TERM 4 WEEK 5 NEWSLETTER

Dear parents and carers,

Can you believe that we are halfway through our term! We have had some wonderful events already this term and we are looking forward to the many special events planned for the next few weeks. This newsletter will contain information on those events and we will continue to send notifications via COMPASS News Feed on individual items as the event arises. 

PRAYERS

Please keep in you prayers those who are unwell in our community, especially our wonderful Mrs Townsend who is on sick leave at the moment and getting better every day. We miss you Hilda- Take care xxx

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Today our school will participate in a Remembrance Day prayer service. We honour and pray for all those who have served our country both in the past and present day. 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them. 

Lest we forget

ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT 2022

We are currently completing our Annual School Report for 2022. As part of this report the Diocese of Wollongong schools conduct a parent survey. The link for our St Michael’s Parent Survey is below. It is multiple choice and will only take a few moments. I appreciate you helping us with this survey. This survey will close on Friday 18th November. 

SMM ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT PARENT SURVEY 2022

LEAVING FAMILIES

Please let us know if you are planning to move your child/children to a different school in 2023 as soon as possible, as we have had quite a few enquiries over the past weeks for new enrolments and we need to gauge an idea of class sizes for 2023. 

KINDERGARTEN 2023 COHORT- PLAYGROUP

We have commenced our Kindergarten 2023 Playgoups. It has been so wonderful to see all our new future students and their families. A big thank you to Mrs Bourke-Nash for all her preparation of these groups.

A reminder that we have our Orientation Meeting for all families with Kindergarten students 2023 next Tuesday 15th November in the school hall. Details regarding that morning have been emailed to those families. 

CDF SPORTS AWARDS

Tonight is the Annual Catholic Development Fund Sports Awards in Wollongong. We have two students from Year 6, Cianna and Emily, that have been nominated to attend the awards ceremony for their contribution to athletics, netball and cross country. Congratulations girls, we are very proud of you. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

DISCO

St Michael’s Primary P&F - FLURO Theme Disco 

Students: Come and join us for a night of fun with your friends! 

 When: Friday 18th November 

Where: School Hall 

Time: 5:30-7pm 

Cost: $8 includes entry, glow sticks & lolly bag. 

No additional money needed on the night. Come dressed in your favourite FLURO outfit and enjoy some fun and games on the night. 

Please return your acceptance slip with money in an envelope by Wednesday 16th November. 

YEAR 5 FETE

Every year, Year 5 organises a Fete which raises money to support Maubara Orphanage (East Timor) as well as Sr Anna Warlow’s Indigenous Outreach Mission in Western Australia.  For many children, this is one of the highlights of the school year. The Year 5 students are in the process of organising some fun and varied activities and games for the fete which we hope to take place on Wednesday 23rd November (Week 7) between 11.30 am and 1:10 pm.

As we have in the past, we are asking for some help with the ‘White elephant’ stall.  It would be appreciated if children across the school could donate to Year 5 any toys, games, books, dolls etc that you have at home and no longer really use or need.  If they are in a reasonably good condition we can sell them for a small cost (silver coins) to other children in the school.  Your child as well may be then able to buy something fun to bring home!  

A plastic tub has been placed in each classroom for donations.  We would really appreciate your help!  A successful stall will not only provide a lot of enjoyment for our children at St Michael’s, but also raise money for people who really need our help.

Thank you from Year 5

EXCURSIONS

YEARS 3 AND 4 BIKE EDUCATION CENTRE- TAKE 3!!

Year 3 and Year 4 have unfortunately had their Bike Education Centre excursion postponed twice due to weather!!

We have rebooked the excursion for the 7th of December. Further details will follow in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather will be beautiful for them this time. 

YEARS 5 AND 6 MARY MACKILLOP PLACE EXCURSION

Year 5 and Year 6 had a lovely excursion to Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. At the centre they were able to see where Mary MacKillop lays in rest in the chapel and all of the exhibitions about her life and the work of the Sisters of St Joseph. As a school founded by the Sisters of St Joseph, this is a very important excursion that we run every year. A big thank you to the P&F who pay for the bus for this excursion each year, through their fundraising efforts. 

YEAR 6 CAMP

In the first week of December, Year 6 will attend camp at the Berry Recreational Camp. This is something they are very excited about and we are so grateful that covid restrictions for camps have been lifted so our students can have this experience. 

YEAR 5 LEADERSHIP DAY

Each year, Year 5 have a leadership day with Cameron Brown who runs a program called Explore Discover Act. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn a little more about themselves and the role they can play in our school community. Information about this day will be available to the Year 5 students and parents in the coming weeks. For more information about this program click on this link https://www.explorediscoveract.com.au/primary-school-programs

SMM CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Our Christmas Concert will be held in our school playing field on Tuesday 13th December with food stalls available from 5pm. All families are welcome to attend, including grandparents and other family members. At the concert the children from K-6 will be telling the Nativity Story through drama and song and then we will have some fun Christmas songs. The P&F will be holding a BBQ and Christmas Raffle.  Details will be coming in future weeks. On the night, it is advisable to bring along a picnic blanket and foldable chairs. It is going to be a very special evening for our community. 

HEAD LICE

We have been notified of cases of head lice within the school.  Head lice transfer from child to child when their hair is in close contact eg; while playing or doing schoolwork. For this reason, we ask that parents kindly check their child’s hair and commence treatment if necessary.   

Further information can be found at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/headlice/Pages/default.aspx

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

May you have a wonderful weekend.

God Bless,

Mrs Katrina West

Principal