Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The school newsletter is being distributed today due to major staff absences during the last week. Thank you for your understanding. 

Yesterday Catholics around the world celebrated Ascension Day, a significant feast in the liturgical calendar. Parishioners gathered in churches to commemorate the ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven, following his resurrection. We were reminded of the significance of this event, as Jesus, in his glorified form, returned to his Father, promising to send the Holy Spirit to guide and empower his disciples. Through prayers, hymns, and solemn rituals, Catholics embraced the mystery and hope of the Ascension, reaffirming their faith in the divinity and triumph of Jesus Christ. 

On Saturday 10 June, the Year 6 students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. In two sacred ceremonies held in St Michael’s church, these young students will reaffirm their faith and commitment to the Catholic Church. Surrounded by their families, friends, and the entire faith community, Bishop Brian Mascord will anoint all parish Confirmation candidates with holy oil and bestow the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them. This is a moment of great significance, as these students embrace the responsibility of living out their faith in their daily lives, guided by the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The students are in their final stages of preparation. Please keep these students and their families in your prayers. 

There have been a number of significant events in the last two and a half weeks.

• On Saturday 6 May 2023 the school conducted interviews for Kindergarten 2024. This is always a wonderful privilege to meet new and existing families and commence the journey. The school has now had over a hundred interviews with families and looks forward to making formal offers towards the end of this term. I am very grateful to the 20 staff members who assisted on the day. 
• The Mothers’ Day Liturgy in the school hall on Friday 12 May 2023 was a beautiful event. Many families joined us in celebrating the gift of mothers and all people who are significant in the lives of our students. Mrs Mathieson and staff organised a very meaningful liturgy involving the students. Thank you to all staff who assisted in the preparation of the liturgy and led the students on the day. 
• This term each grade has commenced attending a Parish Mass during the week. Father Joseph ensures that these masses, prepared by the staff, are student centered. The participation of parents through their attendance at the grade masses has been especially appreciated by the students. 
• Last week Year 4 travelled to Sydney for an excursion at Hyde Park Barracks and the Museum of Sydney. From all accounts, it was a very worthwhile excursion. Thank you to all staff who planned and attended the excursion. An early 6.30am departure from Nowra and a 5.30pm arrival back to school -a long day for all staff, students and parents! Well done to our Year 4 students who displayed exemplary behaviour. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday 23 May 2023, St Michael's Nowra will be hosting the Wollongong Diocesan Cross Country at Willandra. Our prayers have been answered and it is going to be a beautiful sunny day. Congratulations to our students who will represent St Michael’s Nowra at this carnival. Mr Andrew Allmark is the carnival convenor and has prepared an excellent day. He will be supported by some of our school staff. A special thank you is extended to members of our Parents and Friends Committee who will provide drinks and refreshments on the day. Your generosity of spirit is very much appreciated. 

Teachers at St Michael’s Nowra are presently preparing the half year Semester Progress Reports for Year 1 to Year 6 students. Formal written reports are not provided to Kindergarten parents at the end of Semester 1. The formal reports for students in Year 1-Year 6 will be released through the Compass portal in Week 9, on Thursday 22 June 2023. Thank you teachers for your hard work in this area. 

Last week I attended the NSW Catholic Principals Conference which was held in Wollongong. The Theme was ‘New Hope, New Growth’ and was the first state conference for Catholic Principals in NSW following the pandemic, floods and bushfires of the last three years. International speakers included Andy Hargreaves, Ben Walden and Pak Tee Ng. Local speakers included Brother David Hall, Jacinta Collins, Philomena Billington and Paul Kidson. During the conference Principals were encouraged to reflect on our role in guiding teachers and school staff, leading the faith, learning and wellbeing agenda; and supporting students, families and the broader community to strive for continual excellence and improvement. One of many highlights of the conference was the ‘Conference Mass’, led by Bishop Brian Mascord. The sense of sacredness was very evident during the liturgy and throughout the conference. Thank you to Mrs Rutkowski who was Acting Principal and was well supported by staff and students during my attendance at the conference. 

CHANGE TO ASSEMBLY COMMENCING TIMES 

THANK YOU KIND DONATIONS

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Nowra Branch of the Catholic Women’s League NSW Inc for their recent $700 donation to our school. $200 will be used for our Breakfast Club, accessed by 20-30 students daily, whilst $500 will be allocated to supporting a number of our disadvantaged children.

The Catholic Women’s League of Nowra has always been such an extraordinary generous supporter of our school.We thank this wonderful organisation for assisting the students at St Michael’s Nowra. 

In appreciation of attendance at our ANZAC Day Service, Callala Beach RSL Sub Branch have kindly donated $200.00 to our school. We plan to use this greatly valued gift towards purchasing library resources for our Junior grades.

We would also like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our P&F Committee and volunteers, organising several fundraising opportunities to school as well as the following businesses who kindly donated items for our Mother's Day Raffle;

On Friday 5 May, Year Six students, Brooklyn Horwood and Olivia Seymour-Munn, travelled to Canberra to participate in the MacKillop Netball Trials. Representing the Wollongong Diocesan team, the girls competed against teams from the Diocese of Sydney, Parramatta, Canberra/Goulburn and Wagga Wagga.

Despite not having trained with their teammates prior to the trials, both girls blended well with their team and played at a very high level against some very tough competition. Brooklyn performed extremely well earning selection as 1 of 18 players to progress to the ‘Possibles and Probables’ round for selection in the MacKillop team.

It was a great experience and learning curve for the girls and they should be very proud of their efforts. Congratulations Brooklyn & Olivia! 

On the same day, Cooper Green, Tyson Crowley and Lakyn Towns also travelled to Canberra to participate in the MacKillop League Trials. Like the girls, the boys represented the Wollongong Diocesan team, competing against teams from Sydney, Parramatta, Canberra/Goulburn and Wagga Wagga.

Competing in the Under 11’s team, Lakyn arrived at the event to find the fields blanketed in thick fog, which fortunately soon passed as play got underway. Lakyn impressed, making several line breaks, helping to set up tries for his team. Lakyn’s efforts were recognized with his selection to trial in the ‘Possibles and Probable’s’ match.

Cooper and Tyson competed in the Under 12 matches. Like Lakyn, the boys started playing in thick fog. Cooper and Tyson were up against some other talented league players. The boys both put in a solid display in each of their matches. Cooper’s display caught the eye of the coaches and was selected to play in the ‘Possibles and Probable’s’ match. Here Cooper continued to impress and was selected for the MacKillop team. Congratulations to the boys on their magnificent efforts!

Last week, students from Kinder to Year 4 received an introduction to AFL, spending the day at Nowra Showground participating in an AFL Gala day with other local schools. Despite many students having never played the game before, children picked up the skills of the game extremely quickly and enjoyed the day. Several students enjoyed the day so much that they have decided to join local clubs. 

On Wednesday, Kindergarten to Year 2 participated in an AFL skills and drill afternoon at school. Students were supported by our Year 6 leaders who ran stations to assist the younger students develop some of the skills of the game including strengthening their hand-eye coordination. 

On Tuesday 23 May, a number of dedicated Cross Country runners will be competing at the Wollongong team selection trials at Willandra. We wish these students the best of luck and look forward to hearing the results of their efforts.

The Taekwondo South Coast Open Championships were held over the second weekend of the school holidays at the Bomaderry Sporting complex. Harper-Jean Brant from Year 2, competed in two events at the competition.

In  the  8-9 year old’s Blue Belt Division Sparring event, Harper-Jean’s effort saw her progress to the gold medal battle, where she was challenged by a fierce competitor, 18 months her senior. Harper-Jean proved to be a talented competitor, proudly walking away with a silver medal. 

Harper-Jean also competed in the Poomsae event with a team of 8 girls aged between 6-13 years. Poomsae is a patterned series of offensive and defensive techniques performed against an imaginary opponent. Harper-Jean's team put in a solid effort, earning the Silver Medal. Well done to Harper-Jean!

Upcoming Events;

Friday 16 June – Paul Kelly Cup (Selected Yr 5 and 6 students)

Tuesday 20 June – South Coast Netball Gala Day (Selected students)

Monday 26 June – Whole School Athletics Carnival

If you have any questions about sports or any events coming up, please don’t hesitate to contact me.