Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

The last fortnight of school commenced on Monday, May 26 with Australians marking National Sorry Day. This important day recognised the past mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It particularly focused on the Stolen Generations, who were taken from their families. The day allowed all Australians to think about these past wrongs and their lasting effects.

National Reconcilation Week (27 May to 3 June) followed this important day, commemorating two significant milestones, including the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.

Many of our students and their families took part in local events. We encouraged all families to join activities that help healing, reconciliation, and understanding our shared history. Each class had a focus on National Sorry Day, with students reminded to be gentle, loving, humble and patient with each other.

On Tuesday 27 May a number of our elite Cross Country runners represented St Michael’s at the Diocesan Cross Country trials, usually hosted by our school at Willandra, but transferred to the Illawarra Criterium Track in Unanderra. Twelve athletes represented our school and their families and we are pleased to congratulate Amarlie Ward, Finn Goddard, Mila Bozikov, Ezekiel Blinksell and Jackson Golding who qualified for the Wollongong team to compete at the MacKillop Trials on Wednesday 11th June. Well done and thanks to Mr Allmark as convenor and the student’s parents for driving them to the carnival.

The Year 2 Excursion to Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village which was postponed due to poor weather leading up to the event, shall now occur on Tuesday 1st July.

During the last week, the final interviews for Kindergarten 2026 took place. Offers for Kindergarten 2026 will be made in the last week of June, 2025. 

For the last two weeks, Mr Paton has been on sick leave having caught Influenza A, resulting in severe Bronchitis and an upper respiratory infection. He is on the mend and will be taking Long Service Leave from 11-18 June to travel to China with family members for a short break. Best wishes for a safe and healthy journey. On his return to school yesterday morning, Mr Paton expressed his gratitude to the school leadership team, office staff and all staff for supporting the school during his absence.

Today, Mr Paton and I attended the Principal and Assistant Principal meeting which occurs within the Wollongong Diocese once a term. Thank you to Mrs Martine Mathieson who was Acting Principal, supported by the school leadership team. 

Yours in faith & virtue

Carolyn Rutkowski

Acting School Principal