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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
The final term for 2023 has commenced calmly, with a strong feeling of optimism and positivity. Thank you for the way the students have returned to school in their correct school uniform and ready to learn. For teachers and all staff, the fouth term is always a favourite one due to the strong relationships that have been built between students and staff as the year has progressed. It is always a busy term, characterised by high learning expectations and focused teaching. There are always a number of celebrations towards the end of the term.
This term will include at least four very important events:
- The Parish celebration of the Sacrament of Eucharist (First Holy Communion) which will occur on the weekend of 25/26 November. This is such an important day for the Year 3 students who will make their First Holy Communion.
- The School Fun Run - Colour Run. This is the major fundraising event for the year. The event has the potential to fundraise much needed funds to put towards outdoor facilities. This will occur on Wednesday 13 December 2023.
- Year 5 Overnight Camp at Waterslea which will occur next week on Thursday 26 October and Friday 27 October 2023. This will be the first overnight camp for these students. The theme for the two days is firmly ‘leadership’.
- The Year 1 Swimming Program will occur Tuesday to Friday next week.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team of dedicated school staff, supportive parents, and enthusiastic students who have collectively poured their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts into the months of preparation for our production of Lionel Bart’s "Oliver Junior." This musical production has been a labour of love, a testament to the power of collaboration and determination. From the countless hours of rehearsal to the meticulous set design and the unwavering support of parents, this journey has been truly remarkable. Together, they have created a production that will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and I couldn't be more proud of the collective achievement. Thank you all for your remarkable contributions to this memorable endeavour, and I look forward to the upcoming performances with immense excitement and pride.
I would also like to sincerely thank the dedicated members of the Parents and Friends group for their outstanding fundraising efforts and unwavering support, which made our new synthetic grass playground a reality. Both the present committee and the previous committee worked tirelessly to raise the funds necessary to give the students and staff this extraordinary gift. Your commitment to enhancing our school's facilities is truly commendable and greatly appreciated. This fundraising was assisted by a $22,000 grant from VEOLIA. Without this generous grant, the playground could not have been completed. Thank you to VEOLIA for our valued partnership. Additionally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Jirgens Civil for their exceptional professionalism and expertise in the installation of the synthetic grass playground, as well as for the new bitumen surfacing that accompanies it. Your contribution has transformed our school environment, creating a safer and more enjoyable space for our students. We are incredibly grateful for your valuable partnership in this project.
Kindergarten 2024 Playgroup will commence this coming Monday 23 October 2023. These playgroup sessions will occur on Mondays and Fridays for the next two weeks. Parents of our new Kindergarten students will attend the playgroup with their child. Thank you to the staff who are planning for the playgroups as well as the transition visits that a number of the new Kindergarten students will attend.
Student Progress Reports will be compiled during the term and released through Compass towards the end of Week 9. The teachers will be reporting on student achievement during Term 3 and 4.
The annual School Christmas Concert is on Thursday 14 December and the final day of school for students in 2023 is Friday 15 December. Staff will continue to work until Tuesday 19 December 2023.
Have a great start to the new term and do not hesitate to make contact with your child’s teacher if you wish clarification on anything planned for this term.
Yours in faith and virtue
Christopher Paton
School Principal
ST MICHAEL'S PRODUCTION
We wish to thank the incredible team of staff, students and parents working tirelessly to present you with our performance of Lionel Bart's Oliver Junior! We are very excited for the first show to commence tomorrow!
Performance times include;
- Friday 20th October - 7pm
- Saturday 21st October - 2pm
- Saturday 21st October - 7pm
Refreshments will be available for purchase, as noted on the Price List. It will be helpful if you're able to bring the correct money/change to assist our volunteers in serving everyone efficiently as possible.
We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you there!
Mrs Martine Mathieson, will be commencing two weeks Long Service Leave from this Monday 23 October 2023. This type of leave is a provision of the Independent Schools NSW (Teachers) Multi-Enterprise Agreement and is approved by the Principal and CEDoW. Mrs Mathieson will return to school on Monday 6 November 2023.
The school is fortunate to have been able to employ Ms Kerri Friend, who has taught 3R during 2023, to teach the class for the two weeks. Ms Friend will teach from Mrs Mathieson’s program for the two weeks to ensure learning is not interrupted. The school wishes Mrs Mathieson a restful and safe period of leave.
REVISED PARKING ARRANGEMENTS
As many families are aware, during the holiday period changes occurred within the Parish land opposite the Church, resulting in some new procedures needing to be implemented to ensure the safety of the students. During the last two weeks Mrs Rutkowski and I have regularly supervised this area and would like to congratulate the families on the overall safety measures they are taking when using this area to park their vehicles in the morning and afternoon.
My observations include:
- In the morning it is much quieter than the afternoon and parking spots are easy to locate.
- The busiest time in the afternoon is from 2.55pm to 3.10pm. Parents may need to drive through the wire fence and gates, and park in the second area if the first area is full.
- Every family has been respectful to Mrs Rutkowski and myself when directed to a specific area of the Parish land to park their car.
As we move forward to ensure the safety of all students and families, I ask that the following be observed:
- Only use the Parish area if you are able to park and walk your child to the pedestrian crossing. This is not a ‘Kiss and drop’ zone. Parents are required to get out of their cars and walk children to the pedestrian crossing.
- If there are no parking spots in the first half of the Parish area, proceed through the wire fence and gates and park wherever there is a spot.
- Consider using the council carpark in Osborne St, opposite the tennis courts.
- Consider arriving at school at about 3.10pm.
- Use the following map to guide your parking.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Mr Paton and Mrs Rutkowski
MISSION FAIR
On Friday 13 October, St Michael's hosted a Mission Fair to raise money for Catholic Mission.
The initiative has always been a much loved event at St Michael’s, organised annually through the Year 6 Mini Vinnies team, with all Year 6 students involved and supporting the event. The Mission Fair was highly appreciated this year, being the first reappearance since the pandemic.
We commend Year 6 students on the incredible commitment shown to this event, as they collaborated in groups to establish ideas for their stalls, then resourced or made items to sell or organised sport and activities for students to enjoy. A fabulous range was offered including games, lollies, snow cones, face paint, tattoos, hair braiding and many more!
All students in K-6 were given the opportunity to spend an hour and an half browsing, purchasing and enjoying the fair stalls. The event was a huge success, raising $4,159.45 for Catholic Mission.
Well done St Michael’s, thank you for your generosity!
Alongside the funds generated by the Mission Fair, the event also raised awareness for students. The work of Catholic Mission encourages students to explore issues of injustice and they are empowered to find their place in contributing to God’s mission through prayer, advocacy, action and fundraising.
The sound of God was heard multiple times, including in the;
- quiet reflection of a student who said - “This is the best day ever!”
- generosity of the student who was so busy running a stall they didn't spend any of their own money and who walked by at the end of the day and handed over their tokens as a donation,
- multiple ‘please’ and ‘thank you's’ heard on the day from the St Michael’s students and staff demonstrating that we value gratitude and kindness,
- gesture shown by a Year 6 student to one of the helpers in appreciation as they ran onto the oval to play a game,
- humble yet proud story told by a student regarding her efforts to raise hundreds of dollars in sponsorship for a Winter Sleepout by requesting permission from the local priest to set-up a stall at the entrance of the church to gain sponsorship.
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for this wonderful event of 'Mission in Action'!
TERM 4 GRADE MASS
Please join us for Grade Mass in the Church at 9am on the dates listed below. We would love to see you there!
The time for the Year 6 Graduation Mass on Tuesday 5 December is yet to be confirmed. We will advise once available.
Martine Mathieson
Religious Education Coordinator
| Week 3 |
|
| Monday 23 October |
Year 1 Swimming Program (Tuesday 24 - Friday 27 October) |
| Monday 23 October |
Kindergarten 2024 Playgroup 9:30am-10:30am |
| Tuesday 24 October | |
| Wednesday 25 October |
Opening Ceremony for new front playground 8:40am |
| Thursday 26 October | Year 5 Overnight Retreat Watersleigh |
| Friday 27 October |
Kindergarten 2024 Playgroup 1:50pm-2:50pm |
| Friday 27 October |
Primary Assembly in Hall 2:20pm |
| Week 4 | |
| Monday 30 October |
Kindergarten 2024 Playgroup 9:30am-10:30am |
| Tuesday 31 October | |
| Wednesday 1 November |
|
| Thursday 2 November |
St John's High School Yr 7 2024 Parent Information evening 5:45pm (St John's School Hall) |
| Friday 3 November |
St John's High School Yr 7 2024 Orientation Day. 9am-2:30pm. Bus departs St Michael's 8:45am. |
| Friday 3 November |
Infants Assembly in Hall 2:20pm |
| Friday 3 November |
Kindergarten 2024 Playgroup 1:50pm-2:50pm |
DATES FOR THE DIARY
| Tuesday 14 November |
P&F Meeting 6pm in Library & via Zoom. All welcome. |
| Monday 20 November |
K2024 Orientation 9:15am-10:45am |
| Wednesday 22 November |
K2024 Orientation 9:15am-10:45am |
| Friday 24 November |
St Michael's Year 2-6 School Swimming Carnival |
| Tuesday 5 December |
Year 6 Graduation & Mass |
| Friday 8 December |
Induction of 2024 Leaders |
| Friday 8 December |
Year 6 Family Disco 5:30pm - 7:30pm |
| Wednesday 13 December |
School Fun Day & Colour Run |
| Thursday 14 December |
Christmas Concert |
| Friday 15 December |
Final Day of School for Students for 2023 |
| Wednesday 31 January 2024 |
Year 1-6 2024 students return to school |
| Wednesday 31 January to Wednesday 7 February 2024 |
Kindergarten 2024 students attend a 1hour Best Start Assessment session |
| Wednesday 7 February |
Kindergarten 2024 Commence School (9:15am today) |
CRICKET GALA DAY
On Thursday 12 October, 16 boys from Year 5 and 6 formed two teams to represent our school at a Cricket Gala Day in Wollongong.
As temperatures began to nudge 35 degrees celsius, students were amazing to withstand the heat. Both teams were victorious in four of their six games and received several commendations on their positive attitude and behavior. All students had a fantastic day, played in the spirit of the game and were respectful to the other teams and the umpires.
Thank you to all parents who supported and cheered for our teams and assisted in transporting students to Wollongong. Special mention to Ms Cook for supervising students, and to parents, Lisa Webber and Rachel Davidge-Hill for assisting.
INTERSCHOOL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
During the school holidays, Torah Winchester (2B), Charlotte McMillan (2W) and Savannah McMillan (4B) represented our school at the Interschool Equestrian Championships.
The three-day carnival was held from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October, with the girls thoroughly enjoying participating in a variety of events including Hacking, Pairs, Canter, Sporting and Leading.
Torah competed in Hacking, Pairs, Canter and Sporting over 3 days of competition, achieving fantastic individual event results to be awarded the Champion Rider for the Year 2 group.
Savannah and Charlotte attended the Saturday events of Hacking, Leading, Tri Canter, Pairs and Trotting, and finished with outstanding results to place in several events within their divisions.
Congratulations to Torah, Savannah and Charlotte for these amazing achievements!
2024 DIOCESE SPORT NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Nominations are now open for students in Years 4 and 5 wishing to trial for a Wollongong Diocesan team for 2024. Students are required to be experienced players and extremely talented in their chosen sport.
If students are successful during these trials, they have the opportunity to represent the Diocese of Wollongong at the MacKillop Trials, with the possibility to progress to State Representative level.
We are limited in the number of students we are able to select for each sport, and advise that students must meet the criteria set by the Diocese. Children may be unsuccessful in their nomination due to experience, skills or not meeting the selection criteria. All students who have nominated for a sport will be informed of the outcome closer to the trial date. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Allmark.
Please find the links below to nominate your child;
- Basketball and Tennis:
Please click here to complete the nomination form. Nominations for these sports are due by Monday 23 October. No late submissions will be accepted.
- AFL, Cricket, Rugby League, Netball, Hockey, Softball, Football (Soccer), Rugby Union and Touch Football:
Please click here to complete the nomination form. Nominations for these sports are due by the Monday 17 November. No late submissions will be accepted.
SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL
It is the time of year again, as St. Michael’s prepares for the Annual Swimming Carnival to be held at Bomaderry Pool on Friday 24th November 2023.
In previous years, we have held a twilight carnival for competitive swimmers only. This year we are trialling a Swimming Carnival for all students in Years 2 to 6.
The swimming carnival will be held in two parts.
Part 1 is a Competitive Swimming Carnival for students wishing to trial for selection to compete at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival.
Part 2 is a Non-Competitive Swimming Carnival.
The Competitive Swimming will commence at 8:30am. Students competing in this event will need to organise their own transport to the pool. Th Competitive Carnival is for strong swimmers who are would like to represent the school at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in 2023.
A key requirement to enter the Competitive Swimming Carnival is for swimmers to be current squad swimmers and received formal and ongoing swimming lessons. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m unaided. If you wish to enter your child in the Competitive Carnival you must fill out the following form by Friday 17th November. Competitive Swimming Carnival entry form
The Non-Competitive Swimming Carnival will be conducted at the conclusion of the Competitive Carnival. Students in this event will arrive at school as normal. Buses will transport students to and from Bomaderry pool for the Year 2-6 Non-Competitive Carnival. All Year 2-6 students will attend this event.
There will be no formal races, with ribbons issued. Students will be given the opportunity to swim against their friends across the width of the pool in freestyle, breaststroke and if time permits, relays.
All Year 2-6 students are to complete the following form for the Non-Competitive Carnival by Monday 20th November. Non-Competitive Swimming Carnival Form. If you have any questions about sports or any events coming up, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Mr. Andrew Allmark
Sports Co-ordinator
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Timelines and prayer sheets were distributed last week, but can also be
collected this weekend (23/24th September) along with the enrolment forms for those who wish to enrol in the program. Sacramental leaders are available at each Mass during this weekend to assist you. See our website for weekend Mass times www.nowraparish.au Enquiries : Madira Arnold on 0473 360 183.
Nowra Parish Newsletter 15 October 2023
Father Joseph Pothenparampil
Nowra Parish Priest
During the school holidays the area known as ‘God’s Grass’ received a remarkable facelift, with thanks to our grant from Veolia Mulwaree Trust and the funds raised from last year’s Colour Run.
The P&F Committee have received some beautiful thank you cards from the children and it’s wonderful to see the improvement the refurbishment makes to the playground space for everyone to use.
Thank you to all the parents and our school community for your fundraising efforts to make such improvements possible.
The official opening of God’s Grass will be held before class commences on Wednesday 25th October.
COLOUR RUN 2023
Wednesday 13th December is our 2023 Colour Run. It is a major fundraiser for the year and we are seeking volunteers to support with planning to help make this day successful.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated by our small team of volunteers. We would love to hear from anyone willing to assist as well as those with experience in setting up events and fundraising websites. If you are able to help, please contact the P&F via our email: stmichaelspnf@gmail.com
The Colour Run Fundraising site will be launched in the coming weeks.
P&F MEETING- Tuesday 14th November
We would like to invite you to our Parents & Friends Meeting on Tuesday 14th November at 6pm in the School Library, and for those unable to make it, via Zoom. We would love for you to join us!
Thank you again to all parents, grandparents and the wider school community for your continued support.
St Michael's P&F Committee
