THE EXTRAORDINARY MISSIONARY MONTH - OCTOBER 2019
Pope Francis has announced the Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019. During this month, we are called to recognise the work of missionary organisations such as Catholic Mission.

Each year, Catholic Mission holds appeals to raise funds and awareness for their work with children, communities and Church leaders. Last Wednesday, was the launch of our Diocese of Wollongong, Catholic Mission Appeal. Student representatives from our school, along with Mrs Mitchell and I, attended the launch of the appeal at St John the Evangelist High School in Nowra. All schools in our Diocese were represented at this launch.

Each year there is a focus country for the appeal. In 2019, students across Australia, are invited to take part and learn how the Church in Ghana is taking a lead, in providing life-saving care to children with a disability and fostering their personal development for a brighter future. Students are then given a chance to do something extraordinary for mission, learn about Ghana and the work of the Church there, and contribute through their fundraising and prayers.

The theme of the appeal comes from Isaiah 41:10, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you”. It reflects the uncertainty that children who are vulnerable face and confirms God’s love and presence in their lives even during difficult or desperate times.

At the launch, we heard about the children in Ghana. There are many children who go to school, gather with friends and family, and do fun things like sport. Distressingly, some children, especially those with a disability, struggle to have their basic needs met. Essentials such as nutritious food and clean water are lacking, and services such as healthcare, education and even a safe home are not guaranteed.

Thankfully, there are missionaries like Sister Stan Therese Mumuni, who are reaching out to provide unconditional love and care to these children when they need it most. The Nazareth Home for God’s Children in the Diocese of Yendi in Ghana, run by Sister Stan, is a haven where children of all ages are loved and cared for unconditionally. Sister Stan has dedicated the last decade to running this home, which currently cares for 78 boys and girls, providing them with safety, nutritious meals, healthcare and education. Sister Stan ensures the children receive quality education so that they may one day gain employment and provide for themselves. Her dream is that they will return to their home community and show how the love and support of the Church has empowered them to develop and reach their goals.

During the launch, our students met the guest speaker from Ghana, Monsigner Thomas Anamooh, who spoke about the needs of the children in Ghana and the ways our fundraising will be supporting The Nazareth Home in Yendi.

The students from our Year 6 Mission Team, will be organising a fundraiser early next term, to support Catholic Mission. In the meantime, if you would like to see some of the resources available to learn about this appeal, you can go to the Catholic Mission Australia website. Below is an example of the information available to the students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxYaGqGimVI&feature=youtu.be

WALKATHON
Last Friday’s Walkathon, was a wonderful celebration of community. The children had such a great time participating in the walkathon and I think that the parents and staff who attended, would unanimously say, it was a real pleasure to participate in also. The smiles on the students faces and the encouragement they gave each other, was truly wonderful to see.

A big thank you must go to our P&F Walkathon committee, Sue Butler and Belinda Snowden, and the many fantastic parent volunteers and community sponsors, who were involved in the organisation of the day. We also thank the many parents and friends who gathered on the day to give support to our students and those who generously sponsored the students.

Every child made a huge effort to walk laps around the lake. Whilst the Walkathon was definitely not designed as a race nor was there any pressure to do lots of laps, I was amazed at how personally committed the students were, to do as many laps as they could. Each child had their laps counted on their lanyard and the house team that walked the most laps will be getting extra free play this week. That house team was Jellore (Yellow House). 

Preliminary counting of the sponsorship money has revealed that over $5,600 was raised through the Walkathon. The P& F will put this money towards targeted programs and resources.

Photos of the walkathon can be found on our school website- see link below

I have received great feedback from the event, both verbally and through email. One such comment that was sent to me, seems to capture the feelings of many of the parents on the day:

“Parents were also really impressed by the level of enthusiasm and commitment to the task demonstrated by all of the students. The students were very well behaved and followed instruction beautifully, were polite and well-mannered when watermelon and ice blocks were distributed and there was no rubbish left behind at the conclusion of the event.  Very impressive group.”

Congratulations St Michael’s… we are all very proud of you.

SURF LIFESAVING
Yesterday a presenter from Surf Lifesaving Australia, visited St Michael’s to discuss surf lifesaving skills in preparation for the Years 4-6 Surf Lifesaving Program at Sandon Point next term. Thank you to our presenter for the informative ideas presented to the students and to the parents who attended this meeting. Very important and timely messages about water safety were given throughout the meeting.

SUMMER UNIFORM
The students will be wearing their summer uniform commencing Week 1 of Term 4. As mentioned previously, we do have a new girls summer uniform that is now available at Mimosa.  There is a two-year timeframe for the uniform to be fully introduced. A reminder that we still have some of the original girl’s summer uniforms available in our office for $15.00. These could be handy as a second uniform.

ASSEMBLY THIS FRIDAY
Assembly this Friday will commence at 2:15pm.

TERM THREE HOLIDAYS
At the end of this week, the students will be commencing their Term 3 Holidays. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our community for the enthusiastic way you have supported our school events this term.

It has been an “action packed” term with Western Region Athletics; Diocesan Athletics Carnival; SHIPS Carnival; SPLICED days; Year 6 Diocesan Mass; St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day; ActivateFire for Year 6; Year 4 Religious Literacy; Book Fair; Book Week; Kinder excursion; G Day; Soccer Gala Day; World Day of Prayer for Creation; Catholic Mission Launch; Surf Life Saving meeting and Whole School Mass. As you can appreciate, the students have been involved in such a wide variety of activities and are ready for their holidays and spending time with their families. May everyone have a great holiday break and we will see you all next term.

Congratulations to Sophia Thompson who has been selected for the State Basketball Team in Under 14's age group.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our staff.  Have a wonderful week.

Mrs Katrina West
Acting Principal