100 Years of St Michael’s

“There is something special about St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School. People often comment on the positive energy they feel when they walk through the school gates. Whether it is the location, the people, or it’s history, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what sets St Michael’s apart.” 

In the lead up to our Parish Centenary celebrations, I have had the privilege of reading the excerpts from the book that was developed in 2015 as a part of the 75 years of St Michael’s Catholic Primary School celebrations. The quote above is found in the introductory comments of this text. This is a comment that I have heard frequently in recent times from visiting members to St Michael’s, Thirroul. We often have feedback from new families, Catholic Education Office Staff and other visitors that there is a special feel within this community. This year we have had the opportunity to further unpack why it is that this feeling exists. Like the above quote, I believe it is a culmination of the people, history, and the tight knit community. We have worked hard this year to understand the rich history of the school and ensure this living spirit continues to be alive and well within this beautiful community. Our school vision statement: ‘Inspired by Christ, we aspire to excellence in learning, living fully in community’ aims to capture this history and essence of who we are and what we are about at St Michael’s. Our shared vision aims to emulate and continue the dedication, faith and kindness that was instilled by the founding Nuns of St Michael’s (Sister Alphonsa and Sister Thecla). 

I hope that you are able to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion on Saturday night. It is a brilliant opportunity to come together as a connected community to recognise those that have come before us and  instilled a spirit that pervades our community. It is also a great way for both children and adults to not only celebrate, but also deepen our knowledge of our rich shared history. 

Please see below an outline of key events and times as a part of this celebration. 

Time	Events
5:30 pm	Mass
6:40 pm	Introductions on the school grounds
6:40	Service of the  BBQ (in front of the school hall)
7pm	Student performers meeting in the  Creative Arts room with Mrs Brown
7:15	School Performances  School Choir Waltzing Matilda I am Australian School song Any students present asked to participate in the school song in front of the hall balcony Selected infants students This little light of mine Liturgical movement group  (Goodness, love and Mercy)
7:55	Speeches
8:10	Cake cutting

Staffing 2024

Throughout Term 3, we engaged in an extensive recruitment to finalise the staffing for 2024. I am pleased to confirm that Ronelle Peardon and Pamela Di Domizio have accepted Permanent contracts here at St Michael’s. Both Ronelle and Pamela are highly effective practitioners and play an important role in the continued development of our school culture. 

I can also confirm that David Ryan and Perri Berringer have secured classroom teacher positions at St Michael’s for 2024. David previously worked at St Michael’s and comes highly commended from his current school setting at St Justin’s, Oran Park. Perri has been a welcome addition to our teaching staff in 2024, and I am confident she will continue to grow and add value to our beautiful school community. 

In the coming weeks we will be finalising other part time roles within the school, inclusive of support roles for our growing class sizes. We will communicate this information as soon as it is confirmed. We aim to communicate classes for 2024 as early as possible to ensure there is a comprehensive transition process. 

Before and after school care (Out of School Hours Care)
I am pleased to confirm that we have been approved for Out of School Hours Care at St Michael’s in 2024. The program will be run in the school hall by Catholic Care daily before and after school. In the coming weeks, I have been invited to be a part of the interview panel to support the recruitment of suitable applicants. In the coming weeks, we will provide additional details about times, registration processes, and other key information in relation to this service.  

World Teachers Day
Tomorrow, we celebrate World Teachers Day. I’d like to acknowledge the amazing staff we have here at St Michael’s that go above and beyond to ensure we provide high quality learning experiences and inspire our school community. Our wonderful P&F have coordinated a small gift for each staff member on your behalf, to recognise and celebrate their passion and dedication. 

Mr James Bryce - Principal

Week 1 results:

Year 1: 63%

Year 2: 72%

Year 3: 50%

Year 4: 14%

Year 5: 50%

Year 6: 19%

Kindergarten: 86%

Congratulations to Kindergarten, you were the Gold WFW winners for Week 1 and, Year 2, you were the Silver WFW

Week 2 results:

• Year 1: 54%
• Year 2: 72%
• Year 3: 85%
• Year 4: 36%
• Year 5: 50%
• Year 6: 35%
• Kindergarten: 65%

So the Gold Waste Free Warriors for Week 2 wer: Year 3 and the Silver Waste Free Warriors were Year 2.

WEEK 3 GOLDEN TICKET

This week the class with the most amount of waste free lunches will win the GOLDEN TICKET. This will be announced at the Monday morning assembly. I wonder which class will get the GOLDEN TICKET. 

Term 4 Respect Focus

Weeks	RESPECT FOCUS
3-6	Saying Sorry
7-10	Consent

Our new RESPECT FOCUS is ‘SAYING SORRY’

This was based on data that the Student Advisory Group gathered from our students. 86 students surveyed said that when they are disrespected, the offender does not apologise to them unless they are directed to by a staff member. Our students see this as a PROBLEM that they want to address. The SAG team has developed this respect focus and some role plays to help students learn how to say sorry and really mean it. They have also developed an APOLOGY script to use when they need to say sorry in a meaningful way.

Saying Sorry is:

- understanding and accepting that what you have done is wrong

- saying sorry for what you have done without the teacher asking you

- saying sorry for the way you made someone feel

- saying you won’t do it again 

- showing by your actions that you are really sorry

Saying Sorry is not:

-arguing and not accepting that what you have done is wrong.

-refusing to say sorry for what you have done

-not considering the way others feel

-repeating disrespectful behaviour

-pretending you are sorry

Apology Script

“I am sorry for…”

 “I am sorry I made you feel…”

“ I understand my actions were disrespectful and I won’t do it again”

“ I can make it better by…”

Semester 2 Student Academic Reports

The semester 2 reports will be made available through Compass on Friday 9th December. Parent/Teacher interviews to discuss your child’s report in semester 2 are optional and if you would like to meet with your child’s teacher, please make an appointment through the school office during Week 10.

NAPLAN 2024

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is an online series of tests with the exception of Year 3 writing, which is pencil and paper based. The NAPLAN assesses reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation and numeracy. Students in Year 3 and 5 next year will complete the NAPLAN in March 2024. Because this is early in the school year, the students in Year 2 and Year 4 are starting their familiarisation with the test structure and platform thai term. Students can access sample tests at home via the NAP - PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION SITE

Mrs Amy Sammut - Assistant Principal

Early bird tickets on sale for the Illawarra Edible Garden Trail happening on the 11/12 November! Here's your chance to have a sticky beak in edible gardens between Helensburgh and Woonona. Check out the gardens that will be on display by heading to @FoodFairnessIllawarra's webpage and be sure to swoop in and pick up your tickets before the cockatoos do!