Principal's Message
STAFF SPIRITUALITY DAY FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER
(PUPIL FREE DAY)
GOD’S GREATEST COMMANDMENT- a reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel
Over the past week, we have been talking with the students about how to be a good friend or as Jesus asked us “ To be a good neighbour”. We have looked at the message of the Good Samaritan and discussed ways we can help others. So this weekend’s Gospel was very apt. The Gospel from Matthew 22: 34-40 is known as “God’s Greatest Commandment”. Jesus was talking with his followers and some Pharisees were listening and they questioned him
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
The events of 2020 have reminded us that we are called to love our neighbours and our students are doing that every day, in their interactions with one another and with their social justice initiatives. Last Friday, our Year 4 students participated in a Busking Day, raising money for the students at the Maubara Orphanage in East Timor. I thank our Year 4 students for the time and great thought that they put into the preparation of the day and to Mr Nash, for the wonderful leadership he showed in preparing this day. Their kindness is truly demonstrative of loving their neighbour. A big thank you to the students and families of St Michaels, who helped raise over $300 on the day.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF WOLLONGONG CHRISTMAS STORY ART COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION RESULTS and BISHOPS CHOICE AWARD
Since our last newsletter, we have had some fantastic news. Three of our Stage 3 students were awarded prizes at the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition. Congratulations to Breanna Tully in Year 5 on her Highly Commended Award; Mitchell King in Year 6 for his Finalist Award and Ava Lamour in Year 6 for her Finalist Award. At the end of the online ceremony, Bishop Brian announced that Ava Lamour had won his Bishop’s Choice Award. What an honour Ava! This means that Bishop Brian will use her artwork on the front of his Christmas Cards and the description she wrote, will be inscribed inside.
Below is an excerpt from a news article about Ava’ work.
Ava’s artwork titled “Through Joseph’s Eyes”, depicts the loving scene that Joseph witnessed between Mary and her newborn son. “Have you ever wondered what Joseph felt as he gazed at his newborn, wrapped in the arms of his new wife?” said Ava. “The love of a parent is infinite and strong. Deep down, Joseph knew that Jesus wasn’t his own, however, he knew he would love him like his own.”
Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and his technique of showing emotion in his artwork, Ava used dashes and swirls with watercolour to add the emotions of sadness, love, and compassion.
Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev Brian Mascord was both moved and inspired by Ava’s reflection and the image of love depicted in her artwork.
“There were many things about this year’s choice that filled me with delight. I congratulate Ava on her insight at looking at the story, not just through the experience of Mary, but looking at it from Joseph’s perspective, who we know very little about” - Most Rev Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong.
KINDERGARTEN 2021 PLAYGROUP
It is with great delight, I can let you know, that we are able to conduct some playgroup sessions for our new 2021 Kindergarten students. Whilst the playgroup will look very different to what we have previously run, with parents unable to attend and the sessions reduced, it still will be a great opportunity for the new students to get to know St Michaels and their Kindergarten teacher for next year. I thank all those involved in this decision. All prospective parents have been informed and are very excited about their child’s opportunity.
Mr Tuckwell, Mrs Bourke-Nash and some of our staff are currently making an EBook for the 2021 Kindergarten families to read and listen to. This EBook will tell the families all about our school and the many facets of a day at St Michaels. I thank our staff and present students who have been involved in helping tell this story. I am looking forward to viewing the final product.
CONGRATULATIONS MRS PETZER
Last week, it was announced that Mrs Petzer has now been officially appointed as the Principal of St Thomas Aquinas, Bowral after caring for the school as the relieving Principal, whilst Mrs Mary-Lynn Lane was on extended sick leave. It is with very mixed emotions that we hear this news. Mrs Petzer has been an amazing principal here at St Michaels for over 5 1/2years. Her leadership of this school has been exceptional and Mrs Petzer’s caring attitude towards all, has made everyone who meets her feel part of this special community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Petzer for all she has done to support our school and to guide our staff over these many years. Personally, I have missed you greatly Kayleen, and I respect the exceptional gift you gave St Thomas Aquinas by offering support in their time of need. I am sure our parent and student community will share their congratulations to Mrs Petzer over the next couple of weeks. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our St Michaels staff, casual staff, students and parents, who have very kindly supported me over the past 18 months, whilst I have been in this Acting Principal Role. I really appreciate all your wonderful help and encouragement.
As Mrs Petzer has relinquished her position here, the appointment of the principal for 2021 at St Michaels is now underway. The Catholic Education Office has sent a survey to all of our parents and they would appreciate it if you could complete this survey by the closing date of Monday 2 November 2020 at 5.00pm.
SACRAMENTS
Please keep in your prayers, all of the children in our Parish who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Eucharist. Students and their families will be participating in Confirmation services over the next week. A big thank you to Fr Sean and our staff, especially our Religious Education Coordinator, Mrs Mitchell who has been preparing the students to receive these Sacraments.
COLD WEATHER
In light of the colder weather that we are currently experiencing, students are permitted to wear their winter uniform instead of their summer uniform.
WELCOME BACK
This week we welcome back Mrs Campbell from long service leave. Thank you to Mrs Maganja for taking care of Mrs Campbell's class in her absence.
NEW FAMILY
This week we welcome to Aspen (Year 2) and her family to the St Michael's community.
Have a wonderful week everyone.
Take care and God Bless
Katrina West