Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I would like to again extend a special welcome back to an exciting new school year at St Michael’s Nowra! We are pleased to see the way our students have returned, eager to learn, and ready to grow and embrace new opportunities. Our dedicated staff have been working hard to create a nurturing and inspiring environment where each child can thrive academically and personally.

To our new students and their families—welcome! We are delighted to have you join our wonderful school community. As we embark on this journey together, we look forward to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a love for learning in every student.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Let’s make this year one of achievement, growth, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to an incredible year ahead!

To our new families, this is a brief introduction. The school presently employs around approximately 80 staff, including teachers, School Support Officers (SSOs), Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs) and Defence Mentors.  The teaching staff for each grade include:

A number of these classes are also supported by leadership team members, additional teachers, SSOs and AEAs.

The Leadership team for 2025 includes:

NEW & RETURNING STAFF

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning teachers for 2025: 

Marian Crossley, Nathan Ford, Jessica Jory and Caleb Pearman. We have certainly been fortunate to have a strong team of teachers once again in 2025. I look forward to parents working closely with all of our staff in 2025. We are fortunate indeed. I believe we have a wonderful year ahead.

PROFESSIONAL PLANNING TIME (PPT)

Each week the students participate in a number of specialist lessons in the areas of Physical Education (PE), Library and Creative Arts. While the students are receiving these specialist lessons, the teaching staff are given: ‘Professional Planning Time’ referred to as PPT. The students rotate through the various lessons according to the roster which has been shared with you. On their PPT day, students will wear their sports uniform. The students will participate in Library lessons with Mrs Barbara McKenna, Creative Arts with Mrs Victoria Boyton and Physical Education with Mr Christopher Bryant. 

PARTNERSHIPS

As a school we are looking forward to working in partnership with all parents and caregivers to enable all students to reach their full potential. Each classroom teacher will shortly provide you with specific class related information for 2025. Most importantly, I encourage you to develop a positive relationship with your child’s teacher so that true partnership and collaboration can occur. In the next few weeks there will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher. As the year progresses after the first meeting with your teacher, I encourage all parents to formally arrange all parent meetings through the school office if required, for an educational or other matter. It is difficult to conduct important meetings when the students are lined up ready to go into the classrooms in the morning. I also encourage families to ensure each child comes to school with healthy food for recess and lunch. Each child will also require a healthy food option (fruit, vegetables) for daily ‘Munch n Crunch’. 

OPENING LITURGY

On Monday 24 February 2025, students will attend an Opening Liturgy for the new school year. Thank you to Mrs Rutkowski, Mrs Mathieson and all staff involved in organising and running this liturgy. During the Opening Liturgy, all students and families will be welcomed back and leadership badges will be presented to the following student leaders;

• School Captains
• Prefects
• Colour House Captains
• All Year 6 students
• Year 6 Aboriginal students
• Mini Vinnies 
• Year 3-6 Student Representative Council 

Congratulations to these students and their families. 

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION MEETING

Tuesday 11 February 2025

Last Tuesday in the staffroom,  the Parents and Friends gathered for the Annual General Meeting and elections for the 2025 executive. This group had a magnificent year in 2024 and has optimistic and high hopes for the 2025 school year. Congratulations to our new President, Catherine Montgomery and those parents who have committed to the committee for 2025. The first function for 2025 will be the ‘Welcome Disco’ on the back oval. There will also be a Working Bee in March. Please see the P&F section of the newsletter for more details about all upcoming events. A special thank you is extended to the new families who attended the P&F meeting on Tuesday night.  All parents and caregivers are invited to assist this vital group achieve their objectives. 

NAPLAN 2025

Students in Years 3 and 5 will sit NAPLAN between 12 and 24 March 2025.

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. It is not a test that requires preparation, and students are not expected to study for it.

NAPLAN forms part of a school’s assessment and reporting process but does not replace ongoing teacher assessments of student performance. Individual results can be a helpful resource for students and parents to discuss progress with teachers.

For more information, visit the Parents and Carers page on the NAPLAN website and download the NAPLAN Information Brochure for Parents and Carers. You can also visit the Public Demonstration Site page to explore the test format.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The majority of students have returned to school wearing the correct uniform every day. Thank you parents. Over the next few weeks I will be asking teachers to monitor two main areas: black leather shoes and hair grooming. Reminder slips will commence to be sent home if required. The school uniform and grooming policy is attached. A specific Compass alert regarding school uniform and grooming will also be shared with parents next week.

Have a wonderful term everyone. 

Yours in faith & virtue

Christopher Paton

School Principal