Dear Families,

Book Week - READING IS MAGIC!

What a magical week it has been at St Michael's with celebrations highlighting reading and the wonderful books we have read. Our Book Week Parade on Tuesday would have to be the very best I have seen in my time here, the effort put in by children and their families to celebrate their favourite book was truly amazing. I congratulate you all for contributing to such a fantastic book parade and thank you to all our staff for their organisation and participation, especially Claire Mathieson, our Literacy Leader who organised and led the Book Week Activities. Please read our Student Leaders report on the parade in our Student News section.

Our parade was followed by an invitation for all families to join their children in classrooms to engage in reading activities, once again, our community responded in large numbers and I know those that attended had a very special afternoon.

Our families continue to deepen their support for their children and our school by their commitment to be involved in learning and celebratory opportunities whenever possible. I thank you all for this commitment as it continues to make our community the special place it is.

Book Fair

We follow our Book Week celebrations with our annual Book Fair. This is an opportunity for families to purchase books and other items to support and nurture their child's love and passion for reading. It is also one of the main fundraising activities for Term 2 with any profits going to the purchase of new books for our library. The Book Fair will be open before and after school next so please make some time to come and take a look at all that is available.

Father's Day Celebrations

Father's Day is nearing and at St Michael's we will celebrate it with two main events; Father's day morning on Thursday 29th September, starting at 8am and our Father's day Stall on Friday 30th September.

We welcome all dads, uncles, big brothers, grandfathers or special men in your child's life to come along and join in the fun and enjoy a special treat.

We wish all dad's and special males in our children's lives a very happy Father's Day for Sunday 1st September.

MACSSIS Survey

Each year we ask our community to respond to the MACSSIS survey to provide feedback on how we all believe our school is performing. Parents, Yr 4, Yr 5, & Yr 6 students and all staff are asked to complete the survey so that we receive comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders. This year we are offering special incentive for families to complete the survey in the form of a Melbourne Show family pass and ride voucher. Please read the flyer with more information in our Community News section.

Bullying NO WAY!

Last Friday we marked National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, an important day that has a focus on how we can each make our community a safe place for all. On this day our children engaged in a variety of wellbeing based activities to bring the stand against bullying to the front of all of our minds.

Being a safe, supportive and respectful learning community is something St Michael's strive to be each and every day of the year. Angela, our Wellbeing Leader and Fiona our Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader work together in leading our school's implementation of a variety of strategies that promote a safe and supportive environment for all.

Building Program Update

Works are currently happening at school to complete defects from our major build which was completed at the end of 2022. The walls around the sandpit are being raised to prevent sand entering the rain garden. A new gate will be installed to ensure access to our building via the external stairs is secure and some other minor repairs are being done within the new building.

Our stage 3 building program is moving along and is now at the final permit stage. It is hoped that all permits and plans will be finalised and approved during September so that the architects and MACS can put it out to tender in October. If this proceeds as planned the builders should be appointed before the end of 2024 so that the build can start at the beginning of 2025. Timelines for the building project have yet to be finalised, as soon as they are I will share them with you all.

We had planned to replace our playground equipment this term but this project has had to be put on hold until the building program is finalised.

School Signage

The installation of the new signage, especially with the Mercy cross prominently displayed, is a meaningful way to highlight the school's Catholic identity and the influence of the Mercy sisters. It's great to hear that the feedback has been so positive, making it clear to everyone who St. Michael's is and what it stands for.

School Fees and Levies

Thanks to all families who have now finalised their 2024 school fees and levies. Some families are on a direct debit payment system and will complete their payments before the end of this year. For families who are yet to complete payments, meetings h be scheduled with me to discuss your final payment process.

2025 School Year

We have already begun planning for 2025 and are in the process of setting up class groups. We continue to receive requests for enrolments across the school so to assist in this process I ask families that already know their children will not be attending St Michael's next year, to please contact me as soon as possible.

I also ask that if you know any families interested in enroling their children into St Michael's in 2025 that you inform them to contact the school as soon as possible as some class levels are almost at capacity.

Denise Hussey

(Principal)

'The most simple thing I can do is to be good today but better tomorrow'

Catherine McAuley - Mercy Sisters Foundress

All students attending St Michael's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school./

General News

Birthdays, Lunch Time Clubs and Book Club