Vision: Inspired by Christ, we aspire to excellence in learning, living life fully in community
The mission at St Michael’s is to:

• be a vibrant catholic community where all feel safe, valued, loved and respected

• display understanding, compassion and care for others and all creation

• foster dynamic and diverse learning opportunities

Throughout the year, we have continued to unpack our school Vision and Mission with our students and wider school community. My aim is to ensure that our vision is more than just words on a wall, rather embedded within the hearts and minds of each individual within our school community. The school vision is something we want all graduates of St Michael’s to leave with, and use this strong grounding to lean on throughout their lives. 

At our previous school assembly, I unpacked the meaning of excellence in learning with our students. We watched a few small clips from a personal favourite of mine, Sing 2. We focussed our attention on the character Johnny, who is faced by a substantial setback in bringing his goals and vision to life. Rather than throw the towel in, Johnny begins to plan strategies to overcome adversity and eventually bring his vision and dreams to life. To me, this captures what excellence is all about. It’s setting personal goals and targets, and having the resilience to persevere and overcome obstacles that are in our way. It doesn’t mean being the most intelligent, rather having a growth mindset and having a relentless determination to achieve personal goals. 

As a parent, it is easy to fall into a trap for solving our children’s problems for them (I know from experience). It is important to remember to teach them the skills to overcome challenges, build resilience and find a way to succeed. These skills don’t only help them in the classroom, but are applicable in all aspects of life. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with you to build lifelong learners who are able to unlock their gifts and talents and achieve their dreams. 

Catholic Care: Out of  School Hours Care
This week we provided all families with our brand new before and after school program at St Michael’s commencing in 2024. The program will run between 7am-9am each morning and from 3.20pm-6pm each afternoon. Catholic Care is now taking enrolments for 2024. You can access the enrolment form by simply scanning the QR code on the information sheet that was distributed. We also have additional information at our school office. If you would like any further information or have any questions, please feel free to drop in to see us. 

Calendar overview 

Mr James Bryce - Principal

Mission Month - “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move" 

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent Crazy Sock Day event, which was part of our Catholic Mission Month celebrations under the theme "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move." The money raised was to support and  give care for vulnerable children in Timor-Leste

Our school has always been committed to making a positive impact, and once again, you have demonstrated your unwavering support for those in need. Through the fun and colourful spirit of Crazy Sock Day, we united our community in a heartwarming display of generosity and compassion. We raised $235.

Our students focused on the value of peace. 

Our hearts go out to the people of Israel during these challenging times.

Let us unite in prayer:

May the light of hope shine brightly in the hearts of those affected by unrest.

May the path to lasting peace be found through compassion and empathy.

As a school community, let's foster an environment of love and support.

We send prayers of hope for  the people of Israel.

St Michaels Centenary

Saturday October 28 we came together to  celebrate the St Michael’s centenary! The air was filled with joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of community spirit.

The love and unity we experienced are the foundation upon which we will continue to build our community in the years to come.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this momentous occasion especially Mrs Peardon for her endless preparation and planning. Here's to the next century of faith, love, and community at St Michael’s!

Grandfriends Day

Grandparents Liturgy

On Wednesday 1 November we celebrated All Saints' Day, All Souls day with a liturgy, followed by a picnic lunch . We also took the time as a school community to recognise those wonderful Grandparents, and other special people in our lives, who share with their loved ones the gift of love and support.

The purpose behind celebrating Grandparents day on these special feast days is so that we all can be reminded of the fact that we can see the ‘saintly’ attributes in the face of those we interact with each and every day. The term 'Saint' can apply to each of us as we strive and stumble to imitate Jesus Christ in our lives. Fr Ken, during his blessing, reminded us all of how blessed we are to have wonderful grandparents and other special people who provide the example of sainthood through their qualities of generosity, kindness and unconditional love. 

As I looked out onto the hall and saw children, parents and grandparents, it brought a smile to my face and reminded all of us of the true sense of what it means to belong to the wonderful Catholic community called St Michael’s.

Sacrament of Penance

Our Year Two students have recently celebrated the Sacrament of Penance, an important milestone in their faith journey. The Sacrament of Penance, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is a beautiful and meaningful experience where our students have the opportunity to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Thank you to Father Ken and Miss Di Dimizio for their guidance and support throughout this journey.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

This week and next, our students commenced their preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. We continue to pray for these students and their parents. We pray that they will grow in goodness and faith as they come to know Jesus more.

Remembrance Day Prayer Service

On Monday, we gathered in reflection for our Remembrance Day Prayer Service. This special occasion provided us with a meaningful opportunity to honour and remember the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation with unwavering dedication. Thank you Year Six for sharing this meaningful reflection.

Mrs Steph Brown - Religious Education Co ordinator

2024 Representative Sport Pathway nominations update

The 2024 Representative Sport Pathway Trials have now closed. These nominations have now been forwarded to the Catholic Education Office for review in the coming weeks/months. You will be notified of the outcomes by the Catholic Education Office when the nominations are finalised.  If your child is successful in their nominated sport, you will then receive a letter via Compass outlining the next step. 

Representative Sports Pathway nominations trials

Congratulations to both Flynn S and Jayden G who were selected to attend the Basketball Representative Pathways Basketball trials on Tuesday 14th November, 2023 at “Snakepit” Beaton Park.

Congratulations to Flynn S who was successful in being selected to represent the Wollongong 2024 Basketball team. He will now attend the MacKillop trials Wollongong team, scheduled to take place on Friday 23 February 2024 (Wollongong). We wish Flynn all the best at the trials. 

Upcoming dates for your 2024 “Sports Diary”

Swimming Carnival - Corrimal Swimming Pool - Friday - 9th February, 2024 (Term 1, Week 2) - Note: will commence at 8:00am for representative swimmers. 

Cross Country - Gibson Park - Friday - 1st March, 2024 (Week 5, Term 1)

Athletics Carnival - Kerryn McCann Oval, Beaton Park - Friday 5th April, 2024 (Term 1, Week 10). Note: Full day.

Note: these dates are subject to confirmation of all venues. You will be notified of any changes as they come to our attention. 

Student Sporting Success 

Abigail Sharratt

 2023 Wollongong Diocese Sports Council - Catholic Development Fund 

 26th Annual Sports Award

 On Friday 10th November, 2023 Abigail S was awarded with the “Primary Sports Council Medallion” at the CDF Annual Sports Award night held at St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Wollongong. This prestigious award is awarded to students within the Wollongong Diocese who have excelled and represented the Wollongong Diocese at MacKillop level in two or more sports in 2023. Abigail, represented MacKillop in both Cross Country and the 1500m track and field event. Congratulations Abigail on receiving this well deserved award. We are all extremely proud of your sporting achievements and your continued commitment to sport this year. 

STUDENT SPORTING SUCCESS STORIES

We invite all our families to share their child/children’s sporting achievements outside of school, so we can share in their success as a whole school community through our School Newsletter.

If you require any further information about sporting events at St Michael’s please contact Ms Shea.

Ms Maria Shea - Sports Coordinator

2023 SMT Fundraising Event -

Friday 17th November

 

Date: Friday the 17th of November 2023

Time: Doors open at 6.30pm

Venue: Thirroul Surf Lifesaving Club

Theme: AROUND THE WORLD 

Cost: $55 p.h. tickets include games, prizes, donation and entertainment

BYO Alcohol and payment for food vans (His Boy Elroy and Steve’s Pizza)

Tickets can be purchased via Flexischools App. If you have any questions or need assistance purchasing tickets, please reach out to the team at  pandf@smtdow.catholic.edu.au.

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at the last assembly.

Principals Award

• Isabella F
• Finn D
• Isaac M
• Callum R
• Teo T
• Imogen V
• Jude B
• Charlotte P
• Oliver F

Gold Award

• Leila M
• Abigail S

St Michael's Blue

• Abigail S