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Dear Parents & Carers
Welcome back to a brand new school year at St Michael’s Nowra, filled with excitement, growth, and learning! We are thrilled to have our students return to the classrooms, ready to embark on another year of academic achievement and personal development. The school staff have been diligently preparing to create a positive and enriching environment for your children, fostering a love for learning and nurturing their potential. As partners in your child's education journey, we look forward to working together to ensure a successful and rewarding academic year for each student. I warmly welcome all of the new students and their families. Here's to a year filled with exploration, collaboration, and memorable moments. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education; together, we will make this school year truly exceptional.
The school presently employs around 70 people each day as Teachers, School Support Officers (SSOs), Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs) and Defence mentors. The teaching staff for each grade at this stage include:
A number of these classes are also supported by leadership team members, additional teachers, SSOs and AEAs.
The Leadership team for 2024 includes:
On Wednesday 7 February, Kindergarten students experienced their first day at 'big school'.
The students settled well and teachers enjoyed getting to know each of the students.
We extend a warm welcome to all of the Kindergarten parents and carers. We look forward to partnering with you for the next seven years of primary education for your child.
NEW AND RETURNING STAFF
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning teachers for 2024:
Jo Ilias, Jessica Rosskelly, Tonianne Seymour, Jack Richardson, Jacinta Markovski, Jaclyn Betts, Jason Harrison, Joshua Spain, Carroll Hatfield, Michelle Moulton and Daniela Mardones. We are certainly fortunate to have a strong team of teachers for 2024. Despite a number of changes to our teaching staff for 2024, grade teams of teachers are developing strong collaborative relationships and I believe we have a wonderful year ahead.
PROFESSIONAL PLANNING TIME (PPT)
Each week the students participate in a number of specialist lessons in the areas of Physical Education (PE), Library and Creative Arts. While the students are receiving these specialist lessons, the teaching staff are given: ‘Professional Planning Time’ referred to as PPT. The students rotate through the various lessons according to the roster which has been shared with you.
When participating in PE (Physical Education) with Mr Chris Bryant, the students are encouraged to wear their sports uniform. The students will participate in Library lessons with Mrs Barbara McKenna. This year Mrs Victoria Boyton will be teaching the four strands of Creative Arts, commencing with Visual Arts in Term 1.
PARTNERSHIPS
As a school we are looking forward to working in partnership with all parents and caregivers to enable all students to reach their full potential. Each classroom teacher will shortly provide you with specific class related information for 2024. Most importantly, I encourage you to develop a positive relationship with your child’s teacher so that true partnership and collaboration can occur. In the next few weeks there will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher. As the year progresses after the first meeting with your teacher, I encourage all parents to formally arrange all parent meetings through the school office if required, for an educational or other matter. It is difficult to conduct important meetings when the students are lined up ready to go into the classrooms in the morning. I also encourage families to ensure each child comes to school with healthy food for recess and lunch. Each child will also require a healthy food option (fruit, vegetables) for daily ‘Munch n Crunch’.
OPENING LITURGY
Yesterday the school conducted an Opening Liturgy for the new school year. Thank you to Mrs Rutkowski, Mrs Mathieson, Mrs Dempsey and all involved staff for organising and running this liturgy. At 9.30am in the school hall, the students and a number of parents gathered to congratulate the new Student Leaders for 2024. In the Opening Liturgy all students were welcomed back and the Year 6 students were presented with their leadership badges. Congratulations to these students and their families.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION MEETING
Tuesday 13 February 2024
This coming Tuesday in the school library, the Parents and Friends group will be gathering for the Annual General Meeting and elections for the 2024 executive. This group had a magnificent year in 2023 and has optimistic and high hopes for the 2024 school year. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend and assist this vital group achieve their objectives. Please join us from 6pm in person or via a Zoom link, to be shared with you next week.
BISHOP BRIAN MASCORD
The school has been notified by Father Joseph our Parish Priest, that Bishop Brian Mascord from the Diocese of Wollongong will be visiting the parish and school between Thursday and Sunday next week. Full details of his visit will be shared with families through Compass. Bishop Brian will visit some classrooms during his time in Nowra next week.
Have a wonderful term everyone!
Yours in faith and virtue
Christopher Paton
School Principal
| Monday 12 February | |
| Tuesday 13 February |
Parents & Friends (P&F) Annual General Meeting. All welcome. 6pm School Library. |
| Wednesday 14 February |
Ash Wednesday Liturgy 9am: Year 3-6 (School Hall) 10am: Year 1 & 2 (Church) 10am: Kindergarten (Kindy rooms) |
| Thursday 15 February | |
| Friday 16 February |
| Monday 4 March |
K-2 AFL Skills Day |
| Thursday 7 March |
St John's Open Night (4pm & 5:45pm) |
| 13-25 March |
NAPLAN (Years 3 & 5) |
| Tuesday 26 March |
Year 3 & 4 AFL Gala Day |
| Friday 29 March |
Good Friday Public Holiday |
| Monday 1 April |
Easter Monday Public Holiday |
| Monday 8 April |
Yr 7 2025 St John's Applications close |
| Friday 12 April |
Final Day of Term 1 |
| Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June |
Sacrament of Confirmation Nowra Parish |
OPENING SCHOOL LITURGY
ASH WEDNESDAY
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
This year the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated in the Parish on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 March at our Parish Churches (with the exeption of Bomaderry).
Students in Year 3 who have received the Sacrament of Baptism are eligible to receive this Sacrament. Enrolments for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are currently taking place this weekend, 10 and 11 February at all of the Nowra Churches (except Bomaderry). Students in Year 4,5 or 6 who are baptised and have not received Reconciliation are also welcome to enrol. The cost is $25, to be paid when enrolling.
Year 3 students will need to have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be eligible to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist later this year. Any questions regarding the sacraments for 2024, we ask you to please contact the Parish Office on 4423 1712 or Madria Arnold – (Catechist) madira.arnold@dow.org.au
Let us try this Lent to think of ways we can change and follow Jesus more closely.
Nowra Parish Newsletter 4 February 2024
| Parish | Time |
| Nowra | Sunday 9:30am (Main Parish Mass) |
| Sunday 5pm | |
| Wednesday 8am | |
| Friday 10am (School) | |
| First Saturday 10am | |
| Berry | Sunday 8am |
| Tuesday 5:30pm | |
| Bomaderry | Saturday Vigil 5pm |
| Culburra | Saturday Vigil 5pm |
| Thursday 5:30pm | |
| Kangaroo Valley | Sunday 11am |
| Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am | |
| Vincentia | Sunday 9:30am |
| Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8am | |
| Wednesday 5:30pm |
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS
Click here for details of the Sacramental programs for 2024. Registration for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in any of the Parish churches this weekend.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held in our parish on the weekend of 29th and 30th June 2024.
Please contact Madira Arnold, the Parish Coordinator, on 0473 360 183 if further clarification is required.
NOWRA RETREAT
Behold I Make all Things New—A Eucharistic Retreat Day with the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia
Date: Saturday 24 February, 2024
Time: 10am— 4pm
Venue: St Michael's School Hall Nowra
Cost: $20, includes morning tea and lunch
RSVP: 20 February 2024 at trybooking.com/1162289
Men and women (13 years and older) are invited to join the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia for a retreat day. In addition to talks, a personal testimony, and discussion, the day will include time for silence and prayer during a Holy Hour. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. Financial assistance is available.
Father Joseph Pothenparampil
Nowra Parish Priest
St. Michael’s annual Swimming Carnival held at Bomaderry Pool on Friday 24 November last year, was a resounding success. The day overflowed with vibrant energy, camaraderie, and dazzling displays of aquatic skill showcased by our talented students. This sensational event not only celebrated proficiency in the water but also emphasized sportsmanship and pure enjoyment.
An impressive turnout of 50 students from Years 2 to 6 eagerly participated in the competitive carnival. The atmosphere was charged with great sportsmanship, and the sight of smiles all around reflected the joyous spirit of the occasion. Special commendation goes to the dedicated swimmers, Amalie Ellerington, Jack and Sophie Webber, and Havannah Flugler, who exhibited exceptional enthusiasm by competing in all events.
Special mention is extended to the top overall swimmers in each age group. The winners medals will be presented during the first school assembly, with parents receiving prior notification. Details of the first assembly will be advertised via Compass. Additionally, the overall winning house of the carnival will be announced during this assembly.
Despite the recent school holidays, several students actively participated in representative sporting events. Year 6 students Dean Osgood, Jack Butler and Morten Ellerington were selected for the Southern NSW Futsal team, competing in the Boys National Club Futsal Championships at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre from January 13-17. Despite initial challenges, the boys demonstrated resilience and secured significant victories, finishing 5th overall.
Jack and Dean's outstanding performances earned them each a position in the Boys Australian Futsal team, set to compete in Malaysia in November. We wish the boys all the best in this upcoming event!
Thomas Hickmott and Sachin Hill (Year 6), along with Lennox Wills (Year 5), represented Shoalhaven in a cricket carnival in Batemans Bay from January 21-24. The boys played five games during the 4-day event, achieving a commendable 3rd place overall. Thomas, as Vice-Captain, showcased stellar contributions with both bat and ball, while Sachin and Lennox also delivered noteworthy performances for economical bowling figures of 1/12 and 1/11 respectively. The trio's achievements were truly commendable, congratulations Thomas, Sachin & Lennox!
The Year 3-6 School Cross Country is fast approaching, scheduled for Friday 8 March at Willandra.
An important update for participants in the 11 and 12-year age groups is a notable change in the distance they'll be covering. Unlike previous years where they ran 2km, students will be challenging themselves with a 3 km run, aligning with the distance run by Diocese across New South Wales. Further details will be provided in coming weeks.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Year 3 – 6 School Cross Country: Friday 8 March at Willandra
Registrations for several Winter sports have already opened and teams will be looking at grading very soon. Here are some local sporting teams that your child is able to participate in during the winter months;
Netball
Saints: http://saintsnc.nsw.netball.com.au/
Rebels: http://rebelsnc.nsw.netball.com.au/
Jervis Bay: http://jervisbaync.nsw.netball.com.au/
North Nowra and Bomaderry: http://nnbnc.nsw.netball.com.au/
Albatross: http://albatrossnc.nsw.netball.com.au/
Lyrebird: https://www.facebook.com/LyrebirdNetballClub/
Worrigee: https://www.worrigeetigersnc.com/
For further information on different clubs, please follow this link for Shoalhaven Netball Association: http://sna.nsw.netball.com.au/
AFL
Nowra Giants: https://www.facebook.com/shoalhavengiants/
Bay and Basin: http://www.bombers.net.au/
Bomaderry: https://www.bomaderrytigersafl.com.au/
Rugby Union
Shoalhaven: https://www.facebook.com/weareshoals/
League
Bomaderry: https://www.facebook.com/Bomaderry-Swamp-Rats-270032815270/
Football
Bomaderry: https://www.facebook.com/BomaderrySoccerClub
Shoalhaven Heads/Berry: https://www.facebook.com/headsberryfc/
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
NATIONAL APOLOGY DAY
On Tuesday 13th February 2024, Australia commemorates the 16th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations which was presented to Parliament by the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd in 2008. National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes and commit to right the wrongs of past injustices and build a bridge of respect between all people.
On this day, St. Michael's community will reflect and pray as we are committed to walking together with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers in a spirit of reconciliation and recognition.
WELCOME BACK
The 2023 school year marked a triumphant return to face-to-face Parents and Friends (P&F) meetings, with the added convenience of Zoom participation for those unable to attend in person. The collaborative efforts of a dedicated group of parents, working closely with the school Principal, ensured the success of various initiatives and events throughout the year.
At the Annual General Meeting held at the commencement of 2023, we extend our gratitude to the outgoing executive team, each of whom completed three years of exemplary service. The transition to a new executive team is an exciting opportunity for fresh perspectives and continued growth within the Parents and Friends Association.
The Parents and Friends Association played a pivotal role in raising much-needed funds for the school. The 'Colour Run' proved to be a particularly successful venture, alongside our traditional events such as the Easter raffle, Mother's Day, and Father's Day stalls. These initiatives not only provided financial support but also strengthened the sense of community within our school.
A significant achievement of the 2023 school year was the installation of an astro turf play area, providing our students with a modern and versatile outdoor space for recreational and sporting activities. Additionally, the Parents and Friends Association contributed to the acquisition of new sporting equipment, enriching the overall physical education experience for our students. The purchase of a new PA system further enhances communication and coordination during school events.
The success of the 2023 school year would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our parents, carers, friends and wider community. Events such as the school discos, lolly guessing competition, cross-country canteen and soccer gala day, were made possible through the dedication of our P&F members and parent volunteers.
Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, we implemented a hybrid approach to meetings, allowing both physical attendance and virtual participation through Zoom. This flexibility ensured that all members could actively contribute to discussions and decision-making processes.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the executive team, all families and business sponsors who supported the P&F in various capacities. Your commitment and enthusiasm have been instrumental in making this year a resounding success.
As we welcome a new year in 2024, we eagerly anticipate another year of collaboration, community-building, and successful fundraising. The Parents and Friends Association remains committed to enhancing the overall school experience for students, parents, and staff alike.
In conclusion, the 2023 school year has been a testament to the strength and resilience of our school community. We look forward to building upon this success in the coming years, continuing to foster a positive and thriving environment for all.
Thank you for your continued support.
AGM & GENERAL MEETING
You can read about the Committee positions in the Constitution. Please note that the additional Committee positions are not yet in this constitution but these newer roles will involve supporting the Vice president and the Secretary.
Please come along and share your ideas for future fundraising events.
DISCO
Where: on the back oval, under the cola
Who: All students and their families!
Cost: Entry is a gold coin donation
The P&F will be selling sausage sandwiches, cold drinks and snacks (a pricelist of items will be sent out via Compass prior to the day). Cash and EFTPOS facilities will be available!
The cost of entry to the Disco is a voluntary donation, we will have donation boxes available for you to be able to make a donation on the night.
Bring along a picnic rug, your chairs and your dancing shoes... and be ready to be entertained by our DJ, the amazing Stella Studioz!!
This Disco is a whole school family event, so everyone is welcome!
It's the perfect opportunity for the children to have a fun night with their friends and for parents to meet and mingle.
There will be a BBQ, drinks and snacks to purchase on the night so come along, relax and enjoy the night off cooking dinner!
Please note: This is NOT a drop off event. You will be expected to stay with your child/children for the duration of the Disco.
CAN YOU HELP?
We need parent helpers to help us cook and serve at the BBQ, if you are able to assist please get in contact with us via DM or email us stmichaelspnf@gmail.com
UNIFORM SWAP
Due to underforeseen circumstances our uniform swap scheduled for Wednesday 7 February was postponed. We will advise when an alternate date is confirmed.
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS
We will be organising the following events again this year;
- Easter Raffle
- Mother's Day Stall
- Father's Day Stall
Further information will be provided once details are confirmed.
Warm regards,
St Michael's P&F Committee
Hi, my name is Mrs Lawrence. I am the new Defence School Mentor.
I began working at St John the Evangelist High School in 2010 as a School Support Officer. In 2020, I transferred to St Michael’s and enjoyed my time back in Kindergarten. I am currently working with both schools. I have been a Defence spouse and travelled around Australia with my husband for thirty-three years. I have experienced the challenges that relocating interstate with a family can bring.
I aim to connect the Defence families to be more involved in the community and am currently busy settling in our new Year 7 Defence students and our Kindergarten students. I am also currently liaising with Kookaburra Kids and Open Arms to see how we can connect into the services they provide to Defence families.
In 2005, our family moved back to Nowra after relocating five times in five years to five different states. My children attended Cambewarra Public School and then completed high school at St John the Evangelist Catholic High School. My husband was a Rear Admiral in the navy and was the Head Navy Engineer for six years. He was based in Canberra and commuted for nine years while my two teenage boys and I lived at Culburra Beach. I know the impact mobility and service-related parental absence can have on a family. I am well known in the Shoalhaven. Due to my experience in different schools in the Shoalhaven, I have come to know many students and always go out of my way to make Defence students feel welcome.
My passions are AFL and Surf Life Saving. Our family have been a part of Bomaderry Tigers Australian Football Club and Nowra Culburra Surf Life Saving club since 2005. My husband is the President of the Surf Club and he also coaches the Bomaderry Tigers Senior Women's AFL team.
I am very passionate about all aspects of a Defence lifestyle. My oldest son has joined the Royal Australian Navy as a pilot and has finished a degree in the Australian Defence Force Academy. My youngest son is a helicopter technician with Sikorsky Australia working at HMAS Albatross. They are now both in their sixth year. I am very happy to assist any students who might be looking for similar career opportunities.
I look forward to meeting you all in 2024. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
KOOKABURRA KIDS PROGRAMS
Kookaburra Kids have many exciting programs coming up in 2024 for Defence Kids in both Sydney and the Shoalhaven!
- 2nd March – Nowra Treetops Adventure & Shoalhaven Zoo
- 15th-17th March – Camping Adventure at Port Hacking
- 23rd March – Wattle Grove One Wall Mural & Skate
Click here for details.
- DMFS 24hrs Helpline 1800 624 608
- OpenArms 1800-011-046
- Lifeline 131114
I am thrilled to meet all of the new Defence families this year. I am available on Wednesdays and Fridays at St Michael's and on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at St John's High School. I look forward to getting to know everyone in 2024!
Julie Lawrence
Defence School Mentor
MOTHER RUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THEATRE GALA- "EXIT LAUGHING" COMEDY
When? Wednesday, 13 th March, 2024, at 7.30 for 8pm
What? A funny, outrageous comedy performance
Where? Nowra Players Theatre, Bomaderry
Cost? Adults $45, includes Green Ginger Wine/Sherry on arrival and extended interval supper.
Tickets? Contact Denise Jones on 0419 248889. Tickets need to be paid for to guarantee a seat.
FREE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SEMINAR
Maria and Josie are Community Engagement Officers from headspace Nowra, which is a youth mental health service for people aged 12-25.
Join Maria and Josie in this community information session about the mental health of young people, and making it accessible and engaging for the young people of the Shoalhaven, as well as tips on maintaining your wellbeing in times of stress and hardship.
Monday 26 Feb 2024
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Nowra Library 10 Berry Street Nowra, NSW 2541
Click here to register
TENNIS LESSONS
For more information on tennis lessons please contact Pritchard Tennis Academy. Mark 0427 961 101 or Vicki 0412 134 840.
SAINTS NETBALL CLUB
