From the Principal

Please note that weekly Parish mass times will now be located each week on our School Hours / Timetable page in our newsletter. 

Prayer 

All Saints and all Souls 

1st and 2nd November

During this time we remember the Saints and their works and that many were martyred for their faith. We also fondly remember our friends and family members who have passed away.

O God of all holiness,

we praise you and give thanks for the blessed saints,

both known and unknown, who have come before us.

In their lives, we see examples of faith, courage, and compassion,

and we ask for the strength to follow in their footsteps.

May we honor their memory by striving to be more like them,

living our lives with love, humility, and devotion to you.

Grant us the grace to grow in holiness,

and to serve others as your saints have done.

We pray to one day join them in the fullness of your eternal light,

through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

A tragedy in our community

No doubt you are aware of the tragic accident that occurred in Hawthorn East this week where a young boy lost his life and several others were admitted to hospital. This kind of devastation is so difficult to process and we keep the family and friends of the young boy in our thoughts and prayers.

It's events such as these which naturally make us reflect on our own community and consider the safety of the precious children in St Michael's School. I cannot stress enough, especially this week, the importance of following the procedures around our own school when picking up and dropping off, with the view that everyone can enter and exit the school grounds safely. One of my greatest concerns continues to be parents and carers parking on the netball and basketball courts after school for pick up. We ask please that cars are not entering the courts for parking before 4pm, when most children have departed the school property and it is safer to do so.

Additionally, it has come to my attention, that the staff carpark was not a thoroughfare for children and families until recently. Given how tight this carpark is and the difficulty drivers have in seeing around the building and onto the street, we ask that this is no longer used by families walking into or out of school. When parking in the Parish carpark or on Victory Boulevard, please walk all the way to the corner of Victory Boulevard and High street, rather than taking the short cut through the staff carpark. 

Together, with consideration of those around us, we can take care of each other during these busy times of the day and do our best as a community for the safety of everyone. 

World Teachers Day

Thank you to our Parents and Friends Association who generously organised a lovely lunch for the staff last Friday on World Teachers Day. It was a most welcome treat, especially on a Friday, and greatly enjoyed by everyone. Thank you!

Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program

Next WEDNESDAY 6th NOVEMBER we will commence our Prep to Year 2 Swimming program at the Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre. Thank you to the many parents who have offered to assist by walking classes to and from the pool. Don't forget your bathers and swim gear on Wednesday after this long weekend!

SWIMMING TIMETABLE  2024

Week 5: 6th-8th November

Week 6: 11th-15th November

2025 dates

To aid you in your organisation of Term 1 next year, we have released the main term 1 dates as well as dates for each of the school terms in 2025. You can find this information on our 2025 Dates page.

New Balustrade

This morning we had a new section of balustrade installed near the Morotai St gate, providing safety across the passage down the stairs to the gate. We are most grateful to Tim Jones (Dad of Dom, Zach and Allegra) for making and installing this fence section and to his company: Westys Steel Fabrication, a family owned business in our local area. Thank you also to Charlotte Jones for the emails, phone calls and communication to assist in making this happen! 

School Enhancement Session

Our final school enhancement session for 2024 will be held on Friday 15th November from 5.00 to 7.00pm. An operoo notice has been issued with the details. Let's make the final Enhancement Session of the year one to celebrate together!

Twilight Sports 

This year our Twilight Sports event is being held on Wednesday 20th November, from 3pm and will finish around approximately 5pm. It will be held at Warner Reserve. If you have not yet given permission for your child to walk with the school to Warner Reserve, please do so as soon as you're able through Operoo. Please note: Students will walk to Warner Reserve with their classroom teachers and Learning Support Staff to meet families there by 3.30pm. Hopefully we are blessed with a beautiful afternoon / evening as we were last year.

2025 St Michael's Carols Night

We can now confirm that our annual Carols evening will be held on Thursday 12th December from 5pm on the tennis courts. Further details will be shared closer to the date. Please keep this date free in your calendar.

Closure days and holiday program

For child care on closure days this term, please contact TheirCare on: 1300 072 410

TheirCare will also be offering a holiday program onsite from 6th January until school returns. See details here.

Instrumental Lessons

Would your child like to learn violin next term? See the St Michael's School hours and Timetables section of our newsletter for details and receive a FREE lesson!