Welcome to Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week is a special time in the year when we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our Catholic schools. It is a time to give thanks for the wonderful teaching and learning that takes place each day in every classroom. Here at St Michael’s Mittagong, we are blessed with talented and caring staff, inquisitive and enthusiastic students, supportive and thoughtful parents and parish community.

The theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Embracing Our Future Together”.

Let us pray:

We acknowledge and thank all who work
in the service of Catholic education
to create the opportunities for students
that allow them to grow and thrive.
 We thank you for the wisdom and understanding of teachers 
the enthusiasm and energy of students
the leadership of school Principals and executive staff
the skill, care and commitment of administrative and support staff
the guidance of our pastors and religious leaders
the support and partnership of parents, carers and local communities.
We pray that each student’s learning journey
be inspired by a search for your wisdom and truth.
We pray that we never take for granted the learning opportunities that
we have all been given,
and that we use the gifts of learning wisely and responsibly.
We ask that we use what we have learnt
to create a better world for all people,
particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

 Amen. 

This Thursday morning there will be a liturgy to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. It will commence at 9:30am in the Hall and all are most welcome to attend. Other events for this week are outlined in our Religious Education section of this newsletter.

ENROLMENTS
Our enrolments are now open for 2021. Please click here to access a CEDoW school enrolment package.

ST MICHAEL’S IN THE NEWS
Last week, St Michael’s was highlighted in the Southern Highland News article on Catholic Schools Week. For those who may not have read the story, it can be seen below.

OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS, CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE, WOLLONGONG
Last week, members of our Mission Team had the opportunity to meet our new Director of Schools,  Mr Peter Hill. Mr Hill was very interested in hearing all about our school and he said that he would love to visit our school very school. We wish Mr Hill every success and happiness in his new position as our Director.

PROJECT COMPASSION

Each week, we will focus on a community that Project Compassion is supporting. This week we hear of Shirley, 36, who is an indigenous Manide woman living in a remote province of the Philippines. She is a mother of four and the sole breadwinner of the family, as her husband is sick. But Shirley was struggling to support the whole family and keep her children in school. With Caritas Australia’s support, Shirley trained to become an indigenous health worker and a leader in her community. She has learned to supplement her income and is able to feed her family. The program has also helped Shirley’s children with school fees, uniforms and supplies. See Shirley’s story in the link below:

https://lent.caritas.org.au/page/week-1

CROSS COUNTRY
What a fantastic day we had for our Cross Country carnival yesterday. The students had a wonderful time and everyone tried their very best and had fun. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents that came to cheer everyone on. 

A big thank you to our staff and parent helpers who supported the carnival. A great way to celebrate the first day of Catholic Schools Week.

Here is our school getting ready for our great day.

DIOCESAN SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Today, representatives of our school along with Mr Tuckwell, have travelled to Campbelltown Swimming Pool to participate in the North Western Regional Swimming Carnival. We wish everyone a great day of sportsmanship and happy personal achievements.

UPDATE: Great news just in from the Swimming Carnival: We have three of our students who placed in their events! They will be going on to the represent the North West region in the Diocesan Swimming Carnival.

They are:

Breanna Tully- 11 years 50m Breaststroke
William Frank- 8 years 50m Freestyle
Esther Yap- 8 years 50m Freestyle

Best wishes,
Mrs Katrina West
Principal