This week we welcomed our newest members to the St Michael’s community. Our amazing Kindergarten students have had a seamless start to their school year. Each day we see their bright smiling faces and they are ready for the day ahead. Thank you Kindergarten parents for your understanding and support as we have had an unusual beginning to the school year. Welcome to our new families across our school this year, it is a pleasure to have you join our community and we look forward to working with you as your child journeys through St Michael's.

This weekend we see the commemoration of National Apology Day it encourages remembrance of -and apology to – the Stolen Generations and those whose lives have been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.

On 13th February 2008, the first sitting of the new parliamentary year, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally acknowledged the immense suffering experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people due to past government policies of forced child removal and decades of mistreatment of Indigenous Australians.

The National Apology to the Stolen Generations remains a momentous turning point that demonstrates the importance of historical acceptance in paving the road to reconciliation.

National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes. It is a step on the path to reconciliation. It is a commitment to right the wrongs of past injustices and is about building a bridge of respect between all people.

At St Michael’s each class will mark this day with a prayer, liturgy and or learning experience. 

Loving God, Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming,

You who created all people in your image and likeness,

May we listen with care to all people of this land and treat all with respect.

Source of all creation and unity, bless us in our endeavours to live as one in

Christ.

Amen.

God Bless

Belinda Hughes - Principal

      St Michael’s Religious Education Updates

          Beginning of School Liturgy & Induction of Leaders 

    “Blessings of Hope for 2022”

All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be involved in a Whole School Liturgy Friday 25th February at 9:30am. The Liturgy will be led by Father Ken around our outdoor prayer space. This is an important occasion when we come together as a school to ask for God’s blessings for the year ahead. It is an important time to welcome our new students and staff to our community, as well as acknowledge our 2022 Year 6 leaders. Fr Ken will bless the Year 6 students and present them with their badges. 

Please note further details will be sent closer to the date.

First Penance and First Holy Communion

In the upcoming weeks, students will commence their preparation for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion . We pray for the students and their parents for the strength to continue to share with each other their beliefs and love in Jesus Christ.

Receiving First Communion

Candidates may receive Communion at any 5:30pm Saturday Mass or any 8:00am Sunday Mass from 12/13 March onwards.

Grace and Blessings

Mrs Steph Brown - Religious Education Coordinator

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

This is our school 

St Michael’s Thirroul 

Let peace dwell here

Let the rooms be full 

of contentment

Let love abide here

Love of one another

Love of humankind

Love of life itself 

and Love of God

Let us remember

that as many hands build a house 

so many hearts make a school

St Michael pray for us

St Joseph pray for us 

St Mary Mackillop pray for us.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

St Michael’s Meet and Greet Week

Each year we hold a week early in term 1 as an opportunity to meet and greet your child’s teacher. It is a chance for you to tell your child’s teacher what their strengths are and what your hopes are for your child. As it is the beginning of the year, the teacher will not be reporting on their academic progress, they are able to discuss how they have settled into the new year. Due to the uncertainty of what the restrictions may be and to allow families to plan for the meet and greet opportunity, they will be held via zoom or phone conversation.

Further information in regards to booking times and sharing information will be forwarded in the coming week.

Updated SDD date

Please note the incorrect date was published in last week’s newsletter for term 2 staff development day and start of term 2.

The students return to school Wednesday 27 April.

Medical / Injuries

Any child who comes to school with an injury must have clearance from a doctor that clearly states the nature of the injury and what the student can and can not do at school, this includes them being on the playground at recess and lunch times. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call the school office.

In the school holidays Evie T competed in the Berry Interschool Championships. Congratulations Evie on your achievement of two 2nds, one 3rd and two 6th placings.

Some great action shots below.

School Swimming Trials

Congratulations to all of the students who attended the School Swimming Carnival. It was a great day with the students putting in their best effort and enjoying themselves. We appreciate all of the support from the families, including the parents who volunteered their time.Thanks to Mrs Riolo for all of the preparation involved in making the swimming carnival run smoothly. Thank you to Mrs Hughes, Mrs McLeod, Mrs Peardon, Mrs Holt & Mrs Colstello for attending the carnival and making it such a successful day. 

Sports Trials

Congratulations to Riley and Amelia  for their outstanding effort in making it into the DOW Wollongong Basketball Team. What a wonderful achievement. We wish you all the best! 

Term 1 sport dates to take note of:

Cricket Trials (nominated players) Thursday 17th February 2022

South Coast Swimming Carnival Tuesday 1st March 2022

Football (soccer) Trials (nominated players) Friday 4th March 2022

Rugby League Trials (nominated players) Friday 4th March 2022

Cross Country Thursday, 24th March 2022

Please see the link for the Catholic Education DOW, Sport Events website for updates and more information. 

Miss Emma Wragge - Sport Coordinator

Swimming Carnival Results

Well done to all the swimmers who competed in the swimming carnival yesterday. Here are the results from each race. 

Miss Emma Riolo - Carnival Convenor