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In last Sunday’s gospel reading from Luke, Jesus begins to instruct his disciples, preparing them for the decisions that lie ahead of them. It is our fundamental decisions that give direction to our lives. Our lives are shaped by the basic decisions we have made - concerning family priorities, concerning our professional responsibilities, concerning our attitudes as neighbours and citizens. Parents are always striving to help their children to set priorities. Children need to learn to finish homework before watching TV or going out to play. They need to know that they have to finish their chores before they can go out with their friends. They need to know that paying attention to curfews for their safety is more important than being popular. Jesus talks about the importance of making him the number-one priority in our lives.
Following Jesus may mean choosing between:
• sleeping in on Sunday or going to Mass;
• saying kind words or saying mean words;
• praying for others or thinking only of ourselves;
• playing a game by the rules or cheating in order to win.
When we have a choice to make, we choose to put Jesus first, even when it’s hard. We think about what Jesus has taught us and make a good choice.
APP Facts
Accompanying the newsletter over the next term, will be an information sheet “APP Facts” which outlines things to watch out for when children are using technology. This week’s article is about the app TIK TOK, (a rebranded Musical.ly) which apparently has been in the media recently and is used by many of our students even though the age for downloading from the app store is 12+. Please take the time to read these articles each week, as they are very informative.
Languages Survey
The Catholic Education Office is currently trying to get a clear picture of the different language backgrounds of all of the families in the Diocese in order to put in place supports to best meet student needs. Attached is a survey for you to complete and return to school by Friday 26th July.
Miss Campbell will be taking ten weeks well-deserved long service leave at the beginning of the Term 3. Mrs Maganja will be teaching Year 2 during this time. As we come to the end of a very busy term, I would like to thank the staff for their care of the students and each other, and for all of the extra things they do every day to make school a happy place. Staff members have undertaken a lot of extra learning themselves so far this year. They are excellent role models for the students in the way they work cooperatively together, solve problems and actively demonstrate that learning doesn’t stop when you finish school. A special thank you to Mrs West for ensuring the school runs smoothly in my absence this week. We wish you all a happy break from routine over the next couple of weeks. If you are able to travel somewhere warmer over the break, enjoy it! Students return for Term 3 on Monday 22nd July.
Have a lovely week everyone,
Kayleen Petzer
Loving and gracious God, who created all people equal, we thank you for indigenous people who have given so much to our country and our culture.
We pray that we listen to their voice as they speak of their desires, hopes and dreams for their lives and the life of this nation.
May we all commit ourselves to seeking justice for all people and show a willingness to find positive solutions that include all.
We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Richard Tuckwell, REC
Listed below are some important school dates. The school calendar is updated regularly and can be accessed via the school website and Compass parent portal.
JULY
| Friday 5th | Last day of Term 2 |
| Monday 22nd | First day of Term 3 Students return to school |
| Tuesday 30th | School Photo Day |
AUGUST
| Wednesday 7th | Year 6 Mass with Bishop (at Moss Vale) |
| Thursday 8th | Mary MacKillop Feast Day (Year 6 Maubara Orphanage Fundraiser) NED Yoyo show |
| Friday 9th | Western Region Diocesan Athletics |
| Friday 16th | SHIPs Athletics Carnival |
| Tuesday 20th | Book Week Celebration children to wear a cape to school |
| Wednesday 28th | P&F Father's Day Stall |
| Thursday 29th August | Book Fair |
| Friday 30th August | Book Fair G Day (Grandparents Day) |
SEPTEMBER
| Monday 9th | Staff Spirituality Day (Pupil free day) |
Semester 1 Reports were uploaded to Compass on Friday. You can access your child's report via the Compass Parent Portal. Please contact the school if you are unable to access Compass or would like a copy of your child's report printed.
Don't forget to return your school photo envelopes. Sibling photo order envelopes are available from the school office.
School Sports Polo Shirts
We will shortly be placing an order for the school sports polo. If you would like to order new sports polo, please see attached order form.
Please see attached flyer.
Netball Gala Day
Last Thursday 33 students participated in the Western Region Netball Gala Day at Minto. All girls played well as a team, with lots of passing and good sportsmanship. Gala days focus on participation, being active and having fun. Thank you to Mr Tuckwell for organising the teams and to Mrs Walker-Smith for helping out on the day.
A big thankyou to our parent volunteers who kindly offered their time to transport and coach the teams.
NAIDOC
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As NAIDOC Week officially falls during the school holidays, St Michael’s celebrated NAIDOC last Friday. The day started with Larry Brandy’s ‘Indigenous Infusion’ who with his engaging interactive style incorporating movement, history and artifacts introduced us to his Wiradjuri culture with a focus on the significance of family, the environment and everyday life. A lovely Liturgy was followed by morning tea. Students were split into mixed groups to rotate through various activities such as storytelling, dot painting and games such as ‘Gorri’, ‘Kai’, ‘Koolchee’ and ‘Kolap’ were played on the field. Thank you to our storytellers, Peter and Sharynne and to our teachers for the effort put in to today’s activities. It was a beautiful celebration.
Library News – Celebrating Children’s Book Week
17th August – 23rd August
Each year across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week. The theme for book week changes each year. This year’s theme is ‘Reading is my Secret Power’.
We will be celebrating Book Week on Tuesday 20th August 2019. We are asking the children to come to school wearing a cape over their school uniform, which your child can create and make at home or buy if you wish. Please do not go to any expense in costume dress up. Activities are planned for the middle session of the day.
Thanks
Mrs Sewell
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated for Student of the Week:
Kinder - Axel Fleeton
Year 1 – Harlen Murphy
Year 2 – Beau Butler
Year 3 – India Meredith
Year 4 – Emily Frank
Year 5 – Jacob Harrison
Year 6 – Dylan O'Brien
The trophy was presented to Beau
Keep up the good work!
This week's canteen specials:-
Pasta Pot $1.00
Sausage Sizzle with sauce $3.50
CANTEEN CLOSED MONDAYS/TUESDAYS
Happy birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week:
Nate H, Sebastian C, Claire S, Jace F, Bobbiijo V, Jesse H
Happy birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday during the school holidays:
Layla W, Michelle B, Zechariah Y
