Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the St Michael’s community for their condolences following my mother's passing a couple of weeks ago. Prayers were expressed in the classroom, cards and flowers were received, many staff made personal contact with me and Father Joseph dedicated one of the class masses to my mother’s memory. My four siblings and I are thankful for her wonderful life which was celebrated through her funeral at St Mark’s Drummoyne in Sydney. I would like to thank Mrs Rutkowski, the school leadership and the school staff who supported the students and families during my absence. 

The term has continued at a rapid pace. Two weeks ago the Year 6 students and numerous staff attended the annual Canberra excursion. This is such a highlight of the students’ time at St Michael’s Nowra and was again a very successful excursion. In the last newsletter, Mrs Rutkowski thanked the staff who attended. The effort and energy that goes into planning the excursion and ensuring the safety of all is extraordinary. The excursion leader, Mrs Dempsey, coordinated all aspects of the educational experience and ensured that everything went smoothly. The year 6 students were exemplary and were consistently complimented on their good behaviour and respect. Again, thank you to Mrs Dempsey, Mr Spain, Mr Harrison, Mrs Luxford, Mrs McKenna, Mrs Rutkowski, Mrs Nicholls, Mrs Cox and Miss Cook who attended the Canberra excursion. Well done team! 

Three days later, many families gathered on the back oval for the Father's Day BBQ. Thank you to our P&F for their organisation and cooking on the day, and I would like to acknowledge Nowra Farmers Market for their donation of eggs, bacon and sausages for the BBQ. 

Last week the school hosted the annual Grandparents liturgy which was held on the new grass area. Over 400 grandparents attended this celebration which is always a wonderful opportunity to honour the wisdom and love that grandparents share with us. This day serves as a reminder to cherish and acknowledge the important role grandparents play in shaping our lives and our family heritage. During this liturgy, we always remember the role that St Joachim and Anne played in the life of Jesus. The students who read and led the liturgy did an outstanding job. Following the liturgy, grandparents visited classrooms and then were led to the library to have the opportunity to participate in the Book Fair organised by Mrs McKenna. Thank you for the books that were purchased and the effort by Mrs McKenna, parent volunteers and staff to ensure the success of the Book Fair. 

On Wednesday 4 September 2024, the Year 3 students, staff and some parents attended the excursion to the Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley. Students were there for three hours and experienced a 1 hr Guided Tour & Museum Visit, an opportunity to engage in Chinese Calligraphy and a Mindful Mealtime consisting of a vegetarian meal of fried rice, potato wedges and spring rolls. The behaviour of the students was excellent. Thank you to all staff and parents who supported this excursion. 

Last Friday Kindergarten students, staff and some parents attended the annual excursion to Shoalhaven Zoo. This was a big excursion for our little Kindergarten people and was very successful. Many of you would have seen the beautiful photos shared through social media over the weekend. I can guarantee it was an early night for all Kindergarten students and adults who attended the excursion. Thank you to our wonderful staff and parents who assisted to make the excursion so successful. 

Yesterday, our two school captains, Bridget Gonzaga and Jack Butler, were accompanied by our Year 5 teacher Mrs Cathy Palmer to the Catholic Education Office Wollongong launch of ‘Catholic Mission Month.’ Our school travelled with representatives from St Mary’s Milton and St John’s Nowra in their school minibus, driven by Mr Wayne Marshall, Principal of St John’s Nowra. The launch was held at St Michael’s Primary School, Thirroul. Catholic Mission Month occurs in October each year and is a time dedicated to raising awareness and support for global missions and the vital work of spreading the Gospel. During this month, local parishes and communities come together to engage in fundraising activities, educational programs, and prayer initiatives that highlight the needs of the poor and marginalised. Events and activities are designed to deepen participants' understanding of global mission efforts and encourage active involvement in supporting these causes. This month reflects the Church’s commitment to reaching out in love and solidarity to those in need around the world.

Today Year 5 and 6 attended Nowra Cinema to watch the movie version of a novel they have been studying this term, ‘Wild robot’. Year 2 have a similar excursion next Tuesday to watch ‘Runt’. 

As the term comes to a finish, a couple of sporting and school events will occur, including:

• A Year 3 & 4 Basketball Gala day
• The overnight Year 5 Leadership Camp at Waterslea on 19 & 20 September
• Public speaking finals for Years 5 & 6
• The judging of the Christmas Art Competition. 

During this time of the year, some teachers apply and are given Long Service Leave which is an entitlement through the industrial award. Presently, Mr Jason Harrison (6B) is on Long Service Leave until the end of the term and the replacement teacher is Mrs Hart. The following teachers will be on long service Leave in Week 9 and Week 10 of this term. 

• Mrs Anne Dempsey (6W) 
• Ms Emma-Kate Callaghan 
• Mr Allmark (5R) (Week 10)

All students will return to school for Term 4 on Tuesday 15 October 2024. School staff will be participating in professional development on Monday 14 October 2024. Please also note Friday 22 November 2024 as the other staff development day during Term 4. Further reminders about the return to school date will be sent home as a Compass alert over the next four weeks. Thank you for your assistance with keeping your child home on these Staff Development days.