Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Our Year 3 and Year 5 students have now completed NAPLAN for 2025, and we acknowledge their hard work, resilience, and determination throughout this process. A big thank you to our dedicated teachers, SSOs, and AEAs for their careful planning and unwavering support of all students. We also recognise the vital role parents have played in fostering a positive mindset and ensuring their children were well prepared. Well done to everyone involved!

A huge thank you to the 30 families who generously gave their time and effort at our recent school Working Bee on Saturday 15 March 2025. Your enthusiasm and dedication surpassed all expectations, and we were able to complete almost every task on our list! It was wonderful to see students, parents, and staff coming together, not only to enhance our school environment but also to build connections within our community. Working bees like this are a fantastic opportunity for families to get to know one another while ensuring our children have the best possible spaces to learn and play. We are truly blessed to have such a supportive and engaged school community. Thank you once again for your generosity and commitment.

On Thursday 20 March, four of our Stage 3 students accompanied Mrs Warner to the CEO Wollongong Environment Network (WEN) Day, an annual event promoting ecological awareness and leadership. Syd Warner, Kobe Weir, Emily Gonzaga and Alfonsa Arfenoni connected their social justice actions with prayer, deepening their faith within the community. Engaging in formation activities, they learned strategies to lead ecological initiatives at school and care for God’s creation. A key moment was their commissioning as Eco-Ambassadors, receiving Wollongong Environment Network (WEN) badges to mark their commitment to environmental stewardship. St Michael's is looking forward to these students leading some environmental initiatives at school. 

This term, some grades have experienced challenges with behaviour, including technology misuse, friendship exclusion, and rough playground play. In response, students have participated in targeted lessons and teacher intervention to help them understand and improve their actions. Next term, all grades will engage in age-appropriate learning about bullying - what it is, how to recognise it, and how to respond effectively. Our goal is to continue to foster a school culture using the Virtues of Respect, Compassion and Inclusion, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.

During the final two weeks of school, all families will have the opportunity to book a ten minute parent teacher interview. This will be an opportunity to briefly discuss your child’s first two months at school and is an opportunity for a two way discussion about their progress. Please book these interviews using the online Compass portal - information has been provided. 

School resumes for Term 2 on Tuesday 29 April 2025. All staff will return on Monday 28 April for a Spirituality Day - Pupil free. All families are invited to attend St Michael’s Commemoration of ANZAC Day on Friday 2 May 2025. Mrs Julie Lawrence, our Defence mentor has prepared a very meaningful Commemoration ceremony. The  last school newsletter for Term 1 will be shared with you on Friday 11 April 2025. 

IN MEMORY OF AIRLIE MONTGOMERY

It is with great sadness, that I share the news of the passing of Airlie Montgomery, the younger sister of Arya Montgomery in Year 3. Airlie passed away on Sunday 16 March. Our thoughts and prayers are with Arya, her parents Corey and Katie, and her baby brother Lawson during this heartbreaking time. 

Corey & Katie would like to invite those who have been touched by Airlie, to please join them in celebrating her life of love and laughter by gathering at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (Bridge Road Nowra) at 11am on Thursday 3 April.

Corey and Katie have a request for those attending to wear something purple, as that is Airlie's favourite colour. The service will be live-streamed via the following link;

https://murphyfamilyfunerals.com.au/tribute/details/1960/Airlie-Montgomery/obituary.html

Let us keep the Montgomery family in our prayers. May Airlie rest in God’s loving embrace.

Yours in faith & virtue

Christopher Paton

School Principal