TERM 2 WEEK 10 NEWSLETTER

REFLECTION
In reflecting over this term, with the COVID 19 restrictions and remote learning to the return of our children to school, I thought it would be a good chance to pause and think…..What have we learnt from this time?

Has it been for you, a time to hit the reset button? For families and communities to reset our priorities and be given a chance to return to what really matters. When we stopped running around so much, when the busy pace of our lives was slowed and we couldn’t do many of the things we were so used to doing, good things filled the void. We started to see the beauty of the world around us and many went out into nature, to walk, to think, to connect. We started to look at our lives in a different way.

Less complicated lives gave us new and perhaps different connections to God and to each other. We couldn’t physically attend Mass, however, with the talents and thoughtfulness of others, the Mass could come to us in our homes. We learnt that communion with others can occur in many different ways- such as the caring of others to support those in need, the selflessness of our essential workers and the respect given to those who tried their absolute best, to support the community during difficult times.

We remembered what was truly valued. We remembered who we truly value.

WELCOME TO OUR DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS
Today, we welcomed to our school, Mr Peter Hill, who is our new Diocesan Director of Schools. This is Peter's first visit to St Michaels, since his appointment this year. I would like to thank Peter, on behalf of our school community, for the wonderful support and leadership he has given our Diocese this year, especially with the Covid 19 Response to education and Diocesan support of families. Peter had a lovely time meeting with our staff and students and we hope he will have an opportunity to visit us again very soon. 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL APPEAL
During this week, we are collecting food for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Now, more than ever, there are many people in our community who need this support. We seek your support to help these families by providing food and toiletries. On Friday, the children are able to dress in Mufti Clothes as a thank you for their help supporting this appeal. Donations can be brought into school earlier than Friday if you wish. All donations will be greatly appreciated.

WELCOME TO ST MICHAEL'S
We welcome this week, four new students to our St Michael’s School Community. They are Charlotte Stirling (Year 1), Clementine Stirling (Year 3), Benjamin Hosan (Year 3) and Levi Hosan (Year 5). We wish Charlotte, Clementine, Benjamin and Levi a great start to their new school. I am sure all our students and staff will make them feel very welcome.

REPORTS
Last Friday, our Semester One Interim reports went out on COMPASS. I thank the teachers and Mrs Berrell, for the work that went into these reports. If you wish to discuss your child’s report with their class teacher, please contact the school office during this week. Thank you to the very positive response we have received towards these Diocesan reports in the light of remote learning and a very different start to the school year.

COVID 19 RESPONSE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
If one of our students or a family member should test positive for COVID 19 during the holidays, it is very important that you contact our school. Our school phone line will be monitored during the school holidays.  Please ring the school on 4871 2279 and leave a message. Please also email Mrs West at westk01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Alternatively, if you haven’t heard back from a staff member, please contact the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong. The number is 4253 0800.

This is a high priority as there is a plan we will need to action.

HOLIDAYS
At the end of this week, we begin our Term 2 school holidays. I would like to thank all of our students and staff for the wonderful way they have responded to the many changes that this term has brought us. I wish all our families a relaxing holiday and I hope that you have the opportunity to get outside and experience winter in the Southern Highlands and surrounds. It will be so nice to do a few more things these holidays, compared to our last break. I hope everyone stays safe and remains well.

Thank you for all the support you have given our school.

Best wishes and God bless
Katrina West
Principal

Ripples PODCAST

Please find the next instalment to this wonderful series on Gratitude Meditation. Come and enjoy some Inspired Voices and Treasured Stillness. Please click on the link to access the next instalment of the Ripples PODCAST.

Mass Updates
From this weekend we will be able to accommodate around 110 people at each Mass.  Further good news!!

Please remember that all Masses will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, because of the social distancing requirements.

Mass and liturgy services will continue to be posted online through the Parish YouTube channel. I encourage you to still participate in Mass by viewing them online.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7S6wrESEOUqrF9Ppp7mDvg

This weekend, Mass times will be:

Vigil Mass (4 July)                5.00 p.m.

​Sunday     (5 July)                8.00 a.m.

                                              9.30 a.m.

                                            11.00 a.m.

                                            12.30 p.m.

                                              5.00 p.m.

​Parishioners will still need to register online.  Registration online for all weekend Masses opened at 7.00 a.m. on Monday 29 June, 2020.

​Confession will be heard from 4.15 p.m. - 4.45 p.m. each Saturday.

​​Most would know by now that Deacon Anthony will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday 11 July at St John Vianney's, Fairy Meadow, by Bishop Brian Mascord.

​Anthony will then celebrate his first Mass here in Bowral on 12 July, 2020 at 11.00 a.m.  Obviously, because of the restrictions, parish involvement will be limited, but I would encourage you all to keep Anthony in your prayers in these final weeks before his Ordination.

​​Thank you again for your continued support and especially for your response to coming back to Mass.  Wouldn't it be great if even more people than our previous average returned!

​Parish Fundraising
“MEGA RAFFLE” tickets can still be purchased.  First prize is a HONDAJAZZ, valued at over $20,000 (supplied by Southern Highlands Motor Group).  Tickets on sale now, $10.00 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased via https://www.raffletix.com.au/ccsh.  The raffle will be drawn later on in the year. Thank you for your continual support in this challenging time.

Rebecca Mitchell
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.

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week:

Jax H, Nate H, Sebastian C, Claire S, Bobbijoo C and Jace F.

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday during the school holidays:

Jesse H, Layla W, Jerwill H and Michelle B