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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
A focus for our students-’ becoming the best version of themselves
During tomorrow’s assembly, I will be focusing my attention on sharing some powerful stories of people who have overcome adversity to become the best version of themselves. As humans, we all experience self doubt in some shape or form. My intention is to instill in our students that this is normal and ok. More importantly, I want them to develop the self belief that they are capable of whatever they set their mind to, even when people tell them otherwise. My hope is that we educate your beautiful children not only for now, but also into the future. I want them to be confident and comfortable in who they are, in order to unlock their unique gifts and ultimately reach their full potential. There is no such thing as failure, every setback is a learning opportunity.
Parent consultative Group and P&F meetings
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with our wonderful Parent Consultative team. I have thoroughly enjoyed this new structure and have received some great insights and feedback that are already having an impact on the Faith, Learning, and Wellbeing of the students in our school community. As a result of our discussion, the following initiatives and strategies have been implemented:
- The initiation of a parent handbook to serve as a one stop shop for parents to access key information about the school (e.g. award system, behaviour frameworks, points of contact etc).
- Development of new strategies to give you further insights into the learning of your child
- Exploration of additional extra-curricular activities
- Identification of parent workshops
- Improved parent/teacher interview structures
- Capturing parent voice to begin shaping a set of values that we aim to instill in all members of St Michael’s, Thirroul
P&F- connecting and shaping our beautiful school community
Our wonderful P&F have been working hard to continue to connect our beautiful school community and enhance the facilities that support the faith, learning and wellbeing of our students. During the term 3 vacation, the P&F have contributed funding to help create another calm space for our students to access for learning and during breaks. The space will be called the ‘Yarning Circle’ and capture the Dharawal spirit. The students may access this space to connect with peers, away from the hustle and bustle of the sporting fields during the break. Teachers will also use this space for a wide variety of outdoor learning activities.
To continue to connect our community, the P&F have coordinated an exciting event that will be held on the evening of Friday 12 September. This will include a movie night (Lilo and Stitch) accompanied by music, food stalls, and fun activities. We had a wonderful turnout for this event last year, and look forward to providing an evening filled with fun, joy, and love for our school community.
Grandparents Day
It filled me with joy, seeing our community come together for Grandparents Day. There was such a beautiful feel across the school and it was beautiful to see the connection between the children and their grandparents. Thank you for passing on the key information to our grandparents, it was an absolute pleasure having them at our school. I hope they felt valued and recognised for the role they play in the lives of their grandchildren.
Parent workshop
Parent workshop (staying strong)-facilitated by Marina Bailey
On Wednesday 23 July, we held a parent workshop titled ‘Staying Strong’. This was facilitated by Marina Bailey- a highly reputable clinical psychologist and consultant.
The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. I myself learned a great deal as a Principal and a dad. We will continue to work in partnership with Marina to create shared language and strategies amongst the broader parent community. Marina urged parents to bind together to develop shared approaches and language that will ultimately support our students to be strong, resilient, and equipped with the skills to take on life’s challenges. We will be exploring some dates to hold a duplicate session for parents. We will also be inviting Marina to facilitate a similar workshop for all new 2026 Kindergarten parents as a part of our orientation process. Please see below some of the key messages Marina provided:
- Childhood conflict is a normal part of development. This discomfort is an opportunity for them to learn and grow as social beings. Our role and the parent role is to guide and support, rather than save.
- We all need the ability to stretch (the ability to keep pushing through in difficult life situations). A child’s early experience of having to stretch, empowers them to be able to handle the more complex problems later in life.
- Routines are critical for children to build confidence and independence. If we do the work for the child, they begin to rely on us and feel as though they are not competent. Simple morning and evening routines help the child to feel in control and competent. For example- packing their bag and knowing they have everything they need (library book, home reader, lunch box, hat etc).
- It is important to teach what a good friend is, not who a good friend is. This will help them to make their own decisions as they navigate the social world.
- At the heart of anxiety, is a lack of self-belief.
- Children need a village to overcome challenges. They need to be able to identify and seek support from their trusted people when things get tough.
- We have a role to support communication skills, which have a direct correlation with resilience. This includes the ability to negotiate, assert themselves, and ask for help.
- Some children just need to let off steam. We need to give them space and provide strategies to help manage these big emotions.
Calendar overview
Week 3 |
Monday 4 Aug |
Tuesday 5 Aug |
Wednesday 6 Aug |
Thursday 7 Aug |
Friday 8 Aug |
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Choir 8.00am |
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Canteen Open |
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Week 4 |
Monday 11 Aug |
Tuesday 12 Aug |
Wednesday 13 Aug |
Thursday 14 Aug |
Friday 15 Aug |
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Singsational Music Lessons 3.30pm |
Choir 8.00am |
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Canteen Open |
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Week 5 |
Monday 18 Aug |
Tuesday 19 Aug |
Wednesday 20 Aug |
Thursday 21 Aug |
Friday 22 Aug |
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Choir 8.00am |
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Pupil Free Days
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Date |
Days |
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Friday 26 September |
1 |
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Thursday, 18 December 2025 |
1 |
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Friday, 19 December 2025 |
1 |
Mr James Bryce - Principal
Liturgies celebrated
A Heartfelt Start to the Term
What a beautiful way to begin the term—celebrating the cherished role of grandparents in our lives. In Week One, our school community gathered for a special Mass, followed by a joyful sharing of learning, heartfelt conversations, and even a few warm hugs. It was a touching reminder of the love and wisdom our grandparents bring to our lives.
This Friday, we come together once again to honour an extraordinary woman—Saint Mary MacKillop. As Australia’s first saint and the founding inspiration behind the Josephite Sisters who established our school, her feast day holds deep significance for us. Mary MacKillop’s courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others continue to guide our values and actions.
To mark this special occasion, each student is invited to bring a small, non-perishable item to contribute to our offertory baskets during Mass. This simple act reflects our commitment to Catholic Social Teachings and echoes St Mary of the Cross’ legacy—creating opportunities for others to find their path in life.
We warmly welcome all members of our community to join us in celebration at 9:30 AM on Friday, 8th August in our Parish Church. Let us come together in faith, gratitude, and joy.
Sacraments
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Preparation Meetings |
Baptisms Dates for 2025 |
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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
QUESTIONS ABOUT LAST SUNDAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
First Reading Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Is there more of “toil and anxiety” than you want in your life? Would an increase in faith serve the same purpose as a pill for curing anxiety?
This reading is about priorities. Do yours occasionally need to be checked and rearranged? Louisa Mae Alcott, toward the end of chapter 40 in her book, Little Women, says, “Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.”.
Second Reading Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Not that there is anything wrong with some of our practices in the Church, but might we discover through synodality discussions that taking off the “old self with its practices and putting on the new self” is helpful in “seeking what is above”?
“Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision. … ” Could St Paul give the same speech today? How would acting as if “Christ is all and in all” solve today’s problems like racism?
Gospel Luke 12:13-21
Many would determine their worth as a person by the greatness of their house or portfolio or the make of their car. What about you? How do you estimate a person’s worth? Is it possible for a person to have much and still give much?
“So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” What are some qualities that make you “rich toward God”? Below is a paragraph from near the end of the Extraordinary Synod. How does this reflect a Church that seeks to do “what matters to God”, and as the second reading says, “what is above”?
What’s on in our parish
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Whole School |
Friday 8th August |
Whole School Mass: St. Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) |
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Y5 |
Friday 15th August |
10:30 Year 5 conversation with Fr Ken in classroom |
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S1 |
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Liturgy |
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K & Y5 |
Friday 22nd August |
Year 5 and Kinder class Mass (The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary) Kinder conversation with Fr Ken |
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Y2 & Y3 |
Friday 29th August |
Years 2 & 3 Mass (The Passion of Saint John the Baptist) Year 2 conversation with Fr Ken |
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/
Welcome back to Term 3!
I feel incredibly blessed to be stepping back into the role of Acting Assistant Principal from Weeks 1-8 this term. It’s such a privilege to support our wonderful students, staff, and families, and to be part of such a caring and vibrant school community.
We’ve had a fantastic start to the term! Students have returned to school with big smiles, a positive attitude, and a readiness to learn. Classrooms are buzzing with excitement as students have reconnected with their peers, settled into routines, and embraced new learning opportunities with enthusiasm.
On Wednesday 4th August, we were excited to welcome eight early career teachers and their mentors to St Michael’s. Add more
Here at St Michael’s, there is a strong focus on student agency as part of our Faith, Learning, and Well-being (FLW) Framework. This means creating classrooms where students are supported to make meaningful choices, set personal learning goals, and take positive steps forward. Our teachers are helping students by:
- Setting clear learning goals together
- Giving them different ways to show what they know
- Providing helpful feedback and regular check-ins
- Encouraging independence, reflection, and problem solving
- Listening to student voice to guide classroom learning
It’s all part of creating a school where students feel confident, capable, and excited to learn.
Book Week 2025: ‘Book An Adventure’
In Week 5, we will be celebrating Book Week with a range of fun, creative and inspiring activities that bring books, writing and imagination to life! From buddy reading to library and author visits to dress-ups and open classrooms, it’s a week full of joy, learning and storytelling.
Here is a list of the exciting activities that will take place across Book Week.
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Monday 18th August |
Tuesday 19th August |
Wednesday 20th August |
Thursday 21st August |
Friday 22nd August |
Monday 25th August |
- Kinder/Year 5 - Yr 1/Yr 6
- Students share a piece of writing that they are proud of with a student in another class. |
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Students are to come dressed up as their favourite book character. |
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We warmly invite all families to join us in celebrating a special morning of learning and sharing on Thursday 21st August. Come along to our Parent Information Session about our Writing Journey, visit our Open Classrooms, and then enjoy the Book Parade and Picnic Lunch. Here's the schedule of events for the day.
9.00am – Parent Workshop in the hall: Our Writing Journey: Join us for a short session exploring how we teach writing and the 5 Key Learning Questions that help students reflect on their progress.
9.30am – Open Classrooms: Celebrating Our Writing: Come into the classroom and take a tour with your child as they proudly share their writing growth with you. Their books or published work will be on display, and they’ll have a special Writer’s Tour Checklist to guide your visit.
10.15am – Book Week Parade & Picnic Lunch: After visiting classrooms, join us outside for a Book Week Parade and bring along a picnic lunch to share with your child / children.
During Open Classrooms: Each student will have the 5 Learning Questions on their desk to guide your conversation:
- What were you learning about?
- How did you go? How do you know?
- What did you do if you didn’t understand?
- How can you improve your writing?
- What are you most proud of in your writing?
We’d love you to leave a kind note for your child / children with something they did well, and a little encouragement for what they can keep working on.
We can’t wait to celebrate this special morning with you!
ICAS Dates: The ICAS Competitions have begun in full swing kicking off this week with Digital Technologies and Writing. Please see the dates and times for the remaining competitions for the students who have elected to enter the competition.
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ICAS Competition Paper |
Date |
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English |
Wednesday 13th August @ 9.30am |
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Science |
Monday 18th August @ 12.00pm |
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Spelling Bee |
Tuesday 19th August @ 11.45am |
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Mathematics |
Monday 25th August @ 12pm |
Waste Free Wednesday Results
Week 2
Kinder: 77%
Year 1: 55%
Year 2: 76%
Year 3: 64%
Year 4: 50%
Year 5: 79%
Year 6: 70%
So the Gold waste free warriors are: Year 5: 79%
And the silver waste free warriors are: Kindergarten: 77%
Week 3
Kindergarten: 73%
Year 1: 61%
Year 2: 83%
Year 3: 41%
Year 4: 65%
Year 5: 85%
Year 6: No data, as we were at mass with the Bishop.
So the Gold waste free warriors are: Year 5 with 85%
And the silver waste free warriors are: Year 2 with 83%
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St Michael’s Science Fair 2025 “Decoding the Universe”  Optional: You’re invited to be a scientist! This year’s theme is: “Decoding the Universe” – discovering how things work in our world and beyond! Your Task: Science Fair Showcase Day: Tuesday 2nd September in the school hall All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will have the chance to showcase their amazing science project to the school community.  Your project can be:
Let’s explore, investigate, and decode the universe together! |
Mrs Chelsea McLeod - Acting Assistant Principal
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.
Student Learning and Wellbeing:
Gotcha 4 Life
I am looking forward to continuing Mrs Cheetnam's work on building our mental fitness as a school community.
It has been great seeing students use the Gotcha 4 Life protective factors as they have transitioned back to school routines. Students have engaged in mental fitness check-ins throughout the day to build their emotional muscles. Students are supporting members in their village and are reporting when they feel worried.
Next week (Week 4), we are celebrating Bullying No Way Week. This year, the theme is ‘Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.’ Over the week, there will be activities that you could do in class to further explore the theme and how our protective factors from Gotcha4Life, ‘Build our Emotional Muscles, Embrace our Village, and Don’t Worry Alone’ connect.
On Thursday (14th of August), we will be having a purple mufti day, with students participating in the third session of Peer Support. Students will engage in activities that explore the protective factor of ‘Embracing Our Village.’ Our Stage 3 students will lead their groups in discussions and activities that involve reviewing what makes a village and identifying who is in our village.
Gotcha 4 Life Year 5 Student Voice Project:
In Week 5, Year 5 will be working alongside Gotcha 4 Life to launch a student voice project. Students will be tasked to create something of their choice that demonstrates their understanding of mental fitness and that communicates the importance of mental fitness. Updates will be shared in the next newsletters.
Mental Fitness Week:
Get excited, as in Week 6, it is mental fitness week! It is a week that emphasises the importance of building our mental fitness together as a community. Activities will be shared through Compass in Week 5.
PB4L
At St Michael’s, we use the Positive Behaviours 4 Learning (PB4L) Framework to help create vibrant and positive learning environments in which all students are supported to be their best version of themselves. This framework authentically aligns with our vision, as students are provided with support and resources that enable them to flourish within our school community.
As we start a new term, we would like to remind everyone of our uniform policy. At St Michael’s, we work together as a community to take great pride in our uniform. Therefore, we will be looking to introduce the following out-of-uniform slip.
Student Engagement
Throughout the year, students in Year 5, alongside Mrs Cheetnam and me, have engaged in Amy Berry’s work on Student Engagement. This has involved reviewing the definition of engagement and identifying what student engagement looks like. Over the term, I will be exploring a range of strategies with Year 5 that authentically collect data on student engagement. This will involve students identifying which level they are at on the Continuum of Engagement during different KLA’s and setting intentions for the lesson.
Mr David Ryan - Middle Leader 2
Upcoming Dates for the Diary
- South Coast Regional Athletics - Tuesday 12 August, 2025
- Soccer Gala Day - Friday 29 August 2025
- Basketball Gala Day
- 18 September, 2025 Junior Boys & Girls (Years 3 & 4)
- 19 September, 2025 Senior Girls & Boys (Years 5 & 6)
Soccer Gala Day - Permission and Payment Reminder
A reminder to parents and carers who have nominated their child for the upcoming Soccer Gala Day: the permission note and payment are now available on Compass and need to be completed as soon as possible.
Basketball Gala Day - Expression of Interest
An expression of interest note for the upcoming Basketball Gala Day has been sent out via Compass to all Stage 2 and Stage 3 students. If your child would like to participate, please ensure the form is completed as soon as possible. Submissions close on Monday, 18th August. All event details, including date and venue, are available on Compass.
Athletics Carnival Results
Our school athletics carnival was a fantastic day filled with energy, sportsmanship, and team spirit. Congratulations to all students for their effort and to the winning house Tenison!
A special congratulations to our Age Champions:
- Junior – Ethan M and Annabel C
- 11 Years – Oliver W and Milla B
- Senior – Oliver D and Sienna P
NSW Cross Country Trials
Congratulations to Abby S (Year 6), Darcy F (Year 6), and Annabel C (Year 4), who represented MacKillop at the NSW Cross Country Championships in Week 1. The students tackled a tough course at the Sydney Equestrian Centre with determination and grit. A special mention to Abby, who finished in the top 6 and has earned a place in the NSW team to compete at Nationals on the Gold Coast in September. Well done!
Student Extracurricular Sporting Achievements
We love celebrating our students' extracurricular sporting achievements - please keep us updated on their successes!
Mrs Danielle Campbell - Sports Coordinator
Don’t forget to SAVE THESE DATES!
Term 3 has so much happening and of course we would love to see as many people as possible at our upcoming events.
Our term kicked off with a Pie drive, raising over $500 for the school, I hope you all filled your freezers like I did, they certainly come in handy for a quick winter meal.
Father’s Day is fast approaching with a Father’s Day breakfast on the calendar for Friday 5th Sept . I’m sure all the dads will enjoy a bacon and egg roll and a coffee to start their day. More details to follow as it gets closer.
Then of course our Major event for the year will be our'Family Fun night' a great community event where everyone gets to, eat popcorn, ice creams, pizza, get a tattoo, or just wear glow sticks !! while watching a great movie on a large outdoor screen. Ticket sales will go on sale soon, so don’t miss out…..
Next Friday 15/8/2025 at 8.30am is our next P&F meeting so please come along and join us , we would love to have you involved
P & F Executive Team
