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Dear Parents/Carers,
We are moving closer to students in Year 3 and Year 6 receiving the Sacraments this term. Last week, students in Year 3 and their families participated in a Zoom meeting to prepare for receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist in their ‘First Holy Communion’ during November. The meeting explained the signs and symbols which will be used when they receive the Sacrament. Thank you to Father Leo, our Year 3 teachers, Mrs Mathieson, Mrs Callaghan, Mrs Fairs and staff who are assisting in the preparation for this Sacrament which the students will receive on 21/22 November.
This coming weekend students in Year 6 will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The three Year 6 classes commenced preparation for the Sacrament in Term 2. Confirmation is often referred to as a complement to Baptism, a completion of what was begun in Baptism. It is also seen as the moment when a young Catholic person receives the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. The essential part of the Confirmation rite is when the Bishop or Priest places his hand upon the head of each individual.The Bishop traces the sign of the cross on the person’s forehead - having first dipped his thumb in the holy oil called chrism - and says, “Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” The newly confirmed person responds by saying, “Amen.”
This is a significant moment in this child’s life as a Confirmation name is also chosen by the candidate. The Confirmation name is from a Saint that the candidate wishes to be like. To the parents and carers who have assisted with the child’s preparation, congratulations and thank you. I also extend a genuine thank you to Father Leo, our Year 6 teachers, Mrs Callaghan, Mrs Royston, Mrs Mathieson, Mrs Fairs and staff who have assisted in the preparation for this Sacrament which the students will receive this weekend.
To assist our Year 6 students in this journey towards Christian maturity, Mr Douglas and Mr Holgate (from St Paul’s Albion Park), recently led the students in a half day leadership refresher, following on from a full day last term. Last Friday Cameron Brown led all of the Year 6 students through a team building leadership experience, revising the learning from the two day leadership camp from last year. Congratulations to these students and their families as they receive this important Sacrament this weekend. Our prayers are with you.
Last week I received this great news:
Reducing road trauma is a key priority for the NSW Government. Towards Zero represents the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing road trauma and achieving the ultimate goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads.
Children’s road safety is one focus of working towards zero, and the NSW Government has committed $18.5 million to provide 300 additional school crossing supervisors over this term of government. This is being achieved via a reduced program eligibility criteria to enable more schools to qualify for supervision at pedestrian crossings and children’s crossings within school zones.
Transport for NSW is pleased to advise that St Michael's Catholic Primary School has qualified for a School Crossing Supervisor, at the crossing on Osborne Street, Nowra.
I am very thankful to the NSW Government for funding this safety need which I applied for last year. A number of other road safety measures have been implemented by council as well. We will continue to highlight road safety measures in our newsletter each fortnight.
Parents are reminded that there is a Staff Development Day - Pupil Free day on Monday 23 November. As this meeting will be conducted via Zoom, there will be no staff at school on this day. Thank you for your assistance in arranging for your child to remain at home on Monday 23 November. The staff will be attending a Spirituality day run by Beth Riolo, based on ecological work by Pope Francis.
This week letters have been emailed to parents of Kindergarten students commencing school in 2021. There will be orientation days for these new students, however strict COVID guidelines will restrict parent access to the playground. The school is still following the guidelines from the NSW State Government and it is unlikely that these will change before the end of the year. We look forward to welcoming these new Kindergarten students to our school.
Our school and parish carpark is still experiencing some parking issues. A reminder of ‘what to do’ is contained in today’s newsletter. On Tuesday afternoon a white vehicle reversed into the small area in front of the gate leading to the pedestrian crossing. Students and families had difficulty accessing the car park and pedestrian crossing. I would like to stress to parents and carers that if they are running late, don’t panic and compromise the safety of students and families. All students are well supervised by staff until parents and carers arrive, even if running late. The new bridge work is causing delays, so be rest assured your child is safe with us. Please slow down in the carpark and park safely.
Finally, School Photos will be taken on Monday 9 November 2020. If you wish family photos to occur, please obtain the necessary information from the school office. Due to COVID restrictions, whole class groups will be represented by a composite of individual photos. We will hopefully return to whole class photo groups in 2021.
Yours in Faith and Virtue,
Mr Christopher Paton
Mission Month
The traditional World Mission Month mass of previous years has been cancelled due to the continuing restrictions brought about by COVID-19.
The work of Catholic Mission is an important commitment to the less fortunate in the world. The Arrupe Centre in Cambodia is the focus for Catholic Mission for 2020. It was established by Bishop Kike in 2001 to help empower children and young adults with disabilities. At the heart of this centre is the restoration of the dignity and rights of those affected by landmines by giving them the opportunity to study, work and rebuild their lives.
St Michael’s families are forever generous in their donations to Catholic Mission. Thank you to the families who have already brought in money to support this important cause. It’s not too late to get involved. Encourage your child to help at home for a gold coin or maybe donate a little of their pocket money or change from the canteen. All donations to the class teacher. Thank you in advance for your support for the children of Cambodia.
Sacrament of Confirmation
We are excited to be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend at St Michael’s Nowra. All Year Six students of the Diocese will be confirmed during the month of November. We continue to keep these students and their families in our prayers.
Thank you to Father Leo for his generous support in leading his first Sacrament of Confirmation at St Michael’s. Thanks also to our Year 6 Teachers for the extra efforts in time and preparation that have gone into preparing the students for this important Sacrament.
Thank you.
Mrs Martine Mathieson
Religious Education Co-Ordinator
Whilst we have been living in the new social distancing world because of the Covid outbreak it has been pleasing to see that students have kept up the sporting participation throughout the year. We have just recently wrapped up the winter season and now the summer season of twilight soccer and netball, Little A’s and basketball are in full swing.
One student who has continued with his sporting achievements is Jett Goddard from Year 6. Despite COVID 19 cancelling all the school competitions of Cross Country, Jett found other ways to compete and continue to grow as a runner.
Jett competed in NSW Athletics State Cross Country short course (2km) on Sunday the 19th July and competed in the NSW Athletics State Cross country long course (3km) on Sunday 11th October at Dapto against a tough line up of state level competitors. He finished in the top 10 of the state and was recognised and made it into the NSW XC Honorary Team 2020.
Unfortunately, the National competition cannot go ahead this year again due to COVID, however Jett is to be commended on his efforts and we wish him all the luck his future running events.
As mentioned in the last newsletter we will be holding the St. Michael’s Twilight Swimming Carnival at Nowra Pool on Wednesday 2nd December. Years 2 to 5 are invited to participate as well as the current Year 1 students that will be turning 8 next year. In order to participate in the carnival students must be able to swim 50 metres easily and make a commitment to representing St. Michael’s at the Diocesan level. There will be restrictions around the event which will be in line with our Covid Safety Plan which is still being finalised at this stage and will be released at a later date.
Lastly, it’s great to see Dave from the South Coast AFL able to come into school and run an AFL program with the students of St. Michael’s. The students are having a great time learning all the kicking, passing, defensive and attacking skills of this great game, as well as the physical fitness, improved hand-eye coordination and communication skills required when playing as a team.
Keeping on the topic of AFL, the Shoalhaven Giants are offering free registration for any player for the 2021 season. This is a great opportunity to further develop your child’s skills and improve their overall wellbeing and fitness. For more information email shoalhavengiants@gmail.com
Regards,
Mr. Allmark
Sports Co-ordinator
Our school is one of the 94% of all primary schools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven that meets the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy. A fabulous achievement!
School photos will be held on Monday, 9th November.
Photo envelopes have been sent out to families. Please return these on photo day.
If you require a sibling photo, please pick up an envelope from the office.
Please ensure that your child comes to school with a drink bottle.
The bubblers are still turned off due to COVID.
Water bottles can be refilled at our water station during the day.
Just a reminder that parents/carers are not to park in the area between the witches hats marked in yellow (see picture attached).
This area is to allow movement around the car park.
Maryanne McGee from 2B entered the Shoalhaven Library colouring competition for Book week and has won a Macca the Alpacca activity book.
Wallet Insert: No longer issuing tokens
Due to the overwhelming success of the School Banking Program, St Michael's School has decided to utilise the Commonwealth Bank School Banking Portal to track tokens and will no longer issue physical tokens, making it easier for parents and the volunteers. Your School Banking Co-Ordinator will notify students when they are eligible to redeem a reward. To assist us in the transition, could you please return any Dollarmites tokens the next time your child participates in School Banking.
Thank you.
School Banking Co-Ordinators
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Term 4 Week 3 |
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Saturday 31.10.2020 |
Year 6 Confirmation (6B) |
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Sunday 1.11.2020 |
Year 6 Confirmation (6R and 6W) |
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Week 5 |
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Monday 9.11.2020 |
School Photos |
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Thursday 12.11.2020 |
St John's Year 7 2021 Orientation Day |
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Week 6 |
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Saturday 21.11.2020 |
3B First Holy Communion 11am 3R First Holy Communion 2pm |
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Sunday 22.11.2020 |
3W First Holy Communion 11am |
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Week 7 |
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Monday 23.11.2020 |
Staff Development Day - Pupil Free Day |