Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the new school term. The students have all returned settled and ready for learning. As with all aspects of school life, we have experienced a number of significant events and activities in the first two weeks. The most significant event since the end of last term has been the death of Pope Francis. It appears that the whole world stopped and observed the passing of this significant person in the lives of Catholics, Christians and the general world population. His impact has been significant and the Conclave in Rome has now commenced to elect the next Pope. Please keep Pope Francis in your prayers as the Catholic Church elects his successor. 

In a significant way on Monday 28th April, our staff came together at Culburra Surf Club for a special Spirituality Day focused on ecological conversion, inspired by Laudato Si’. This was based on the writings and theology of Pope Francis. Guided by Beth Riolo from the Catholic Life Education Mission Team, we explored our faith and our responsibility to care for our common home through prayer, poetry, art, music, and reflection. The day invited us to listen deeply - to the song of creation and the cry of the Earth and the poor - awakening in us a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Staff engaged in rich conversations and quiet Sabbath Time, deepening their understanding of eco spirituality and our call to live sustainably and faithfully. In light of Pope Francis’ passing, it was a meaningful and inspiring experience that will continue to shape our shared mission as a Catholic learning community.

Last Friday St Michael’s school commemorated ANZAC Day with an assembly in the school hall. The commemoration began with a bagpipe-led procession and an Acknowledgement of Country, honouring the traditional custodians and the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australia’s military history. Special guests were welcomed, including local dignitaries, military personnel, and school community members. Navy Chaplain Nigel Porter delivered a Gospel reading and reflection, followed by commemorative presentations and speeches, including one from Lieutenant Tim Farrell, a former student and current Royal Australian Navy officer. 

The ceremony featured a tribute to the bugle’s history, a beautiful poem, and a moving rendition of “I Am Australian – ANZAC Version” by the school choir. A formal remembrance followed with The Ode, the Last Post, a minute of silence, and the Reveille, as well as a flower-laying ceremony. The assembly concluded with national anthems, a final prayer, recognition of military families, and an invitation to morning tea in the Parish Centre, organised by the school’s Parents and Friends group. Thank you to the many school staff who were involved in planning the commemoration, ably led by the School Defence Mentor, Julie Lawrence. Congratulations to the students who assisted in the commemoration and the school choir who sang so beautifully.  

Today the students in Years 3-6 attended the annual Athletics Carnival at Sanctuary Point. A special thank you is extended to Mr Allmark and the staff who organised and ran the carnival, assisted by numerous parents. Organising such an event is a mammoth effort and it was once again a very successful day. Mr Allmark will share a summary of the carnival in the next newsletter. Well done all. 

TWO NEW TEMPORARY STAFF APPOINTMENTS

At the end of last term the school interviewed a strong field of applicants for the temporary (until the end of 2025) positions of Middle Leader 1 ICLT and Instructional Coach (one day a week). I congratulate these two teachers on their appointments for the remainder of the year:

• Middle Leader 1 ICLT: Andrew Allmark
• Instructional Coach: Keely Pederson

Both of the teachers will continue to teach their classes four days a week and will be released one day a week to fulfil their new roles. Mrs Michelle Moulton will teach Mrs Pederson’s class each Wednesday and Mr Allmark's class each Thursday. 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DEACON PETER PRESDEE

Last week a number of staff and I gathered in Varroville to honour the life of Deacon Peter Presdee, whose passing on Good Friday marked a deeply symbolic end to a life lived in the spirit of Christ’s own sacrifice. Peter's journey - from political advocate to ordained Deacon - was one of profound transformation, shaped by a deep faith and a heart that beat always for those on the margins. Whether through his ministry at St Michael’s Catholic Parish in Nowra or his chaplaincy at the South Coast Correctional Centre, Peter embodied the Gospel message with humility and authenticity. He connected with the incarcerated not from a place of judgment, but with the empathy of someone who “knew the language of the street.” His life reminds us that God’s mercy knows no boundaries, and that even in the darkest places, light can break through.

Peter's ministry was never his alone. It was a shared vocation with his beloved wife, Robyn. Together, they became a living witness to Christ’s love, adapting and serving creatively through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and offering comfort where it was most needed - whether to grieving prison officers, struggling families, or a couple desperate for prayer. Peter’s kindness knew no prejudice; his faith, no limits. Through his homilies, teachings, and presence, he leaves behind not only memories, but a legacy of compassion, inclusion, and hope. As we commend his soul to God, we give thanks for a life that truly reflected the servant-hearted love of Christ. May Deacon Peter Presdee rest in God's arms. 

Obituary of Rev. Deacon Peter Kevin Presdee

Today families received a compass alert which provided a link to an annual survey called ‘Tell Them From Me'. Staff, parents and students in Years 4-6 will complete this survey for the first time in 2024. If you are able to spend a short time completing the survey, the information you provide is valuable feedback for the school. Last week families also received a survey to be completed for Mrs Martine Mathieson, our Religious Education Coordinator who is undergoing an appraisal in two weeks time. Your support with both surveys is much appreciated. 

Advance notice is given for the next pupil free Staff Development Day which will occur on Tuesday 10 June 2025. This day follows the June long weekend. Students will return to school after the June long weekend on Wednesday 11 June 2025. 

We would also like to remind families that students are to wear their full Winter School Uniform commencing Monday 12 May. Lowes Schoolwear, suppliers of St Michael's uniforms, will be holding a 20% off sale next Wednesday - Friday, should you need to purchase new uniforms.

Yours in faith & virtue

Christopher Paton

School Principal

MOTHER'S DAY LITURGY

Yesterday we celebrated God's gift of mothers with a special Mother's Day Liturgy followed by a 'Munch and Crunch' picnic. Unfortunately due to the ominous clouds, the Liturgy took place in the school hall, where we gave thanks and praise for Mothers, the women in our lives who love us and care for us. 

The sun came out for our picnic and it was lovely to see many students enjoying a picnic with their mums and grandmas. 

Wishing all our Mothers and those of you who may not be Mothers, but are nurturing and being maternal in your care and love for others, a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY filled with joy and appreciation for all the love and care you give.

Martine Mathieson

Religious Education Coordinator

Today, students from Years 3 to 6 participated in our Athletics Carnival at Sanctuary Point Oval. The day was filled with fun, energy, and great sportsmanship as students competed in a mix of competitive races and non-competitive events. It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves. Over the next month, we will be conducting the field events at school, giving students a chance to practice before they compete.

RUBGY LEAGUE & UNION REPRESENTATIVES

On Friday 2 May, Mason Milligan and Finn Goddard from Year 6 travelled to St Gregory’s College to trial for the Wollongong Diocesan Rugby Team. It was a perfect day for rugby with clear skies and great playing conditions. The boys faced some tough competition from across the diocese but performed exceptionally well. We are thrilled to announce that both Mason and Finn were selected for the Wollongong team! They will now go on to compete at the MacKillop Trials in Forbes at the end of June. We wish them the very best!

Today, Finn and Mason also competed in the MacKillop Rugby League Trials in Canberra. Joining them was Havannah Flugler from Year 6, who represented our school in the Netball Trials. We are proud of their efforts and look forward to sharing more about their experience in our next newsletter.

DIOCESAN CROSS COUNTRY

Due to the wet conditions of the track, the Diocesan Cross Country, scheduled for Tuesday 6 May was postponed and will now be held on Tuesday 27 May.

If you have any questions about sports or any events coming up please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Kind regards

Andrew Allmark

Sports Coordinator

ANZAC DAY MARCH

As we enter Term 2, I thank all the staff and students who marched on ANZAC Day and proudly represented our school at various local marches, including Shoalhaven Heads Dawn Service, Greenwell Point Dawn Service, Huskisson, Nowra, Bomaderry March and the Martin Place Dawn Service. 

ANZAC ASSEMBLY

Our annual ANZAC Memorial Ceremony and morning tea were held on Friday 2 May. Thanks to the many special guests who joined us to honour those who have served our country, past and present.

The respect shown by all students during the ceremony was exemplary. I am so proud of everyone who contributed, specifically the Defence students who had reading roles.

Thank you to Lieutenant Timothy Farrell for the ANZAC address and the Parish volunteers who organised morning tea.

Click here for further ANZAC Day Recounts

Mrs Julie Lawrence

Defence School Mentor

WELCOME TO TERM 2!

We hope all families had a restful and joyful break and are ready for a busy Term Two ahead.

MOTHER'S DAY STALL
It was heartwarming to see so many smiling faces as the children carefully selected gifts for their loved ones at our Mother’s Day Stall. A huge shout out to Margaret Gassling and Rebecca Want, as well as the entire P&F Committee, for your dedication in preparing and running the stall this week.

DON'T FORGET THE MOTHER'S DAY RAFFLE!
There are some incredible prizes up for grabs thanks to our generous sponsors – don’t miss out! Ticket sales close at 8am on Monday 12 May.

Purchase your raffle tickets here. or on the following link https://rafflelink.com.au/smnmothers-day-2025.

Mother's Day Raffle Tickets 

Thank You to Our Wonderful Raffle Sponsors
We are extremely grateful to the following businesses for their generous donations:

• JLH Plumbing & Gas
• Manildra Group
• Scruples Hair and Beauty
• South Coast Lock & Key
• Insight Legal Solutions
• The Hanger
• Bomo Bulk

Please support those who support our school!

NEXT P&F MEETING

Tuesday 13 May at 6pm in the Staff Room

All are welcome! Whether you're a familiar face or new to the community, we’d love to see you at our next meeting. It’s a great opportunity to get involved, share ideas, and help shape what’s ahead for Term 2 and beyond.

STAY CONNECTED – FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Want to stay in the loop with everything happening at St Michael’s?
Follow the St Michael’s P&F on:

• Facebook: P&F Events Page
• Instagram: St Michael’s P&F Association

By following our pages, you’ll receive:

• Event and fundraiser reminders
• Important community updates
• Fun photos and highlights from school activities

Join us online and be part of the conversation!

Warm regards,

St Michael’s P&F Committee
stmichaelspnf@gmail.com

The second term of  our Garden Club is under way with Poppy John Waterhouse.

Poppy John is a former student of St Michael's, attending the school from 1950 through to 1958.

He is also a father, grandfather and great grandfather to past and present students.

Poppy John joins us at school on Tuesday and Wednesdays during lunch time to run our Garden Club.

Everyone is welcome at the garden club.

Throughout this time the students learn about sustainable vegetable gardening.

Poppy passes on his extensive knowledge of how to minimise environmental impact while growing food to our students. Focusing on practices like organic growing, composting, reducing water usage, and using natural pest control methods.

The students are hands-on with a vast variety of gardening tools, as well as elbows deep in plants, soil, and a whole lot of fun.

The Gardening Club students plan to use the produce from our winter crop for a vegetable store, selling the vegetables to staff. 

The goal being to raise enough money to buy seeds for our spring planting.

Thank you Poppy John. Happy harvesting!

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.

School Canteen Online Orders

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.

William_Campbell_Foundation_Flyer.pdf

William_Campbell_Foundation_Flyer _pdf 817.13 KB

2_NOWRA_15th_May.pdf

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ILLAROO_SCOUT_GROUP_1_.pdf

ILLAROO_SCOUT_GROUP_1 pdf 1.81 MB

Food_Relief_Poster.pdf

Food_Relief_Poster _pdf 395.82 KB

Resilience_program_for_students.pdf

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