The school term has reached the halfway mark and despite the challenges of COVID19, St Michael's Nowra is still providing a normal school experience for all students. As I circulate around the school each day, I see happy students engaged in their lessons, which are well prepared by their teachers and taught accordingly. I see school support staff working with small groups and individual students, within classrooms and at times outside. I see optimistic and well intentioned staff engaging positively with the students and each other. For this and many aspects of St Michael’s daily school life, I am very grateful. As a Catholic school, we continually strive to provide a safe and caring environment for all of our school community and unreservedly use the example of Jesus to guide our words and actions. 

Last night, parents of students in Year 2 who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Penance through ‘Reconciliation’ in a few weeks, gathered together in a COVID19 safe environment in the school hall. I was pleased to see so many parents in attendance for the final night of preparation to support their children. This same spirit of optimism and genuine interest in the sacrament was present last night. I would like to thank our Year 2 staff, Mrs Mathieson, Father Joseph and all parents who attended last night. We all have much to be grateful for. At times, when I am interviewing new families for enrolment in the school, I ask them why they are enrolling in a Catholic school and their answers are varied, but usually refer to receiving a Catholic education with good values and respectful behaviours. From next week, Year 3 will commence preparing to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist through their ‘First Holy Communion’. This sacrament will be received in the first weeks of Term 4. Please keep all of our Year 2 and 3 students in your prayers. 

Due to COVID19 challenges, the school has had to once again review how we will conduct our NAIDOC Remembrance celebration in 2021. The celebration will now be videoed over the next couple of weeks and will be shared with all families and students before the end of term. Our usual celebration through prayer, dance, songs, music and student voices will be provided through a video link. These various segments will be individually videoed and put together as we did in 2020. The students have been preparing various presentations and the finished product will be something that we will all be proud of. Thank you for your patience. 

The school is continuing to prepare the teachers for the possibility of a lockdown sometime this term. We will be fully prepared to move into remote learning if required and will be open for the children of essential workers. Please continue to pray for our school to remain fully open as we have so many support programs for individual and small groups of students that would be difficult to conduct through remote learning. As an educator, father and grandfather, I am fully aware of the pressures that families in lockdown are presently experiencing, as well as the 12-14 hour days that most teachers are working to provide decent remote learning. We have much to be presently grateful for in the Shoalhaven!! 

The Christian Feast day of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, into Heaven following her death.

 

Let us bring our hopes and needs to God

For the Grace to imitate the faithfulness of Mary…

Let us pray to the Lord

That God’s holy Church grows in unity, holiness, and in love for Mary…

Let us pray to the Lord

Mary was the Mother of Jesus, may we also bring Jesus into the lives of others…

Let us pray to the Lord

For women expecting the birth or adoption of a baby and all who nurture life…

Let us prayer to the Lord

Mary was a person of courage, may we do what we know is right…

Let us pray to the Lord

 

Loving God, you show mercy and kindness to all. Hear our prayers and help us to remain faithful disciples following the example of Mary.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

 

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

 

Second Meeting for Candidate and Parent

Wednesday 25 August 6.30pm in the Hall

 

 

Reflection

Mary’s whole life gave praise and thanks to God.

How can we live like that?

 

Martine Mathieson – Religious Education Coordinator

Good afternoon Defence families! We are midway through the term now and there is a bit happening locally that may be of interest to you. The Defence Member and Family Support Organisation is holding a 'Coffee Connections' event at Peckish on the Park on the 25th August at 1Oam.  It is a great opportunity to meet with other local defence spouses and families and also talk with a representative from our local DMFS. Head to their facebook page or follow this link to get your ticket https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-adf-families-event-coffee-connections-shoalhaven-tickets-166473032321?fbclid=IwAR1P4Im_YAqDZalPewHvEw4YJnKb_6I2fEObN9STSWlUNYkEdVpK2qM7Cgw

InnoClub is also holding an online Entrepreneurship program this Thursday evening. The program is open to Veterans both former and current, and also their spouses. Under the guidance of industry experts and mentors, you will develop the skills needed to collaborate and commercialise your business ideas into something real.  Check out their facebook page for more information at InnoClub.

With so many of our Defence families currently experiencing deployment, could I just remind everyone to keep me updated through SeeSaw if the serving member in your family is currently away due to deployment, training or COVID Assist. It is also great to let me know when they are expected to return as I can then assist students to make welcome home posters. 

Have a fabulous fortnight.

Regards,

Mrs Natalie Hayes

Students are invited to come dressed as a character from a children's book.

The theme - Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. 

Happy Creating!

Mrs Barbara McKenna