Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
A welcome to our last term for 2025. The students have returned and classroom teachers are pleased with how the students have engaged in their learning for Term 4. You may recall that I shared information at the end of last term about attending a Pilgrimage with 32 CEDoW (Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong) employees to Ireland and Italy. I flew to Ireland with my fellow Pilgrims on the evening of the last day of school. This followed a beautiful celebration of St Michael’s Feast Day on the front playground and the annual Mission Fair on the back playground. I again express my gratitude to all staff who were involved in organising both celebrations, especially Mrs Mathieson, Mrs Royston, Year 6 staff and numerous other staff. The Year 6 students were magnificent in their running of the Mission Fair and generosity of donated goods which were sold.
In the last week of term, the school held the Annual Public Speaking Competition for Stage 3 students (Year 5 and 6). All the students wrote a speech from a selection of topics and presented that speech in front of their class. Two students from each class were chosen to deliver their speech to a panel of three judges and the students of Year 4, 5 and 6. The competition was close with only one winner from each grade chosen.
The winner for Year 6 was Phoebe Guyatt and her topic was 'Social Media, is it social?'. The winner for Year 5 was Emily Gonzaga and the topic of her speech was 'The Impact of Technology'. Both students entertained the judges, demonstrating skill in adjusting their pace and volume when delivering their speeches. Presenting to an audience is a skill that takes practice, and both students showed great effort. As a result of the school competition, Emily Gonzaga represented St Michael's Nowra at the CEDoW Regional competition this week.
Week 1 of Term 2 commenced with a Staff Development Day followed by the return of students last Tuesday. I sincerely thank Mrs Rutkowski who was Acting Principal last week while I continued on Pilgrimage. I flew into Sydney last Sunday and returned to school on Monday. I look forward to sharing my experience of Pilgrimage with students, staff and families once the jetlag has cleared and I am able to reflect on a most amazing Spiritual experience.
As a short introduction to my reflections which will be shared through the fortnightly newsletter from Week 4, the following information from CEDoW prompted my application to attend the Pilgrimage:
Every 25 years, the church celebrates a Holy Year, a profound occasion of grace and mercy for all believers. Prepare for a unique journey into Ireland’s heart and soul. Traverse the ancient paths of our Catholic heritage in the footsteps of pilgrims past and present and encounter the story of saints like St Patrick, St Brigid and St Columba. In this dedicated Jubilee year, be inspired to encounter the pathways of some of the church’s greatest saints, from St Francis and St Clare in Assisi to St Peter and St Paul in Rome, the Eternal City where we cross the threshold of the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica and receive the Jubilee blessing.
During the last two terms, students auditioned and were selected for our biennial musical production which this year is ‘The Jungle Book’. This is always such an exciting time for the students and staff involved. Coordinated by our Creative Arts teacher, Mrs Vik Boyton, the students, staff and family volunteers have created a most amazing experience that will occur tonight (Friday) and Saturday. When you walk through the foyer of the school hall, you will be transported into a Jungle scene that will prepare you for the musical extravaganza that will occur on the following days and times:
- Friday 24 October - 7pm
- Saturday 25 October Matinee 2pm
- Saturday 25 October - 7pm
I urge families to not miss the unique celebration of the talents of our students, guided by our gifted staff. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here or at the door of the event. Congratulations in advance to Mrs Boyton, her amazing team of staff and parents, and of course our talented students. Thank you also to the families who have kindly donated wonderful treats to sell during the evening. Your support is greatly appreciated.
I would also like to share some exciting news. Mrs Jessica Dakin recently commenced maternity leave from her position as class teacher of 1 Red. We are thrilled to share the announcement of beautiful Lyra Cate arrriving on 2 October. Congratulations to Jessica and husband Lloyd. We wish you all the very best as you enjoy time with your baby daughter.
Following a recruitment process, Ms Emma-Kate Callaghan is the successful applicant for the substantive position of Religious Education Coordinator (REC) at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Nowra, commencing 27 January 2026.
Ms Callaghan has been teaching and leading in the Wollongong Diocese since 2017. She currently holds the position of Middle Leader 2 – Diverse Learning at St Michael’s, Nowra, and prior to this she held the position of Middle Leader 1 – ICT. Ms Callaghan also held the role of REC with the Diocese of Parramatta.
Ms Callaghan holds a Graduate Diploma of Education (UOW), a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (ACU), and is currently completing a Master of Arts Theological Studies (Notre Dame).
Emma-Kate is a member of St Michael’s Catholic Parish, Nowra.
We wish Ms Callaghan every success with this new role.
Yours in faith & virtue
Christopher Paton
Principal