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Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of attending Year 6 Mass with the Bishop with Mrs Peardon and our Year 6 students. This is a celebration of liturgy and gathering that we have not had the opportunity to experience for the past 3 years. It was such a blessing to be able to gather again in prayer and celebrate with other Year 6 groups.
Bishop Brian Mascord spoke about in his Homily how important it is that we lean into Jesus and others when we need help. He explained how we can not achieve anything without help, and that asking for help is a gift.
Our school was asked to perform the liturgical movement after Communion. I can honestly say how proud I was of all of our Year 6 children. Each and everyone of them were involved in the liturgical movement and they represented our school with pride and show great reverence and understanding of the significance of what they were doing. Thank you to Mrs Brown and Mrs Peardon who prepared the students for this special occasion. We received many words of gratitude and appreciation that all of our Year 6 students were involved in the representation of prayer. A true sign of leadership and of living our school vision.
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The Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop is celebrated each year on 8 August. On 17 October 2010 Mary was canonised as the first saint for Australia – the Land of the Southern Cross.
Catholic school teachers in this country have been gifted with the perfect role model in Mary to present to students in modern day Australia. She is an ‘Aussie’, she is down to earth, she walks the talk and has a deep love for her God and people, especially those on the margins. She is the daughter of the Great South Land.
At St Michael’s we will acknowledge St Mary MacKillop on Monday with a liturgy at 2.30pm, a perfect time to celebrate the founding sisters of our school.
I would like to share a summary of a reflection from a Josephite nun (the religious order Mary founded) which takes us on a 7 mile journey along the ‘wallaby track’ to Emmaus. Each mile Mary MacKillop or her supporters meet us where we are at.
Mile 1 – Respect for Human Dignity
Mile 2 – Solidarity
Mile 3 – Preferential Option for the Poor
Mile 4 – Call to Family, Community and Participation
Mile 5 – Rights and Responsibilities
Mile 6 – Dignity of Work
Mile 7 – Stewardship of Creation
God Bless
Mrs Belinda Hughes - Principal
Year One and Year Three Class Visit to the Church
On Monday July 26, Year One and Year Three had a wonderful visit to our Parish Church with Fr Ken. Fr Ken identified statutes, stained-glass windows and art that depict the saints. He discussed with the children the reasons for having images and memorials of saints displayed and how the church remembers and honours its ‘Saints’. He also discussed with the students about the main symbols and actions that take place during the Sacrament of Baptism. Fr Ken shared with the students the focal points in the church in greater depth: altar, tabernacle, lectern and lectionary, and baptismal font and spoke about ‘reverence’.
We are so blessed to have Fr Ken, he is always so willing to share his great knowledge of the church and his strong faith with our school community.
Religious Literacy Assessment
On Monday Year Four completed the Religious Literacy Assessment. This assessment provides a sustained and systemic Diocesan approach to the documentation and reporting of students’ learning in the key learning area of Religious Education (RE) across the diocese and in particular, aspects of religious literacy. It is a means of celebrating and sharing the good news about students' learning in Religious Education and enables the story to be told on a continuing basis.
The concept of 'religious literacy' is the basis for the framework for assessment in Religious Education in Wollongong across K-6. To be religiously literate, children leaving a Catholic primary school need to be able to communicate with and be at home in Catholic society and religion in general. The assessment of religious literacy focuses on students’ knowledge and understanding of the key concepts that are being addressed by the Religious Education program and the children’s ability to communicate with their religious tradition.
I would like to thank the Year Four students for their positive approach to this assessment and their teacher Mrs Chelsea McLeod who supported the students in their preparations.
Year Six Mass with the Bishop
Each year the Bishop meets with the students in Year Six to join together with them in prayer and gathering. Unfortunately due to Covid over the past two years this special event has been cancelled. This year we were blessed to be able to come together with Bishop Brian Mascord to celebrate a Mass with the Year Six students from St Michael’s and a range of other Diocesan primary schools at St Joseph’s, Catholic Church Bulli yesterday. After the Mass the students had an opportunity to gather and share lunch with other Year Six students in our diocese. The students participated in a beautiful liturgical movement reflection. They were reverent and represented our school with pride.
Liturgy/ Prayer Celebrations
Last term the Staff reflected on the Liturgy and prayer calendar. We wanted to ensure that our Liturgies remain authentic and are prayerful experiences that our whole community values. We have looked at the entire liturgical year and the liturgies that remain for 2022. We have kept the liturgies that we felt were the most significant, meaningful and were also the most important ones that students could learn from. Other liturgical celebrations (Saint days) will become part of either a Friday afternoon Assembly or Monday morning assembly in the form of a simple prayer.
Friday Parish Mass
We are trialling this term ‘Buddy Masses’, this will give an opportunity for each grade to participate in the Friday Parish Mass throughout the term with another grade in the school. We thought this would be a valuable experience for our students, due to restrictions over the past couple of years their opportunities to be in the Church and experience the Mass have been limited. Last Friday Year Two, Three and Six gathered and celebrated a lovely mass together.
Upcoming dates
Our Lady of the Cross - Mary Mackillop Liturgy
Monday 8th August @ 2:30pm
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary Liturgy - Hosted by Year Three
Monday 15th August @ 2:30pm
Staff Spirituality Day
Friday August 26th - Pupil Free Day
Naidoc Celebrations
On Monday July 26 we gathered as a school community to celebrate and reflect on the meaning of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme “Get Up, Stand Up”, during the Liturgy we were reminded to walk with our First Nations’ sisters and brothers on the road to reconciliation and do what we can so that all people will experience justice, equality and respect.
Each Grade was asked to stand up and say together:
“Yes we will get up, stand up and show up.”
As part of our Naidoc Week celebrations we created a whole school display.
“We will all walk together.”
We also introduced the upcoming ‘Unity Garden - Growing together as one’. This new garden space will be an opportunity for the whole school to be involved in maintaining God’s creation and learning about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
We look forward to seeing this come together within the year and look forward to sharing it with the whole school community.
Grace and Blessings
Mrs Steph Brown - Religious Education Co ordinator
On the last Friday of term 2 we marked a very special occasion at the life of St Michael's School. The introduction of our new Vision award, this award recognises the three pillars of the Vision statement.
- Inspired by Christ
- Excellence in learning
- Living life fully in community.
These awards acknowledge and celebrate the leadership of student’s that show a genuine expression of our Vision. We were very blessed to have Fr Ken join our school community to hand out the awards to our students who live out our school Vision.
Living Fully in Community Award
Excellence in Learning Award
Inspired By Christ Award
Mrs Steph Brown
Stranger Danger
Since the return to school this term, there have been many more students walking, riding or scooting to school. Please take an opportunity to discuss with your children and remind them about stranger danger and what they could do if they found themselves in a situation where they were approached by a stranger. As well as how to travel safely to school and be aware of the road safety rules. If you would like any support materials in this area please contact the school.
Taking Leave During a School Term
We appreciate with restrictions changing that many families are taking the opportunity to go on a family holiday. We ask that all families please consider carefully the timing of family holidays and try to schedule them in the school breaks. If this is not possible it is a requirement that an extended leave form is completed, even for one day. Nominating travel through the parent portal on Compass is no longer meeting the CEO Attendance Policy. If leave is not approved before travel, it will be marked as unapproved leave. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions about leave please do not hesitate to contact the office.
St Michael’s Uniform Expectations
As we return to Term 3, please find below an excerpt from the Parent Handbook in relation to school uniform expectations. This ensures that a high standard is maintained. If students are consistently wearing the incorrect uniform a reminder slip will be sent home.
The wearing of the correct school uniform is an expectation at St Michael’s. It is important for students to take pride in themselves, and in their school, by being correctly groomed and wearing full uniform.
The following information from the Parent handbook outlines the school uniform policy. We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that our students take pride in their school uniform.
Girls and Boys Sport Uniform
Unisex microfibre navy shorts or culottes, polo shirt with emblem, blue socks. Navy microfibre sports jacket with emblem and microfibre sports pants, navy scarf (optional). School hat with emblem.
Hairstyles
Hair that is over collar length must be cut or tied back. Hair may not be dyed. Hair that is untidy (for example long in length or on top or sides, in face) must be cut, no hairstyles that are inappropriate for school (eg. rat tails, mohawks, beaded hair, mullets etc.) are allowed. Only light blue or navy coloured bands, ribbons etc. may be worn.
Jewellery
For safety reasons, jewellery, with the exception of simple watches, signet rings and plain stud or small “sleeper” earrings, is not permitted. Crosses on chains may be worn under uniforms.
Nails
Nails are to be kept short and clean. (No nail polish or other cosmetics are to be worn.)
Morning Drop Off and Afternoon Pick Up
A reminder to please use the drop off and pick up zone as it is intended. It is not zoned as a parking zone. If there is no space to pull into the pick up zone please do a loop around the block. Parking rangers often come to the school unannounced to monitor the car pick up and drop off times.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Catholic School Parents Australia: Children’s Wellbeing and Learning Survey is now live
Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) has launched its Children’s Wellbeing and Learning Survey, which was developed in partnership with the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth. The purpose of this survey is to gather the opinions of parents/carers on issues of concern relating to their children’s health, wellbeing and learning, and assist CSPA in reporting to the Federal government and Catholic education.
Little and Early Learning Labs
The University of Wollongong invites students to LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic and creative arts enrichment holiday program. We are targeting students from Year 1 to 6 who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Venue: University of Wollongong, Wollongong Campus and Batemans Bay Campus
Wollongong Dates: Little Learning Labs (Years 1 and 2): 26th - 28th September 2022
Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 28th - 30th September 2022
Applications close: Wednesday 10th August 2022
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Parents/Guardians visit our website and read the full list of workshops available by scrolling to the “Workshop Descriptions” section.
- Parents/Guardians fill out the online application form
- This is an academic and creative arts enrichment program designed for students who are motivated and passionate learners and performing excellently in their area of interest. First-time applicants are required to demonstrate their suitability for the program. One piece of supporting documentation is required (see 'Supporting Documentation' section on website).
- Learning Labs is registered as COVID-Safe and follows the guidelines set out by the NSW Government here.
Please know that applications are now open, and workshops fill very quickly.
We will also have several sponsorship places available for students who identify as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or students experiencing financial difficulty.
For further information about workshops and the application process please visit our website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au.
Giggles of excitement echoing through the corridors, ‘hurry up Year 6! We need to be out on the playground to be ready for them!’, Year 5 eagerly rushing out to catch up with Year 6. ‘They’re coming!’ Huge smiles on faces, ‘where is my group? These were all the things heard and seen as the Peer Support groups ate their lunches together on Tuesday.
The staff watched in awe to see each student welcomed into their group, supported by the other members. The students have been able to continue the work on healthy friendships and relationships in an unstructured and natural environment. It has been a great opportunity for the students to continue to foster their new friendships and support network.
Just as the magnolia flower is seen as a symbol of community on our Living the St Michael’s award for Living fully in community, the magnolia flower represents each of the peer support groups. Each petal needed to form the complete flower just as each peer support group member is needed to form the group. We look forward to watching them bloom as they will continue to meet each Tuesday to eat their lunches together.
Mrs Ronelle Peardon and Mrs Chelsea McLeod
School Uniform Price Increase
We have been advised by Lowes that uniform prices will increase in term 4. The increase is not substantially higher with certain items only increasing by a few dollars.
Lowes is holding a 2 day sale on all school uniforms on Thursday, 4 and Friday, 5 August. Please visit the website for more details.
This Term our students are having a very creative time, focusing on Visual Arts and Music.
Science Week and Book Week @ SMT
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WEEK 5 |
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Mon 15th August |
Tues 16th August |
Wed 17th August |
Thurs 18th August |
Fri 19th August |
1:15pm Dynamic Learning Team hosting Lunchtime Science Workshop (Kindy & Year 1) |
1:15pm Dynamic Learning Team hosting Lunchtime Science Workshop (Years 2, 3, 4) |
1:15pm Dynamic Learning Team Lunchtime Science Workshop (Years 5 & 6) |
12 noon Open Classrooms (Parents and Carers invited) 1pm eating time with your children |
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WEEK 6 |
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Mon 22nd August |
Tues 23rd August |
Wed 24th August |
Thurs 25th August |
Fri 26th August |
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Colouring Competition (to be completed in class, winners announced at Thursday Assembly 1:15pm Dynamic Learning Team hosting Lunchtime Book Activities (open to all grades) |
1:15pm Dynamic Learning Team hosting Lunchtime Book Activities (open to all grades) |
Students dress up as a Book Character 2pm Book Parade 2.30pm Assembly Disco (not a dress up) 5pm-6pm K-2 6pm-7.30pm Yrs 3-6 |
Pupil Free Day |
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State Library NSW Afternoon Opportunities
Young Writers Club
Are you a storyteller? An aspiring author?
Someone who loves to write and capture the world around you through stories?
If you have answered ‘YES!’ to these questions, then our Young Writers Club is for YOU!
Brush up on your writing skills, get some inspiration, share ideas and get stuck into writing with Alicia and Susan. There will be lots of fun, fabulous writing tips and the opportunity to connect with real-life authors and other inspiring people!
This program is offered online, once a fortnight during school term. Suitable for writers aged 8-14years. Sessions run from 4pm to 5pm.
See this link for further details or to register your interest: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/learning/learning-home/young-writers-club
Book Lovers Club
The Book Lovers Club meets from 4 to 5 pm on the first Tuesday of each month, during term time only. Each month we invite a special guest author, illustrator or book-loving expert to share a list of their favourite books and join our members for an online discussion group.
Join us live to ask your burning questions and to contribute your thoughts about the books you’ve read.
Sign up below to join our monthly meetings, receive our reading recommendations enews, and submit your work to be featured in the showcase! https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/learning/kids-and-families/book-lovers-club/book-lovers-club-registration
eSafety News
eSafety’s parent guide to popular apps
Learn about TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube and help your children stay safe online.
This webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people aged 8 to 13.
It will cover:
- case studies, research and targeted advice
- ways of supporting the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.
Term 3 dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Monday 1 August 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Tuesday 16 August 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Thursday 25 August 12:30 to 1:30 pm
REGISTER HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5639946412689525773
Miss Emma Riolo - Middle Leader 2
Lacrosse
We are now in the third week of Lacrosse, which has been a great sporting experience for St Michael’s. The students have had a wonderful time engaging in a range of fun Lacrosse based activities with the coach from Gecko Sports, Anthony. It has been a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn how to play a new sport.
South Coast Athletics
The South Coast Athletics Carnival will be held next Tuesday 9th August. Good luck to all the students competing and well done for making it to this carnival!
Miss Emma Wragge - Sports Coordinator
Principal Awards:
- Ari C
- Riley S
Gold Award
- Ari C
