.

On Tuesday evening at 6pm in the staffroom, the monthly Parents and Friends meeting will occur. All are welcome to attend. 

On Thursday 14 November 2024, POWER FM will be hosting their breakfast show on our back playground. They will commence broadcasting on air at 7am and finish at 9am. What an exciting opportunity for our students, staff and parents. All are welcome to attend. A coffee van will be present for parents to purchase your morning caffeine. To add to the excitement, a helicopter will land on our back playground. POWER FM will be continuing to promote the Colour Run and Fun Day which will occur on Friday 15 November 2024. Thank you POWER FM. 

Over the last number of months, the School Parents and Friends (P&F) have been busily preparing for the annual Colour Run and Fun Day fundraiser. This is the biggest P&F event for the year. Most students have now created a profile and the direct profit continues to grow each day. I encourage all students to gather sponsorship from families, friends, neighbours and any known businesses. The money raised will go towards much needed playground enhancements. Please continue to scroll through the newsletter to read the P&F section which describes what the day will be like. Congratulations to the school P&F for their incredible work organising the Colour Run! Thanks for your efforts in securing sponsors, prizes and volunteers. The students will have an absolute blast participating in all the colourful fun next Friday. Thank you to our P&F, staff and parents for making this event such a memorable experience for everyone!

On Monday 18 November 2024, the annual Year 2-6 Swimming Carnival will occur at Bomaderry pool. This carnival offers students the opportunity to participate in competitive and non-competitive races. Thank you to Mr Allmark and the staff for their hard work in organising this upcoming swimming carnival for our students in Years 2-6. We appreciate your dedication in making this event possible, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic day of fun, sportsmanship, and swimming! Thank you for your commitment to our students and school community.

Finally, on Friday 22 November 2024 the school will be holding a Professional Development Day. This is a Pupil Free Day and the school appreciates the students remaining at home on this day. A busy two weeks ahead! 

Yours in faith & virtue

Chris Paton

School Principal