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The beating heart of St Michael’s
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hearing the stories of three of our wonderful Year 5 students. I was nearly brought to tears hearing their writer's voice to convey a message that they were obviously extremely passionate about.
The first text by Jemima C, was centred on the importance of family and passing down stories. One of our central needs as humans is a sense of connection and belonging. Jemima’s text beautifully portrays the importance of sharing stories to understand our family history and identity. Please take the time to read, enjoy, and be inspired by one of our many amazing authors here at St Michael’s.
Grandma's Stories
My eyes follow the horizon of the bread. Up, up, up, it rises. I sit there patiently, I watch Yaya’s gentle, slim fingers bring out the warm scones. “Come Lilly, sit down.” Let me tell you a story, one that you may pass down generations. I am filled with joy when she tells me this, for she always tells the most wonderful stories. But I have a feeling that this will be unlike the others, it won’t make me smile.
“When I was your age my grandfather went to war.” It was a terrible, terrible place, he was scared and we were too. In his first letter he sent, he told us that he was in an area called Gallipoli. Yaya clasped her bony hands around the letter. It was old and fragile, it looked as if it was about to break before her.
19 February 1916
The Censors are now very strict. No place names.
We are prepared now for a battle along the Canal -
Camels, horses, wagons, guns of all sorts. Doing a lot of night exercises. Met a lot of chaps from kellyville
Goodbye Mill, from James.
“Who is Mill?”. I ask.He was my grandfather’s sister, my great aunt. Are there any other letters? Yaya sighs, I can see that it is very hard for her to read these letters. She carefully picks up one last note. Her soft voice starts to flow out words from the past.
Somewhere in France. 14 march 1916
Sad news about my poor old grandfather‘s passing. He was a good old fellow and we can all be proud of the hard-working and honest life he led. I suppose the other good old Kellyville boys are on their way to join us in this colossal struggle. If I do cop it in the neck I want you to know that I went proudly for my country. Only one thing troubles me and that’s my poor old dad. I’ve toiled with him and I know how hard he has worked. I think of him every day. Never will I forget him. whatever happens to me in this lot. I feel proud to be the son of such a brave honest hard-working man.
Send my love, from James
“All of my grandfather's friends died in that fight”. Yaya tells me. James was devastated, so he named all his children after his mates.” That’s so special, I think to myself. Tears well up in Yaya’s eyes, one single drop curve tracks down her face. “Just remember something for me Lilly.” “Remember that, “Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one”. I love you so much my Lilly.
Come on Maddy, don’t be afraid. My eyes follow the old grumpy walls, they have a mind of their own. Exactly how I remember it. The floorboards creak as my daughter and I walk together, they have a voice of their own. “Somewhere in this house Yaya would make scones for me.” I tell maddy. I would watch them rise, up, up, up.” I blink back my tears, I stay strong for her. “She’s not here anymore.” I say under my breath. “I miss you.” I whisper. I hope that she hears me. I love you more than you will ever know.
Come Maddy. Let me tell you a story, one that you may pass down generations.
Author : Jemima C (Year 5)
Our second author, Ciara M, developed a text with a strong message that is very relevant for our local community. Ciara displays a deep connection and love for the beautiful ocean that edges our community. Her writing craft leaves the reader reflecting on their personal choices to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience this gift. Please take the time to read Ciara’s powerful and inspiring piece of writing.
The Ocean Is A Place I call Home
For me, the ocean isn’t just a phrase, it is a place that our community calls home! Memories are made in the ocean that shape our lives and connections to the deep underwater world. The ocean is a place where I can explore, and glide in the depths of the salty waters.
Today we are harming the water with climate change, pollution, overfishing, and so much more to come! We need to assure our younger generations that they will get the same water opportunities that we have such as surfing and swimming. Stories are told in the confluence of the water. We want to carry those same stories to our children and grandchildren!
Can you imagine waking up to a beautiful horizon of the frothy marmoris waves? The ocean has not only given us waves, and the capability to swim freely, but it has given us animals and other species. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Water is the driving force of all nature.” This quote is a big thing to think about. The more the ocean moves the more I feel a sense of peace in my body
As I grow older, I now notice that we are killing our ocean creatures by using toxic chemicals in the place I call home. I have grown up on the water, using the waves to surf out my feelings. I never knew a word existed to describe someone like me until I heard of the word ‘thalassophile’ meaning someone who loves the sea. The ocean is a place that holds a deep sense of its nature and wildlife, of which there are different colours, textures, and sounds.
You should believe that the ocean can heal your mental health and the way you think. I know after I glide in the ocean I feel a sense of peace and belonging to earth. The vast tranquility of the ocean is the place I call home! Waves glisten with the air while the sand flows through my cold feet. Some countries don’t even get to see the water. I could never imagine that, sometimes when It is raining and I can’t dip in the ocean. I feel sad, bleak, and dismayed. Except when the sun is out, I feel colourful, glowing, beaming, and glimmering.
The ocean for me is an open water place where you can explore and be one with the sea. That’s why the ocean matters to me.
Author: Ciara M (Year 5)
Joanna L, created a powerful text using vivid imagery and encouraging the reader to reflect on how fortunate we are today. She challenges us to consider the harsh experiences of others and recognise that the world may not be as perfect as it seems. We often get caught up in the trivial things in life, without a broader perspective of the challenges that those around the world face. Please take the time to read and be inspired by our wonderful author Joanna.
No Survivors
BANG! She shook, I shook the walls looked like they were going to shatter with just one frail finger. The way my fragile mother looked down on me longingly, struck something inside of me. She was skinny and her waxy skin on her face was pulled so tightly, I could see the bones and veins popping out at me. She clasped her bony fingers around the pan, the pan looked as though rusted, thin and worn out, small, breakable, shallow, it matched her, so thin, small broken inside, although she never complained, I could feel her screaming, broken . She poured the cold chunky mixture into my dirty hands, she poured ever so carefully, making sure each drop had vanished . My hands were colder than ever before, stiff, cut, dirty with no water to wash away the grime.
Although they were unlike the silk, gloved hands from Kyiv, they did the job. slowly moving upwards towards my lips, my lips blue and frozen as they touched the liquid. It didn’t take long for me to consume the remainder of the liquid, I licked the palms of my hands and unlike others, didn’t feel the hunger die away, it still lingered inside of my stomach longing for something else to eat.
The abnormally large eyes of my mothers welled up with water as she heard the deep grumbling emerge from my stomach. She swung her weathered arms around me, I watched how the many wrinkles seemed to tell stories, each cut with an elaborate background, I pondered how her skin looked colourless yet still sun kissed and dusty. I didn’t feel more warm nor less hungry when hugging her, but I can’t explain how I felt so safe, like the world had put an immortal bubble on us and as if time had stopped for a split second as if all of my wildest dreams had been compressed into just one moment, as I pulled away, I was back to reality, back to the unbearable torture of living here. I took one last glance at her before heading to bed, Her head prickly, spiked and rough as though it had been cut with a rusted axe, her clothes barely holding on.
That night was different, that night was worse, the thin rag that kept the dust away wasn’t keeping the cold out, I lay there on the concrete floor, hard and cracked and I listened to the howling wind and the bustling of my mother trying to keep it at bay .
Suddenly, a loud, ear splitting bang, sharp yet thick, followed by a dark, excruciating scream, just one scream. Came as fast as it went, terrified and alone.
That was the night that changed everything.
Author: Joanna L
Parent consultative Group and P&F meetings
On Wednesday we engaged in our second parent consultative group meeting. This dynamic group has already provided some valuable insights on the Faith, Leaning, and Wellbeing of our students through a parent lens. Some of the changes and strategies that have been put into place as a result of our conversations include:
- Development of a parent guide explaining how our diverse learning structures operate
- Refinements to our parent/teacher interview structures to give parents a greater insight into their child as a person and learner
- Exploration of strategies to provide parents more regular insights into their child’s learning
- Review of the school award system
Mother’s Day- our unsung heroes
A huge thank you to all of our wonderful mothers who joined us last Friday for our Mother’s Day breakfast and liturgy. There was a beautiful buzz within our school community and it was lovely to observe the connection we share. Thank you to some of our unsung heroes (Jakki and Claire) who play a significant role in pulling together our beautiful community events. Jakki and Claire put in a great deal of extra time to ensure these events are meaningful and beautiful for all.
Staffing update -
On Thursday 22 May, Mrs Peardon will be jetting off for some very well deserved long service leave for the remainder of the term. During her absence, Mrs Rouse and Mrs Kors will predominantly be taking her class. During this time, the amazing Mr Ryan will be taking the role of the Religious Education Coordinator.
Principal’s conference
On Wednesday 21 May, I will be making my way to the biennial Catholic Principals conference in the Hunter Valley. I look forward to this development opportunity and applying relevant new learning into our school context.
Calendar overview
Week 3 |
Monday 12 May |
Tuesday 13 May |
Wednesday 14 May |
Thursday 15 May |
Friday 16 May |
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Canteen Open |
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Week 4 |
Monday 19 May |
Tuesday 20 May |
Wednesday 21 May |
Thursday 22 May |
Friday 23 May |
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Canteen Open |
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Week 5 |
Monday 26 May |
Tuesday 27 May |
Wednesday 28 May |
Thursday 29 May |
Friday 30 May |
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Canteen Open |
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Pupil Free Days
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Date |
Days |
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Wednesday, 2 July |
1 |
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August 2025 TBC |
1 |
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Thursday, 18 December 2025 |
1 |
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Friday, 19 December 2025 |
1 |
Mr James Bryce - Principal
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Our Catholic Culture and Mission |
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Strategic priority: By the end of 2027 our Catholic Community is a place of encounter that empowers advocacy and authentic action |
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2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
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Annual targets |
Faith formation plan has been developed with an emphasis on Educating With a Mission Lens |
Catholic Social Teaching embedded within Religious Education and other Key Learning Areas |
Quality pedagogical practices embedded within the teaching of Religious Education |
Parish and school connections in living faith in action |
This week, our staff engaged in meaningful professional development to strengthen our Catholic identity. They explored what it truly means to approach education through the lens of Catholic Mission—continually deepening our understanding of living our faith in everyday practice.
Building on ongoing work, we are in the infancy of actively embedding Catholic Social Teaching principles into our lessons. You may start to notice these influences reflected subtly in student discussions and perspectives over the course of the year.
Additionally, David Ryan and I attended an inspiring session with Professor Gerrard Moore from Broken Bay Institute last term. His insights on interpreting scripture passages, particularly from Luke, provided valuable tools for our faith formation work. We are delighted that Gerrard has offered to collaborate with our staff next term to further this journey.
All these efforts over the past 18 months are laying a strong foundation for our future goals—culminating in a vibrant, faithful community that actively lives its mission well beyond 2027.
Liturgies celebrated
- ANZAC Day
- Easter
- Mother’s Day
Parish and school connections
Mother’s Day hearts
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Please thank the children for the beautiful hearts Thanks again Maureen |
Thanks for the beautiful card and gift the school provided for the Mother's day Masses over the weekend. I was very touched and they were so appreciated. Ann |
Students in our kindness club and some of the Year 6 students made small felt hearts with a little message attached. These were distributed during the weekend Masses as a small gesture that continues to strengthen our bond with the wonderful community of our parish. We had several little messages of gratitude from parishioners of how lovely they were.
Children’s liturgy
It is always a pleasure to be able to build and strengthen the connections that we have with our Parish. One thing that has been absent for some time is children’s liturgy. It fosters a sense of community among the children, encourages their active participation, and helps them develop a deeper connection with their faith. This special time aims to nurture the spiritual growth of our youngest parishioners, making their experience of the Mass more meaningful and enriching. We have started to look into how we might be able to ‘resurrect’ this key component for our young parishioners.
Family Parish Mass
Our next family parish Mass will be held on Saturday the 14th of June. You might like to start to chat to your children about how they might like to be actively involved. You might also like to extend the invitation to your high school aged children as well. Further details will come in the coming weeks.
Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism, the first sacrament of initiation, prepares us to celebrate the Eucharist. Families wishing to prepare their children for initiation are asked to contact the Parish Office.
Baptisms are usually held on the third Sunday of each month [except January and Lent], usually during either of the Sunday [5:30pm Saturday or 8:00am Sunday] Masses.
Baptism forms are obtainable from the Parish Office. At least one parent is required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class before the child's baptism. Classes are usually held at 7:15pm on the last Thursday of each month [except December] in preparation for baptisms the following month. To check the dates for this year [2025], see below.
Please contact the Parish Office if you have any questions.
Parish Secretary: Kerry Fabon
Parish Office thirroul@dow.org.au
Telephone: 02 4268 1910
Hours
Tuesday 9am to 3pm [closed 12:30pm to 1pm]
Wednesday 9am to 3pm [closed 12:30pm to 1pm]
Friday 8:30am to 3pm [closed 12:30pm to 1pm]
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Preparation Meetings |
Baptisms Dates for 2025 |
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Thurs 29 May |
Sat 21 Jun |
Sun 22 Jun |
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Thurs 26 Jun |
Sat 19 Jul |
Sun 20 Jul |
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Thurs 31 Jul |
Sat 16 Aug |
Sun 17 Aug |
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Thurs 28 Aug |
Sat 20 Sep |
Sun 21 Sep |
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Thurs 25 Sep |
Sat 18 Oct |
Sun 19 Oct |
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Thurs 30 Oct |
Sat 15 Nov |
Sun 16 Nov |
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Thurs 27 Nov |
Sat 20 Dec |
Sun 21 Dec |
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 2025 close on Tuesday, 9 September. Enrolment Forms are available 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
- two classes (after school hours) in preparation for First Penance
- celebration of First Penance
- two classes (after school hours) in preparation for First Communion
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Bishop Brian on Thursday, 3 July 2025 to Year 6 (or older) students.
Enrollments are now closed and we have approximately 14 students who will be preparing to make their confirmation in the coming weeks
Parents/Guardians need to attend:
Parent Meeting 19:30, Tuesday, 3 June 2025 (parents/guardians only)
Classes 1 and 2 Tuesdays, 24 June and 1 July, 15:45 to 17:00 (parents/guardians and candidate)
Confirmation Practice Wednesday, 2 July, 19:00 (parents/guardians and candidate)
Sacrament of Confirmation 19:00 on Thursday, 3 July 2025
What’s on in our parish
Friday 16th of May 9:30 am Anointing of the sick during Mass - Year 3 attending
Sunday 18th of May 8:00 Three baptisms during Mass
Friday 23rd of May 10:30 Year 2 conversation with Fr Ken in classroom
Friday 23rd of May Our Lady Help of Christians Liturgy in classrooms
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.
Ronelle Peardon - Religious Education Coordinator
Enrolling Now
We’re enrolling now for 2026! Applications are fee-free and can be made online. If your child is due to start Kindergarten next year, the best time to make your application is in Term 1 this year.
Learn more about our school and the enrolment process here:
https://www.smtdow.catholic.edu.au/
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.
Mental Fitness Gotcha4life update: Pam Cheetham
We’ve started this term off Mentally Fit!
In Week 1, we were fortunate to welcome the team from Gotcha4Life for a special assembly focused on building mental fitness. Students took part in a range of engaging activities that explored the three key protective factors: building our emotional muscles, embracing your village, and not worrying alone.
This important message of mental fitness was then reinforced in classrooms through a follow-up lesson led by our amazing Student Advisory Group (SAG). It was fantastic to see students taking the lead and their peers actively participating—it truly set a positive tone for the term ahead!
Classes have also been working with their teachers to deepen their understanding of the protective factor "Embrace Your Village." Students have been learning what this means and identifying the important people in their lives—at home, at school, and in other areas—who make up their village.
In week 2, staff participated in some further professional development with the Gotcha4life team, focusing on strengthening their own mental fitness. The session highlighted the importance of help-seeking as a key protective factor for mental fitness, ensuring we don’t worry alone. Staff explored pressures and challenges that they face in both their work and personal life, identified barriers that can prevent them from reaching out and discussed strategies to ensure no one faces challenges or worries alone. It was a powerful reminder that asking for help is a strength—and an important step in supporting both ourselves and our school community.
Semester One Reports
Semester One Reports will go live on Compass on Friday 27th June. Students in Kindergarten - Year 6 will receive an achievement report that will outline your child’s level of achievement in each key learning area. There are no general comments in Semester one reports. Parents/carers will be able to access their child’s report on compass on this date. On Wednesday 2nd July there will be an opportunity to meet with classroom teachers during parent/teacher conferences to discuss student achievement in faith, learning and wellbeing. You will be able to book your conferences via compass very soon.
Want to know more about what the ‘achievement descriptors’ on your child’s report mean?
- All Kindergarten students will receive a report in Semester 1 and Semester 2 with a three-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
- Thorough
- Sound
- Basic
- Students in Year 1 - Year 6 will receive semester reports twice a year with a five-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
- Extensive
- Thorough
- Sound
- Basic
- Elementary
A description of what the Kindergarten achievement descriptors mean is outlined below:
A description of what the Year 1- 6 achievement descriptors mean is outlined below:
Teachers make professional judgments based on assessment to determine the level and depth of knowledge and skill demonstrated by students to determine the achievement for each focus area within the Key Learning Area. An overall achievement descriptor will also be provided for each Key Learning Area (see below).
Teachers will also provide an overall ‘effort’ descriptor for each Key Learning Area, e.g. effort in Mathematics - High
Amendments made to the Classroom and Playground Correction Sequence
Last term, we launched our reviewed classroom and playground correction sequence and spent time implementing the new sequence in classrooms, affirming students and providing gidnace and support through redirection if required. The staff have been focusing on being consistent in their approach to both classroom and playground correction and have received professional learning on the 5:1 ratio of positive to negative reinforcement and 8:1 for students with additional needs. We also introduced the parent notification form to ensure we are being transparent in communicating with parents when students have needed reflection time either in class or on the playground. The addition of this form was in response to 2024 Tell Them From Me data where parents reported wanting more information on their child’s wellbeing. We have since reviewed the sequence and sour approach based on feedback from staff, parents and students and the following changes have been in place since Week 7 of Term 1:
- ‘Time out’ language replaced with ‘reflection time’ - changed on blue cards and parent notification form
- Physical contact/aggression language replaced with ‘physical contact’ on parent notification form and compass as it is a ‘low unintentional’ behaviour.
Some information on what the teachers are implementing in terms of taking a positive approach to behaviour and adopting a ‘Conncetion before Correction’ mindset is below:
Focus on ‘Positive Messages’, ‘Connection before Correction’
5:1 ratio of positive reinforcement - to have healthy relationships, meaning 5 positive comments/gestures to every correction.
- Thank you for unpacking/getting ready to learn quickly today
- Thumbs up, smile and nod
- Each day greet the student by name and do the ‘daily check’ in as this promotes ‘connection’ and care
- Tick/sticker on class/individual chart
- Great focus Jonas, love the way you are completing your work, fantastic question, well done on your responses today.
Mrs Amy Sammut - Assistant Principal
Section 4: Improving Writing update: Chelsea McLeod
At the end of Term One, our teachers participated in a professional learning day alongside colleagues from four other schools in the diocese, focusing on moderation. Moderation is a collaborative process that ensures our assessments of student learning are consistent, fair, and meaningful across all classrooms. Throughout the day, teachers worked together to deepen their understanding of how to make accurate and confident professional judgements about student work. We engaged in discussions and evaluated student samples using shared criteria, ensuring a consistent approach to assessment across schools.
A key focus of the day was on the “image of the child,” which is the holistic view we form of each student based on daily teaching, interactions, and feedback. This view reminds us that assessment isn’t based on a single piece of work, but rather the full picture of a child’s learning journey. By reviewing student samples from all year levels, we were able to identify characteristics of each grade and track how learning progresses over time. This collaborative work helped strengthen how we assess students, ensuring our judgements are consistent and clearly aligned with learning outcomes.
Moving forward, we are committed to continuing this collaborative approach with other schools, building stronger professional knowledge and deeper connections to ensure every student benefits from high-quality assessment and tailored learning experiences.
At the start of this term, all teachers engaged in a second professional learning day that focused on improving writing instruction. This day aligned with our school’s AIP goal: Students will demonstrate appropriate learning growth in writing and can identify their next steps in learning.
The day provided teachers with an opportunity to explore how to strengthen writing skills, focusing on grammar, sentence structure, and the Writer’s Workshop Model. This model includes teachers modelling writing, guiding students as they craft their writing, and providing independent writing time with targeted support. Students also engage in peer feedback and sharing, allowing them to reflect on their work and celebrate each other’s progress through peer conferencing, author’s circles and the author’s chair.
We used our Writer’s Notebooks to practice writing and collaborated to plan lessons using mentor texts. These texts provide real examples of strong writing that help guide students and ensure that lessons are engaging and meaningful.
Since these professional development days, our teachers have engaged in collaborative planning days to design lessons that focus on sentence level grammar and sentence varieties. Teachers applied the FLW (Faith, Learning, and Well-being) Framework, ensuring that lessons were rigorous, relevant, and focused on supporting each student’s growth. This approach creates a learning environment where all students can thrive, fostering equity, student agency, and access to high-quality learning experiences.
Chelsea McLeod - Instructional Coach
Book your spot in the Webinar:
https://events.humanitix.com/gotcha4life-maggie-dent-webinar
Download the app today: https://www.gym.gotcha4life.org/app/
Mrs Pamela Cheetham - Middle Leader
Upcoming Dates for the Diary
- Diocesan Cross Country - Tuesday 27 May
- Netball Gala Day - Tuesday 24 June
Legends of League Gala Day
On the final day of last term, a number of Stage 3 students proudly represented our school at the Legends of League Gala Day. They demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship towards their competitors and worked together with inclusive and supportive teamwork. We are incredibly proud of the way they conducted themselves throughout the day, showing great pride in representing our school. Well done to all involved!
Student Extracurricular Sporting Achievements
We love celebrating our students' extracurricular sporting achievements—please keep us updated on their successes!
Mrs Danielle Campbell - Sports Coordinator
Hi All,
Term 2 is upon us and of course I feel we are all shocked as to where the year has gone.
Already there have been a few P&F initiatives in the pipeline.
Our Easter ‘hot cross bun ‘ drive , Pop up ‘Uniform shop’ and of course our ‘Mother’s Day ‘ gathering. All events have been successful in their own way , but of course it can only be done with the help and support of our school community.
A big thank you goes out to all who have assisted this year thus far and another special BIG thank you to Sarah Brennan and family as well as Jasmine Geary and her Mum Gloria for donating candles and bath items . Thank you for your generosity it is greatly appreciated, their business ‘Soy Mason” is located in Robertson. You made Mother’s Day extra special
Over the next couple of terms we have a few things on the P&F agenda and of course we would encourage you to be involved where you can .
Our upcoming events to locked in the calendar include;
- 1st June Thirroul Seaside festival - cake stall, communications will be sent out next week
- Last week of July - winter pie drive
- 17th Aug - Bunnings Bar BQ
- FAMILY FESTIVAL NIGHT - Movie night - Friday 19th September
Our main objective in 2025 is to focus on ‘strengthening and embracing our school community ‘ which creates everlasting memories for our children. Our next P&F meeting is scheduled for Friday 30th May, 9.00am in the Library.
We would love to see as many as possible attending, especially those who are class representatives.
In the meantime if there is anything you need to share with P&F please email your requests to pandf@smtdow.catholic.edu.au
Thanks
Fiona Heslop - P&F President