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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Our Year 3 and Year 5 students have now completed NAPLAN for 2025, and we acknowledge their hard work, resilience, and determination throughout this process. A big thank you to our dedicated teachers, SSOs, and AEAs for their careful planning and unwavering support of all students. We also recognise the vital role parents have played in fostering a positive mindset and ensuring their children were well prepared. Well done to everyone involved!
A huge thank you to the 30 families who generously gave their time and effort at our recent school Working Bee on Saturday 15 March 2025. Your enthusiasm and dedication surpassed all expectations, and we were able to complete almost every task on our list! It was wonderful to see students, parents, and staff coming together, not only to enhance our school environment but also to build connections within our community. Working bees like this are a fantastic opportunity for families to get to know one another while ensuring our children have the best possible spaces to learn and play. We are truly blessed to have such a supportive and engaged school community. Thank you once again for your generosity and commitment.
On Thursday 20 March, four of our Stage 3 students accompanied Mrs Warner to the CEO Wollongong Environment Network (WEN) Day, an annual event promoting ecological awareness and leadership. Syd Warner, Kobe Weir, Emily Gonzaga and Alfonsa Arfenoni connected their social justice actions with prayer, deepening their faith within the community. Engaging in formation activities, they learned strategies to lead ecological initiatives at school and care for God’s creation. A key moment was their commissioning as Eco-Ambassadors, receiving Wollongong Environment Network (WEN) badges to mark their commitment to environmental stewardship. St Michael's is looking forward to these students leading some environmental initiatives at school.
This term, some grades have experienced challenges with behaviour, including technology misuse, friendship exclusion, and rough playground play. In response, students have participated in targeted lessons and teacher intervention to help them understand and improve their actions. Next term, all grades will engage in age-appropriate learning about bullying - what it is, how to recognise it, and how to respond effectively. Our goal is to continue to foster a school culture using the Virtues of Respect, Compassion and Inclusion, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.
During the final two weeks of school, all families will have the opportunity to book a ten minute parent teacher interview. This will be an opportunity to briefly discuss your child’s first two months at school and is an opportunity for a two way discussion about their progress. Please book these interviews using the online Compass portal - information has been provided.
School resumes for Term 2 on Tuesday 29 April 2025. All staff will return on Monday 28 April for a Spirituality Day - Pupil free. All families are invited to attend St Michael’s Commemoration of ANZAC Day on Friday 2 May 2025. Mrs Julie Lawrence, our Defence mentor has prepared a very meaningful Commemoration ceremony. The last school newsletter for Term 1 will be shared with you on Friday 11 April 2025.
IN MEMORY OF AIRLIE MONTGOMERY
It is with great sadness, that I share the news of the passing of Airlie Montgomery, the younger sister of Arya Montgomery in Year 3. Airlie passed away on Sunday 16 March. Our thoughts and prayers are with Arya, her parents Corey and Katie, and her baby brother Lawson during this heartbreaking time.
Corey & Katie would like to invite those who have been touched by Airlie, to please join them in celebrating her life of love and laughter by gathering at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (Bridge Road Nowra) at 11am on Thursday 3 April.
Corey and Katie have a request for those attending to wear something purple, as that is Airlie's favourite colour. The service will be live-streamed via the following link;
https://murphyfamilyfunerals.com.au/tribute/details/1960/Airlie-Montgomery/obituary.html
Let us keep the Montgomery family in our prayers. May Airlie rest in God’s loving embrace.
Yours in faith & virtue
Christopher Paton
School Principal
Week 10 - Parent Teacher Meetings (Book through Compass)
| Monday 31 March |
Football Diocese Trials (Selected students) |
| Tuesday 1 April |
League Diocese Trials (Selected students) |
| Wednesday 2 April | |
| Thursday 3 April | |
| Friday 4 April |
Week 11 - Parent Teacher Meetings (Book through Compass)
| Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 April |
Sacrament of Confirmation Registration (Year 6) |
| Monday 7 April |
Kindergarten 2026 Enrolment Applications Due |
| Tuesday 8 April |
P&F Meeting 6pm (All welcome) Year 6 'Night of the Notables' 4:30pm - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday 9 April | |
| Thursday 10 April | |
| Friday 11 April |
Final Day of Term 1 Infants (K-2) Cross Country 12pm Back Oval |
Upcoming Dates for the Diary
| Monday 28 April |
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day) |
| Tuesday 29 April |
Students return for Term 2 |
| Friday 2 May |
ANZAC Ceremony 10am |
| Tuesday 6 May |
Diocesan Cross Country (Selected students) |
| Saturday 3 May |
Kindergarten 2026 Enrolment Interview Day |
| Tuesday 13 May |
P&F Meeting 6pm (All welcome) |
PROJECT COMPASSION
Martine Mathieson
Religious Education Coordinator
Applications for Kindergarten 2026 enrolment are due by Monday 7 April 2025.
This link is also available on our school website.
Kindergarten 2026 enrolment interviews will be held on Saturday 3 May 2025. During mid-late April, applicants will be sent an email with an invitation to book an interview time. Invitations will only be sent to applicants who have completed the form, providing all necessary information and signatures.
If you know anyone considering enrolment for their child, we ask that you please share this information.
AFL
On Tuesday 25 March, our Year 3 and 4 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the AFL Gala Day at Nowra Showground. It was a fantastic day filled with fun, teamwork, and friendly competition as students played other local school teams. The event was a wonderful chance for the children to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with their friends while participating in a great sport. All our students had an amazing time, showing off their skills and sportsmanship!
On the same day, Charles Meagher (Year 6), traveled to Wagga Wagga to compete in the MacKillop AFL Trials. Demonstrating his versatility on the field, Charles excelled in both the forward and back lines, skillfully playing as a goal sneak and as a defender. His efforts contributed to the team's success, securing two wins out of the four games played.
Beyond the competition, Charles made the most of his time in Wagga, relishing the chance to build new friendships and challenge himself in a high-level football environment. Congratulations to Charles on his outstanding performance and dedication.
AFL PAUL KELLY CUP - NOMINATIONS OPEN
Students in Years 5 and 6 are invited to nominate their interest in representing St Michael's in the AFL Paul Kelly Cup. The Paul Kelly Cup is a progressive round robin with the winning teams in each group having the option to progress to the next stage of playing in the South Coast Final on a later date in Ulladulla. Mouthguards are highly recommended if students participate. There will be a cost of $3 to cover the entry for this event. Parents are reminded that a student will only be able to represent their school if their behaviour is exemplary, with Mr Paton providing the final approval for students to represent the school.
Please note that nominations close on Friday 11 April. No nominations will be accepted after this. Nomination link
FINN GODDARD- NSW DOUBLE STATE BRONZE MEDALLIST
Last weekend, Finn Goddard of Year 5 competed in the 800m & 1,500m at the NSW State Little Athletics Championships.
In a true test of patience , persistence and resilience, Finn finished his 2025/25 track season with a massive 13 second personal best time in the 1500 and a 6 second personal best in the 800m. These achievements placed Finn in 3rd position of both races to come home with 2 NSW State Bronze medals.
Finn's sportsmanship, the way he conducts himself on and off the track were commended by so many.
We are super proud of his achievements.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Infants Cross Country – 11th May (School Oval)
Diocesan Cross Country – 6th May (Selected students only)
School Athletics Carnival – 9th May (Years 3-6 only)
If you have any questions about sport or upcoming events, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards
Andrew Allmark
Sports Coordinator
Preparations for the annual ANZAC Day events are well underway.
Throughout the next two weeks, students of Defence families will be rehearsing for the ANZAC Ceremony and making wreaths for the school service and local marches.
Following the ANZAC Day Ceremony, all Defence students and their families are welcome to attend morning tea in the Parish Centre. Please email Mrs Lawrence if you wish to attend. (lawrencej01@dow.catholic.edu.au )
ALBATROSS OPEN DAY
It was wonderful to see many families attending the Albatross Open Day on Saturday 1 March 2025. It was an excellent display!
ANZAC DAY MARCH
St Michael's will be attending the following four ANZAC marches in the community on Friday 25 April, 2025. Students are required to wear their Winter school uniform.
Folloing the march, students must remain with the supervising teacher until they are dismissed.
Lest we forget.
Mrs Julie Lawrence
Defence School Mentor
EASTER RAFFLE NOW LIVE!
Hop into the Easter spirit and grab your tickets for the 2025 Easter Raffle! With eggcellent prizes up for grabs, you won’t want to miss out.
Prizes:
1st Prize – $100 Easter Eggstravaganza Hamper
2nd Prize – $80 Easter Eggstravaganza Hamper
3rd Prize – $70 Easter Eggstravaganza Hamper
4th Prize – $60 Easter Eggstravaganza Hamper
5th Prize – $50 Easter Eggstravaganza Hamper
PLUS 20 x $25 Easter Hampers also up for grabs!
Purchase Easter Raffle Tickets
All funds raised will go towards new decodable readers for our classrooms and the back oval upgrade project – a great way to support our students' learning and play.
Donations Needed (by April 4th):
We kindly ask every family to contribute towards our raffle. Suggested donations include:
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Easter eggs
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Easter-themed crafts
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Wrapping materials
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Cash (used to purchase extra prizes)
Buy your tickets here:
https://rafflelink.com.au/
Please note: This raffle is conducted by a third-party provider, RaffleLink. All winning tickets are drawn at random through their system to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Please share this link with friends and family to purchase tickets and support this fundraiser.
Thank you for your support and generosity – let’s make this raffle the best one yet!
Volunteers Needed for Hamper Wrapping!
In addition to donations, we’ll also be asking for volunteers to help us wrap our hampers. If you have some time to spare and a knack for creative presentation, we’d love your help!
Keep an eye out on our social media pages and Compass for details on how you can assist.
SAVE THE DATES- UPCOMING P&F MEETINGS
Our Parents & Friends (P&F) meetings are a fantastic opportunity for parents and carers to get involved, share ideas, and help make a positive impact on our school community.
- Tuesday 8 April – 6pm
- Tuesday 13 May – 6pm
Pencil these dates in your diary — we'd love to see you there! Whether you're a seasoned attendee or joining us for the first time, we encourage you to come along. The P&F plays a vital role in organising school events, fundraisers, and community initiatives — and we’d love your input!
Your ideas, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives are always welcome.
WORKING BEE - THANK YOU
Thank you to the wonderful families who supported our recent Working Bee and BBQ. Staff and students are very grateful for your fantastic efforts in tidying our school gardens.
St Michael’s P&F Association
stmichaelspnf@gmail.com
Thank you to Meagan's Kitchen for providing our wonderful canteen service.
Our school canteen is managed by Meagan's Kitchen, operating four days per week (Tuesday-Friday).
Lunch orders may be placed by online through 'My School Connect' on the following link. (Also available beneath the parent tab on our school website). A reminder for parents/carers, lunch orders for Fridays are to be placed by 1pm Thursday.
ASPIRE BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Located in St Michael's school hall, Aspire Before and After School Care provides a safe and nurturing environment for children, outside of regular school hours. Our program is designed to support both the academic and personal growth of each child, offering a variety of activities that promote learning, creativity, and social development.
Our dedicated staff members are highly trained and passionate about providing quality care. They ensure that each child feels valued and encouraged to explore their interests. The program includes homework assistance, recreational activities, and nutritious snacks, all within a structured and supportive setting.
For more information or to enrol your child, please contact Simone Danby at Aspire on 0438 358 118. Simone is available to answer any questions and provide further details about our program offerings.
We look forward to welcoming your child to Aspire Before and After School Care at St Michael's.
3-DAY LANGUAGE & LITERACY GROUP
Being offered during the upcoming school holidays, open to all children aged 8–12 years with reading/literacy challenges. This fun and interactive program will help develop communication, literacy, and social skills through storytelling, reading, and creative activities. Across the sessions we will be joined by a one of Kindred’s OT’s and primary school teacher with special interest in literacy interventions for children with diverse learning needs.
Location: 1/9 Geary Place North Nowra
Cost: $296.73 per session (NDIS Funding approved)
Dates: To be confirmed - in the school holiday period.
Program Goals:
1. Communication (Expressive & Receptive Language)
• Strengthen understanding and expression of ideas through group storytelling using verbal language, gestures, or communication tools.
2. Communication (Literacy & Reading Engagement)
• Build confidence and enjoyment in reading through shared reading, listening to stories, and participating in discussions.
3. Learning (Storytelling & Sequencing)
• Enhance the ability to organise and sequence thoughts by creating and sharing structured stories, supporting cognitive and planning skills.
4. Social Participation (Collaborative Storytelling)
• Develop teamwork, turn-taking, and peer interaction by working together to build and share stories.
5. Motor Skills (Literacy & Reading Engagement)
• Improve fine motor skills through hands-on literacy activities such as drawing, writing, and handling books.
This engaging holiday program runs over three days and provides a supportive and creative space for children to build confidence in their communication and literacy skills.
To secure your child’s place, please email emma@raisedwithjoy.com.au.
NEWSPOWER COLOURING COMPETITION
$500 BUNNY BUCKS VOUCHER
As Easter is approaching, we would like to invite children between the ages of 4 and 7 years old and children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old to participate in our 'Colour to Win' colouring competition. Click here for details.
