Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope you are enjoying the format of our newsletter and ask for your patience over the next couple of weeks as we iron out issues as they arise. 

Today we welcomed our 2023 Kindergarten students in for their second Transition to Kindergarten visit. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful morning of activities and buddy time. On Wednesday November 2, we will host our 2023 Kindergarten Information evening commencing at 5.30 p.m. in the Kindergarten classroom. We look forward to meeting with the parents and carers of children enrolled at St Michael's for 2023 and answering any questions that you may have. 

Earlier in the week, our Stage 2 students travelled to Lake Keepit for their camp. We had a wonderful time and the children enjoyed a variety of activities. Special thanks to staff members Amanda McNair, Michelle Paull and Emma Martin for joining us for the daytime activities, but a huge thankyou to Emily McDonald and Mitchell Beaumont for taking the time to allow the students to enjoy two nights away from home - for many children, the camp being their first sleepover experience. Congratulations to all students for participating so well in all the organised events.

On Wednesday, Cathy Shepherd, Leah Summerell and myself attended professional learning at St Nicholas Tamworth. We joined with staff members from St Joseph's Barraba, St Nicholas Tamworth and St Joseph's Mungindi to be briefed on the Diocesan Mathematics Program MaST. St Michael's will commence to implement the program in our K-2 grades next year, with a complete rollout across all grades in 2024. We look forward to working within this program and the improvements to be gained in the teaching and learning of Mathematics K-6.

The school has received the results of the recent Survey My School Survey. Children in Years 4-6, parents and carers as well as staff were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with St Michael's School. Over the coming weeks, staff will work with the results, reflect on recommendations and celebrate the successes. Thankyou to all the families who took the time to complete this annual survey and provide valuable feedback to the school. Our 2023 Annual Improvement Plan, which is currently being formulated, will reflect some of the data gathered from this important survey tool.

Due to the Diocesan Gala Day being cancelled, St Joseph's Barraba will travel to Manilla next Friday so our students can enjoy a mini gala day together at St Michael's. More information will become available early next week. This day will be for our Years 3-6 students only, as our K-2 students will travel to Tamworth to enjoy the production of Edward the Emu.

Warm Regards,

Bronwyn