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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It's hard to believe we are almost at the halfway mark of this busy term. Our classrooms are filled with energy as students continue to engage in their learning and embrace new challenges.
WINTER DISCO
On Friday 1st August, many of our students attended the school’s Winter Disco. This was a fun-filled event coordinated by our Parents and Friends Association. I would like to thank all our parent volunteers and members of the Parents and Friends Association for providing a successful and memorable event for so many of our students.
MASS WITH BISHOP BRIAN MASCORD
On Tuesday 5th August, Year 6 students attended Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kiama. Our students embodied the spirit of our Catholic faith through their prayerful engagement in the Mass and thoughtful responses to questions posed by Bishop Brian. The students represented St Michael’s with pride and they are commended on their exceptional behaviour.
THE FEAST OF MARY MACKILLOP
On Friday, 8th August, students celebrated the Feast of Mary of the Cross MacKillop by participating in a special prayer to honour Australia's first-ever saint. Mary MacKillop (1842-1909) dedicated her life’s work to ensuring that every child could access a good education, especially in rural and remote areas where there weren't many options for children to learn.
We celebrate Mary MacKillop for her deep faith, kindness, and incredible strength. She overcame many challenges carrying out her mission of helping others. Her feast day is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on her values like compassion, courage, and service, to see how we can bring these qualities into our own lives and families.
Mary MacKillop's values of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith continue to be a powerful guide for Catholic educators today. She taught us that education is more than just a lesson plan; it is a sacred calling to see the face of Christ in every child and to empower them, especially the most vulnerable, with the knowledge and dignity they deserve.
SCHOOL PHOTO DAY
On Monday, we held our annual School Photo Day. School photos are a wonderful opportunity to capture a snapshot of our school community and create lasting memories for your children. Our students looked so smart and proud wearing their full winter school uniforms. We appreciate your support in ensuring everyone was dressed correctly. The consistency in uniform helped our class and individual photos look neat, and it was a wonderful way for our students to represent our school with pride.
GRANDPARENTS' DAY
Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming our families to join us in celebrating Grandparents’ Day. This celebration was a beautiful way to give thanks to God for the gift of grandparents and to ask for His continued blessing on them.
Grandparents’ Day usually occurs on or near the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne on 26th July. Joachim and Anne are the grandparents of Jesus. By celebrating their feast day, the school community recognises that the bond between grandparents and grandchildren is a holy one, blessed by God. It's a way of teaching students that their own grandparents are an important link to their family's faith history, just as Joachim and Anne were for Jesus. It honours the past, celebrates the present, and looks to the future by strengthening the loving bonds between generations.
Following our prayer celebration, families had the opportunity to visit classrooms where students shared their bookwork and learning with their grandparents. I would like to thank families for joining us and Mrs Mathieson and staff who assisted in preparing the students for this special occasion.
PARISH PRIEST
In the coming week, Father Joseph Pothenparampil will assume his new appointment as Hospital Chaplain at Wollongong Hospital. On behalf of the school community, we thank Father Joseph and wish him the very best as he continues his Ministry within the Diocese of Wollongong.
Father Damien Ellis will commence his appointment on Tuesday, 19th August. We warmly welcome Father Damien as Parish Priest of St Michael’s.
Next week, we welcome Mr Paton back from Long Service Leave. I am sure he has been enjoying a well-deserved holiday break. Wishing you a lovely weekend and I look forward to continuing to work with you throughout the term.
Yours in faith & virtue
Mrs Carolyn Rutkowski
Assistant Principal
Term 3 Week 5
| Monday 18 August |
Rugby Union Knockout- Hunters Hill (Selected students) |
| Tuesday 19 August |
Diocesan Athletics Trials (Selected students) |
| Wednesday 20 August |
Rehearsals for School Musical 3:15pm - 5pm K-2 AFL 4 week after school program (Week 2) |
| Thursday 21 August | |
| Friday 22 August |
Bookweek Parade 9am Mini Vinnies Annual Winter Sleepout |
Term 3 Week 6
| Monday 25 August | |
| Tuesday 26 August | |
| Wednesday 27 August |
Rehearsals for School Musical 3:15pm - 5pm Year 3 Nan Tien Temple Excursion K-2 AFL 4 week after school program (Week 3) |
| Thursday 28 August | |
| Friday 29 August |
Year 3 & 4 Soccer Gala Day-Postponed to 5 Sept Year 5 & 6 Soccer Gala Day (Nominating students)-Postponed to 5 Sept Volunteers Required for P&F Canteen |
Upcoming Dates for the Diary
| Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September |
Registration for First Holy Communion (Students in Year 3 & above) |
| Monday 1 - Friday 5 September |
Father's Day Stall |
| Monday 8 September |
Father's Day Breakfast & Liturgy (7:30am - 9:30am) |
| Friday 12 September |
Kindergarten Shoalhaven Zoo Excursion |
| Thursday 18 September |
Basketball Gala Day Shellharbour Year 3 & 4 (Selected students) Year 5 Leadership Camp (Watersleigh) |
| Friday 19 September |
Basketball Gala Day Shellharbour Year 6 (Selected students) Year 5 Leadership Camp (Watersleigh) |
| Friday 24 October |
St Michael's 'The Jungle Book' Musical -7pm |
| Saturday 25 October |
St Michael's 'The Jungle Book' Musical (2 shows) |
| Friday 14 November |
St Michael's Colour Run |
| Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 November |
Year 6 Overnight Excursion to Canberra |
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 10 August 2025
Martine Mathieson
Religious Education Coordinator
DISCO THANK YOU
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Winter Disco – it was an amazing night filled with music, dancing and so much fun!
We couldn’t have done it without our incredible volunteers who gave their time to help set up, serve, supervise and pack down.
Thank you to:
Our P&F Committee, Margaret Gasseling, Jess Flentjar, Ashley Brown, Nikkita Gould, Lauren Ward, Bridget Kennedy, Tina Sinclair, Kate Follan, Christine Makeham, Jason Bliss, Rebecca Tauni, Stacey Daley, Kirsty Hayton, Melissa Stuart, Eliza De Paoli, Kate Penfold, Atsuko Kauchi, Gabriel Akai, Chantal Tierney, Mikaela Jacka, Melissa Coe, Clare Fitzgerald, Abbey Daley, Gabrielle Heanes, Ethan Hogan, Mel Leedham, Alana Karpathakis, Jess Rosskelly, Rebecca Want, Beth Kupfer – and any others we may have missed, your assistance was truly appreciated.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to all the teachers and staff for their efforts and support in making this event such a success.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
DIOCESAN SOCCER GALA DAY CANTEEN
Thursday 29 August
We’re still in need of helpers for the canteen at the Diocesan Soccer Gala Day on Thursday 29 August. 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.
If you’ve already put your name down, please make sure you’ve registered your Working With Children Check with the school. You can do this online here: Working With Children Check Registration
FATHER'S DAY RAFFLE- CALL OUT FOR SPONSORS
We are seeking donations from local businesses and families for our Father’s Day Raffle. Vouchers, gifts, or cash contributions to purchase prizes are all welcome. All sponsors will be acknowledged on our social media accounts and in the school newsletter. If you can help, please email us at stmichaelspnf@gmail.com.
FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST
Monday 8 September: 7:30am–8:45am
Join us from 7:45am–8:45am for our annual Father’s Day BBQ Breakfast to celebrate all the wonderful dads and father figures in our community.
Please note, parents/carers must remain with their children until supervision commences at 8:15am.
We are looking for volunteers to help cook and serve – if you can lend a hand, please get in touch.
FATHER'S DAY STALL- HELPERS REQUIRED
Our Father’s Day Stall will run during school hours, giving students the chance to purchase a special gift for their dad or father figure. We’re looking for volunteers to help set up and serve at the stall during the week of Monday 1 to Friday 5 September.
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
Warm regards,
St Michael’s P&F Committee
stmichaelspnf@gmail.com
ATHLETICS
On Tuesday, 26 talented athletes proudly represented our school at the South Coast Athletics Carnival held at Beaton Park, Wollongong. Competing against students from 16 other schools across 58 different events, our athletes displayed incredible dedication, determination, and skill.
The day began early, with students arriving for an 8:30 am start. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and just a touch of nervous anticipation. Despite recent rain, the weather turned out to be perfect for competition, creating ideal conditions for an enjoyable and successful carnival. Throughout the day, our students’ sportsmanship and behaviour were exemplary, making them true ambassadors for St Michael’s.
Several students achieved outstanding results and will return to Beaton Park on Tuesday 19 August to trial for the Wollongong representative team.
We are also thrilled to share some remarkable highlights from the day:
- Finn Goddard broke the 11 year boys 800m record – a record that had stood for 20 years! His incredible performances also earned him the title of 11 Years Boys Age Champion.
- Amarlie Ward impressed in the Senior Girls category, placing 3rd overall.
- Our Girls' Team finished 2nd overall – an outstanding team achievement.
- As a school, St Michael’s team placed 2nd overall, from all participating schools, a testament to the commitment, training, and teamwork of our students.
A massive congratulations to every student who participated. You have made St Michael’s proud!
RUGBY UNION
A special mention to Mason Milligan, who recently represented MacKillop at the NSWPSSA Rugby Championships in Newcastle from 5-7 August. Mason continues to impress with his dedication and skill in Rugby Union – well done, Mason!
Next Monday, 18 August, our Rugby Team will travel to Sydney to compete in the Chris Gangemi Cup. We wish the team the very best of luck and look forward to sharing their results.
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. Boys and Girls interested in participating are asked to submit their nomination via the Google Form shared with students, by Tuesday 20 August. At present, more players are needed, so if you are keen to give cricket a go, now is your chance!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday 18 August - Rugby Union Chris Gangemi Cup
Tuesday 19 August – Wollongong Athletics Selection Trials
Friday 29 August – Year 3 – 4 Soccer Gala Day (all students)
Friday 29 August – Year 5 & 6 Soccer Gala Day (selected students)
If you have any questions about sport or any upcoming events, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Andrew Allmark
Sports Coordinator
Dear Families,
The following are a list of events taking place in our Defence community these next few weeks. Thank you for being such a valued part of our school community, I have really enjoyed my first few weeks getting to meet all of St Michael's Defence students.
IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS FOR AUGUST
Frontline Labs is waiving the enrollment fee for ADF members and their spouses for an on-line Veteran Entrepreneur Training (VET-1) course to develop entrepreneurial skills for self-employment and business ownership. The start date is Tuesday 23 September.
Jo Macdonald, Defence partner career specialist is holding a free on-line masterclass on Wednesday 20 August for Defence partners seeking career direction.
Kookaburra Retreat events for August.
Spotlight on Support:
Did you know, Defence Community Organisation offers free counselling for ADF members and their families?
You can call the Defence Family Hotline on 1-800-624-608.
Warm regards,
Renee Wenban
Defence School Mentor
(02) 4421- 3630
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.
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.
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
INTEGRITY CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
Students wishing to enter Integrity Real Estate's Christmas Card competition may download the entry form below. Entries are due by Friday 19 September. Prizes include Dymocks Gift Vouchers for the student and school to the value of $150, $125 or $100. Click here to download entry.
