Welcome back to a new school term. It has been a relatively quiet start, but the positive application to learning within our school community has been noticeable. While the school is still seeing some lingering sickness with students and staff, we appreciate everyone's efforts to keep our school healthy and safe. Despite the challenging weather this week, the first two weeks have been positive and we are looking forward to a productive and engaging term ahead. During the next two weeks a number of significant events will occur. 

RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT

This Monday, 4 August 2025, the Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA) for Year 4 students in the Diocese of Wollongong will occur. The RLA is a standardised test designed to measure how children process and express their religious knowledge. It consists of a multiple-choice paper that focuses on key concepts taught in Religious Education from Kindergarten to Year 4, and how these concepts relate to daily life. The data collected from this assessment helps inform teaching and learning in schools, guides professional development for educators, and celebrates student achievement in Religious Education.

YEAR 6 MASS WITH BISHOP BRIAN MASCORD

The annual Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord will take place at St Peter and Paul Church in Kiama this coming Tuesday 5 August 2025, bringing together students from across the Diocese of Wollongong. This special yearly event is a significant occasion for all Year 6 students in the Diocese. A small group of our students will be enacting the Gospel reading during the service. Thank you to the Year 6 staff who have assisted in preparing the students for this important role. This mass is always an uplifting and memorable experience for students and staff within the Diocese.

MARY MACKILLOP FEAST DAY

On Friday 8 August 2025, the school will celebrate the Feast of Australia's first saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary was recognised as a saint for her lifelong dedication to God and her tireless work in establishing schools and charitable institutions for the poor and marginalised. A short prayer will be held for the students in Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2 during the morning assembly in the hall. Students in Years 3-6 will have individual prayer sessions dedicated to St. Mary in their classrooms throughout the day. 

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos will occur on Monday 11 August in the school hall. All documentation regarding the day has been shared with families through Compass. We look forward to all students attending school on Monday dressed in their correct Winter school uniform.  

SOUTH COAST ATHLETICS

Our best wishes are extended to the students who will represent our school at the Diocesan South Coast Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 12 August 2026 at Beaton Park, Wollongong. A number of students who perform well at this carnival will progress through to the Wollongong Diocesan Athletics Carnival at the same venue on Tuesday 19 August 2025. Our best wishes are extended to the students and staff who will attend this carnival. Thank you to parents for transporting these students to and from the carnivals.   

GRANDPARENT'S LITURGY

As shared in previous newsletters, on Friday 15 August 2025 there will be a special Grandparent's Liturgy at 12 noon in the school playground. This is a special day for our school community. At St Michael’s Nowra, grandparents provide invaluable support and guidance to students by offering a stable and loving presence that helps the students navigate the challenges they encounter in their lives. We welcome the active participation of grandparents in our daily school life and look forward to this event.

WINTER SCHOOL DISCO

Tonight many students will attend the ‘Winter School Disco’ organised by our wonderful Parents and Friends group. I am thankful to this generous group of parents who provide so many resources and experiences for our students. Best wishes for tonight! 

Yours in faith & virtue

Christopher Paton

School Principal

ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL

Last term we collected donations to make care packs for the Vinnies Van.
This week our Mini Vinnies team collated these into packs ready to provide to the Vinnies Van upon their visit to our school on Thursday 21 August.
Once again, a big thank you for your support. As a school community we have made 166 packs to support our local community.

 

 

On Friday 22 August our Mini Vinnies team will be participating in our annual Winter Sleepout in the school hall. Students will be raising money for our local St Vincent de Paul Society. If you would like to donate towards this great cause, your donations are most welcome at the school office.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Students in Year 3 and above

Registration for the Sacramental program of First Holy Communion for students in Years 3 and above will be taking place on the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September 2025.

If your child is in Year 3 or above and has been baptised and completed their first Reconciliation sacrament, then they may register in the First Holy program for this year after Mass. A Sacramental Leader will be able to assist with registration at St Michael's Nowra, St Patrick's Berry or Holy Spirit Vincentia. Mass times may be found on the Nowra Parish website or within the Nowra Parish newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact Nowra Parish on 4423 1712 or email nowra@dow.org.au.

Nowra Parish Newsletter 27 July 2025

GRANDPARENT'S DAY

Year 6 will join with other schools from our Diocese to celebrate Mass with the Bishop Brian Mascord on Tuesday 5 August at Ss Peter and Paul’s Kiama.

Martine Mathieson

Religious Education Coordinator

ATHLETICS

Following our Primary Athletics Carnival at Sanctuary Point Oval, we have been finalising the field events during the end of Term 2 and the first week this term. All events are now complete and the results are in!

The overall Winning Colour House is POLDING!

Below are the impressive results of students who excelled in both the track and field events. Champion medallions were presented to these students during this morning's assembly. 

The following students have qualified to represent St Michael’s at the South Coast Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 12 August at Beaton Park, Wollongong.

We wish these students the best of luck at this carnival! 

NSW PSSA STATE CROSS COUNTRY

On Wednesday 23 July, Finn Goddard proudly represented our school at the NSWPSSA Cross Country Championships, competing against 72 of the top runners from across the state. Finn delivered another incredible performance, finishing 11th overall and placing as the first Catholic school runner to cross the line. Congratulations to Finn on his outstanding achievement and dedication to long-distance running.

MASON CONTINUES RUGBY SUCCESS

During the school holidays, Mason Milligan (Year 6) represented Illawarra at the Rugby State Championships. Mason played in the key roles of Hooker and Flanker, where he was instrumental in securing possession at set-pieces and making valuable contributions in open play. He played a vital part in team defence and attack, including scoring a try! Mason’s team went on to be crowned the Best Country Rugby Team in New South Wales. Well done to Mason and his team.

CRICKET GALA DAY- NOMINATE NOW

Students in Years 5 and 6 are invited to nominate for the upcoming Cricket Gala Day, scheduled for Wednesday 16 October. Students interested in participating are asked to submit their nomination via the Google Form by Tuesday 13 August.

If you have any questions about sport or any upcoming events, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Andrew Allmark

Sports Coordinator

- The Jungle Book Team

Barbara McKenna

Library Teacher

Our School Photo Day is scheduled for Week 4, Monday 11 August. Students are required to wear their Winter School Uniform, including the school tie.

With our uniform supplier, Lowes, hosting a 3 day sale from tomorrow (31 July), it is a good time to purchase any items your child may require.

Please find the attached reminder regarding footwear & uniform presentation.

With just under two weeks to go, you may also wish to polish your child's shoes and organise haircuts, if required.

We appreciate your support in maintaining high standards of presentation and school pride.

Dear Families,

My name is Renee Wenban, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Defence
School Mentor.

As part of the Defence School Mentor Program, my role is to support the children of Australian Defence Force (ADF) families as they navigate the unique challenges and transitions that come with Defence life.

I’ll be working closely with students, families, and staff to ensure every Defence student feels welcomed, supported, and connected. Whether it's through one-on-one chats, small group activities, or lunchtime catch-ups, I’m here to provide a consistent and caring presence for your children during their time at St Michael’s.

As someone who is part of a Defence family with two young children, I understand the importance of building trust and a sense of belonging. I look forward to getting to know your children and supporting them throughout their school journey.

I will shortly be in contact with families but in the meantime please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I will be working as the Defence Mentor on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 8:00am to 3:45pm.

Warm regards,

Renee Wenban

Defence School Mentor

wenbanr01@dow.catholic.edu.au

(02) 4421- 3630

Hello St Michael’s Families,

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Winter Disco tonight – it’s shaping up to be a fantastic night of dancing, music and fun. A big thank you to all the volunteers helping to make the event possible!

 

FATHER'S DAY RAFFLE- CALL OUT FOR SPONSORS
We’re currently seeking donations from local businesses for our upcoming Father’s Day Raffle. Vouchers, gifts or cash prizes are all welcome – and it’s a great opportunity to promote your business within our school community. All sponsors will be acknowledged on our socials and in our newsletter. If you or someone you know would like to support the raffle, please get in touch!

 

FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST

Monday 8 September: 7:30am–8:45am
Join us for a special breakfast to celebrate our wonderful dads and father figures.
Can you lend a hand on the BBQ?

We’re looking for volunteers to help with cooking and serving.
Please note: School supervision begins at 8:15am, so children cannot be left unattended before this time.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

DIOCESAN SOCCER GALA DAY CANTEEN

Thursday 29 August
We’re also seeking helpers for the canteen at the Diocesan Soccer Gala Day. Whether you can spare an hour or stay for the day, we’d love your support. Please email stmichaelspnf@gmail.com or send us a message via social media.

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

You’ll find event reminders, community updates, and fun photos from school life.

Warm regards,

St Michael’s P&F Committee
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 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.

 

LOCAL LIBRARIES BOOK WEEK COMPETITION

Shoalhaven Libraries are encouraging students  to enter their Book Week Competition for a chance to win a book voucher and prize pack! Entries are to be delivered to your closest Shoalhaven library branch by 5pm, Friday 22 August 2025 

Winners will be contacted by Friday, 29 August 2025.

See below for details.

K-2 Book Cover Design Competition

Year 3-6 Map Making Design Competition

Little_A_s_25.pdf

Little_A_s_25 _pdf 123.32 KB

Aussie_Hoops_Term_3_pdf.pdf

Aussie_Hoops_Term_3_pdf _pdf 4.91 MB

Lyrebird_50yr_poster_A4_1_.pdf

Lyrebird_50yr_poster_A4_1 pdf 783.82 KB

Minamurra_Rainforest_Brochure.pdf

Minamurra_Rainforest_Brochure _pdf 1.18 MB