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Vision: Inspired by Christ, we aspire to excellence in learning, living life fully in community
The mission at St Michael’s is to:
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be a vibrant catholic community where all feel safe, valued, loved and respected
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display understanding, compassion and care for others and all creation
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foster dynamic and diverse learning opportunities
The beating heart of St Michael’s
Throughout the year I have been sharing stories with students, staff, and parents about moments where I have observed or heard about the impact of our shared vision being lived out within our community. We work collectively to ensure that our school vision is imprinted in the hearts and minds of our school community, empowering each individual to become the best version of themself. Recently one of our parents shared a beautiful story about some of our Year 6 student’s whose kindness, selflessness and compassion had a significant impact on a member of another school community. I thought this story was simply too good not to share.
Recently our highly competitive Years 5 and 6 students made their way to the Rugby League Gala Day. Throughout the day both the girls and boys team represented our school with pride, displaying a high level of sportsmanship. The time came for the Senior Boys team to take on one of their rivals from within the Diocese. As per usual the boys were eager to get another win on the board. Upon entering the field, the boys noticed a student on the opposing team who appeared to have a physical disability. After noticing this child in the opposing team, the boys gathered in a tight huddle. Collectively they devised a plan to make sure this student with a disability had the opportunity to score a try. The boys well orchestrated plan came to fruition as they intentionally missed tackles, subtly allowing this student to cross the line for his first try. I can only imagine the smile on this boy's face as he crossed the white line with the cheers of both teams swirling around him.
Hearing of this simple, yet compassionate act brought great joy to my heart. I could only imagine the sense of pride the parents felt observing this selfless act of kindness. Our opening line of the vision states, Inspired by Christ. To me, like Jesus, these boys have inspired many others through their actions. It is through simple, kind words and actions that we can significantly have an impact on the days and even lives of others.
Update on improvement at St Michaels
We recently fine-tuned our annual improvement goal to focus purely on adequate learning growth in English. Throughout the term our staff have engaged in ongoing professional learning focussed on the teaching of spelling and writing. We have already seen the application of new research-based teaching practices that have resulted in adequate learning growth across all grades in these particular focus areas. As a part of this learning, we have also embedded a focus on activating the student to take greater ownership of their learning. We have seen an improvement in our students' ability to articulate their learning goals and describe what it looks like to be successful in learning tasks. Our next step is to further embed strategies to differentiate the learning to cater for the learning needs of all students.
In response to parent feedback elicited from the Tell Them From Me survey, we will be introducing additional opportunities for parents to engage in classroom visits from Term 3 onwards. These visits aim to give parents a deeper insight into the learning progress of their children in alignment with our improvement priorities.
Play Equipment update
The play equipment is taking shape and forecast to be completed by the end of the term. The majority of the structure is in and preparation for the installation of the rubber track is in full swing. We are all very excited to use this new space for the first time, which will likely be in the opening week of Term 3.
Calendar overview
Pupil Free Days
“Inspired by Christ.”
I don’t know about you, but the last few weeks seem so very busy. In such demanding moments, it becomes crucial to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the abundance around us. Just this week, a letter from Project Compassion arrived, expressing gratitude for our contributions. These instances serve as poignant reminders of our blessings, especially when contrasted with the struggles faced by many others.
Simple acts, like Project Compassion, serve as striking reminders of our identity as a Catholic community. Rooted in the virtues of Christ—compassion, empathy, love, kindness, and justice—we are called not to revolutionise the entire world, but to play our part in it.
Often, it's the seemingly insignificant gestures that leave the most profound impact. Recently, I had the privilege of conversing with some students, delving into their perspectives on embodying our vision: 'Inspired by Christ, we aspire for excellence in learning, living fully in community.' Their candid reflections stirred me deeply, revealing a purity and sincerity that is nurtured by the values instilled within our community, nurtured by the divine love. I am eager to share these insights at the upcoming Living the Vision Awards this Friday.
I leave you with some kind words from Caritas Australia…
Your incredible generosity this year has once again demonstrated the profound impact that we can have on our Global family. Together, we have raised millions of dollars, as we continue to build a powerful movement that creates lasting change and empowers vulnerable communities to overcome barriers and achieve greater independence for all future generations.
Your contributions have made it possible for Caritas Australia, as part of the world's second largest humanitarian network, to work closely with our partners on the ground who are already actively assisting those who need it most. The impact of your generosity is felt deeply and widely, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond what we can see .
Because of your support during Project Compassion, countless lives have been transformed: your support has helped provide clean water to those in desperate need, improved healthcare access, supported young mothers in gaining the skills to build a better future for their families, and contribute to educational initiatives that create brighter futures for generations to come.
Thank you once again for your community’s continued support. We are profoundly grateful for your ongoing commitment and hope to have your support for project compassion in 2025.
Minnie Vinnies Winter appeal:
On Monday of week 10 the Minnie Vinnies team will be organising a beanie and scarf day.
This is where students are encouraged to wear a beanie and scarf to school with their uniform.
If students choose to participate then they are encouraged to bring in something to support the Vinnies winter appeal. These items can be brought in over the coming days.
These could be … Noodle cups, soup, canned or non perishable foods, beanies, scarves, socks, Muesli bars, gloves or mittens, blankets
The students are dedicated to aiding the less fortunate by providing them warmth and nourishment during this chilly winter.
What’s been happening…
Confirmation
This week many of our Year 6 students from our school and surrounding schools received the sacrament of Confirmation. This, along with Baptism and Eucharist, is a sacrament of initiation.
May the Holy Spirit who came down upon Mary and the apostles at Pentecost, the same Holy Spirit we received in our Confirmation, stir up the grace of God deep within our lives so that the Church may be fruitful in her mission to bring the message of Jesus Christ to our world.
Please keep the following parish candidates in your daily prayers:
Aowyn B, Jack B, Eliza, D, Mahli D, Monte H, Xavier K, Sofia L, Maggie L, James M, Clancy M, Elijah M, Auden R, Kai R, Nate R, Chayce S, Lochlan V, Louis Z
Parish news
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BAPTISM FOR OLDER CHILDREN – CONFIRMATION If your daughter or son is 7 years or older and is not baptised, then their preparation for baptism will be over a few months, as they will receive together the three Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – this is called RCIC, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children. Please contact the Parish Office to enrol in the RCIC program which will be commencing in the second half of July. Please remember before the Lord the eighteen Year 6 Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation. They are currently preparing for the Sacrament, which they will receive on Thursday, 27 June 2024. |
If you would like to receive our Parish Bulletin emailed to you each week, as well as the Saturday evening Mass each week, please email our Parish Office, thirroul@dow.org.au and make your request in the email.
♥ Doing it tough? Need a hand up? Ring our local Vinnies 4228 9355
The St Vincent de Paul Society cares and helps all people in need.
♥ Blessing of Married Couples celebrating their Anniversaries and those celebrating Birthdays is celebrated each month during Masses on the second weekend (except May, when they are held on the first weekend of May).
Want to be more involved in our Parish…
Parish Groups
Catholic Women's League
The Catholic Women's League (CWL) meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 11am in the McCarthy Centre [Parish Hall].
The CWL is a community of women within the Catholic Church. CWL works across all levels of society; local, state, national and international and provides a voice for Catholic Women in Church and society by: Read more:
St Vincent de Paul
The St Vincent de Paul Society meets at every Tuesday afternoon at the Presbytery, 325 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul.
Read more:
Rosary Group
Every Friday morning after 9:30am Mass at St Michael Church, the Rosary is prayed. All are welcome.
Knights of the Southern Cross (KSC)
The Thirroul - Bulli - Corrimal Branch of the Knights of the Southern Cross meets at St Joseph’s Church Hall Bulli on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm.
Read more:
Some insight from Fr Ken
QUESTIONS ABOUT LAST SUNDAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
First Reading Job 38:1,8-11
“The Lord addressed Job in a storm.” If God addresses you in the stormy times of your life, do you progress, regress, or just hang on for dear life?
Even though it doesn’t seem so, do you think God will limit your “storms”?
Second Reading 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
How do people who “no longer live for themselves” qualify as “new creations”?
“The love of Christ impels us.” What does the love of Christ “impel” you to do? What actions do you perform because you love Christ that you might not otherwise perform? Relieve someone’s suffering in some way? Work for ecojustice? Do something to change the climate crisis?
Gospel Mark 4:35-41
The disciples thought they were going down with the storm and they were afraid. Can you relate to that? As he was with the disciples, is Jesus with you when “violent squalls come up” in your life? What does Pope Francis say can happen if we cry out to Jesus like the disciples did?
Today we can ask ourselves: what are the winds that beat against my life? What are the waves that hinder my navigation, and put my spiritual life, my family life, even my psychological life in danger? Let us say all this to Jesus; let us tell him everything. He wants this; he wants us to grab hold of him to find shelter from the unexpected waves in life. The Gospel recounts that the disciples approach Jesus, wake him and speak to him (cf. v. 38).
This is the beginning of our faith: to recognise that alone we are unable to stay afloat; that we need Jesus like sailors need the stars to find their course. Faith begins from believing that we are not enough for ourselves, from feeling in need of God. … When we cry out to him, he can work wonders in us. It is the gentle and extraordinary power of prayer, which works miracles.
RECIPE: TUSCAN SHRIMP WITH GNOCCHI
450g gnocchi; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup cream; ½ cup seafood stock or broth chicken stock or vegetable stock; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons plain flour; 2 cups spinach; 1 jar (200g) sun-dried tomatoes, with juices slightly drained; 450g shrimp; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
If using shelf-stable gnocchi, boil water in a large pot and cook gnocchi according to package directions. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and stir, sautéing about 1 minute, just until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Pour in the cream and seafood stock, and stir to combine. Add the grated parmesan cheese and flour, and whisk until both have melted into a silky smooth sauce.
Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stir. Add the shrimp and stir to combine. Drain the gnocchi and add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently fold the gnocchi into the shrimp sauce to coat the gnocchi. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
What’s happening in our Parish
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Week |
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Event |
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Tuesday 25th June |
Confirmation Class @ 3.45pm - hall |
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Wednesday 26th June |
Confirmation Practice @ 7.00pm - Church |
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Thursday 27th June |
Confirmation at 7pm- Church |
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Friday 28th June |
9:30 Class Mass Years 2 and 3 Year 2 will stay behind and enjoy a conversation with Fr Ken *note the date change |
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Living the Vision Awards |
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10 |
Monday, 1st July |
Minnie Vinnies winter appeal - scarf and beanie day |
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Weekend, 29/30 June |
Confirmation Candidates welcomed and congratulated at Masses |
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Monday, 1 July until Friday, 12 July, |
Ken teaching at the Seminary in Suva, Fiji Andrew will care for the Parish; no “televised” Masses |
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Friday, 5 July |
Anointing of the Sick during 09:30 Mass Last day of School for Term 2 |
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Weekend, 13/14 July |
Blessing of those celebrating July Wedding Anniversaries, Birthdays |
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Saturday, 13 July |
Parish Dinner at Club Thirroul after 17:30 Mass |
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Tuesday, 16 July to Thursday, 18 July |
Wollongong Clergy Conference, Campbelltown |
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Term 3 W1 |
Tuesday, 23 July |
Religious Literacy Assessment - Year 4 |
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Friday, 26th July |
Saints Joachim And Anne, Parents Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Morning liturgy Open classrooms Picnic morning tea |
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W2 |
Friday, 2nd August |
Whole School Mass: St. Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) - official date 8th August |
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W3 |
Wednesday, 7th August |
Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian @10.30am Unanderra |
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W3 |
Thursday 8th - Friday 9th August |
Staff Spirituality overnight retreat |
Mrs Ronelle Peardon: Acting Religious Education Coordinator
What’s happened at St Michael’s over the past three weeks?
RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS NEWS
Our respect focus for Weeks 8,9 and 10 is: It’s not fun, know when to stop!
What we want to see and hear:
Right play, right area, right way.
- Taking turns in our games.
- Using gentle hands and feet in our games.
- Using self-control to know when to stop a game and what to do next, for example, the game is making people upset or angry.
- Saying STOP if the game gets too rough
- Using the equipment correctly.
What don’t want to see and hear
People hurting their friends in running games e.g. slapping, pushing or tripping.
- People using rough hands or feet when playing.
- People hitting, pushing, kicking each other.
- People tripping others over for ‘fun.’
- Taking other people’s equipment when it is being used.
- Play/pretend fighting.
Peer Support
We had our second Peer Support lesson this week led by our wonderful Stage 3 students. The students met in their groups to talk about our new respect focus, do some role plays and play some games. The groups then ate lunch together. This has been a great way to embed respectful relationships into our school culture, where students feel supported and able to connect with students in all grades to talk about how they are feeling.
Here are some photos:
Waste Free Wednesday News
Congratulations to all students who ditched the plastic and came waste free to school on Wednesdays. Due to the athletics carnival, we did not have waste free Wednesday during Week 8.
The Waste Free Wednesday results for Week 6 were:
Kindergarten: 80%
Year 1:72%
Year 2:59%
Year 3:62%
Year 4:70%
Year 5:86%
Year 6:59%
So the Gold Waste Free Warriors were:Year 5
and the Silver Waste Free Warriors were: Kindergarten
The Waste Free Wednesday results for Week 9 were:
Kindergarten - 70%
Year 1 - 52%
Year 2 - 63%
Year 3 - 92%
Year 4 - 56%
Year 5 - 100%
Year 6- 47%
So the Gold waste free warriors were: Year 5
The silver waste free warriors were: Year 3
This week was GOLDEN TICKET round, congratulations to Year 5 who have won an ice block and 15 minutes extra play.
Trash Busters
This term one of our youngest students, Hazel D in Year 1 has shown great leadership initiative and has brought a big problem to our attention. That problem is the amount of incorrect rubbish going into the wrong bins in classrooms. Hazel teamed up with her sister Daisy D and the Environment Ambassadors from Year 6, Drew M, Erica K, Sofia L and Freya G to take a survey of the rubbish that goes into the red bin, blue bin (paper), green bib (organic waste) and yellow bin (recycling). It was close between Year 5 and year 4, but Year 4 won and are our TRASH BUSTERS. They received a reward of a pyjama day and movie and popcorn afternoon. We are not going to tell anyone when the Trash Busters will strike again so that it is random. You never know when they will drop by. Who you gonna call? TRASH BUSTERS!!
I would like to take a moment to reflect and wrap up the term by capturing some of the amazing things that have taken place within our school community over Term 2.
Writer’s Workshop: The Writer’s Workshops have been a highlight of the term, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of our students from Years 1 to Year 6. Inspired by Arthur Streeton's painting, "The railway station, Redfern 1893," our students have successfully crafted Imaginary texts that transport readers to vivid landscapes. The depth of imagination and skill displayed in their writing has been truly remarkable. It's been so wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and progress of our budding authors over the different workshops.
Maths Olympiad: Students in Years 4-6 have enthusiastically engaged in collaborative workshops and participated in competitions this term to challenge their problem-solving skills. Throughout the term, these students have acquired essential mathematical concepts, learnt effective problem-solving strategies, and developed flexibility in approaching mathematical challenges. These workshops have nurtured creativity, ingenuity, and intuition among our students, fostering a profound enjoyment and satisfaction in exploring mathematics. Next term the students will engage in 2 more competitions to really test their problem solving skills.
Streamed Maths for Years 1-4: Our tailored approach to streamed Maths this year has allowed us to meet each student where they are in their learning journey. From hands-on learning experiences to engaging open-ended problem-solving tasks, our students have demonstrated remarkable progress and enthusiasm for mathematics. This personalised approach ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically in Mathematics.
Next term promises even more exciting opportunities across all grades in our school. Stay tuned for further updates and announcements as we continue to celebrate the growth and achievements of our students.
Chelsea McLeod - Diverse Learning Coordinator - High Potential and Gifted Students
Applications are now being accepted for 2025. To enrol your child please visit our website; www.smt.catholic.edu.au . Applications are now completed online. Click on the ENROL NOW option.
St Michael’s School Social Media
With so much going on at school, a great way to follow any up and coming events and read about the great things that are happening, please follow us on:
Instagram- stmichaels.thirroul or Facebook-St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Thirroul
St Michael’s School Social Media
With so much going on at school, a great way to follow any up and coming events and read about the great things that are happening, please follow us on:
Instagram- stmichaels.thirroul or Facebook-St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Thirroul.
2024 - SPORTING EVENTS AND DATES
Upcoming dates for your 2024 “Sports Diary”
Soccer Gala Day - Friday 23 August, 2024 (Term 3)
Wollongong Sports Representatives
A number of our students have been busy representing the Wollongong Dioceses in various sports over the past few weeks. What a wonderful opportunity they have had representing at this higher level of competition, making new friends and vying for a spot on the Mackillop Teams.
Hugo R and Lila H travelled to Wagga Wagga for the Touch MacKillop trials.
Annabel C, Abigail S, Darcy F and Lila H travelled to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre for Cross Country, Annabel and Abigail ran their way onto a spot on the Mackillop Team!
Annabel also finished in the top three securing herself a medal. We are incredibly proud of all of our athletes!
NRL Legend of League Gala Day
On Friday the 14th of June a group of our Stage 3 students participated in the Legends of League Gala Day. The students had a fun day and participated well, showing amazing sportsmanship to the umpires, the other teams and their own teammates.
A big thank you to Suzen Forte, Mal Duffin, Nathan Gough and Jay Bland for helping in coaching and managing teams, and to Mr David Ryan for supervising the students on the day.
Athletics Carnival
On Wednesday the 19th June the sun was shining and we finally got to hold our school athletics carnival. It was a wonderful day watching all our students from Kindergarten - Year 6 participate and cheer each other on.
Once again thank you to the parents who volunteered in an official role on the day, your time and efforts are very much appreciated.
Results and ribbons will be awarded at Friday morning's assembly.
Netball Gala Day
On Tuesday the 25th of June, a group of our Stage 2 students participated in the South Coast Netball Gala Day. There was lots of sunshine and smiles as the girls represented the school with pride while learning new skills and most importantly having fun.
STUDENT SPORTING & EXTRACURRICULAR SUCCESS STORIES
We invite all our families to share their child/children’s sporting and extracurricular 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 Mrs Campbell
Mrs Danielle Campbell - Sports Coordinator
Basketball - JULY HOLIDAY CAMPS - REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!
Score big this July with Basketball Illawarra's Holiday Camps! Whether you're honing your skills with our NBL1 players, embracing girl power in our Girls Only Camp, or starting your basketball journey with Aussie Hoops, we've got something for everyone! Plus, perfect your shot with our exclusive Shooting Workshops. Don't miss out on the ultimate basketball experience! More Information -
https://www.snakepit.com.au/holiday-camps
School Holiday Fun @ St Michael's Thirroul OSHC
Congratulations to the following students who received awards at previous assemblies:
Principals Award
- Maddison R
- Ash B
- Arlo H
- Saxon B
- Poppie T
- Ruby K
- Jayden G
- Drew Mc
- Maia V