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. 

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/general-news/2020-cedow-christmas-story-art-exhibition-and-competition/

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

YEAR 4 BUSKING FOR THE MAUBARA ORPHANAGE
Year 4 had a great time raising money for the Maubara Orphanage last Friday. All the school had a wonderful time watching the different acts. Year 4 raised an amazing $312. The sisters at Mauabara will be very appreciative of the support that our school gives to each of these days. A bit thankyou to all the Year 4 students and Mr Nash for your efforts.

CONFIRMATION
Over the coming week please keep in your prayers students from our parish who will be making their Confirmation over three Masses. This year it will be very different due to COVID 19. However, we are very proud of the commitment that our students and parents are making.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Holy Communion has commenced and students from Year 3 within our parish are preparing to receive the Eucharist for the first time. If students would please bring their booklet to Mrs. Mitchell on Tuesdays to be sighted and ask any questions that may arise.

PARISH NEWS
Be assured that in the Parish, every precaution is being observed to ensure the safety of those who come to Mass: distancing is clearly marked in the Church and maintained during Mass; all of the liturgical restrictions are followed (Communion in the hand and no singing); the Church is cleaned after each Mass; registration of those who attend is carefully recorded; sanitising is practiced by all who enter the Church.  So, please, if you are well and able do not be hesitant about coming to Mass.

Go to the website www.ccsh.org.au and press the link “Register Here” for Mass.

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

Masses for the week ahead

• Saturday Vigil - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday - 8:00 a.m. 
• Sunday - 9:30 a.m.
• Sunday - 5:00 p.m.

Weekday Masses

• Monday - 7.15 a.m. (The Hermitage, Mittagong)
• Tuesday - 8.00 a.m.
• Wednesday - 7.30 a.m.
• Thursday - 7.30 a.m.
• Friday - 8.00 a.m.

​Confession (Saturdays) 4:15 p.m.

​Please do not attend Mass if you have any coronavirus symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever or fatigue. 

PARISH FUNDRAISING
Tickets are still available to be purchased from the Parish website via https://www.raffletix.com.au/ccsh. Tickets are $10.00 per each and would make a great Christmas present, especially if they won. First prize is a HONDAJAZZ, valued at over $20,000 (supplied by Southern Highlands Motor Group).

​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.

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY 2021

Click here to access the Calendar

LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM 
Unfortunately due to the current Covid19 situation we have had to cancel the Learn to Swim Program For Kinder - Year 3 for 2020.  

This decision wasn’t taken lightly.  We had hoped to be able to hold this program in term 4.  One Covid Safe requirement was to have exclusive use of the pool to run the program.  However the additional cost for the exclusive use of the pool for the 9 day program was at a cost of almost $1,900 that we could not justify nor ask parents to further contribute to during what has been a difficult year.

For those families who have paid monies for the excursions, a refund credit will be applied to your school fees.   The Catholic Education Office will process the refund credit and these will appear on you fee statements over the next couple of weeks.

We thank you for your understanding.

PARENT SURVEY
Each year we seek parent, staff and student input in order to prepare aspects of the Annual School Report. This year all parents have the opportunity, via an anonymous online survey, to provide input into areas affecting the education of their children and the general functioning of the school. In 2020 we have faced many challenges and disruptions to our normal operations and in many ways we have been unable to operate as we normally would have. In the midst of our current circumstances we are keen to gauge parent input in regard to our future directions but also what we have learned from the experience of COVID.

All feedback is greatly valued and will assist in contributing not only to the preparation of the Annual School Report but also to future directions and in planning for school improvement.

The survey can be accessed by clicking the link below.

If you would prefer to complete this survey as a hard copy these will be available through the Office. The survey will be online until Friday 6th November.

SEMESTER TWO REPORTS
Our teachers are currenty working on student Semester 2 Reports.  These reports are different to the Interim Reports distributed in Semester 1 and slightly different again to the regular Sesmester Reports.  Below is a rationale for these changes presented by the Wollongong Catholic education Office.  The Semester 2 Reports will be published via Compass in Week 9 (11th December). 

Semester Reports are no longer printed by the School. (except for Year 5 and Year 6).  For those unable to download or print a copy of the school report, please notify the school in writing and a copy will be printed for you.

A reminder that a student profile exists on Compass only for the period of their enrolment at St Michael’s. When a student leave St Michael's, their profile and semester reports will not be accessible. As students' academic reports are provided to families via Compass, it is important that parents of leaving students download and save the reports before the student leaves St Michael’s so that it remains accessible in the future (eg for high school application). 

SCHOOL FEES
All school fees need to be finalised by Friday 4th December 2020. Payment of school fees are part of your enrolment obligation and receiving these are imperative for the running of the school.  If you are having trouble paying your school fees, please contact the school office to make an appointment to see Mrs West.

SCHOOL TRAVEL (OPAL CARDS) FOR 2021

Applications for student travel in 2021 opened on Monday 12 October 2020.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass for 2021 can now apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should reapply or update their details. 

Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2020 to ensure that current student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card remains valid. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2020, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address.Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL FOLLOWING FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS
Students who have been sick with flu-like symptoms defined by NSW Health as:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
• Sore Throat
• Loss of smell or taste

are required to present a negative COVID test result before returning to school. 

Please provide the school with a copy of COVID test results, as we are required to add this information to our school COVID testing register which is updated on a daily basis. Please note that your child will need to be symptom free and have a negative COVID test result before returning to school. 

• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomitting or diarrhoea
• Loss of Appetite

WATER BOTTLES

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the bubblers have been turned off.  Therefore it is important that students come prepared to school with their own water bottle.

STUDENTS NOT RETURNING IN 2021
If parents are already aware that their child/ren will not be returning to St Michael's  in 2021, we request that this information be provided to Mrs Berrell in the School Office as soon as possible. This information will assist us with accommodating both new applications and students who are currently on our waiting list. 

HELP NEEDED -         YEAR 5 FETE

Every year, Year 5 organise a Fete which raises money to support Maubara Orphanage (East Timor) as well as Sr Anna Warlow’s Indigenous Outreach Mission in Western Australia. For many children, this is one of the highlights of the school year.

The Year 5 students are in the process of organising some fun and varied activities and games for the fete which we hope to take place on Thurs 19^th November (Week 6) between 11.40 am and 1:10 pm.

As we did the past two years, we are asking for some help with the ‘White elephant’ stall. It would be appreciated if children across the school could donate to Year 5 any toys, games, books, dolls etc that you have at home and no longer really use or need. If they are in a reasonably good condition we can sell them for a small cost to other children in the school. Your child as well may be then able to buy something fun to bring home!

A plastic tub has been placed in each classroom for donations. We would really appreciate your help! A successful stall will not only provide a lot of enjoyment for our children at St Michael’s, but also raise money for people who really need our help.