Filter Content
On Sunday it was the first Sunday of Lent. In Pope Francis' message for Lent 2021, the Pope asks people to “experience Lent with love,” which “rejoices in seeing others grow.”
“To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned and fearful because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In these days of deep uncertainty about the future, let us keep in mind the Lord’s word to his Servant, ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you’ (Isaiah 43:1).
The Pope emphasized that even a small amount of almsgiving when offered with “joy and simplicity” can multiply, as did “the loaves blessed, broken and given by Jesus to the disciples to distribute to the crowd.”
At St Michael’s our almsgiving effort this Lent will focus on fundraising for the Catholic Church agency, Caritas, and their annual appeal we all know as Project Compassion.
“Love is a gift that gives meaning to our lives. It enables us to view those in need as members of our own family, as friends, brothers, or sisters. A small amount, if given with love, never ends, but becomes a source of life and happiness,” the Pope said.
Let us approach this season of Lent with Love and compassion.
God Bless
Mrs Belinda Hughes - Principal
SRI- Writing
In 2021 we will be continuing with our writing journey as part of our school priorities. After some amazing learning by the teachers and students over the last two years we have seen many brilliant imaginative and persuasive texts being produced. This year it is time to refine our amazing writing and have a focus on authentically integrating the targeted teaching of grammar and punctuation.
We are extremely excited and privileged to have Jesscia Mantei from the University of Wollongong coming to our school to work with our teachers around the effective and integrated teaching of grammar. Jessica is an Associate Professor in Language. She holds an academic position at the University of Wollongong and has taught in undergraduate and postgraduate literacy and research education subjects, co supervised Honours and PhD students to completion. Jessica is the School Head of Teaching and Learning in the School of Education at the university. She has extended experience as a primary school classroom teacher, early career teacher mentor, and Reading Recovery teacher. Jessica’s research interests include: pedagogies for literacy teaching supported by technology. She completed her PhD on the development of teacher reflective capacities and the ways primary school teachers’ professional identities are evident in the learning experiences they design.
Jesscia will be working with our teachers in four one hour workshops over week six and seven. She will also be working closing with teachers in collaborative planning sessions to implement new learning into classrooms for the benefits of all the students at St Michaels. We look forward to working with Jesscia and forming a close professional partnership.
Caritas: Project Compassion Fundraiser
This year our Caritas: Project Compassion fundraiser will focus on the theme... ‘BE MORE’.
With a focus around WHO WE ARE (present, grateful, resilient, resourceful and community-minded), not WHAT WE HAVE (we live in a world obsessed with ‘having’ things).
On WEDNESDAY MARCH 3 we are asking students to dress up as someone who has made a difference in their life, the world or the progress of humanity. The person could be anyone who has lived or is living.
It is someone that inspires them to BE MORE. We want students to be able to choose the notable person and be able to express what attributes make them someone they look up to.
Some examples are (but not limited to):
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith ('Smithy'), Edward Hargraves, Fred Hollows, Victor Chang John Flynn, Nancy Wake, Daisy Bates, Caroline Chisolm, Pat Dodson, Peter Lalor Mary Lee, Jack Mundey, Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson, Hugh Jackman, Cathy Freeman, Sir Hubert Opperman ('Oppy'), Lionel Rose, Saint Mary MacKillop, Gandhi.
On this day students are asked to bring a monetary donation for Caritas. This can be a gold coin or any other donation. This money will go to those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival. Those whose needs at this time are far beyond ours.
See examples of what our dollars can do below.
In the depths of every heart, love creates bonds and expands existence, for it draws people out of themselves and towards others - Pope Francis
Beginning of School Liturgy & Induction of Leaders
All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be involved in a Whole School Liturgy via Zoom on Friday 26th February at 9:30am. The zoom will be lead by Father Ken and the Living the Faith Team at our outdoor prayer space. Father Ken will bless the Year 6 students and present them with their badges.
Ash Wednesday - Classrooms Liturgies
On Wednesday 17th February at 9:15 am, representatives from the Year 6 Living the Faith Team attended the Ash Wednesday Mass in our Parish Church with Mrs Hughes and Father Ken. After Mass, Year 6 students visited each of the classrooms (K-5) and held an Ash Wednesday prayer service.
Catholic Schools Week
|
Date |
Planned Activities for CSW |
|
Monday 1/3 Prayer Service |
To kick off Catholic Schools Week we will have a brief ‘Prayer Service via Zoom’. The prayer service will begin at 9:30am and will be lead by the Living the Faith Team. The service will go for approximately 15 minutes. This will be a great opportunity to begin Catholic Schools Week and the acknowledgment of 200 Years of Catholic Schooling in Australia. |
|
Tuesday 2/3 Games - 200 Years of Catholic Education |
On Tuesday, students will be invited to participate in some games that would have been played on the playground over the last 200 years. The leaders of Community and wellbeing will help facilitate the games. 12noon -12:30pm Kinder and Year 5 12:30pm - 1pm Years 1 & 2 2pm -2:30pm Years 3 and 4 2:30pm -3pm Year 6 Blue and 6 White |
|
Wednesday 3/3 Mini Vinnies Commissioning Project Compassion Fundraiser |
On Wednesday Morning at our morning Assembly at 9am we will briefly commissioning our 2021 Mini Vinnies, which comprises of 37 Year 6 students. Miss Negus will facilitate this commissioning and John Dening from St Vincents de Paul Thirroul will assist. This year our fundraiser will focus around.. ‘BEING MORE’ With a focus around WHO WE ARE (present, grateful, resilient, resourceful and community-minded), not WHAT WE HAVE (we live in a world obsessed with ‘having’ things). This year for our Caritas: Project Compassion Fundraiser we are asking students to dress up as someone who has made a difference in their life, the world or the progress of humanity. The person could be anyone who has lived or is living. It is someone that inspires them to BE MORE. On this day students are asked to bring a monetary donation for Caritas. |
|
Thursday 4/3 Clean Up Australia Day |
This year our school will be involved in Clean Up Australia Day and this will take place straight after lunch on Thursday, 4th of March. Each class will be given designated areas to focus on. Gloves and rubbish bags will be handed out to each class on the day but students are welcome to bring their own gloves to use. |
|
Friday 5/3 Sharing Learning Assembly |
Classes will complete the activity (from the options below) with their class in the morning session.
Year 6 students from the Learning & Innovation team will come to students classes after recess to film/put together a clip of the classes work samples, which will be sent home to parents. In the afternoon we have a whole school Assembly via zoom. Captains and Vice Captains will run this assembly and it will have a special Catholic Schools Week twist. |
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Bishop Brian on Tuesday and Wednesday, 22 and 23 June 2021 to Year 6 (or older) students. Because of COVID-19 current arrangements might be changed.
Enrolment Forms for the Sacrament of Confirmation close on 11 May 2021. To download an Enrolment Form, click here
Download and complete the Form, then return it to the Parish Office: thirroul@dow.org.au Parish Office: 325 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9am to 3:30pm and Fridays 10am to 3pm
Parents/Guardians need to attend the Parent Meeting:
7:30pm, Tuesday, 1 June 2021
Parents/Guardians and students need to attend:
Class 1: Tuesdays June 8, 3:45pm to 5pm
Class 2: Tuesday June 15, 3:45pm to 5pm
Parents/Guardians and students need to attend:
Confirmation Practice: Monday, 21 June, 7:00pm
Sacrament of Confirmation:
7:00pm on Tuesday, 22 June 2021
7:00pm on Wednesday, 23 June 2021
Parent Information Sheet will be available soon
Confirmation Classes Information will be available soon
Confirmation Handout #1 will be available soon
Confirmation Handout #2 will be available soon
Miss Emma Groves - Religious Education Co ordinator
Key Dates for 2021
As notified in the Week 1 newsletter here are some key dates for the year. Please note the Staff Spirituality Day has now been confirmed and the confirmation of the End of Year Christmas Concert with Andrew Chin has been added. These can all be found on the School Parent Calendar.
Monday 19 April - Staff Development Day - PUPIL FREE DAY
Tuesday 20 April - First Day of Term 2 for students
Monday 6 September - Staff Spirituality Day - PUPIL FREE DAY
Christmas Concert with Andrew Chin - Thursday 2 December
Thursday 16 December - Pupil Free Day
Friday 17 December - Pupil Free Day
How to View the calendar on compass
Please see the diagram below to assist you further in accessing these dates:
Alternatelively, please see the screen shot of what the Parent Calendar looks like on Compass;
Learning Technologies News
Please find below a video showcasing the wonderful work our students are doing with their ipads.
2022 Kindergarten Enrolment Applications
2022 Kindergarten Enrolment Forms are now available from the school office. You may also access the forms from our school website. We look forward to welcoming siblings and new families to our wonderful community.
The enrolment package is available from our school or online at www.dow.catholic.edu.au
Playground Upgrades
The students are loving the new sitting areas and are looking forward to seeing the shade trees grow into their full size.
Staffing
The finalisation of staffing this year has taken longer than usual as each recruitment process created a domino effect. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked through this process to ensure the best for all of our students. I am pleased to be able to share the final staffing for St Michael’s 2021.
Leadership Team
Principal - Mrs Belinda Hughes
Assistant Principal - Miss Eliza Treble
Religious Education Coordinator - Miss Emma Groves
Middle Leader 2 - Miss Emma Riolo
Middle Leader 1 - Mrs Ronelle Peardon
Senior School Support Officer - Mrs Claire Ryan
Executive Assistant - Mrs Jakki Agostino
Staff
Kindergarten - Mrs Katie Kelly
Year 1 - Mrs Ronelle Peardon
Year 2 - Miss Emma Wragge
Year 3 - Miss Emma Groves and Mrs Amie Dutaillis
Year 4 - Mrs Chelsea Mc Leod
Year 5 - Miss Claire Cole
Year 6B - Miss Madeline Negus
Year 6W - Miss Emma Riolo and Mrs Kate Kors
Diverse Learning Teacher - Mrs Shari Mayo
Creative Arts Teacher - Mrs Laura Aguiliera
School Support Officers
Mrs Renee Holt
Mrs Melissa Costello
Ms Emma Cooney
Mrs Jodie Maloney
Mrs Chris Loughrey
Mrs Helen Cook
Mrs Cecilia Medina
Home Readers - K-2
With the easing of restrictions we are able to resume sending home home readers with our students to support their reading at school. Below are the steps in place to support the return to home readers.
- Clean your hands prior to and after handling books
- Returned books will be kept separate from other home readers until they can be quarantined and cleaned.
- Years 3-6 will use the online borrowing system SORA to access home reader
Kindergarten Meet and Greets
Parents of students in Kindergarten will begin meeting with Mrs Kelly in Week 8. Information on how to book your meet and greets will be sent out via the COMPASS Parent Portal.
Learning Labs
The University of Wollongong invites your children to LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic and creative arts enrichment holiday program. The university is targeting students from Year 1 to 6 who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Dates: Little Learning Labs (Years 1 and 2): 17th-18th April 2021
Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 10th-11th April 2021
Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus only)
Applications close: Wednesday 3rd March 2021
PB4L
Positive Behaviour for Learning brings together the whole-school community to contribute to developing a positive, safe and supportive learning culture. The framework assists schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for students. Across the school, we establish a common language so that students, teachers and parents are able to communicate behavioural actions and needs with a familiar and predictable language. We use a correction sequence that students are familiar with. The aim is to redirect students to making positive behavioural choices rather than enforcing punitive measures. When students are demonstrating poor behavioural choices they are reminded of a positive behavioural choice and the impact that their behaviour is having on those around them. We call this a reminder. Students are given two opportunities to redirect their behaviour to positive choices (reminder 1 and 2). If poor choices are continuing, then they have escalated their behaviour to (in most cases) a minor behaviour. Minor behaviours are low level behaviours that have some impact on others or themselves. Minor behaviours require a consequence for their action. This may include but not limited to, time out in the classroom or the playground (10 minutes) or restorative justice conversations. However, if poor choice behaviours still persist, then the student’s choices have escalated to a major behaviour incident. Major behaviours are addressed as per the seriousness, impact and nature of the incident(s) and so variations of consequences are catered to suit. More often than not, consequences of this nature require days off the playground and parents are informed. In some cases, major behaviours are stand alone incidents due to the seriousness of, or impact they have made on themselves or others.
Parents play a significant role in the process of PB4L. We encourage parents to replicate the familiar language at home. We aim to provide a learning opportunity from the poor choices and endeavour to educate how the student should behave in that situation or environment. Many of the strategies used are embedded in the PDHPE syllabus but taught across all areas of the curriculum and school environments. We approach behavioural skills in the same rigor as academic skills needing to be learnt.
Mrs Ronelle Pearson - Middle Leader 1
We continue to showcase the wonderful work that our School Leaders are doing.
Swimming Carnival
Last week we held our school swimming carnival, thank you to the students who displayed such great school spirit and sportsmanship. A sincere thank you to the parents who were able to volunteer their time to assist with the running of the carnival. Without your support we are unable to run such events.
Results
Winning House Colour - Tenison
Junior Male and Female Champions - Imogen V and Oliver F and Flynn S
11 Years Male and Female Champions - Sophia L and Noah H
Senior Male and Female Champions - Arabella B and Oscar L
South Coast Primary Swimming Carnival
The following children will represent our school at the South Coast Primary Carnival on Tuesday 2 March at Corrimal Pool.
St Michael’s Thirroul 2021 Swim Team
| Girls | Boys |
| Arabella B | Josh B |
| Giselle B | James B |
| Daisy B | Alistair F |
| Milly G | Oliver F |
| Tully H | Darius H |
| Sophia L | Noah H |
| Sofia L | Will H |
| Isla O | Oscar L |
| Imogen V | Clancy M |
| Maia V | Hunter O |
| Talita W | Flynn S |
We congratulate these students and wish them every success at the South Coast carnival.
P&F News
This Year we will be holding the Easter Raffle on Thursday, 1 April. Details and raffle ticket books will be forwarded to students shortly.
This year we will continue with the P&F Mufti Days. They will begin in Term 2 and be held on the Friday of Week 9 each term. Further details will be provided closer to the days.
