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Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope the recent holiday period provided a refreshing break from the usual school routine. It has been wonderful to hear stories of family adventures and quality time spent together. The children have returned to school with enthusiasm, and the term ahead promises to be full of exciting learning opportunities.
Last week, I shared the sad news of the passing of one of our valued staff members, Ms Michelle Crinnion. Ms Crinnion has been a dedicated member of the Nazareth School community since its foundation in 2000, faithfully serving as a School Support Officer and Librarian. Her presence, care, and commitment have left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff, and families. Michelle’s funeral arrangements have been confirmed for Friday 8 August. There will be minimal supervision onsite during the day so if parents are able to keep their child home on this day it would be greatly appreciated. To assist in organising supervision please complete the Compass event that was shared with parents today.
The loss of a loved one is always difficult. Grief is a personal journey, experienced and expressed differently by everyone. There is no set timeline—it takes as long as it takes. For those seeking more information on dealing with grief within their own life, please refer to the Beyond Blue resource attached below.
Last Monday, I met with the Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill, to discuss the final report and recommendations from our recent School Cyclic Inquiry (SCI). A summary of the key recommendations is available in the Nazareth SCI Executive Summary. The report will help shape our School Strategic Improvement Plan, guiding growth and development over the next four years.
NAPLAN reports for students in Years 3 and 5 were sent home last week. These reports offer valuable insights into your child’s academic progress, highlighting strengths and areas for further growth. Please remember that NAPLAN is just one measure and should be considered alongside other assessments of your child’s learning. If you wish to discuss your child’s results in more detail, please contact their classroom teacher through the school office.
The theme for the 2025 Children's Book Week is "Book an Adventure!”. This year we will be celebrating Book Week on Thursday 28 August with our annual Book Week Parade. On this day students are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. The parade will commence at 8:45am. Parents, carers, and grandparents are warmly invited to join us for the celebration!
Preparations for the Nazareth Spring Fair are in full swing. The P & F are currently seeking parent helpers to assist with running stalls and activities. If you are available to assist, please complete the volunteer helper form from the P & F section below. The annual Pie Drive is also underway—please ensure all orders are returned by Friday 8 August. Proceeds from both initiatives directly support the purchase of school resources for the benefit of all students.
Wishing you a happy and successful term ahead.
Kind regards,
Mr Matt Downes
(Principal)
Religious Literacy Assessment
Next Monday, 4 August, Year 4 will sit their digital Religious Literacy Assessment. If any student is away on this date, the back up date is Tuesday, 5 August. This assessment evaluates how students use literacy skills to communicate their understanding of the religious tradition to themselves, peers, themselves, peers, teachers and members of the wider community.
The assessment involves all Year 4 students across the Diocese of Wollongong and consists of a multiple choice paper. Questions are focused on students’ knowledge and understanding of Religious Education concepts from Kindergarten to Year 4 and what they mean for their way they live.
Data gathered from the assessment are analysed to inform teaching in schools, and to recognise and celebrate learning in the domain of Religious Education in the Wollongong Diocese.
Save the Date
Friday, 15 August is the Feast of the Assumption and there will be a whole school mass, celebrated also with Stella Maris. All families are warmly welcome to attend.
Wednesday Faith & Learning
This week there was no Faith and Learning visit due to our NAIDOC Liturgy. Next week the first Faith and Learning visit for Term 3 will be Year 2. We warmly invite all parents, family and friends to join Year 2 for mass at 9am and then head on down to the classroom to see what the students are learning about.
Year 6 Canberra Excursion 2025: Parliament and Civics Education Rebate- (PACER)
Year 6 Students from our school undertook an education tour of the national capital last term on the 8th and 9th of May 2025.
Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
In Religion this term, we have been learning about trust, love and promises by listening to the story of God’s Great Family. We have also been learning about special Saints, God’s family, and St. Ignatius, who loved God so much!
We have been thinking about our world and how we can help to take care of it every day through our care and actions. We had a very special visit from Beth from Pray School who teaches us about God’s Creation and things that we can do to care for it. We were so lucky to have Beth visit our classroom with her wonderful friends Lyrebird, Whale and Waratah!
On Wednesday 30th July, we celebrated NAIDOC Week.
Clayton - We have been learning about our culture with Uncle Mark and got to perform dances at assembly.
Kendrix - NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee.
Ariella - We made bracelets and we played outdoor games with Uncle Mark.
Matilda - We celebrate NAIDOC Week to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their culture.
Congratulations:
Congratulations to Oliver S who competed at the NSW PSSA Cross Country event last week. Oliver came 3rd in his race, this means he will progress to the National Cross Country event in Queensland in September. We wish him all the best in his preparations.
Congratulations to James W who competed at the NSW Rugby Union Junior Championships in the holidays. James and his team came first in their division.
Upcoming Events:
Athletics South Coast- Tuesday August 12. This event is for the Nazareth Athletics Squad. Please ensure your child has consent to attend. Continue to check Compass for the most up to date information,
Soccer Gala Day- Friday August 29. A compass event will be released in the coming weeks for this event. Please provide consent as soon as possible.
Basketball Gala Day- September 18 & 19. Expressions of interest for this event have closed. A compass event will come out closer to the event for consent.
NAZARETH AWARDS
Anthony D
PRINCIPAL AWARDS
Dalel H
Felix F
Lucas B
Scarlett B
MERIT AWARDS
| CLASS |
Week 10 - PE Awards |
Week 1 - Teacher's Choice |
| KN | Louie S | Alaska S |
| KN | Marko V | Hugh C |
| KC | Alexis H | Jude C |
| KC | Nate D G | Rebecca A |
| KS | April B | Isaac C |
| KS | Vincent J | Thomas D |
| 1S | Isabelle C | Flynn S |
| 1S | Malachi K | Mariana S |
| 1H | Rome M | Lylah-Rose D |
| 1H | William B | Rome M |
| 2E | Freddie F | Fenix M |
| 2E | Hugo S | Olivia D |
| 2L | Chelsea B | Miyah W |
| 2L | Nina D G | Sol S |
| 3L | Henry H | Christian I |
| 3L | Jagger O | Jack D |
| 3H | Ethan C | Austin P |
| 3H | Hendrix P | Clayton M |
| 4A | Mason S | Hudson S |
| 4A | Violet F | Lexis F |
| 4R | Dylan C | Chloe H |
| 4R | Georgia H | Travis B |
| 4R | Khaya M | |
| 5B | Harper R | Donovan M |
| 5B | Cohen H | Scarlett M |
| 5O | Layla R | Nate R |
| 5O | Evelyn M | Raven N |
| 6U | Alexa T | Mason R |
| 6U | Hayden R | Hudson A |
| 6R | Rennan R | Carter O |
| 6R | Isla F | Brody J |
| 6R | Luca W |
Samuel T, Billie C, Birdie E, Tobias L, Gabriella D, Jude M, Danielle R, Luna H, Michael M, Alyssa R, Layla R, Hunter L, Stella M, Lachlan S, Arlo B, Elijah G, Adam S, Ava A, Ivy B, Rennan R, Madison-Rose H, Isaiah C.
In the upcoming weeks, students at Nazareth are working to improve and understand their social and emotional learning. This week’s focus looks closely at being self aware. When kids are self-aware, they understand their strengths and challenges and know what helps them thrive. Students are supported in identifying their emotions and understanding their strong skills.
Spring Fair Volunteers Needed – We Can’t Do It Without You!
Our Spring Fair is shaping up to be an amazing day for the whole community – but we need your help to make it happen.
We’re now calling for Stall Coordinators and On-the-Day Volunteers to sign up. Whether you can spare an hour or take the lead on a stall, your time makes a huge difference.
Please complete the form below to let us know how you can help. There is a separate form for Stall Supervisors and On the day Volunteers (1 hour shifts).
These events can’t go ahead without parent involvement. If we don’t have enough support, some stalls and activities may not run – so please jump in and be part of the fun!
Thank you for helping make this day a success!
NAZARETH PROMOTIONAL FILM
The film captures a day in the life of a Nazareth student.
Click https://youtu.be/olug9FWvZQI to view the film
FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM PAGE FOR NAZARETH
If you haven't already please follow our school pages to keep up to date with events at school and for photos and updates from across the school.
Please click on the direct links to follow our pages:
www.facebook.com/nazareth.shellhabour
www.instagram.com/nazareth.shellharbour
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Please click on the below link for a direct link to the social media policy.
https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies/social-media-policy/