Last week, many of our Kindergarten 2021 students attended orientation days on Monday and Friday. The children settled very quickly and enjoyed participating in classroom activities. It looks like a very good year ahead. Our present Kindergarten students did their learning in different classrooms, including the library, music room and culture room. A number of our teachers worked closely with the Kindergarten 2021 students and the two days gave us valuable insight into our new cohort. A special thanks is extended to our present Kindergarten teachers and numerous staff who planned and assisted with the orientations.

Over the weekend the school and parish celebrated the Sacrament of the Eucharist and many of our Year 3 students received their First Holy Communion. The school hall was transformed by Mrs Bern Royston and staff into a beautiful mass setting. All four masses, conducted with COVID restrictions, were very respectful and reverent. The students in Year 3 were well prepared by their teachers, Mrs Mathieson, Mrs King-Gee, Mrs Koczka and Mrs Robinson. In her dual role of Religious Education Coordinator and teacher, Mrs Mathieson led the organisation of the sacrament and worked closely with Father Leo Mifsud and Mrs Frances Fairs, the Parish Sacramental Coordinator.  Thank you to all staff who attended the masses and assisted in any way. Father Leo’s sermon gave great insight into the sacrament as well. A special thank you to our Parents and Friends for arranging the 'live feed' through the internet.

On Monday 23 November 2020 all of our staff participated in a Zoom Spirituality day. Ms Beth Riolo from the Catholic Education Office Wollongong (CEDoW) led us through the day. The emphasis on the environment message from Pope Francis was explored during the day and practical plans for improving our school environment were suggested for implementation. We have a number of measures in place which can be improved with assistance from students and families in 2021 once COVID restrictions are lifted. Thank you to all parents/care givers who arranged for the students to remain home on Monday.

Last week, our Year 6 students participated in the annual Public Speaking Competition. Six students, two from each Year 6 class, were shortlisted for the competition. All six speeches were exceptional and worthy of first place. Congratulations to Liam Johnstone who was judged to win the competition. Thank you and congratulations to Anya Ellerington, Madison Campbell, Malinda Su, Evie Wood and Wade McKenzie who all wrote and delivered wonderful speeches.

Today our Year 6 students will engage in Activate Fire. It is a CEO Wollongong primary school Youth Ministry initiative providing catechesis and an encounter with Christ for Stage 3 students (Year 6). The theme of this event centres on the Sacraments of Initiation with a focus on Confirmation. It is normally offered as a full day face to face reflection experience however due to the current circumstances Activate Fire will be offered as a full day online class reflection experience. 

Tomorrow a link for a parent survey which assists me to complete the ‘Annual School Report’ will be sent to you via Compass. The survey will take 3 minutes to complete and provides me with feedback on aspects of the 2020 school year. This feedback is always appreciated. Students in Stage 3 will also receive a similar survey.

The teachers and I are currently in the process of determining classes for 2021. We commenced this process a number of weeks ago and will reveal class groups before the end of the year. Most full-time teaching positions for 2021 have also been finalised and part-time teaching positions will be completed in coming weeks. Student Progress Reports are also being finalised and will be released on Thursday 10 December 2020. The last school newsletter for 2020 will be shared on this day as well.

Teaching Staff for 2021:

Let’s remember this year to put the ‘Christ’ back into CHRISTmas!

Martine Mathieson- Religious Education Coordinator

On Tuesday 17^th November, Taya Sanchez, Jaide Sutherland, Henrik Schaefer and Diesel Romeo travelled to Wollongong to trial for the Diocese of Wollongong Tennis and Basketball teams. Jaide, Henrik and Diesel trialled for the Basketball teams. There were over 40 students from schools across the diocese. Students who trialled were all very talented and have played at a representative level. This made it a very challenging and competitive trial. It is with great pleasure to announce that Diesel Romeo was selected for the basketball team. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to hearing about the experiences on this team.

Congratulations also goes to Taya Sanchez from Year 5 who was also selected for the Girls Wollongong Tennis team. Taya competed against 9 other very talented tennis players and was selected into the team. We wish Taya the best of luck and look forward to hearing about her experiences on this team.

The St. Michael’s Twilight Swimming Carnival will be held at Nowra Pool next Wednesday the 2^nd December. Preparation and races for the carnival are currently being finalised. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to assist with the running of the carnival. A letter will be sent home with your child if you are required to help at the carnival. In consultation with both the Catholic Education Office and Nowra Swimming Pool we have been granted permission to allow one parent/carer per family. Non-competitive siblings are not permitted to attend the carnival due to Covid-19 guidelines that we have to adhere to.

There will be social distancing protocols in place. Please understand that schools have stricter protocols than the public.

• 4 square metre social distancing requirement.
• The one Parent/Carer will be allowed in the spectator zone only adhering to the social distancing requirement. This zone will be located on the western side of the pool, grassed area only.
• Students will need to assemble at the marshalling area where they will need to stay until all their races have been completed.
• Students cannot go between parents and racing.
• Once all of your child’s races have completed, we ask that you please leave the carnival as soon as possible.

Regards,

Mr. Allmark

Sports Co-ordinator