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Dear Parents,
There is much to celebrate following local and international events of the last two weeks. As an Australian, I am very proud to have witnessed the extraordinary achievements of the Australian representatives at the Paris Olympic Games. Australia’s athletes have truly shined at the Paris Olympics, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination. The athletes dazzled with their speed, skill and precision, bringing home 18 Gold medals and numerous silver and Bronze medals. They also impressed with record-breaking performances and remarkable resilience. Overall, the Australian representatives have not only competed with skill but have also embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
Closer to home, many of our St Michael’s athletes participated in the CEDoW South Coast Athletic Carnival last Tuesday and have been selected to participate in the Diocesan carnival next week. Congratulations to these students and thank you to their parents for transporting them to and from the carnival. Thank you to Mr Allmark for supporting all of our sporting students!
Last Friday evening a number of Year 6 students and numerous staff members participated in the annual Mini Vinnies Winter sleepout in the school hall. This sleepover was organised by Mrs Mathieson, Mrs Royston and a number of dedicated staff. The students were sponsored by family and friends to raise money for the homeless of our local region. Additional funds were raised through a mufti day which was held last Wednesday. Due to the generosity of families and sponsors, a total of $644 (mufti day) and $1,196 (sleep out) was raised to assist the local homeless people. For the Year 6 students and staff who attended the sleepover, this was a life changing experience. Thank you to everyone who assisted in any way.
The Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord at Dapto last week was a wonderful Eucharistic celebration. Our Year 6 students, teaching staff and I attended this mass which included amazing singing and a liturgical movement at the end. Bishop Brian, a former primary school teacher, spoke beautifully with the students and their reverence and behaviour was outstanding. The whole experience was exceptional and the students and staff were appreciative of the time we had with Bishop Brian Mascord.
This Monday 19 August 2024, the annual ‘Bookweek Parade’ will be held on the front playground at 9am and students are invited to wear clothing related to a book theme of any type. The main theme for 2024 is: “READING IS MAGIC’. This is always a very exciting day.
In the next three weeks, students will be attending the following excursions;
- Year 6 Canberra excursion on 29-30 August 2024
- Year 1 Tilbury Beach, Culburra on 30 August 2024
- Year 3 Nan Tien Temple on 4 September 2024
- Kindergarten Shoalhaven Zoo on 6 September 2024
- Year 5 Leadership Camp at Waterslea on 19-20 September 2024
PARENTS AND FRIENDS (P&F) GROUP
Two weeks ago, the P&F ran a very successful school disco for our infants and primary students. The evening was well organised and supervised by additional parent helpers. The students and parent helpers had a wonderful time. I am always very appreciative of the work that our P&F do to support your children. At our monthly meeting last Tuesday, important issues and events were discussed and actions taken. I do encourage more parents to attend in person or by Zoom. I am also very thankful to our Assistant Principal Mrs Rutkowski, who supports the students and families through her attendance at this monthly meeting. During the months ahead, there will be some very important issues discussed and I do encourage you to join us. This term the P&F will also be providing a canteen at the South Coast Gala day on 23 August 2024 as well as coordinating the Father's Day stall and BBQ. This is a very productive P&F and your participation within this group would be very much appreciated. The next P&F meeting will occur on Tuesday 10 September 2024 at 6pm.
Finally, the P&F will be supporting a ‘School Working Bee’ on Saturday 7 September 2024. The Working Bee will commence at 8.30am and conclude by 2pm. All families are invited to attend and numerous projects including gardening and maintenance will be completed. If you can assist for 1,2,3 or 4 hours, your assistance will be appreciated. There is much to do to enhance the school for your children and I invite your attendance. A google form will be sent home early next week inviting your attendance. Please mark this day in your calendar and join me at the Working Bee. You will enjoy the experience.
Yours in faith and virtue
Christopher Paton
School Principal
Please find the following dates for our Term 3 2024 Grade Mass. Please join us to celebrate mass at 10am on Fridays. All welcome.
Year 5: Friday 2 August
Kindergarten: Friday 9 August
Year 1: Friday 16 August
Year 6: Friday 23 August- POSTPONED (Date to be advised)
Year 4: Friday 30 August
Year 3: Friday 6 September -POSTPONED (Date to be advised)
Year 2: Friday 13 September
GRANDPARENTS LITURGY
SAVE THE DATE Thursday 5 September. 9:30am
Last Friday night, twenty Year 6 Mini Vinnies students slept out in the school hall. The aim was to shine a spotlight on the issue of homelessness by experiencing a glimpse of ‘sleeping rough” for one night whilst raising crucial funds and awareness for Vinnies Services and Programs. Every day, Vinnies change lives. They assist thousands of people who are in need of support.
The students are a credit to their families and our school for their excellent behaviour and wonderful engagement in all activities. They are to be commended for their insights and service to our community.
Thank you to the many staff who assisted with this important event. Without your assistance, experiences like this are not possible.
Our goal was to raise over $1000, as $1000 prevents a family from being evicted from their home. The students raised $1,196. This money has been added to the gold coin donations from the mufti day last Wednesday. Altogether St Michael's raised $1840 for our local St Vincent de Paul Society. Well done everyone!
Father Joseph Pothenparampil
Nowra Parish Priest
WEEK 5
| Monday 19 August |
Book Week Parade 9am beneath COLA |
| Tuesday 20 August | |
| Wednesday 21 August | |
| Thursday 22 August | |
| Friday 23 August |
Year 6 Grade Mass 10am - POSTPONED Infants Award Assembly 8:45am Year 3 & 4 Soccer Gala Day (All students) Year 5 & 6 Soccer Gala Day (Selected students) |
| Monday 26 August | Father's Day Stall - each day this week 8:15am - 9am & 2:30pm - 3:15pm |
| Tuesday 27 August | |
| Wednesday 28 August | |
| Thursday 29 August | Year 6 Overnight Excursion Canberra |
| Friday 30 August |
Year 4 Grade Mass (10am in the church) Year 1 Tilbury Beach, Culburra Excursion No Assembly today |
UPCOMING DATES FOR THE DIARY
| Monday 2 September |
P&F Father's Day BBQ Breakfast & Liturgy 7am-9:30am |
| Monday 2 September |
Book Fair Sales in Library (8am-8:40am) & (3pm-3:30pm) |
| Tuesday 3 September |
Book Fair Sales in Library (8am-8:45am) & (3pm-3:30pm) |
| Wednesday 4 September |
Year 3 Nan Tien Temple Excursion |
| Thursday 5 September |
Grandparents Liturgy (9:30am) |
| Friday 6 September |
Year 3 Grade Mass - POSTPONED Kindergarten Shoalhaven Zoo Excursion |
| Saturday 7 September |
St Michael's Working Bee 8:30am - 2pm |
| Tuesday 10 September |
P&F Meeting 6pm -7:30pm |
| Wednesday 11 September |
SMN Public Speaking Finals Kindergarten 2025 Parent Information Session 6pm |
| Friday 13 September |
Year 2 Grade Mass (10am in the church) |
| Thursday 19-Friday 20 September |
Year 5 Leadership Camp Waterslea |
| Thursday 19 September |
Year 3 & 4 Basketball Gala Day (Nominating students) |
| Friday 20 September |
Year 6 Basketball Gala Day (Nominating students) |
| Monday 4 November |
Kindergarten 2025 Orientation Day (9:15am-10:30am) |
| Wednesday 6 November |
Kindergarten 2025 Orientation Day (9:15am-10:30am) |
On Tuesday, 26 students from St Michael’s proudly represented our school at the South Coast Athletics Carnival held at Beaton Park in Wollongong. Competing against students from 16 other schools across 58 different events, our athletes demonstrated incredible dedication and skill.
The day started early, with students arriving at the venue for an 8:30 am start. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, with light rain falling throughout the day, our students showed remarkable determination and resilience. Their sportsmanship and behaviour were exemplary, making them true ambassadors for St Michael’s.
The following students excelled in their events and will return to Beaton Park trialling for the Wollongong team on Tuesday 20 August.
There’s even more exciting news from the carnival! Finn Goddard set a new record in the Junior Boys 800m. Morten Ellerington secured 3rd place overall in the Junior Boys Age Champion category, while Finn Goddard and Sylas Murphy finished 2nd overall in the Junior and Senior Boys categories, respectively.
Our boys' team also achieved an outstanding result, finishing 2nd overall. As a school, St Michael’s placed 4th out of all participating schools, which is a testament to the hard work and talent of all our students.
A massive congratulations to every student who participated. You have made us proud!
STATE NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday 23 August – Year 3 & 4 Soccer Gala Day (All students)
Friday 23 August – Year 5 & 6 Soccer Gala Day (selected students)
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
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/
PB4L FOCUS: WEEK 4
Each morning this term, students at St Michael's have focused on conflict resolution skills in PB4L lessons. Students have been asked to think about the following 4 questions when problems arise with a peer;
- Do you need adult help?
- Think about how your friend is feeling,
- Use your words not your hands or feet,
- Talk about your feelings.
Students are also encouraged to show respect and compassion when they enter and exit the school grounds by greeting the teaching staff with a smile and greeting.
We would also like to remind students and families about the importance of wearing the Winter school uniform each day.
BOOKWEEK
- Monday 2 September (8am-8:40am) & (3pm-3:30pm)
- Tuesday 3 September (8am- 8:45am) & (3pm-3:30pm)
The Book Fair provides an opportunity for students to view and purchase books, priced between $5 and $30. Payment may be made at the library by card (no cash). For students unable to purchase books at the library, parents may complete the scholastic book club order online. A brochure will be distributed to families when the Fair commences with details of books and payment options.
LEGACY WEEK
Legacy Week is a significant fundraising event for many Australians. The funds raised benefit over 100,000 war widows, 1900 children, and people with disabilities. It's also a time when we, as a nation, come together to remember and honour the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families. This act of remembrance is a powerful expression of our respect and appreciation.
They give back to the families of those who gave so much to our country.
Our Nowra group plays a crucial role in supporting our community. They currently support 200 war widows and 15 school-age children, providing them with the necessary care and assistance.
Legacy Badge Week is being held across the Nowra region from 1 September to 6 September 2024. St Michael's Year 5 students and Defence students in Year 6 will sell legacy-approved merchandise, including well-known bears, pen sets, and other items. Students will also accept gold coin donations for those who wish to contribute. Stalls will be set up outside the office on Wednesday 4 September and Friday 6 September, before school, at lunchtime and in the afternoon.
CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF OUR WINTER DISCO
We are thrilled to report that the Winter Disco was a resounding success! A heartfelt thankyou to all of our volunteers—both new and returning—for your invaluable contributions. The feedback from the children has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing stories of the fun they had. We are also pleased to announce that the event raised $1,428.48, which will be directed toward improvements at our school.
SEEKING STORAGE SOLUTIONS: CAN YOU HELP?
The P&F are currently seeking a site shed or shipping container to store our items. If you may be able to assist with a donation or interested in selling a shed or shipping container, please reach out to our P&F. Your support in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE POSITIONS VACANT
Our P&F Committee currently have two Executive Positions available;
Assistant Vice President
This role supports the President and Vice President for all official business and steps in if either are unavailable. eg. chair P&F meetings, award ceremonies, etc.
Grants Officer
This position is ideal for someone who is eager to help identify and apply for grants to support various school projects. The role involves collaborating with the P&F and the school to secure funding for identified projects.
If you are interested and able to assist, please send your expression of interest by completing the Google form: https://forms.gle/1Q878XBh4th9eAj1A
If you have any questions please email stmichaelspnf@gmail.com.
Grants Officer Nomination Form
WORKING BEE – NEW DATE
We are pleased to announce that the Working Bee has been rescheduled and will now take
place on Saturday 7 September, from 8am to 2pm.
Further details will be shared soon, including a link to register your interest in participating.
Let’s unite to make a positive impact for our children!
For any inquiries, please contact the school at info@smndow.catholic.edu.au
IT'S TIME TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN CUPBOARDS!
The P&F has allocated funds from the Easter Raffle fundraiser for the purchase of Sandpit toys and storage options for the toys. After a discussion with the School Leaders and gaining feedback from the students, it has been determined that old kitchen items are the preferred sandpit toys.
So, with this in mind, we are looking for donations of the following:
- Small lightweight saucepans or pans
- Silicone cake tins
- Jelly moulds
If you have any of these items that are taking up space in your kitchen and you no longer need them, please bring to the office.
Once we have collected donated items, the P&F will look at what is still needed and will use the funds allocated to add to this equipment. The more we have donated, the more funds we will have available to purchase better quality storage options for this equipment.
PARENT HELPERS NEEDED – YEAR 3 & 4 SOCCER GALA DAY
The Year 3 & 4 Soccer Gala Day is fast approaching on Friday 23 August 2024. We are looking for parent volunteers to assist on the day. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Please email your availability to stmichaelspnf@gmail.com.
FATHER'S DAY STALL
We will be holding our annual Father's Day stall during Week 6 (Monday 26 - Friday 30 August) this term. We require volunteers to assist with the stall which will be open before school (8:15am - 8:45am) and after school (2:45pm - 3:15pm).
The P&F will also be holding a Father's Day Raffle. Further information will be provided next week.
Warm regards,
St Michael's P&F Committee
