Dear St Michael’s Community,

As we reach the end of another wonderful year at St Michael’s, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we have achieved together and express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this year so special.

2024 has been a year of growth, learning, and joy. Our students have worked hard in their studies, shown kindness to one another, and embraced opportunities to deepen their faith. From our liturgical celebrations to sporting events, creative arts, and academic achievements, it has been a privilege to witness the vibrant spirit of our school community.

To our dedicated staff—teachers, support staff, and volunteers—you are the heart of this school. Your tireless efforts, passion, and commitment have guided our students and enriched their learning experiences. On behalf of our whole community, thank you for your unwavering care and professionalism.

To our families, your partnership and support have been invaluable. Whether it’s through helping with homework, cheering from the sidelines, or volunteering your time, you have played a vital role in nurturing our students and strengthening our community. Thank you for your generosity and collaboration.

To our graduating Year 6 students and those moving on to new schools, we send you off with our blessings and best wishes. You will always be a part of the St Michael’s family, and we are proud of the confident, compassionate young people you have become.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us remember the true meaning of this season: the gift of God’s love through the birth of Jesus. May the joy and peace of Christmas fill your hearts and homes.

Let us pray:

Loving God,
As we reflect on the year that has passed, we give thanks for the many blessings we have received. Bless our students, families, and staff as we begin this season of rest and renewal. May the light of Jesus shine brightly in our hearts, bringing hope, love, and peace to all. Keep us safe over the holidays and guide us in the new year to walk in faith and kindness together.

CHRISTMAS ART

Families are invited to visit the school hall either before or after school over the next few school days, to view the Year 5 and Year 6 Christmas Art. The artworks are truly wonderful and definitely remind us of the many messages of the Christmas Story.

EVENTS AT ST MICHAELS

What an exciting last few weeks we are having here at St Michaels. Our Year 6 students have a wonderful three days at camp and our Year 5 students participated in a leadership day, in preparation for their year as leaders in 2025. Our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students had a great visit from the Wildlife Sanctuary and they were able to see up close, lizards, possums and even a small saltwater crocodile.  I think my favourite sound at the moment here at school is the music and singing of our students practicing their Christmas Concert songs. It definitely feels like Christmas is close by. A reminder that our school Facebook site has photos of the many events that have occurred at school this year.

STAFF SERVICE AWARDS

On Tuesday we gathered as a school to congratulate members of our staff for their service to education. Our Catholic Education Office recognises staff in particular at times of their 10 year, 20 year, 30 year, 40 year and 50 years of service.

Congratulations to the following staff who were honoured this week for their service to the many schools they have worked. We are so blessed to have them as members of our wonderful staff.

Mrs Anna Cindric from Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong presented awards to the following staff: 

Mr Liam Adams - 10 Year service (he actually has worked 11 years :)

Mrs Hilda Townsend- 30 years service

Mrs Bernadette Bourke-Nash- 30 years service

Mr Andrew Nash- 30 years service

Mrs Katrina West- 40 years service

TRANSITION TO 2025 CLASSES

This afternoon, the students will meet their teachers for their 2025 classes and they will receive a class resource list for items they will need to have for the beginning of the new year. We will copy this resource list onto COMPASS, so you have access to it over the holidays.

FAREWELL TO MR PAUPERIS AND MRS STORRY

It is a bittersweet moment for us at St Michaels to say farewell to Mr Simon Pauperis (Music) and Mrs Emma Storry (School Support Officer). 

Mr Pauperis has accepted a full time position as Music Teacher at Shellharbour Anglican College which is a K-12 school. We thank Simon for his wonderful role here at St Michaels as our Music teacher, whilst Mrs Prentice was on maternity leave. 

Mrs Storry has worked here at St Michaels in the office and in the classroom for a number of years. Mrs Storry has also been a wonderful support for the students in our MiniLit program. We wish her well for 2025 and beyond. We thank both of these fantastic people all the very best for their future. We will miss you.

STAFF CHANGES FOR 2025

We welcome back Mrs Keva Prentice this week after her  12 months on maternity leave. We look forward to seeing you again in 2025. 

Next year, Mrs Anderson will be our Diverse Learning Needs Coordinator and Mr Sherry will return back to the classroom for two days in Year 4 as well as his role as Instructional Coach/ Middle leader. We thank Mr Sherry for all his fantastic support of our students  in the Diverse Learning Needs Coordinator role over the past couple of years. 

Each school in our diocese has members of the teaching staff that also take on roles of responsibility. We thank the following staff for their support of these roles in 2025.

Religious Education: Mrs Rebecca Mitchell

Instructional Coach/Middle leader: Mr Nathan Sherry

Diverse Learning Needs: Mrs Kelly Anderson, Mrs Alyssa Williamson, Mrs Janine Webb, Mrs Amy Eggleston

Physical Education: Mr Richard Tuckwell

Music: Mrs Keva Prentice

PRINCIPALS PIZZA PARTY

Today I had the pleasure to have a pizza party with 95 students who have received a principal's award this year. The students had a lot of fun. Congratulations to those students who received an award throughout the year. 

FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER- END OF YEAR MASS/ FAREWELL TO YEAR 6

Tomorrow we farewell our Year 6 students and those other students and families who are leaving St Michaels. All parents are welcome to attend the Mass. A morning tea for parents and the Year 6 students will be held after Mass in the school library. 

MEMBER FOR PARLIAMENT VISIT

Tomorrow Mr Stephen Jones MP will be visiting our school to speak with the students and staff. We look forward to meeting with him. 

ASSEMBLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Our assembly will commence at 2pm this Friday and will be one where the students will receive a certificate of completion of their grade. All welcome to attend. 

SEMESTER 2 REPORTS

Semester 2 reports will be released on Friday through the COMPASS system. We will send a news feed to let you know when they are available. As mentioned yesterday, any families leaving the school will need to download all school reports before you are removed from the system (by Saturday 21 December). Please remember to download the students' NAPLAN results if they are in Year 3 and above. 

THANK YOU TO YEAR 6 FOR THEIR SPECIAL GIFT TO THE SCHOOL

The Year 6 students each year fundraise to purchase a gift from their cohort to give to the school. This year, our students have raised $1000 from their Year 6 Hot Dog Days, to purchase a sporting game that all the school can have access to play on the playground during lunch and afternoon tea. It’s called nine square and it involves 9 players in the “court” playing the game and others waiting to rotate in the game. It will be lots of fun. Thank you Year 6 for adding another great activity for the students to participate in during their recess and sport. 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL APPEAL

Monday is the last day for the donation of food for our local St Vincent de Paul. We thank all those families who have already contributed to this very important appeal.

On behalf of everyone at St Michael’s, I wish you a holy and joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and promise. Thank you for your wonderful support of our school and especially your support of our staff and myself over this year. I hope you have a truly special holiday and spend many special moments with your families and friends. 

God bless,

Katrina West

Principal