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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
Dear Parents and Carers,
In response to parent feedback, we are reviewing the way we structure the school newsletter to ensure that we provide clear and concise information to all families. We understand that with busy lives, it is important to have easy access to information about what is coming up throughout the term. You will notice some slight amendments to each section of the school newsletter. At the very beginning of each section will be an outline of the events (Catholic life and culture, general school events, and sports events) and parent preparation or support required.
In Term 4, we will be trialling a whole term overview for parents and staff capturing all school events. This will be provided to parents digitally and as a hard copy. The intention of this will be to provide a guide of the upcoming school events and to provide early information about what parent support can be of assistance.
Throughout our review we will consult with the parent community to explore other methods to provide clear and concise information.
Mr James Bryce - Principal
What’s coming up in Term 3?
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Event/celebration |
Date |
Parent support, engagement, or reminders |
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Year Two and Year Four Buddy Mass |
Friday August 18 at 9.30am |
All parents welcome |
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Year One and Year Six Buddy Mass |
Friday August 25 at 9.30am |
All parents welcome |
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Bishop Brian celebrates Mass for Andrew Granc 50th anniversary of priestly ordination |
Saturday August 26 at 5.30pm |
All families welcome |
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Father’s Day Prayer Service |
Thursday August 31 at 9.15am |
All our wonderful father figures |
Mary Mackillop Celebrations
There were many heartwarming moments from our recent class activities, prayer service and Mass dedicated to Saint Mary MacKillop. These special events reflect our school's commitment to honour and uphold the values of love, compassion, and education that she embodied.
I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in making the reflection afternoon and Mass a meaningful experience. Let us carry forward the lessons learned from Saint Mary MacKillop's life as we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others, just as she did.
Assumption of Blessed Mary Mother of God
We would like to express our gratitude to all the Year One and Year Two students, Miss Beringer, Miss McDonald and Miss Di Dimozio who contributed to the thoughtful planning of this prayerful liturgy. Your dedication and efforts ensured that this celebration was a reminder of Mary’s unwavering devotion, humility and love.
As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of Mother Mary's Assumption with us. May her example guide us in our daily lives, inspiring us to embrace God's will with grace and to shine our light of love and compassion onto the world.
Mrs Steph Brown - Religious Education Co ordinator
What's coming up in Term 3
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School event |
Date |
Parent support, engagement, or reminders |
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Book Week Celebrations |
Tuesday 22 August |
Kinder, Year 1 & 2 Thirroul Library visit 9.30-11.00am |
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Book Week Celebrations |
Wednesday 23 August |
10:15: Author’s Expo 11:00: Picnic morning tea 11:30: costume parade All welcome See additional information below |
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Public Speaking competition |
Monday 28 August Year 1-4 at 2:00pm Tuesday 29 August Year 5 & 6 at 2:00pm |
Parents welcome to attend finals held in the hall See additional information below |
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Around the World Mufti Day |
Thursday 21 September |
Wear mufti clothes with the theme ‘around the world’. Gold coin donation goes towards fundraising for our new playground equipment. Special ‘around the world’ canteen meal deal and snacks. Use the ‘chip in’ function to donate to our playground equipment fundraiser. See additional information below |
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Book Week commences on 19-25 August. The theme for 2023 is Read, Grow, Inspire. We will be marking this wonderful event with many activities throughout the week. Students will have opportunities to engage in author talks, K-2 Thirroul library visit, interactive activities with Children’s Book Council shortlisted books and of course a Character dress up and book parade. We will also be having an Authors Expo, where every student will plan, draft, write and publish a text to share with their parents. Mark this date in your calendars: |
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What’s happened at St Michael’s over the past fortnight?
STEM CONNECT PROJECT - Year 4 and 5
Students in Year 4 and 5 have been engaging in a STEM Connect project partnering with students from Holy Spirit College to build their skills in science, technology, engineering and maths. They have planned and designed new playground equipment and have 3D printed some of the designs. The designs are set up in the office foyer. We are trying to raise funds to contribute to buying contemporary playground equipment and the STEM students have designed some examples of what they’d like in their playground. If you would like to make a donation to our playground fund, please send this into the office. All donations are greatly appreciated.
WASTE FREE WEDNESDAY update
Last week we had our first MAGIC round, where all students who brought waste free lunches to school on Wednesday received a raffle ticket to go into the draw to receive a BENTO lunchbox. Congrats to Sienna P and Ethan Z who won the bento boxes. Here are the results for Week 3 and 4.
Waste Free Warriors Week 3 results:
Year 1- 60%
Year 2- 75%
Year 3- 70%
Year 4- 71%
Year 5-80%
Year 6-70%
Kinder-75%
So the Gold Waste Free Warriors are: Year 5
And the Silver Waste Free Warriors are: Year 2 and Kinder
The Waste Free Wednesday results for Week 4:
Year 1- 63%
Year 2- 66%
Year 3- 65%
Year 4- 63%
Year 5- 60%
Year 6- 59%
Kinder- 81%
So the Gold Waste Free Warriors are: Kindergarten
And the Silver Waste Free Warriors are: Year 2
We created a KINDNESS culture and painted our school BLUE on Friday 18 August when we celebrated Bullying NO WAY! Day. We all engaged in fun activities to learn about the different types of bullying and how to be an upstander. Check out the amazing kindness chains created by each class, we even connected the chains to make a St Michael’s school kindness chain.
Respectful Relationships
Our focus on Respectful relationships was launched with Bullying No way day. A student advisory Group has been formed by students elected by their teachers to be the vice for their classes to develop respect focuses. These respect focuses have been derived from data gathered from our students who completed surveys in Term 2 about how safe and respected they felt at our school. The student advisory group (SAG) have met and have developed the first respect focus which will be explicitly taught over the next fortnight with role plays.
The respect focus for Week 5 and 6 is: Calling Out Disrespect.
School Assembly Timetables
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Week |
Focus |
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5 |
Respectful Relationships and Awards Assembly |
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7 |
Respectful Relationships and Awards Assembly |
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9 |
Living the St Michael’s Vision Awards Assembly |
Public Speaking
Students from Years 1-6 will be involved in public speaking this term. This is a homework task, with details of topics and further information provided via compass to each class.
- Presenting in class in Week 6. At the completion of this competition three students from each class will compete in our school competition.
- During Week 7 we will host our Whole School Public Speaking Competition.
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Monday 28th August |
Years 1- 4 Public Speaking 2pm in Hall |
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Tuesday 29th August |
Years 5 & 6 Public Speaking 2pm in Hall |
At the whole school competition:
- Yr 1 & 2 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Stage 1, the remaining 3 students get a finalist certificate
- Yr 3 & 4 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Stage 2, the remaining 3 students get a finalist certificate
- Yr 5 & 6 - 1st place in year 5 and 1st place in year 6 (these 2 students go to the Dio Comp), the remaining 4 students get a finalist certificate.
Mrs Amy Sammut - Assistant Principal
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
Parish News
First Penance and First Communion 2023
The Sacrament of First Communion is given to children who have reached the age of reason, which is accepted as seven years old, that is, when a child is in Year 2. [Canons 913, 914] 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.
Enrolments close on 5 September 2023. Enrolment Forms may be downloaded from the Parish website. Enrolment forms are to be emailed or delivered to the Parish Office by 5 September 2023.
Dates for First Penance and First Communion are listed on the Parish website.
What's coming up in Term 3 & 4
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Event |
Date |
Parent support, engagement, or reminders |
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Tackle and Tag Legends Gala Day - Stage 3 ONLY
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Thursday 24 August, 2023 Venue: Croome Road, Sporting Complex, Albion Park |
Consent/payment due by: 18th August, 2023 Parent support: Team managers required Contact teacher/s: Ms Maria Shea & Miss Emma Riolo |
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MACKILLOP SELECTION TRIALS The MacKillop Selection Trials will be held on Monday 18th September, 2023. Venue to be confirmed. |
18th September, 2023 |
Consent/payment due by: 8th September, 2023 Contact Teacher: Ms Maria Shea |
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Basketball Gala Day |
Stage 2 students - Junior Boys and Girls - Thursday - 14th September, 2023 Venue: Beaton Park Stage 3 students - Senior Boys and Girls Friday - 15th September, 2023 Venue: Beaton Park |
Consent/payment due by: 8th September, 2023. Parent support: Team managers required Contact teacher: Ms Maria Shea |
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Cricket Gala Day - Stage 3 ONLY (Boy and Girl Divisions) |
Thursday - 12th October, 2023 (Backup date 19th October, 2023) Venue: Thomas Dalton Park (South) Fairy Meadow |
Nominations due by: 1st September, 2023 Parent support: Team Managers required Contact teacher: Ms Maria Shea |
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Softball - Boys and girls Stage 2 and Stage 3 students |
Friday - 27th October - Paper Trial only |
Nominations: Please see Ms Maria Shea for nomination information. (Online nominations by Ms Maria Shea). |
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Basketball - Girls and Boys - 2024 Selection Trials These trials are for talented year 5 students who have regular basketball experience and representative background. (Exceptional year 4 students will be considered). |
Tuesday - 14th November, 2023 - Venue: Beaton Park Snakepit - Gwynville |
Nominations open: 18th September, 2023. Nominations due: 20th October, 2023 Contact Teacher: Ms Maria Shea |
Gala Days cut off dates:
We are very fortunate that we are able to provide our students at St Michael's with opportunities to be involved in a range of sporting events throughout the year. These include our annual Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country events and also a range of sports through organising external Gala Days.
We understand that each family and student's schedules can be quite busy, but we firmly believe that participation in sports not only promotes physical fitness, but also teaches valuable life skills. It fosters teamwork, time management and the ability to handle challenges gracefully. Encouraging your child to take part in these events could contribute significantly to their overall development.
If your child is interested in participating in any of our sporting events and Gala Days, please ensure that their nominations are submitted by the specified cutoff dates. Unfortunately late nominations cannot be considered due to the logistical constraints and deadlines that are set by the Catholic Education Office and their conveners to ensure they can coordinate the day to enable participation of our schools across the diocese.
If you have any questions or require assistance at any time with the nomination process, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Bryce or Ms Shea at the school.
Thank you for your continued support in fostering a culture of sportsmanship and healthy competition among our students. We look forward to seeing our young athletes excel in future sporting events.
WOLLONGONG PRIMARY ATHLETICS DIOCESAN SELECTION TRIALS
Wollongong Primary Athletics Selection Trials”, were held on Tuesday, 15th August, 2023 at Beaton Park, Gwynneville. (The top 2 place getters from selection trials will be selected in the Wollongong team for the MacKillop trials).
Abby S and Tye F achieved excellent results at the trials. Abby received first place in the 1500m and Tye F won the Junior boys High Jump. They will now represent St Michael's in September at the Wollongong Diocese Mackillop Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to all our students and we wish both Abby S and Tye F all the best in the upcoming Mackillop trials.
MACKILLOP SELECTION TRIALS
The MacKillop Selection Trials will be held on Monday 18th September, 2023. Venue to be confirmed.
2023 REGIONAL BASKETBALL CARNIVAL - BEATON PARK, GWYNVILLE
Nominations are now closed.
Teams have now been selected and nominations have been forwarded to the Basketball convenor. We have nominated one (1) junior boys, one (1) junior girls, two (2) senior boys and one (1) senior girls teams for the Regional Basketball Carnival.
A compass notice and letter outlining Basketball carnival details has been sent out to the students who have been selected to play. Please complete the consent form and make payment before Friday 8th September, 2023.
Event dates:
Thursday 14th September, 2023 - Junior Boys and Junior Girls (Years 3 & 4, boys and girls.)
Friday 15th September, 2023 - Senior Boys and Senior Girls (Years 5 & 6, boys and girls.)
PLEASE NOTE: JUNIOR AND SENIOR TEAMS PLAY ON TWO DIFFERENT DATES
Time: Arrival: 8:30am and concludes at 3:00pm
Transport: All students will need to make their own arrangements for travel to and from the venue.
Referees: The Diocese has requested that we provide a "Referee" for each team nominated to play. If you're able to assist or know of someone (High School student), interested in supporting St Michael's, please let Ms Shea know.
A Compass notice will be sent out to students who have been nominated for the Basketball Carnival.
Upcoming events - Term 3
- Catholic Schools Tag and Tackle - Years 5 & 6 ONLY - Thursday 24th August - venue Croome Road Sporting Complex, Albion Park
- MacKillop Selection Trials - Monday 18th September - venue to be confirmed.
- Basketball Carnival - Juniors -(Years 3 & 4) - 14th September - Beaton Park, Gwynville
- Basketball Carnival - Seniors (Years 5 & 6) - 15th September - Beaton Park, Gwynville
Nominations are now open on Compass for the following:
- Cricket - Years 5 & 6 ONLY
- 12th October, 2023 (Backup date 19th October, 2023)
- Venue: Thomas Dalton Park (South) Fairy Meadow
- Nominations are due Friday 1st September, 2023.
Upcoming events for Term 4:
- Cricket - Years 5 & 6 ONLY - 12th October, 2023
Venue: Thomas Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow.
- Softball - Please see Ms Shea if you wish to nominate for this event.
STUDENT SPORTING SUCCESS STORIES
We invite all our families to share their child/children’s sporting achievements outside of school, so we can share in their success as a whole school community through our School Newsletter.
If you are interested in nominating your child for any of the above trials, please login to https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/events-primary/ to find out further details about the events, how to nominate your child and the closing date. It is the responsibility of the parents to individually nominate their child.
If you require any further information about sporting events at St Michael’s please contact Ms Maria Shea (Sports Convenor).
Ms Maria Shea - Sports Convenor
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eSafety Webinars for parents and carers |
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Online boundaries and consent This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in primary school. It will cover:
Term 3 dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2065010807464578060 |
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Getting the most out of gaming This 45-minute webinar provides families with strategies for supporting children and young people to have safe, positive experiences when playing games online. It is designed for parents and carers of children aged 7 to 14. It will cover:
Term 3 dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/1334321559130979344 |
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Getting started with social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in primary school. It includes practical tech tips, conversation starters and digital parenting advice. It will cover:
Term 3 dates (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/#rt/2822124618746015758 |
Miss Emma Riolo - Instructional Coach
Congratulations to the following students who received awards at the last assembly.
Principals Award
- Joanna L
- Sofia L
Gold Award
- Joanna L
- Darcy F
- Grace B
Term 4
Executive meeting - Thursday 26 October (2-3pm)
General Meeting - Thursday 2 November (6.30-8pm) Venue TBC
