Welcome back to a new school term. It has been a relatively quiet start, but the positive application to learning within our school community has been noticeable. While the school is still seeing some lingering sickness with students and staff, we appreciate everyone's efforts to keep our school healthy and safe. Despite the challenging weather this week, the first two weeks have been positive and we are looking forward to a productive and engaging term ahead. During the next two weeks a number of significant events will occur. 

RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT

This Monday, 4 August 2025, the Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA) for Year 4 students in the Diocese of Wollongong will occur. The RLA is a standardised test designed to measure how children process and express their religious knowledge. It consists of a multiple-choice paper that focuses on key concepts taught in Religious Education from Kindergarten to Year 4, and how these concepts relate to daily life. The data collected from this assessment helps inform teaching and learning in schools, guides professional development for educators, and celebrates student achievement in Religious Education.

YEAR 6 MASS WITH BISHOP BRIAN MASCORD

The annual Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord will take place at St Peter and Paul Church in Kiama this coming Tuesday 5 August 2025, bringing together students from across the Diocese of Wollongong. This special yearly event is a significant occasion for all Year 6 students in the Diocese. A small group of our students will be enacting the Gospel reading during the service. Thank you to the Year 6 staff who have assisted in preparing the students for this important role. This mass is always an uplifting and memorable experience for students and staff within the Diocese.

MARY MACKILLOP FEAST DAY

On Friday 8 August 2025, the school will celebrate the Feast of Australia's first saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary was recognised as a saint for her lifelong dedication to God and her tireless work in establishing schools and charitable institutions for the poor and marginalised. A short prayer will be held for the students in Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2 during the morning assembly in the hall. Students in Years 3-6 will have individual prayer sessions dedicated to St. Mary in their classrooms throughout the day. 

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos will occur on Monday 11 August in the school hall. All documentation regarding the day has been shared with families through Compass. We look forward to all students attending school on Monday dressed in their correct Winter school uniform.  

SOUTH COAST ATHLETICS

Our best wishes are extended to the students who will represent our school at the Diocesan South Coast Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 12 August 2026 at Beaton Park, Wollongong. A number of students who perform well at this carnival will progress through to the Wollongong Diocesan Athletics Carnival at the same venue on Tuesday 19 August 2025. Our best wishes are extended to the students and staff who will attend this carnival. Thank you to parents for transporting these students to and from the carnivals.   

GRANDPARENT'S LITURGY

As shared in previous newsletters, on Friday 15 August 2025 there will be a special Grandparent's Liturgy at 12 noon in the school playground. This is a special day for our school community. At St Michael’s Nowra, grandparents provide invaluable support and guidance to students by offering a stable and loving presence that helps the students navigate the challenges they encounter in their lives. We welcome the active participation of grandparents in our daily school life and look forward to this event.

WINTER SCHOOL DISCO

Tonight many students will attend the ‘Winter School Disco’ organised by our wonderful Parents and Friends group. I am thankful to this generous group of parents who provide so many resources and experiences for our students. Best wishes for tonight! 

Yours in faith & virtue

Christopher Paton

School Principal