Dear Parents and Carers, 

Today is R U OK? Day, an annual event dedicated to promoting mental health and encouraging people to check in with one another. The day aims to foster a culture of care and support by prompting individuals to ask their friends, family, colleagues, and others if they are okay. By asking "R U OK?" and engaging in meaningful conversations, individuals can help others feel valued and supported, potentially making a significant difference in their lives. Asking "R U OK?" should be an everyday practice, not just limited to R U OK? Day. Life’s challenges and triumphs happen daily, and keeping up with regular, meaningful conversations helps build trust and normalises discussions about feelings. This way, when someone in your life faces difficulties, they know they can turn to you for support. A simple conversation can make a significant difference. 

I would like to express my appreciation to all the families, especially the fathers, father-figures and grandfathers who joined us last Friday for the Father’s Day breakfast and liturgy. Thank you to the many staff and parents who arrived early to prepare the breakfast and to the P & F executive, especially our P & F President Rebecca, for organising the Father’s Day Stall. On Saturday evening, our Kindergarten students shared a beautiful song for fathers at the parish Father’s Day mass. It has been a wonderful time to connect and engage with so many families as we acknowledge the role of father figures in our lives. 

Today I had the privilege of attending the Diocesan Launch of Catholic Mission Month at Magdalene Catholic College at Smeaton Grange with Alexa and Scarlett from our Year 6 School Spirit Team. Earlier this year in preparation for Catholic Mission Month, the late Pope Francis' message was for people to become "Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples". This theme, linked to the 2025 Jubilee theme of "Pilgrims of Hope," emphasised that hope is at the core of the Christian mission and encouraged Catholics to live and share this hope, especially with those suffering from poverty, violence, or persecution. The Pope's call highlights the importance of global solidarity and using faith to inspire meaningful change through compassion and service. Alexa and Scarlett will share the key messages from the launch with the school community in the coming weeks.  

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Parents and Friends Executive for the tremendous efforts made towards fundraising for the school. Throughout the year our community has been involved in a number of fundraising initiatives that have not only enabled our students to be part of whole school community events but also raised funds for our students. The upcoming Nazareth Spring Fair will be another opportunity to connect as a whole school community. Please continue to share details with family and friends. The committee continues to seek volunteers—whether you can spare an hour or assist for the whole day, your support will be greatly appreciated. To let us know your availability, please complete the On the Day Volunteer Form. 

Due to some warmer than expected temperatures, children may choose to wear their summer uniform. The last two and a half weeks of this term will be considered a transition phase to summer uniform. The official change over to summer uniform will be the beginning of Term 4.

I look forward to seeing you at the Nazareth Spring Fair. 

Wishing you a wonderful week, 

Mr Matt Downes 

(Principal)

KC are learning all about the wonders of God’s creation in our Religion lessons. Our Science unit of living things also helps us to understand what parts of creation need to survive. We have been enjoying growing our bean plants too, watering them daily and seeing them grow taller! 

Frankie: The bean plants are growing very well because our stars of the day water them everyday and some sunlight through our window.

Mason: Animals need water and food to survive. They are part of God’s creation.

Eloise: The trees are part of God’s creation and we need to take care of them.

Jude: God made people. We need food and water to survive.

Lyla: God created the sea animals. We can’t throw rubbish in the ocean because they can hurt the animals. 

Logan: We need to care for the Earth because we only get one. 

Alexis: Nature is beautiful so we have to look after it because we don’t have too long to fix it so we need to look after the Earth.

Tobias: I like God’s creation because he made my friends.

Noah: I like God’s creation because he created all the flowers and the trees.

Mahalia: I like God’s creation because he made my friends.

Javae: I like God because he made us.

Rebecca: I like God’s creation and we need to be kind to our friends.

It has been an exciting week in 5B! Our classroom looks fresh with our brand-new green chairs and tables, complete with handy drawers underneath to keep our learning materials organised.

5B recognised R U OK? Day by taking part in a thoughtful activity. Each student wrote something kind about another classmate while calming mindfulness music played in the background. The room was filled with smiles as students opened their notes and read the thoughtful words written for them.

We are also finalising our public speaking competition (classroom round), where students are writing and rehearsing their 3–4 minute speeches. Everyone is working hard to use their voices with confidence, expression, and clear ideas.

It’s been a week of kindness, creativity, and courage in 5B!

Congratulations:

Congratulations to Oliver S who competed at the National Cross Country event on the Gold Coast this week. He placed second in his 2km run which meant that the NSW team came first as they were the first team with three runners across the finish line. Oliver was also selected as part of the 4x1000m relay team. Oliver’s team came second in this relay event. We are so proud of how Oliver represented not only our school but the entire Diocese of Wollongong. Well done Oliver!

Congratulations to Aubrey P who attended the NSWPSSA Soccer Trial recently in Ballina. Aubrey attended as part of the MacKillop team. They performed amazingly and were fortunate enough to place fourth at the event. Well done Aubrey, we can’t wait to hear more about your soccer successes in 2026. 

Upcoming Events:

Basketball Gala Day- September 18 & 19. The window to provide payment and consent has closed. Please continue to check Compass for up to date information. 

Cricket Gala Day (Year 5 & 6)- October 16. Expressions of interest for this event have closed. A Compass event will go out next week to provide payment and consent for your child to attend. 

Oztag Gala Day- Tuesday October 28- Nazareth will not be attending this Gala Day as we will not be able to send many students as it is only one team per division. The expressions of interest that were taken will be used for an upcoming Dragon Tag Gala Day event in November. If your child missed out, they will be asked to express their interest again towards the end of this term. 

Representative Nominations for 2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Representative Pathway Sporting Trials. An information sheet has been uploaded to the Compass newsfeed for parents of children in Year 4 and 5 this year (Year 5 and 6 in 2026). Please make sure you read all of the relevant information prior to nominating your child.

These trials are not a come and try event, they are for children who excel in their chosen sport(s) and wish to progress further. If you have any questions regarding this nomination process, please contact Mrs Mobberley through the front office. 

External Rugby Union Opportunities

‘OUR TURN’ Rugby clinics for GIRLS run by NSW Rugby are coming to the Illawarra. For new & old rugby players aged U11-U17. 

For new players it’s the chance to be exposed to the fundamentals of the game. Also, great for anyone wanting to be involved in the Summer 7s series at UOW in Term 4. For existing players, this will be another chance to keep refining their fundamentals and enjoy another fun run around! ? Please see the attached flyers for more information about these exciting opportunities. 

IGNATION MEDAL

Alexa T

 

Scarlett B

James W & Lydia D

NAZARETH AWARDS

Felix F

Khaya M

Hannah C

PRINCIPAL AWARDS

Harrison L

Rome M

Darcy W

Hallie-May C

Ruby T

Lexis F

Saxon B

Mbali M

Ruby C

Hayden R

MERIT AWARDS

Gabriella C, Ruby E, Archie S, Lilijana T, Saxon R, Taylan Y-P, Connor C, Layla M, Salome S, Beau S, Addison R, Alexa T, Jacob D, Louie S, Lucy V, Chelsea B, Bentley P, Ian B, Fenix M, Georgia M, Seyan S, Rome Kayden M, Robert O, Charlie-Rose V, Hendrix L, Wyatt T, Charles H, Alena P, Ryan S.

On Tuesday of Week 7, Students in Year 2 went on a walking excursion to the Shellharbour City Library.

Students participated in three rotations, where they toured the library and council space and learnt all about the local history!

Students had a wonderful time engaging in scavenger hunts, debated in the council chambers and learning Aboriginal language. 

This week in PB4L, students are rewarded for following The Voice Code Chart. The chart is an important tool in our classroom and playgrounds as it helps everyone understand what kind of voice to use in different situations. For example, we know when it is time to use a quiet voice for focused learning, a partner voice for group work, or a strong presentation voice when speaking in front of the class.

Having the chart in our classroom makes expectations clear and helps create a calm and respectful learning environment. It allows everyone to concentrate, share ideas safely, and build confidence in speaking at the right time and place. The Voice Code Chart also encourages students to self-manage their behaviour, making our classroom a positive space for learning and collaboration.

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/