Uniform Shop News

The Catholic Education Office is supporting schools across the Diocese to transition from in school uniform shops to an outsourced alternative. We have been very fortunate to have a school uniform shop onsite for many years. It has always been run on a voluntary basis and there are countless and tireless hours that go on behind the scenes to ensure our students have their uniforms. 

From term 2 onwards parents will be able to purchase the St Michael’s uniform from Lowes in Wollongong. The are no changes in the uniform, it will remain the same. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the uniform committee who have gone above and beyond with their time and experience over the years. There have been many hands over time and all have contributed to getting us to where we are today. 

The second hand uniform shop will continue as another avenue for used uniforms.

2020 School Improvement Priorities

Every school in our diocese uses a framework that helps us get better at what we do.  This tool is called School Review and Improvement (SRI). It is a framework which outlines what schools should be doing in order to achieve excellence in various areas. Schools use the framework and data to prioritise goals for each year.  

This year we have four main improvement areas that incorporate learning, faith and community. We look forward to sharing with you our progress via the school newsletter or at P&F meetings throughout the year. To achieve these goals we have committed to the following strategies:

Goal 1: A focus on delivering a comprehensive writing program that enhances student learning.

• teachers regularly meeting in Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) with a focus on student learning to collaboratively assess and design units of work, identify the immediate learning needs of all students and develop whole class learning goals
• teachers engaging in classroom observations and feedback conversations about improving teaching practice
• teachers engaging in Professional Learning

Goal 2: A focus on providing differentiated learning experiences K-6

• developing a whole school shared understanding and knowledge of quality differentiation

• teachers regularly meeting in Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) with a focus on student learning to collaboratively identify the variety of teaching and learning experiences needed to meet the needs and interests of students.

Goal 3: A focus on revisiting the school vision and mission 

• engaging with an external consultant to explore a journey of staff spiritual formation
• liaising with CEO to work through a process of authenticity to revisit and refine the school vision and mission

Goal 4: A focus on social and emotional learning and student wellbeing from K-6

• A whole school approach to student wellbeing and the development of social and emotional knowledge, understanding and skills
• Integration of learning experiences that specifically target learning the skills needed for positive relationships
• Implementation of core practices focusing on mindfulness and brain breaks

National Day of Action Against Bullying

Friday 20th March is the National Day of Action Against Bullying. It is an opportunity to nationally recognise the things that are being done in schools to counter bullying. The website is a great resource for students, parents and schools. At St Michael’s we will be re-visiting some practical strategies to assist students in making positive choices that help to create a safe environment for all. https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/NationalDay

2021 Kindergarten Enrolment Applications

2021 Kindergarten Enrolment Forms are now available from the school office. You may also access the forms from our school website. We look forward to welcoming siblings and new families to our wonderful community.

The enrolment package is available from our school or online at www.dow.catholic.edu.au

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