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Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the new school term. While the weather has been challenging, the school term has started very well. All staff commenced the 2nd term with a Spirituality Day which commenced with a smoking and cleansing ceremony led by our Aboriginal team. Staff were then led through prayers and activities related to the four new school virtues of Compassion, Inclusion, Service and Respect. These four virtues will be introduced to the students in coming weeks.
On Friday 3 May, the school had an ANZAC day commemoration service organised by our Defence Force Mentor, Mrs Julie Lawrence. Congratulations is extended to Mrs Lawrence and all staff who assisted with the preparation and implementation of the ANZAC commemoration. It was a team effort from teachers, AEAs, SSOs, students and parents. All aspects of the commemoration were planned meticulously and it was amazing to have so many Defence personnel present. For everyone who set up the hall, prepared the choir, organised the slideshow and music, prepared the students and assisted with administration, thank you. The day concluded with a beautiful morning tea organised by members of the parish. A wonderful morning!
Kindergarten enrolment interviews on 4 May 2024 were a heartwarming showcase of generosity, warmth, and community spirit. The teachers and support staff, embodying patience and kindness, welcomed each family, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and encouragement. The children, wide-eyed with curiosity and enthusiasm, painted a vibrant picture of the promising journey ahead. Final interviews will continue over the next two weeks and offers for placement in Kindergarten 2025 will be made to families towards the end of June. Thanks again to our teachers, School Support Staff and Aboriginal Education Assistants for assisting on a Saturday.
Due to the poor weather last week, the Wollongong Diocesan Cross Country at Willandra was postponed until Tuesday 28 May, 2024. I am appreciative of the planning that Mr Allmark, school staff and parents made while preparing for the day. We are looking forward to the next carnival on Tuesday 28 May.
Thank you to the parents who attended the reading workshops this week with Mrs Heffernan. There was much discussion and clarifying during the two valuable meetings which occurred. I encourage all parents of students in Kindergarten upwards to attend the next round of workshops.
Over the next two weeks, students, staff and parents will have an opportunity to participate in an online survey called, ‘Tell Them From Me’. The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong is introducing the Tell Them From Me® suite of surveys [TTFM] for implementation within all schools in 2024. Developed by The Learning Bar, and used extensively across Australia, the student, teacher and parent/caregiver surveys will enable schools within the Wollongong diocese to measure and understand the factors that are known to have a direct and profound impact on well-being and student learning within our school. We look forward to all families participating in this survey which will provide important feedback to the school. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
On Friday morning, many of our mothers and special people in the children’s lives, gathered in the Parish Hall for our annual ‘Mother's Day’ liturgy. This was a prayerful and fitting tribute to mothers around the world. Thank you to Mrs Mathieson, Mrs Royston and all staff and students who assisted to organise the liturgy. An additional thanks goes to our Parents and Friends (P&F) group for hosting the beautiful morning tea. The school is also very grateful to the P&F for organising the highly successful Mother's Day stall which has operated each morning and afternoon last week. The raffle associated with Mother's Day has some amazing prizes and I encourage all families to buy tickets. The monthly P&F meeting is on this coming Tuesday night, 14 May 2024 at 6pm in the school library. A zoom link will be shared through the Compass Parent Portal for those unable to attend on-site.
Let us pray for our mothers, for their well-being, and for the grace of God to continue strengthening them in their incredible journey of motherhood. Let us ask for God's blessings on them, that their days may be filled with joy and peace. Remember, to respect our mothers is to respect the very essence of love and life itself. They are the first teachers of compassion of faith, and of the truth that in giving, we receive. Their selfless love mirrors God's love for us, reminding us of our call to love and serve others in the same unconditional manner. Let us remember that every day is a day to honour, respect, and cherish our mothers. Let us pray for them, express our love for them, and thank them for being the beautiful, loving, and nurturing souls that they are.
Yours in faith and virtue
Christopher Paton
School Principal
PRAYERS FOR
BISHOP PETER INGHAM & MRS THERESA MCKINNON
As you are aware, Bishop Peter William Ingham AM, the fourth bishop of Wollongong, died peacefully in the late evening of 26 April 2024. He was 83 years of age and almost 60 years a priest. Please click the link below to read the tribute to Bishop Peter which was distributed to all Catholic schools following his passing. Bishop Peter’s life was celebrated in his funeral today in Wollongong.
MRS THERESA MCKINNON
It is with sadness that I share with you that one of St Michael's treasured parishioners, Theresa McKinnon passed away two weeks ago. Theresa was a parent at St Michael's many years ago and was also a member of the Catholic Women's League, a member of Probus and an organist at church. Theresa was always held in the highest esteem by all who were lucky to cross paths with her. Theresa continued to support St Michael's school during my 11 years as Principal and during the decades preceding this. The McKinnon family has had a long history with Catholic Education, with some family members still teaching or actively involved in our diocesan schools. Please keep Theresa and her extended family in your prayers. The funeral service was held in our church on Monday 29 April 2024. May Theresa rest in peace, Amen.
In response to the increase in students arriving late and departing school early, disrupting classroom learning, we wish to remind parents/carers of the legal responsibility for parents/carers to ensure regular attendance at school.
We understand, on occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include;
- being sick, or having an infectious disease
- having an unavoidable medical appointment
- being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
- exceptional or urgent family circumstance (eg. attending a funeral).
Parents must provide an explanation for absences to the school within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence. Where an explanation has not been received within the 7-day timeframe, the school will record the absence as unexplained on the student's record.
Lateness and early departures are recorded as a partial absence and must also be explained by parents/carers. In order to adhere to our regularity obligation, staff will be asking for evidence of medical appointments (eg. letter from medical professional, copy of appointment confirmation, medical certificate) to record as a justified reason. Early signouts/late arrivals will be recorded as 'unjustified' without a reasonable explanation and evidence.
It is important for your child to arrive at school on time as it;
- ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
- helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
- gives students time to greet their friends before class
- reduces classroom disruption
Please note, inclement weather is not an acceptable reason to be signing your child out early. Regular attendance at school is essential for students to achieve quality life outcomes. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students.
Mr Paton
School Principal
GRADE MASS
Year 6 Mass has also been confirmed for Friday 24 May 10am.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Father Joseph Pothenparampil
Nowra Parish Priest
WEEK 3
| Monday 13 May | |
| Tuesday 14 May |
P&F Meeting 6pm in Library & Zoom (All welcome). |
| Wednesday 15 May | |
| Thursday 16 May | |
| Friday 17 May |
Kindergarten & Year 1 Mass - 10am in the Church |
| Monday 20 May | |
| Tuesday 21 May |
Year 3-6 Netball Schools Cup (Nominated students) |
| Wednesday 22 May | |
| Thursday 23 May | |
| Friday 24 May | Year 6 Mass- 10am in the Church |
UPCOMING DATES FOR THE DIARY
| Tuesday 28 May |
Diocesan Cross Country (Selected students) |
| Thursday 30 May |
Year 2 Kangaroo Valley Excursion |
| Friday 31 May |
Year 5 & 6 AFL Paul Kelly Cup (Nominated students) |
| Friday 7 June |
Year 3-6 School Athletics Carnival |
| Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June |
Sacrament of Confirmation Nowra Parish |
| Friday 5 July |
NAIDOC Assembly 9:30am |
| Thursday 19-Friday 20 September |
Year 5 Leadership Camp |
Thanks also to the many special guests and family members who attended our annual ANZAC Memorial Ceremony and morning tea on Friday 3 May. The Year 6 helpers went above and beyond, decorating the stage with so much dedication and enthusiasm. The conduct and respect shown by all students was exemplary as we honoured the struggle and sacrifices made by those serving our country, past and present, providing us with the peace and freedom we enjoy today.
The ceremony also honoured Len Seyffer, who passed away on April 24th 2023. Len was a student of St Michael's in 1928 and would have been 100 years old this year. Len was the last surviving Light Horseman and never missed St John’s or St Michael’s School ANZAC Ceremonies. It was very special to welcome Len’s family this year.
Thank you to Commander Andrew Willett of the Royal Australian Navy for delivering our ANZAC address and to the Parish volunteers who organised a beautiful morning tea.
We are so proud of everyone who contributed to making the ANZAC Day Commemorative Ceremony a success.
Many year groups have been busy with their ANZAC Day Art.
Julie Lawrence
Defence School Mentor
On Friday 10 May, Allison Edwards of Year 6, proudly represented the Wollongong Diocese team at the MacKillop Netball trials in Canberra. Allison enjoyed the experience playing against some of the strongest players in the state and is to be commended on her exceptional sportsmanship, cheering on some of her teammates who were selected in the MacKillop team. Fantastic work Allison!
Thomas Hickmott, also from Year 6, has been recognised for his exceptional umpiring skills in AFL. On Saturday 4 May, Thomas received a special invitation to the SCG, where he walked out and warmed up with the Umpires and participated in the coin toss for the Sydney Swans v GWS Giants match. During the halftime break, Thomas officiated an Aus Kick game. Thomas was also fortunate to meet some of the AFL players, including Tom Papley.
Congratulations to Thomas for this well-deserved acknowledgment!
Our annual Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 7 June. Due to the unavailability of the Shoalhaven High School track, the event will be held at Sanctuary Point. The K-2 carnival will be held at school, with the date to be confirmed. Students will prepare for the field events during their Sport allocated time each Friday.
In addition to the Netball Schools Cup at Shoalhaven Netball Courts on 21 May, our school will be participating in the Year 3-6 Netball Gala Day in Berkeley on Tuesday 25 June. As we are able to take just one team per grade and one Year 6 boys' team, nominations are open to girls who play on the weekend. To nominate your child for this event please click here. Travel to this event will be via bus, departing school at 7:30am and returning to school around 3:30pm.
Upcoming Events;
Netball Schools Cup – Tuesday 21 May (Nominated students only Year 3 - 6)
Diocesan Cross Country – Tuesday 28 May (Selected students only)
Yr 5 & 6 AFL Paul Kelly Cup – Friday 31 May (Nominated students)
Year 3-6 School Athletics Carnival – Friday 7 June
Netball Gala Day – Tuesday 25 June (Selected students- limited numbers)
Regards,
Mr Andrew Allmark
Sports Co-ordinator
Our school canteen is available for ordering four days per week (Tuesday-Friday). I would like to remind parents/carers wishing to place lunch orders for their children for Friday to please place their order online prior to 2pm Thursday.
The link for ordering online may be found on our school website;
https://smndow.catholic.edu.au/parents/canteen/
The following Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) information is for the parents/carers of students in Kindergarten 2024.
Mother's Day Raffle Reminder:
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and our Mother’s Day raffle is now live! Don't miss out on your chance to win fabulous prizes. Hurry, the raffle closes on the 15th of May at 9 am. Grab your tickets now! Remember to share the raffle link (https://rafflelink.com.au/smnmothersday2024 )with your friends and family to amplify our support.
Thank you to the local businesses that have generously donated prizes for our raffle.
DIOCESAN CROSS COUNTRY CANTEEN
The Diocesan Cross Country event will take place at Willandra on Tuesday 28 May, and we're in urgent need of helpers to ensure everything runs smoothly. Your assistance will be crucial in keeping the canteen open for participants and spectators.
If you're available to lend a hand, please reach out to us as soon as possible.
MOTHER'S DAY STALL SUCCESS
Our Mother’s Day stall has been buzzing with activity this week! A big thank you to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly at the stall and behind the scenes to make it a success. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
P&F MEETING
Mark your calendars! Our next P&F meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 14 May at 6pm in the school library. For those unable to attend in person, we'll be streaming the meeting via Zoom. Please find the Zoom link below. This will also be sent via Compass on Tuesday.
P&F Meeting 14 May 2024 Zoom Link
As Mother's Day approaches, we want to take a moment to wish all the wonderful women in our lives a Happy Mother's Day.
Warm regards,
St Michael's P&F Committee
HARPER TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
Harper Andriske of Year 6 and her Team will be performing their Global Games Cheerleading Routine on Friday 10 May at 6.30pm at 11/10 Central Avenue, South Nowra. The team will soon be heading to Hawaii to compete in the 2024 Global Games. Please support Harper and her team bY clicking the link below and watching the performance at 11/10 Central Avenue, South Nowra.
https://stagestubs.com/au/shoalhaven-cheer-academy/hawaii-diamonds-show-offs-open-gym
