Dear Families,

We are now over the halfway point of Term 3 and we have so many activities and learning opportunities to plan, enjoy and learn from. Be sure to add any important dates into your diary so you don’t miss out! Check out the list of dates in the ‘Upcoming Events’ section of this newsletter as this is always updated each fortnight. Be sure to check any Class Dojo posts with important reminders sent out by your child's teacher.

The typical cold, wintery Melbourne weather we have experienced lately has caused a great deal of sickness across the school. Please note, that if your child/ren are unwell and are experiencing cold or flu symptoms that you inform the office and keep them at home until they have recovered. By doing this we will help to stop the spread of any viruses including Covid. Your support in this matter is appreciated. Spring is fast approaching, let’s hope the weather starts to pick up!

Staffing Update

As you are all aware Denise is currently on Long Service Leave for the remainder of this term enjoying a road trip up the East Coast of Australia. I will be Acting Principal during her absence. Rita has taken on the role of Acting Deputy Principal and Angela has stepped out of the classroom for the remainder of this term in order to begin her role as Student Wellbeing Leader and to assist Rita and I in the leadership of St Michael’s. During this time, Lauren will teach 3/4AL full time.

This week we officially welcome Gabrielle (Gabby) Paul to replace Sarah on Maternity Leave in the teaching of Physical Education (P.E.) and Year 2FG on Thursdays so Fiona can undertake her Community Engagement Leader role. Gabby is very familiar with our community having completed Casual Relief Teaching work with us since earlier in Term 2.

We also welcome Hayley Cassar from St Michael’s PS Traralgon where she was an LSO and has relocated to the city. Hayley will be the new LSO working in the Prep grades 5 days a week. We wish them well in their new roles in our community.

Michelle Cvetkovska who is currently an LSO in Prep will be finishing her time with us in Week 9 of this term to pursue her career in teaching now that she has graduated. Michelle started with us at the beginning of this year. We thank her for her work with us and wish her well as she begins her career in teaching.

Feast of the Assumption Mass

On Monday 15th August the school attended Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary a significant date in the Church calendar. The Mass was celebrated by Father Jude an assistant Priest staying temporarily in St Michael’s Parish. The children are to be commended for their respect, reverence shown and their willingness to answer the many questions that Father Jude asked. Many thanks to Stacey for leading the school choir and to Clara our Pianist. The choir once again sang so beautifully!

Keep Australia Beautiful Week

This week is ‘Keep Australia Beautiful’ week. It is a time to raise awareness about the simple things we can all do in our daily lives to reduce our impact on the environment and encourage action to reduce litter. The children are encouraged to look at ways that they can care for the environment and be more sustainable at home, at school and in the local community. Let’s all do our bit to help!

Science Week

This week is National Science Week. It is an opportunity for everyone to talk science, see science and do science. It is a chance to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge and to appreciate science being all around us. The children across the school have been involved in engaging and interesting experiements throughout the week.

Book Week

Next week is Book Week and the theme is ‘Dreaming With Eyes Open’. We will begin the week with a Book Week character parade on Monday morning at 9:10am on the Basketball Court (weather permitting). More details regarding this will be sent out via Class Dojo. We will also be having the Book Fair which will be held in the Old Staffroom downstairs past the Prep classrooms. Information about the Book Fair is in the 'General News' section of this newsletter. We look forward to a great week where we celebrate a love of reading!

2022 School Fees

Thank you to all our families who have ensured their payment of fees is up to date. Please note, all school fees are due to be paid in full by the end of Term 3 - Friday, 16th September (except those with direct debit arrangements).

MACSSIS

In 2022, our school is participating in the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings Yrs 4, 5 & 6 students, families throughout the school and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne. One of the main goals of the family survey is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in our school. The survey is available online, can be accessed from Monday, 29th August and needs to be completed by Friday, 16th September, 2022. Please look out for your MACSSIS email in the week beginning August 29th.

Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead!

Steven Hubbard

(Acting 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.

Prayer

Feast of the Assumption - 15th August