Vision: Inspired by Christ, we aspire to excellence in learning, living life fully in community
The mission at St Michael’s is to:

• be a vibrant catholic community where all feel safe, valued, loved and respected

• display understanding, compassion and care for others and all creation

• foster dynamic and diverse learning opportunities

Community engagement- Father’s Day
Today we had an early celebration to recognise the Father’s, Grandfather’s and other father figures in our lives. We had a beautiful morning that began with a bacon and egg roll and a coffee. It was wonderful to see so many people join us for this community event. We set a target at the beginning of the year to ensure we continue to develop a connected community where all feel valued. We truly hope that each of you feel that sense of belonging and community. This is a truly special community, and we are extremely grateful for your ongoing support. 

I’d like to wish each of our father figures a wonderful Father’s Day. The children in our care learn so much from both our actions and words. Thank you for being the positive role models that have helped shape all of the beautiful students in our community. I’d like to recognise those father figures that are no longer with us. May their love and wisdom continue to be in our lives. 

School Cyclic Inquiry
As a part of our school cyclic inquiry (5 year review) we have engaged in a rigorous process to include all stakeholders in reviewing the successes and areas for development in our school context. To capture parent voice a Tell Them From Me (survey) was provided to gain feedback on different aspects of our school. Below are the key areas for development obtained from parent voice that were synthesised:

• Development of improved structures to support the wellbeing needs of all students
• Creating increased opportunities to provide information on student learning and wellbeing progress

• Enhancing the way we address the diverse needs of all students to ensure they are engaged and challenged at their point of need
  
  

We have just completed a school self review report that will be provided to an external panel for further feedback. The themes that were identified above, as well as student voice have played a pivotal role in the strategic priorities that we have drafted. 

On Tuesday 12 and 19 September, an external panel will be visiting our school to gain further insight into our improvement journey, and provide some valuable feedback before we finalise our strategic priorities.  

Action:

On Tuesday 19 September, a key part of the day is the panel speaking to members of our school community (parents, staff, students, and Parish). To ensure we hear the voice of parents we require parent representatives across the school for approximately 1 hour on this day at around 11.30am. At the moment we have five parent representatives. If you are available and happy to support us on this day could you please email info_stmichs@dow.catholic.edu.au to express your interest. 

Mr James Bryce - Principal

What’s happened at St Michael’s over the past fortnight?

Celebrating Father Andy’s 50th anniversary

Last weekend we joined St Michael’s Parish to celebrate and honour  Father Andy for his service, guidance and inspiration for the many lives he has touched in his 50 years of priesthood.

We presented Father Andy with a painted tree on a canvas that had each of the students and teachers fingerprints . Father Andy spoke about just like an artist adds tiny details to make each painting special, God created each of us with our own unique features. Your one-of-a-kind fingerprint is a reminder of how God loves us and has made each of us unique and different and that is what makes us special.

Stage Three Christmas Art

"WE ASK OUR STUDENTS TO TAKE A BLANK PIECE OF CANVAS... 

AND MAKE IT SPEAK OF GOD"

The Christmas Art Competition gives our Years 5 and 6 students the opportunity to be engaged in the process of theological reflection. Through the process of ‘breaking open’ Scripture, students bring their understanding of the Scriptures of Advent and Christmas to artistic expression. They illustrate their understanding of the themes of our faith story through art.

The Scripture passages are taken directly from the Primary Religious Education Curriculum in Years 5 and 6 Advent and Christmas units.

Yesterday we had the honour as a school community to view our students' showcasing their artwork and accompanying descriptions. Our students' creations and reflections show a thorough depth and understanding of the Christmas Story, shared through the Scriptures.

Thank you to Mrs A and Mrs Campbell for the guidance and support given to the students in the preparation and creation of their artworks and the wonderful exhibition. 

Father’s Day Celebration

We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to take a moment to share the joy and inspiration that filled our recent Father's Day liturgy. The theme of the liturgy centered around the profound message, "Jesus is the Light of the World," and it was a heartwarming and enlightening experience for all who attended.

During the liturgy, we reflected on Jesus being the Light of the World. Just as fathers illuminate our lives with their love, wisdom, and guidance, so does Jesus' light shine upon our journey, providing us with hope, and faith.

Our liturgy was a beautiful celebration of the love and guidance fathers provide, both in our families and within our school community. 

Mrs Steph Brown - Religious Education Co ordinator

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. 

What’s happened in the St Michael’s sports community over the past fortnight?

Tackle and Tag Gala Day 

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.

Congratulations to Erica K in Year 5 who recently competed in the NSW State Gymnastics Championships. Erica placed 1st on Beam and 2nd on the Floor. Well done on this amazing result.

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

Miss Emma Riolo - Instructional Coach

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at the last assembly.

Principals Award

• Aubrey C
• Oliver Z
• Jemima C
• Asher D
• Hunter O
• Clancy M

Gold Award

• Hunter O

Term 4

Executive Meeting - Thursday, 26 October (2-3pm) 

General Meeting - Thursday, 2 November

(6.30-8pm) Venue Beaches Hotel, Thirroul

This term we held our third P&F meeting off site at the Beaches Hotel. A big thank you to the large number of parents who attended the meeting and offered their valuable insights. If you have any ideas or suggestions, can I please ask that you email the P&F via email (see below) so they can be added to the agenda. We welcome your ideas and insights to ensure we provide the best possible experience for all of our students. pandf@smtdow.catholic.edu.au

2023 SMT Fundraising Event - Friday 17th November

 

TICKETS SALES ARE NOW LIVE

 

The time has come..we welcome all parents and carers within the SMT School Community to purchase their tickets to the 2023 fundraising evening via the Flexischools app. With only 200 tickets available, we encourage everyone to jump on board and grab your tickets before they sell out!

 

Date: Friday the 17th of November 2023

Time: Doors open at 6.30pm

Venue: Thirroul Surf Lifesaving Club

Theme: AROUND THE WORLD 

Cost: $55 p.h. tickets include games, prizes, donation and entertainment

BYO Alcohol and payment for food vans (His Boy Elroy and Steve’s Pizza)

Tickets can be purchased via Flexischools App. If you have any questions or need assistance purchasing tickets, please reach out to the team at  pandf@smtdow.catholic.edu.au.

Term 3 – Mufti Day

Thursday, 21  September (Week 10). To support the lead up to the annual parent Fundraising Evening, we encourage all the children to get into the spirit of the same theme - ‘Around the World’.

We kindly ask children to bring a gold coin donation for the school P&F. All money raised goes towards supporting school resources, facilitlies and community events hosted throughout the year.

Kanteen Kat will also join in the fun with a special canteen order for the day, parents are welcome to 'chip' in towards their lunch order. All money raised through Kanteen Kat will go towards the P&F.