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Dear Parents and Carers,
This is the last newsletter for 2021. The last week has been a very busy one but the students have remained very settled and learning, along with Christmas craft, has continued to be the main focus. Today the student reports will be available through Compass from 4pm. The report format is similar to the Semester 1 reports from last year. Religious Education, Mathematics and English are reported on, focusing on some specific areas covered during remote learning and the last six weeks at school. The use of the Common Grade Scale (A-E) has been replaced in most schools around the country by a ‘participation’ guide. The general comment remains the same. This is a temporary format for this year only and in 2022, schools around Australia will return to a more comprehensive format.
During this last fortnight, the following events have occurred:
- Twilight swimming carnival
- Promotions day on Wednesday afternoon for students to see their new classrooms and discover their teacher for 2022
- The Graduation Mass and awards for Year 6 students on Tuesday evening on the front playground. Despite ongoing threats of rain, parents and students joined staff for this significant event which was beautifully planned by the Year 6 teachers and reverently celebrated by the students and families.
- The staff celebrated with Mrs Christine Hart the extraordinary accomplishment of 50 years of teaching in Catholic schools.
This final week of school will be a very special one for our Year 6 students. We will officially say farewell to these students on Wednesday 15th December in the afternoon. At this stage we are still working out how we will be able to ‘COVID-19’ safely say farewell. We will be honouring our ritual in some way. On Tuesday night our two School Captains, Bonni Bolam and Marshall Avery gave a wonderful farewell speech on behalf of Year 6, reflecting on their years of education at St Michael’s Nowra. Bonni, Marshall, the prefects, colour captains and all Year 6 students have displayed courageous leadership in a time of pandemic and great change.
As the year draws to a close, I usually briefly reflect on the many events that our school community shares during the year. Due to the second round of COVID-19, many of the usual events in the school year needed to be cancelled or presented in a different way. The school and parish did succeed in running Sacramental programs for Year 2, Year 3 and Year 6 students. Zoom meetings replaced our usual face to face meetings on numerous occasions, including some of the Sacraments, Kindergarten 2022 Orientation and Parents and Friends.
Despite remote learning in Term 3 and 4, learning continued for the students and technology was used in new ways to connect with students and families in a robust and meaningful way. Literacy and Numeracy results continued to demonstrate promising learning gains and students received many opportunities to be extended in a range of Key Learning Areas. Our parents and caregivers continued to support the school in numerous different ways, limited by Covid-19 restrictions. Some of the usual events such as the Easter raffle, Mothers and Fathers Day stalls continued In 2021. In 2022, as restrictions ease, we look forward to reimagining our Parents and Friends group to reflect the real needs of the school community. Thank you to this year’s committee for all they continued to do in 2021. School banking has now finished at the school and I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Therese Ganderton, Jacinta Davis and Carmen Carter who have provided this service for many years. Therese in particular, finished as a parent at our school when her son went to St John’s a number of years ago. Despite this, Therese has continued to assist each Friday! Thank you to Therese, Jacinta and Carmen.
The year 2021 also saw the departure of Father Leo Mifsud as the parish priest and the arrival of Father Joseph Pothenparampil as the new Parish Priest. I encourage all families to re-engage with the parish through weekly mass and other events. The church was closed for a significant period of time due to COVID-19 restrictions but is now open again, in time for the Christmas celebrations.
Manoeuvring the school through a second round of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an enormous challenge in 2021 and I would like to express a special thank you to Mrs Carolyn Rutkowski, our Assistant Principal, for her loyalty and support during the year. I am thankful for the support of Mrs Martine Mathieson for supporting the religious dimension of the school during this challenging year. To all of our leadership team: Mrs Nicole Skeers, Mrs Michelle Heffernan, Mrs Anne Dempsey, Mrs Emma-Kate Callaghan, Mrs Bianca Koczka and Mr Pat Douglas, may I thank you for what you have done for our students and staff in 2021.
To all of our staff, you have been magnificent in every way and the St Michael’s community is lucky to have you. Our Parish Priest Father Joe, Father Pat and Father Ronan have continued to be most supportive of the faith development of our students despite the restrictions.
2021 is also a year where we say farewell to a number of staff members. While some of these staff will be returning to us some time in the future, some will be moving on to new challenges. I would like to acknowledge the following staff and thank them for their gift of presence at our school:
- Ms Renee Maguire has been seconded to schools in Wollongong for the last two years and will continue to be permanently employed in Wollongong schools from 2022. Ms Maguire taught at our school and gave wonderful service for many years. Her commitment to our students, staff and families was enormous and we wish her the very best for this new stage of her life.
- Mrs Bianca Koczka has been offered a teaching and Middle Leader role at St Paul’s Albion Park for the 2022 school year. We wish Mrs Koczka the very best for this change of scene for 2022. Mrs Koczka will be missed by students, staff and families during 2022.
- Mrs Christine Hart will be finishing her teaching career as a full-time teacher after 50 years of exceptional service but will thankfully return to St Michael’s Nowra in some capacity in 2022. Mrs Hart has been at our school in various roles since 2014. Yesterday the staff celebrated the 50 years with a special morning tea. We look forward to Mrs Hart’s continued presence in 2022.
Our classroom teaching staff for 2022 include:
Kindergarten - Mrs Callaghan, Ms Phelps and Ms Hayden
Year 1 - Mrs Jakimyszyn, Mrs Berryman and Mr Anderson
Year 2 - Mrs Mathieson, Mrs Roles and Mrs Sansom
Year 3 - Mrs Butler, Mrs Firkin, Mrs Walker and one TBA
Year 4 - Mrs Warner, Ms Crossley and Ms Millsom
Year 5 - Mrs Dempsey, Mrs Lenihan and Mrs Palmer
Year 6 - Mr Allmark, Mrs Boyton and Ms Scurr
Good Samaritan Centre - Ms De Roo
Benedictine Centre - Mrs Luxford
At this time of the year we also say farewell to a number of families who have been part of St Michael’s School for many years. Some of these families have seen three or more students attend St Michael’s Nowra during their time at the school and their assistance, loyalty and support has been most appreciated. All of our leaving families are always welcome back at St Michael’s at any time. Thank you for your support over the years.
School recommences for all students in Years 1-6 on Tuesday 1 February 2021.
Finally, I am praying that Christmas will be a wonderful time of celebration for all families. We have much to thank our God for. I am hoping Christmas will be a time for renewing friendships, making peace, simply enjoying one another’s company, sharing love and appreciation for each other with the exchange of good wishes and gifts.
Yours in Faith and Virtue,
Mr Christopher Paton
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Congratulations to all the Year 5 and 6 students for their enthusiastic participation in the Christmas Art Competition during difficult times. The standard of artwork and reflections by all is to be commended. Last Friday Fr Joseph, Sr Sue, Mr Paton, Mrs Butler, Mrs Neilsen and myself had the pleasure of judging the artworks. It was a difficult decision to narrow it to three winners from each grade, as the quality was outstanding.
CONGRATULATIONS
Year 6 - Taya Sanchez, Kieran Kochaniewicz, Mylan Brunton
Year 5 - Alannah Oke, Lucy Bacales, James Fielding
THE SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS
I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.
"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous character we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement:
"TEACH THE CHILDREN!"
I was puzzled; what did he mean? He guessed my question, and with one quick movement pulled a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood puzzled, Santa said, "Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a PINE TREE and placed it in front of the fireplace. "Teach the children that the pure green colour of the stately pine tree remains green all year round, representing the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point to heaven, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Saviour for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfilment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolises that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of Jesus who fills our lives with light."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolises the real nature of love. Real love never ceases, like God's love which has no beginning or end."
He then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. "Teach the children that I, Santa Clause, symbolise the generosity and kindness we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Saviour. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him."
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that HE gave us HIS only SON... We thank God for his very special gift." "Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy Baby and gave HIM gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back lost sheep to the flock."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that announced the glorious news of the Saviour's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will towards men."
Suddenly, I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring to guide us to God. The bell symbolises guidance and return. It reminds us that we are all precious in the eyes of God."
Santa looked back and was pleased. I saw the twinkle in his eyes as he said: "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the centre, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, our GOD."
I would like to close by thanking our school and parish community for the enormous support and kind words of encouragement I have received during what has been a difficult year for everyone. I would also like to wish you the peace and good will of the Christmas Season and a happy and fulfilling 2022.
On Tuesday evening Year 6 students and parents/caregivers joined us on the front playground for the annual awards ceremony. The Year 6 students received their graduation certificates and a drinking mug from the Parents and Friends embossed with our school crest. A wonderful keepsake. At this awards ceremony, numerous students received specific awards. Congratulations to the following students who received additional recognition for an area of excellence.
Presentation of Perpetual Awards
- Margaret Ison Award
Margaret Ison worked tirelessly as a member of the St Michael’s Parents’ and Friends’ Association. During her life she set a fine example of Christian leadership and service to others. This award recognises Christian Leadership and attainment and is awarded to three students who are outstanding examples of Christian witness.
The Margaret Ison Award for 2021 is awarded to :
Delanie Portener 6R
Zahli Schellnegger 6B
Ashton Davis 6W
- St Michael’s Catholic Women’s League Award
The Catholic Women’s League is a group designed to foster ecumenical spirit and to support the Parish and wider community in the Shoalhaven. The spiritual welfare of our young people is a high priority. With this in mind an annual prize is awarded to the students who displays the highest level of religious knowledge and behaviour.
The Catholic Women’s League Award for 2021 is awarded to:
Lexie Cooper 6R
Emmeline Le 6B
Henry Fairs 6W
- Bernie Regan Memorial Award
Bernie Regan attended St Michael’s School from 1949 -1958 excelling in sport and academically. He continued his involvement with the school, coaching the Football and Basketball Teams over a period of 20 years. His wife Jan and children Christopher, Tamara and Kate see the award as a reminder of the service of Bernie to the students of St Michael’s. The award recognises the best overall sports person on the basis of skill and sportsmanship.
The Bernie Regan Memorial Award for 2021 is presented to:
Anna Duncan 6W
- Mother Ruth Scholarship
The Mother Ruth Scholarship Fund was established in 1968 in memory of Mother Ruth, of the Good Samaritan order, who was the Principal of St Michael’s School when she died at the age of 39 years. This scholarship assists a student from St Michael’s School with a Catholic Secondary Education at St John The Evangelist High School. The first award was made in 1970, this money was raised by the whole of the local community. At present the scholarship is awarded annually.
The Mother Ruth Scholarship Award for 2021 is awarded to:
Maddison Hazelwood 6R
- Rhonan Hollands Award
This award for School and Community Spirit is given in memory of Rhonan Hollands, son of Peter and Pamela Hollands and brother of Alana, Rebecca, and Gerard. The award is in recognition of the care and support given by both the school and parish communities during this difficult time. The award is given to students who have contributed most to school spirit and community building.
The Rhonan Hollands Award for 2021 is presented to:
Meyah Schellnegger 6R
Marshall Avery 6B
Bonni Bolam 6W
- Member for Gilmore Award
This award recognises the students who have displayed a high degree of application to their studies and who are quiet achievers in doing the best they can at all times.
The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, award for 2021 is awarded to:
Claire Lloyd 6R
Iasmin Bolz-Lencino 6B
Zali Delaney 6W
- Catherine Cartledge Award
This award is presented in honour of the outstanding contribution made by Mrs. Catherine Cartledge to the music life of St Michael’s School. Throughout her time at St Michael’s, the children under Mrs Cartledge’s care were enriched through her tuition, enthusiasm and talent. The Catherine Cartledge award is presented to the student displaying the highest level of talent and application to the musical life of the school
The Catherine Cartledge Award for 2021 is presented to:
Alex Sivonen 6B
- Parents & Friends Association Award
This award is to recognise students who, through commitment to school life and perseverance in their application to their academic studies, have strived to reach his or her full potential.
The Parents and Friends Award for 2021 is presented to:
Rebekah Allmark 6R
Keira Sater 6B
Emily Hanley 6W
- St Mary MacKillop Encouragement Award
The St Mary MacKillop Award is presented to the students who have demonstrated perseverance and have demonstrated an outstanding commitment in all aspects of school life.
St Mary MacKillop Encouragement Award for 2021 is presented to:
Henrik Schaefer 6R
Taylah Scott 6B
Kilarni Aldridge 6W
- Academic Achievement Award
This award recognises the students in Year 6 who have shown the highest level of commitment to learning, thereby gaining the highest academic achievements across all curriculum areas.
The Academic Achievement Award for 2021 is presented to:
Cody Chater 6R
Ella Douglas 6B
Clayton Whitby 6W
We have a substantial amount of missing home readers.
Could parents please check at home and return them to school as soon as possible?
Mrs Barbara McKenna
Library Teacher
During these last few weeks of term, I have finished the Seasons for Growth groups with Year 4 and I have also held some reconnector groups with those students who completed the program earlier in the year. As mentioned the last time I wrote in the newsletter, the Year 3 students who enrolled in Seasons this year will be eligible to undertake the program next year – due to missing out this year.
Besides Seasons, I have been spending some time running some small groups for students, focusing on social skills and resilience. I have also had the opportunity to do some check-ins with some students who need some extra support.
Art Club has returned to lunch time in a limited format. Years 2, 3 and 4 have all enjoyed a session focusing on Christmas Craft. Students in Year 2 created some Christmas tags. Students in Year 3 created some cards. Finally, students in Year 4 created some Christmas trees.
I am looking forward to the Christmas break and then returning in 2022 as the school’s Pastoral Support Worker.
Mrs Catriona Neilsen
Shoalhaven City Council has provided the P&F, with support from the school, a banner that will be displayed several times a year on the corner of North St. This is an initiative of the local council to promote road safety around schools. We would like to thank Kym Snow from council for providing us with the opportunity to be involved. If you have any feedback about this sign, please direct it to stmichaelspnf@gmail.com or at the office.
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Term 4 |
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Week 11 |
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Tuesday 14.12.2021 |
Fun Day |
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Wednesday 15.12.2021 |
Last day of Term 4 |
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Term 1 2022 |
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Tuesday 01.02.2022 |
First Day of Term 1 Years 1-6 |