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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As Term 1 draws to a close today, we pause to reflect with gratitude on a wonderful beginning to the school year. It has been a true gift to welcome our new Kindergarten cohort to the school community. These youngest members have settled in beautifully, supported by their teachers and peers, and are already embracing the routines and rhythm of school life with enthusiasm and joy.
Across all year levels, students have shown excellent commitment to their learning. Classrooms have been alive with curiosity, creativity and deep engagement – a true testament to the dedication of both our students and their teachers. The parent and teacher meetings over the last two weeks have been well attended. Thank you to our teachers for sharing the students’ learning progress with parents and carers.
This term, we also celebrated the strength of our school community through a number of key events. Our Parents and Friends gatherings provided valuable opportunities for connection and collaboration, and the school working bee was a fantastic example of our community spirit in action. The Easter raffle was an extraordinary success! Thank you to all who contributed time and energy to these events.
Faith remains at the heart of all we do. We are especially grateful for the opportunity for individual grades to attend Friday Masses, and we congratulated the Year 3 students when they received the Sacrament of Penance – a special step in their journey of faith. On Wednesday over 100 students in Years 4-6 showed exceptional reverence when they received Reconciliation in the church. Thank you to Father Joseph and Father Vincent for celebrating this Sacrament with the students.
JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGE – A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES
As part of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, families are invited to grow in faith through pilgrimage, prayer, and acts of charity. The Jubilee offers a unique chance to receive a plenary indulgence by visiting designated pilgrimage sites, receiving the sacraments, and praying for the intentions of the Pope. In our Diocese of Wollongong, Bishop Brian Mascord has named special pilgrimage churches, including St Joseph’s in Kangaroo Valley and St Mary Star of the Sea in Milton. All Year 2–12 students have received a Pilgrim Passport to support their spiritual journey throughout the year. We encourage families to visit these local sacred sites together and embrace this grace-filled opportunity during the Jubilee Year.
This week, our Year 6 students hosted a wonderful ‘Notables’ showcase in their classrooms. Each student selected a notable figure who has played a significant role in shaping various aspects of Australia’s history. Through the creative use of technology, role play, storyboards, and games, students brought these figures to life in engaging and informative ways. The level of effort, research, and presentation was truly outstanding. A sincere thank you to the Year 6 teaching team for guiding the students through this enriching experience, and to the families who came along to support and celebrate their work. Click here to view more photos of 6 Red.
Our students have also shone on the sporting field this term. We have celebrated outstanding individual and team achievements, and our recent Cross Country Carnival was a highlight – showcasing perseverance, sportsmanship and school spirit. Today we congratulate all Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two students who engaged in our Mini Cross Country event at school. Thank you to Ms Callaghan, Mr Allmark and all staff for their organisation of our cross country events.
As Principal, I extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff whose unwavering commitment to the learning and wellbeing of every student is at the core of our success. Their passion, professionalism, and care have made this term a rich and rewarding one. I would like to personally thank the numerous students, families and staff who have congratulated me on my transition to retirement. I have been privileged to work within St Michael's Catholic Primary School Nowra for the last twelve years and will have my last day at the end of the year. We have a very special school community.
As we enter Holy Week, we turn our hearts and minds to the most sacred time in the Church’s year. In just two days we will celebrate Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We then journey with Him through the events of the Passion – His suffering, death on the Cross on Good Friday, and finally, His glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday. This central mystery of our faith reminds us of the hope and new life that comes through Christ. We pray that all our families experience the deep joy and peace of the risen Lord, and enjoy a truly blessed Easter celebration.
We wish all our families a safe and restful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back for the start of Term 2 on Tuesday 29 April 2025.
Yours in faith & virtue
Christopher Paton
School Principal
PROJECT COMPASSION
LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE www.CathEvents.org.au
This new website has more than one hundred opportunities to participate in prayer gatherings, formation days, parish renewal training, caminos, professional development and more.
Now available on Australia’s Catholic events hub, CathEvents. Find online and in-person events to help connect with God and your fellow Catholics!
HOLY WEEK PROGRAM 2025
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
This week, each class prayed and reflected on the 14 Stations of the Cross using Aboriginal images, as a way of remembering Jesus' journey to the cross. The students' prayerful participation in the Stations of the Cross demonstrated their understanding of this most significant event in the Church's calendar.
Martine Mathieson
Religious Education Coordinator
Term 2 Week 1
| Monday 28 April |
Staff Development Day - Pupil Free Day (School Closed) |
| Tuesday 29 April | Students return for Term 2 |
| Wednesday 30 April | Rehearsals for School Musical 3:15pm - 5pm |
| Thursday 1 May | Mother's Day Raffle commences |
| Friday 2 May |
ANZAC Ceremony 10am |
| Saturday 3 May |
Kindergarten 2026 Enrolment Interview Day |
Term 2 Week 2
| Monday 5 May |
Mother's Day Stall this week. |
| Tuesday 6 May |
Diocesan Cross Country (Selected students) |
| Wednesday 7 May |
Rehearsals for School Musical 3:15pm - 5pm |
| Thursday 8 May | |
| Friday 9 May |
Upcoming Dates for the Diary
| Tuesday 13 May |
P&F Meeting 6pm (All welcome) Mother's Day Raffle Drawn today |
| Friday 24 October |
St Michael's 'The Jungle Book' Musical -7pm TBC |
| Saturday 25 October |
St Michael's 'The Jungle Book' Musical (2 shows) |
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our talented athletes and share some exciting opportunities coming up in Term 2.
RUGBY LEAGUE SUCCESS - FINN GODDARD & MASON MILLIGAN
Congratulations to Finn Goddard and Mason Milligan, who trialled for the Wollongong Diocesan Rugby League Team on Tuesday 1 April. Competing against approximately 60 students in a round-robin format, both boys were selected to participate in the “Possibles vs Probables” match at the end of the day. After impressing selectors, Finn and Mason secured their place in the final Diocesan team. They will now represent Wollongong at the MacKillop Trials in Canberra on Friday 9 May. Well done, boys!
SOUTHERN SOCCER TRIALS – GOALKEEPING GLORY FOR ARCHIE
Lillian Barker, Liam Green, Charles Meagher, Archie Richards, Ollie Soper and Caden Wynn recently represented at the Southern Soccer Trials, playing against some of the region’s best young players.
A special congratulations to Archie Richards, who was invited to a second round of trials, this time competing against players from the Western Wollongong region. Showcasing outstanding goalkeeping skills, Archie was selected for the Wollongong Representative Team and will now compete at the MacKillop Trials in Sydney at the end of May. What an incredible achievement!
UPCOMING ATHLETICS CARNIVAL- ENTRIES NOW OPEN
Event details for our upcoming Athletics Carnival are now available on Compass. Families are asked to nominate their child for either the competitive or non-competitive events.
- Competitive events are for students who wish to represent St Michael’s at the Diocesan South Coast Athletics Trials in Wollongong on Friday 8 August.
- Non-competitive events offer students the chance to enjoy a fun, friendly race without the pressure of competition—perfect for those wanting to be involved in the spirit of the day.
Please note: Entries for the competitive carnival close on Thursday 1 May. Late entries will not be accepted. Be sure to complete all participation questions via Compass to secure your child’s entry.
NETBALL GALA DAY
Nominations are now open for the Netball Gala Day which will be held on Tuesday 24 June at Berkley for girls in Years 3 to 6.
Due to the limited numbers of students we are able to take, this event is open only those girls who currently play netball. We are only able to take one girls team of ten students from each grade, from Years 3 to 6 and one Year 6 boys.
Nominations close Friday 2 May, and a fee (to be confirmed) will apply to cover participation in this event. No late entries will be accepted.
Netball Gala Day Nomination Link
AFL PAUL KELLY CUP – CALLING YEAR 5 & 6 PLAYERS
Students in Years 5 and 6 are invited to nominate for the AFL Paul Kelly Cup. This is a progressive round robin competition, with winning teams progressing to the South Coast Finals in Ulladulla.
- Mouthguards are highly recommended.
- A $3 entry fee applies.
- Only students with exemplary behaviour will be eligible to represent the school, with final approval by Mr Paton.
Nominations close Friday 11 April. No late entries will be accepted.
Paul Kelly Cup Nomination link
We’re incredibly proud of the sportsmanship and skill displayed by our students, and we look forward to a fun and active term ahead!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Diocesan Cross Country – Tuesday 6 May (Selected students only)
School Athletics Carnival – Friday 9 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
YEAR ONE & KINDERGARTEN UPDATE
Last week, Year One introduced themselves to the new Kindergarten Defence students and engaged in crafting Easter decorations.
MAKING WREATHS
We have been busy creating wreaths for our four local marches.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ST MICHAEL'S GRADUATE, LUCY BACALES
Congratulations to St Michael's graduate and current Year 9 St John's student, Lucy Balcales on her recent achievement in the ANZAC Art Competition.
Lucy was presented with her medal and certificate at the RSL All Schools ANZAC Commemoration on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park.
Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor-General of NSW, presented her award. Lucy also had the opportunity to meet Dallas McInerney, the head of Catholic Schools NSW.
Lucy’s artwork was featured on the program's front cover, and she was a VIP guest at the service. Following the service, Lucy spent time with artists at the Art Museum. What an outstanding achievement, Lucy! We are so proud of you.
Lucy, her family and I will attend the Martin Place Dawn Service as VIPs, sitting with the Prime Minister and Governor General.
We are incredibly honoured this is all part of an outstanding award.
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.
Following the march, students must remain with the supervising teacher until they are dismissed.
ANZAC DAY CEREMONY
We look forward to the participation of Defence families in our ANZAC Assembly to be held during the first week of Term 2, on Friday 2 May. Following the assembly, defence students and families are invited to join us for morning tea.
Lest we forget.
Mrs Julie Lawrence
Defence School Mentor
TERM 1 WRAP UP - THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL START TO 2025!
As Term 1 comes to a close, the P&F would love to take a moment to reflect on a term filled with energy, connection, and community spirit. Thank you to every student, parent, carer, and staff member who helped make it such a successful start to the year.
EASTER RAFFLE – OVER $3,700 RAISED!
We’re thrilled to share that our Easter Raffle raised just over $3,700 – a phenomenal achievement! These funds will go directly towards new decodable readers for our classrooms and upgrades to our back playground.
Thank you to all the families who purchased tickets, donated prizes, and supported the raffle.
We’d also like to give a big shout-out to the fabulous team of volunteers who wrapped the hampers with such care and creativity. Your thoughtful touch made every prize extra special:
Congratulations to Our Prize Winners! Congratulations to all our raffle prize winners.
MOTHER'S DAY STALL & RAFFLE
Looking Ahead – Mother’s Day Stall & Raffle. We’re already planning our next fundraiser – the Mother’s Day Stall and Raffle. The raffle will kick off on Thursday 1 May, and the stall will run in Week 2. This much-loved event gives students the chance to choose something special for the amazing mums, grandmothers and carers in their lives.
We’re calling on local businesses and families to support the raffle by donating prizes, vouchers or cash contributions to help us purchase fantastic prizes. Businesses that contribute will be featured on our school social media pages, newsletters, and promotional flyers – a great way to show your support and connect with our school community! The winners will be drawn on 13th May. If you’re able to contribute, please contact us at stmichaels@gmail.com or send us a direct message via our social media channels by Wednesday, 24th April.
We’re also looking for helpers to run the stall before and after school – if you’re able to lend a hand, we’d love your support.
We hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday break with your loved ones.
We can't wait to bring you more exciting events and opportunities to connect in Term 2. Stay tuned – and thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
St Michael’s P&F Committee
stmichaelspnf@gmail.com
Applications for Kindergarten 2026 enrolments were due on Monday 7 April 2025. We have received over 90 applications. If you know of anyone yet to apply or to complete their application, please remind them to finalise their application as soon as possible.
Kindergarten 2026 enrolment interviews will be held on Saturday 3 May 2025. During the upcoming school holidays, an invitation to book an interview time will be sent to families who have completed the application form and provided all required information. We are unable to enrol students who have not provided all necessary information, therefore incomplete applications will not receive the invitation to book an interview.
This link is also available on our school website.
There is misinformation that
If the State and Commonwealth Government were to reduce funding to
Show your support for means-tested school funding which has made the Australian education system one of the world’s most equitable, by signing up on the following link or visiting https://www.keepfundingfair.org.au/
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.
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.
