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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 boy, the mole, the fox and the horse
I was recently gifted a beautiful book titled The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse from a very kind family from our school. "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy is a heartwarming book that explores themes of friendship, kindness, courage, and vulnerability. Through the conversations and interactions between the four characters, the book conveys messages about the importance of love, self-acceptance, and the value of connecting with others. Each character represents different aspects of the human experience, and their journey together highlights the beauty of compassion and the strength found in unity. The book encourages readers to embrace their true selves and to find hope and joy in life's simple, yet profound, moments. I will be exploring components of this book with our students at school assemblies with the intention to inspire all students to continue to grow, learn, and strive to be their best, fostering personal development and a positive mindset. I look forward to unpacking the beautiful messages within this powerful short text to further animate our school vision statement.
“Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring into this world things no one else can. “
“ What do you think is the biggest waste of time?” Comparing yourself to others said the mole. “
Providing feedback
Our beautiful little school relies upon the kindness and energy from staff, various parent volunteers, and other members of the local community. As a school, our decision making always aims to put our students' needs at the forefront. If you ever have feedback about any form of school event, can I ask that it be directed to the school rather than to those giving up time in voluntary roles. We will then be able to provide the context behind decision making and capture your voice to ensure we continually improve as a school community.
Summer uniform changeover
From Monday 16 September, students will have the option to begin wearing their summer uniform on warmer days. The summer uniform will come into full effect at the beginning of Term 4. The P&F will be exploring dates to set up the pop-up uniform shop prior to the summer changeover.
New play equipment update
In week 4, we have Kid Safe coming to St Michael’s to do a full review of our new play structure and surrounding areas to ensure it is ready for use. Once this is complete we will be able to finally open this new space. I thank you for your patience throughout this drawn out process.
Living fully in community: insights from Fr Ken
A key component of our shared vision ‘Living Fully in community’ emphasises the importance of building and maintaining a Catholic school community where all are empowered to share their unique gifts and talents. One of the draw cards for our beautiful little school is the tightly connected community we have and the strength of our relationships. Fr Ken recently shared an insight (see below) about our changing society and the importance of maintaining important connections.
Calendar overview
Week 3 |
Monday 5 Aug |
Tuesday 6 Aug |
Wednesday 7 Aug |
Thursday 8 Aug |
Friday 9 Aug |
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Staff Spirituality Retreat (Pupil Free Day) |
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Week 4 |
Monday 12 Aug |
Tuesday 13 Aug |
Wednesday 14 Aug |
Thursday 15 Aug |
Friday 16 Aug |
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Week 5 |
Monday 19 Aug |
Tuesday 20 Aug |
Wednesday 21 Aug |
Thursday 22 Aug |
Friday 23 Aug |
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Pupil Free Days
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Monday 22 July Term 3 |
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8-9 August |
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20 December |
I wanted to share my heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended the Grandparents Day celebrations in the first week of the term. For me, it brings immense joy and a touch of nostalgia.
My own grandparents played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today. I lost my maternal grandfather when I was in Year 6 and my paternal grandfather just days after my wedding. I've spoken about my paternal grandfather many times before. He was a romantic at heart, and my grandmother reciprocated his love. He had a favourite jumper, embellished with the letter 'L' on the chest. Though it stood for Les, his name, my grandmother encouraged us to call it the 'L for Lover' jumper.
My paternal grandmother was a formidable woman who never let anyone tell her what she could or couldn't do. She lived alone after my grandfather's passing until she was 94. Everyone in her community knew her; she was outspoken and quick-witted. She taught me about faith and instilled in me a deep love for the Eucharist. I lost her on August 14th several years ago, which is also my mother’s birthday.
While I dearly loved my Grandma Barnett, my relationship with my maternal grandmother was different. Her philosophy was simple: just love people and call them by name. When I asked why she attended Mass, she replied, “It’s where Jesus meets me.” She sang with all her heart and soul, clapping along to the hymns with infectious enthusiasm. Later in her life, I provided respite for my parents by sitting with her while they attended Mass. We would enjoy the readings and Gospel together, then laugh and sing with abandon.
The first anniversary of my grandmother’s passing is just weeks away, on August 21st, one week from my mum’s birthday and my other grandmother’s anniversary.
Grandparents can profoundly impact who we become. Cherish them while you can.
Pope Francis has chosen a line from Psalm 71 – “Do not cast me off in my old age” – as the theme for the 2024 celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In a note announcing the theme for the day, which was celebrated last weekend, the Vatican said the choice was “meant to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of the throwaway culture.” Pope Francis celebrated the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021 and decreed that it be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. As the Catholic Church prepares for the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis has asked Catholics to focus on prayer, which is why he chose the prayer of an elderly person from the Psalms for the theme, the Vatican said in a statement released on 15 February.
You can read the message of Pope Francis for the IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2024:
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
It is always such a special time when we can all come together to share in the Eucarist and to celebrate such a special person. We only have 3 to 4 whole school Masses each year so each time is very much cherished. Thank you to all those that were in a position to be present with us but also to those that were able to donate items for Vinnies. It is very much appreciated.
Mary MacKillop played an important role to not only our school but in fact to the whole school system of our country.
There are many key quotes of Mary. What is the one that speaks to you?
"Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can." ~ Mary MacKillop
"Find happiness in making others happy." ~ Mary MacKillop
"Believe in the whisperings of God to your own heart." ~ Mary MacKillop
"Be eager in your desires but humbly patient in their accomplishment." ~ Mary MacKillop
"Remember we are all but travellers here." ~ Mary MacKillop
"Let us all resign ourselves into His hands, and pray that in all things He may guide us to do His Holy Will ... When thoughts of this or that come I turn to Him and say: "Only what you will, my God. Use me as You will" ~ Mary MacKillop
Obviously there are many quotes from Mary. If you are interested, there is a quote per day that can be found via the following link https://sosj.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/12631.pdf
Mini Vinnies
Several of our students really felt that the quote that resonated with them was ‘Never see a need without doing something about it”. Willow Bulmer and several of her friends worked tirelessly to create ‘skinny scarves’ and sell them to the students and staff. The girls raised an amazing $470.65. This is an outstanding achievement and a big thank you to all that were involved.Yet again, baskets were full of goodies for our winter appeal at the end of last term. We are so fortunate to have families that were able to donate - thank you.
Questions About last Sunday’s Scripture Readings
First Reading Exodus 16:2-4,12-15
The Israelites grumbled about the lack of food in the desert. They remembered their abundant pots of animal flesh in Egypt when they were captives. How is your trust in God when God calls you to new journeys in your spiritual life or ministry?
“Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion.” What do you think our directive for natural resources would be? Take only what we need? Share it? Develop new sources of sustainable energy (renewable, as in wind, solar, etc.)?
Second Reading Ephesians 4:17,20-24
One translation has Paul calling the Ephesians to a spiritual revolution (drastic change). If you personally were to have a spiritual revolution, what would go and what would stay in your life? Would you add anything new?
Paul urges them to “ … put on the new self.” Do you think God is ever finished creating you? Is this something you do (or God does) just once, or do you (or does God) do it continually?
Gospel John 6:24-35
“Sir, give us this bread always.” They were all starving for the food “that endures for eternal life.” For the first Eucharist Jesus had someone find him a large room. Does the Church need to be a “large room” with open doors to accommodate everyone—the righteous and the sinners, those who have made mistakes and those who have gone astray?
Why does Pope Francis say that our relationship with Christ and with our brothers and sisters is the road to our encounter with God? What was God’s reason for the incarnation?
God made himself flesh. And when we say this, in the Creed, on Christmas Day, on the day of the Annunciation, we kneel to worship this mystery of the incarnation. God made himself flesh and blood; he lowered himself to the point of becoming a man like us. He humbled himself to the extent of burdening himself with our sufferings and sin, and therefore he asks us to seek him not outside of life and history, but in relationship with Christ and with our brothers and sisters. Seeking him in life, in history, in our daily life. And this, brothers and sisters, is the road to the encounter with God: the relationship with Christ and our brothers and sisters.
– Pope Francis, Angelus, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 22 August 2021
Sunday’s Readings – on Parish website
18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ⬧ YEAR B
1st Reading Exodus 16:2-4,12-15
2nd Reading Ephesians 4:17,20-24
Gospel John 6:24-35
Foster carers needed - Message from Bishop Brian |
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ It has been brought to my attention a crisis affecting our diocese that I feel compelled to share with you all. Currently, over 350 children and young people in NSW are in urgent need of foster care, with nearly 100 of them residing in our diocese. These vulnerable young people are placed in high-cost emergency accommodations, such as hotels and caravan parks, without the stability and nurturing relationships they deserve. It is imperative that we come together to offer these children a loving and secure environment by opening our homes and hearts. Whether through weekend respite care or full-time fostering, we can make a significant impact on their lives. I urge you to watch and share a video I have created outlining the challenges faced by the foster care system in our diocese at dow.sh/bmfc24 and consider speaking with Catholic Care Wollongong at: 4227 1122 to inquire about becoming a foster carer. Your support can provide these children with the love and stability they need to thrive. Contact CatholicCare Wollongong on 4227 1122 for further information. |
The Sacraments of First Penance and Communion
The Sacraments of First Penance and Communion are celebrated when a child is in Year 2 or seven years old (or older).
Enrolments for 2024 CLOSE on 10 September 2024. Enrolment Forms may be downloaded by clicking HERE
Enrolment Forms are returned (by email or by hand) to the Parish Office. (Do not return forms to the School Office)
Prior to receiving First Communion, children are to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance [Reconciliation].
In order to prepare for these Sacraments, there is a preparation program consisting of the following:
- a parent information evening:
- Tuesday, 15 October at 19:30
- two classes (after school hours) in preparation for First Penance:
- Tuesdays, 22 October and 29 October, 15:45 to 17:00
- celebration of First Penance:
- Wednesday, 30 October at 19:00
- two classes (after school hours) in preparation for First Communion:
- Tuesdays, 12 and 19 November, 15:45 to 17:00
First Communion at either of the weekend Masses on ...
30 November or 1 December ... or 7 or 8 December ... or on any later weekend
Reconciliation and Eucharist Book Instructions will be emailed to those who enrol.
For information about the celebration of First Penance, click HERE
Welcome to the children who will participate fully in the Eucharist for the first time, by receiving Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ.
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SUNDAY MASS TIMES Saturday 17:30 Sunday 08:00 |
THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES Monday ——— Tuesday 17:30 Wednesday 09:00 Thursday 09:00 Friday 09:30 |
What’s happening in our Parish
Click HERE to watch last Sunday’s Mass
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W3 |
Wednesday, 7th August |
Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian @10.30am, Unanderra |
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17:30 Meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council |
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Thursday 8th - Friday 9th August |
Staff Spirituality overnight retreat |
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Friday, 9 August |
09:30 Anointing of the Sick during Parish Mass |
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Weekend, 10/11 August |
Blessing of August Wedding Anniversaries and Birthdays during Mass |
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Saturday 10 August |
Parish dinner at Club Thirroul after 5:30 Mass |
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W4 |
Thursday, 15 August |
09:00 Parish Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary |
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2:30 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Liturgy presented by Stage 2 |
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Friday 16th August |
9:30 Class Mass Year 6 and Year 1 |
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W5 |
Friday 23rd August |
9:30 Class Mass Years 5 and Kinder |
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RECIPE: RAYMOND’S LEMON DELICIOUS SLICE |
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150g unsalted butter, chopped; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ⅓ cup caster sugar; 1 tbsp cornflour; 1⅓ cups plain flour; soft icing mixture, to serve. Lemon topping: 4 eggs; 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind; ⅓ cup plain flour; 1⅓ cups caster sugar; ⅔ cup lemon juice. |
Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease a 3cm-deep, 16cm x 26cm slice pan. Line with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang on all sides. Place butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM (50%) for 1 minute or until melted. Set aside to cool. Stir in vanilla and sugar. Sift cornflour and plain flour over butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer to prepared pan. Press into pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven. Set aside to cool. Make topping – whisk eggs, lemon rind, flour and sugar together until smooth. Add lemon juice. Whisk to combine. Pour over base. Bake for 15 minutes or until just set. Cool completely in pan. Dust with icing sugar. Cut into pieces. Serve. Yum! |
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 3-5 is: It’s NOT a Joke!
What we want to see and hear is:
- Owning up when you have said unkind or disrespectful words to someone
- Accepting that you have been disrespectful in your words or actions
- Understanding that when you are disrespectful, it is NEVER a joke.
What we don’t want to see and hear is:
-Saying unkind words to or about someone and when you get into trouble, saying ‘It was just a joke.’
- Saying “we were just having fun, I didn’t mean it.”
- Saying “everyone else was doing it too.”
- Saying “I thought she/he found it funny because they laughed”
Remember: Being disrespectful is NEVER a joke!
Meet the new Student Advisory Group (SAG) for Semester 2
We welcome Sienna P, Evie M, Oscar R, Joanna LP, Edison C and Monte H (Living Fully in Community Leader). The new SAG team will gather student voice data regularly about all matters to do with respect. They will work collaboratively to develop respect focuses and role plays to demonstrate these. They will inform the PB4L team of teachers on what activities to create for Peer Support. I am super keen to work with this wonderful group of students.
Bullying No Way Day
This year we will once again mark this very important day on Friday 16 August. The theme is Everyone Belongs. We will have a focus on RESPECT in games in line with the Olympic spirit. Students will engage in activities to learn about the different types of bullying and how to be respectful in games, how to be a good sport and how to respond when games can become challenging or you lose and also how to be a gracious winner. Students and staff will wear BLUE mufti and engage in some games that the SAG team will design so they can practise being a good sport and a gracious winner. There will be a special BLUE themed menu at the canteen so get your orders in quick. We encourage you to speak openly to your child/children about respect in games and bullying in general, how to be an upstander against disrespect and bullying to help us build a culture of respect here at St Michael’s.
Waste Free Wednesday News
The Waste Free Wednesday results for Week 1 were:
- Kindergarten - 76%
- Year 1 - 57%
- Year 2 - 67%
- Year 3 - 71%
- Year 4 - 67%
- Year 5 - 71%
- Year 6- 46%
So the Gold Waste Free Warriors were:Kindergarten
and the Silver Waste Free Warriors were: Year 3 and Year 5
The Waste Free Wednesday results for Week 2 were:
- Kindergarten: 82%
- Year 2: 72%
- Year 3: 57%
- Year 4: 64%
- Year 1: 63%
- Year 6: 40%
- Year 5: 80%
So the Gold Waste Free Warriors for Week 2 are: Kindergarten
and the Silver Waste Free Warriors for Week 2 are: Year 5
Peer Support is back on for Term 3
Our first peer support lesson is on in Week 4. The focus will be our respect focus ‘It’s NOT a Joke!. Stage 3 students will lead the groups and students will be encouraged to talk about respect and do some fun and interactive activities to learn more about respectful relationships.
Science Week is coming up in WEEK 4
Students will be invited to participate in LUNCHTIME science activities, parents & carers are more than welcome to come along and join in on the fun!
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Monday 12th |
Tuesday 13th |
Wednesday 14th |
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1.15-1.45pm Year 2, 3, 4 |
1.15-1.45pm Kindy & Year 5 |
1.15-1.45pm Year 6 & Year 1 |
Mrs Amy Sammut - Assistant Principal
Writer’s Workshops: Last term, a range of students from Years 1 to 6 engaged in Writer’s Workshops that showcased their exceptional talent and creativity. Inspired by Arthur Streeton's painting, "The railway station, Redfern 1893," our students crafted imaginative texts that transported readers to vivid landscapes.
I am incredibly proud of all our students who participated in the competition. The high quality of writing made selecting the overall winners incredibly difficult. After much consideration, I am proud to announce the stage winners.
Madeleine F (Year 2)
Summer D (Year 4)
Maggie L(Year 6)
Their outstanding pieces have advanced to the next level of competition, and we eagerly await the results.
Maths Olympiad: This term, some students in Years 4-6 students have continued their Maths Olympiad journey with collaborative workshops and team-building tasks. They recently tackled another challenging competition, and it has been truly inspiring to witness their never-give-up attitude. Looking ahead, students will participate in a final competition on September 12th, with additional workshops planned to refine their skills in preparation for this culminating challenge.
Streamed Maths for Years 1-4: In Term 3, our streamed Maths program for all students in Years 1-4 continues to thrive, thanks to the positive feedback we've received from parents, staff, and students. The program is thoughtfully designed to meet each student’s unique learning needs across a range of areas. Through hands-on activities and engaging open-ended problem-solving tasks, we’ve seen remarkable progress and a growing enthusiasm for mathematics. This individualised approach ensures that every student receives the tailored support they need to excel and build confidence in their mathematical abilities.
ICAS: Each Wednesday throughout August, students who have signed up for the ICAS assessments (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) will be sitting the tests. I encourage the parents/carers of the students who have signed their children up for the assessments to please add these dates and times to your calendars to avoid any unnecessary clashes. Please ensure your child/children have their iPads fully charged and have headphones for each competition date.
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Test |
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Digital Technologies |
Wednesday 7th August @ 9.15am |
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Writing |
Wednesday 7th August @ 11.30am |
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English |
Wednesday 14th August @ 9.15am |
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Science |
Wednesday 21st August @ 9.15am |
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Spelling Bee |
Wednesday 21st August @ 11.30am |
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Mathematics |
Wednesday 28th August @ 9.15am |
Mrs Chelsea McLeod - Diverse Learning Coordinator - High Potential and Gifted Students
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)
- Basketball Gala Days - Junior Boys and senior Girls, Thursday 19th September and the senior Boys and senior Girls, Friday 20th September.
Mackillop Sports Representatives
On Tuesday the 23rd of July, Annabel C (Year 3) and Abby S (Year 5) competed at the NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships.
The girls ran against some amazing competition with runners coming from all around NSW. We are extremely proud of both girls and the effort they put into their sport.
Final results saw Annabel coming 35th Place out of 77, and Abby coming 38th Place out of 75. Well Done girls!
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
Parent and Carer Evening with Dr Justin Coulson at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto
The St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto Parents and Friends Association are excited to announce they are hosting a parent and carer information session with Dr Justin Coulson on Wednesday, 28th August 2024 at 6:30pm.
Dr Justin Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine’s “Parental Guidance” and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au and is considered one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts.
The parent session will focus on the topic of Resilience, in this session, parents will learn the psychological secrets that build their child’s sense of identity, strengths, and growth mindset in order to perform better, be happier, and build resilience.
Tickets can be purchased using this link https://events.humanitix.com/resilience-with-dr-justin-coulson-parental-guidance-workshop
The live session runs from 7:00pm-8:30pm and refreshments will be provided from 6:30pm on the night.
If you would like to learn more about ADHD and Autism, please feel free to access these short online courses. Click the link and scroll down to ‘Parent Course’.
Link: CEDoW
Join one of esafey’s free webinars. These live webinars give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences. See Term 3 topics:
Mrs Emma Cook - Instructional Coach
Congratulations to the following students who received awards at previous assemblies:
Principals Award
- Isabel S
- Jack M
- Isabelle E
- Annabel C
- Theo B
- Hunter O
Gold Award
- Koda F
- Daisy D
- Willow B
- Asher D
On Friday 16 August, we will be holding our Term 3 General Meeting in the school library from 8.30am. All parents are welcome to attend the meeting. We value your insights and ongoing support.
