Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Today all students attended a St Michael’s Feast Day liturgy in the hall or a St Michael’s Feast Day Mass in the church. These two important liturgical celebrations gave the students an opportunity to celebrate the patron saint of our parish, St Michael the Archangel who is a brave protector and helps fight against evil. He is often depicted with a sword, defending those in need. People look to him for courage and guidance when they face challenges. St Michael reminds us that we can be strong and stand up for what is right. Students in our school are encouraged to be upstanders and always stand up for what is right. Using the school virtues of respect, compassion, service and inclusion, our students are like St Michael the Archangel in many ways. The official Feast Day for St Michael the Archangel is 29 September, 2024. Thank you to Father Joseph, Mrs Rutkowski, Mrs Callaghan, Mrs Boyton and all staff who assisted with the two celebrations. 

Last Friday the students in Year 5 attended a two day leadership camp at Waterslea Christian Centre. Day 1 was led by student leadership expert, Cameron Brown. All students reported that the activities were meaningful but fun! Mrs Palmer, Mr Allmark and Mrs Betts organised the Day 2 activities, supported by Mrs Lettman, Ms Cook, Ms Myers and Mrs Brant. I attended the camp for the Thursday evening meal and prayer, followed by night activities and eventually sleep. Year 5 parents and caregivers should be very proud of all the students who attended the camp. Exemplary behaviour was exhibited. Thank you to all of our staff who attended the camp to support the leadership training for the students. 

On Monday 23 September 2024, Year 1 attended an excursion to Tilbury Cove in Culburra. Another excellent educational opportunity, well planned by the Year 1 staff. I was fortunate, along with a number of parents and staff, to attend this excursion. The students loved the opportunity to discover numerous aspects about the land and sea environments. Thank you to staff and families for supporting this excursion in such an active way. 

Other recent excursions have included Year 5 & 6 attending Roxy Cinema to watch the ‘Wild Robot ‘ movie, based on the book read by these students. Year 2 students also attended Roxy Cinema to watch ‘ The Runt’, based on the book read by these students. Last week the Year 5 & 6 students presented their Christmas Art entries in the hall and library. All students in the school and a number of parents opted for the opportunity to view these artworks. What an amazing effort by all students in Year 5 & 6. The winning entries are in this week’s newsletter.  Last Thursday and Friday, a number of students from Years 3, 4 and 6 attended a Basketball Gala Day at Shellharbour. Again, wonderful sportsmanship by our students, well supported by St Michael’s staff. 

On Tuesday 17 September 2024, 6 students from Year 5 & Year 6 participated in the annual Public Speaking Competition. Mrs Heffernan, Mrs Rutkowski and I judged the amazing speeches prepared by the 12 students, using specific criteria. Congratulations to Phoebe Guyatt (Year 5) and Bridget Gonzaga (Year 6) who will represent our school at the Diocesan level.

This term students have been focusing on Dance in their Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) lessons with Mrs Viki Boyton.  Students in Years 3-6 have been composing and choreographing short dance pieces around a particular theme.

Year 3 and 4 have been focusing on 'The Great Space Adventure' whilst Year 5 and 6 students composed and choreographed a short dance piece based on Dr Seuss' 'classic childrens' tale, The Lorax'. The Lorax explores the interconnected world of nature and the possible damage if we don't act responsibly, providing a timeless call to protect and preserve our natural resources. Early this week, students showcased their dances to an audience, including family members. It was an outstanding event which was thoroughly enjoyed by the students and audience. We are grateful for the positive feedback and thank our CAPA teacher, Mrs Viki Boyton for her organisation of this event as well as the amazing students for their commitment, positive attitudes and fabulous performances.

On Wednesday this week I shared the following sad news with Year 3 families from Mrs Mathieson’s class.

The school will be having a Working Bee on Saturday 19 October 2024 from 8.30am to 2pm. This will be the first Working Bee for the year. Important and much needed jobs will include line marking for handball courts, painting of the yellow markings on the steps for safety, a mile of gardening, some minor rectification of paving around the flagpole area and some carpentry to replace one or two rotted sleepers near the new God’s Grass area. A google doc seeking your support will be sent to all families during the first week of the student vacation. Please commit when you receive the doc. The tasks and skill levels required will be clearly stated on the google doc and the more assistance we receive the better. If we could have a 100 people for just gardening, that would have an immediate impact on improving the aesthetic nature of the playground for your child. Hopefully all sport commitments will be finished by this time. We need your help! 

As we complete our last school day for Term 3, may I extend a big thankyou to all students and staff for working so hard for the entire term. Our school is very fortunate to have such dedicated staff. I wish all families a most wonderful and relaxing break for the next two weeks. Students will return to school for Term 4 on Tuesday 15 October 2024.