From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

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

Prayer for Peace

Dear God, 

Our world is torn with so much sadness. 

We pray that you bring us all the peace that is only found in you. 

We pray for those who are suffering, for those who are lost and those who have been left without a home. Provide them with your love and healing. 

We pray for an end to all of the division between individuals, groups, and nations. We pray for an end to sadness, trauma and hurt.

Bring us your love and peace, Oh Lord.

In Jesus' name.

Amen

Advent Liturgies 

As we move towards this special preparation time for Christmas, we grow in our understanding of the special season of Advent. In class the students will be learning about this time in the church calendar and as a community we will also pray together during this time. We invite all families to pray with us at the following times as we wait together for the coming of the Christ child and all this brings to our world - peace, hope and love.

School Community Prayer sessions:

8.50am Tuesday 28th November

8.50am Monday 4th December

9.00am Monday 11th December

8.50am Thursday 14th December

School Staff 2024

It's now time for us to be organising our transition into 2024 and so we are pleased to announce our wonderful staff for next year.

Firstly, we sadly say farewell to a couple of our staff, as they move on to other life experiences and wish them well on their journeys.

Mr Owen Mahoney - Owen has been with St Michael's for three years, as a Learning Support Officer, transitioning to a classroom teacher this year as he completed his Masters of Education. We thank Owen for his contribution and gentle manner with the children at St Michael's and wish him well as he takes up a teaching position at St Francis Xavier in Box Hill for 2024. All the best Owen!

Ms Bianca Toldi - Bianca has been with St Michael's just this year in the Year Three / Four Level. She has shone with her many wonderful talents and we are most grateful for her work here with our children. Bianca moves on to experience many different schools as an Emergency Teacher. This will give her a wide range of experiences as she explores both the Secondary and Primary School systems. We wish her well and, who knows, we may even see her here again for an emergency day or two. Thank you Bianca for your kindness and care.

Mr Ray Hickey - In 2024 we welcome Mr Ray Hickey to St Michael's staff. Ray comes from St Mary Magdalen's School, Chadstone. He has had many years of experience in the Primary Sector across various classrooms and in different leadership roles. Ray has visited St Michael's School on the Mary Magdalen's transition days and we are delighted to have Ray commence with us in the Year Five / Six Level in 2024. Additionally, Ray takes on the role of Religious Education Leader, a role in which he has extensive experience. Welcome Ray, we are delighted to have you on board!

Mr Jordan Lo Ricco - Jordan has been with us at St Michael's for the past three years and will be continuing in the Physical Education and Digital Technologies roles in 2024. Jordan reduces his load to four days next year, but will often work in various classes on his fifth day as an emergency teacher. We are both fortunate and appreciative of Jordan's breadth of skills and most grateful he will continue at St Michael's next year. Thank you Jordan!

Mrs Rachael Lo Ricco - Rachael, as noted earlier this year, will return at the start of 2024 for the first weeks weeks and support staff in classes, with assessments and in leadership. From then Rachael will commence her parental leave. We are blessed to have Rachael's myriad of skills and talents with us at St Michael's and we look forward to her return when we will work together again. In the meantime, we wish Rachael the very best for the coming of her and Marcus' second child and every happiness for their growing family.

ATTACHED HERE IS THE FULL STAFF LIST FOR 2024. PLEASE CLICK TO OPEN

2024 St Michael's School Fees and Levies

The St Michael's School Advisory Board met earlier this term to discuss the fees and levies for 2024. 

Personal Device Program

During one of our meetings, a comprehensive presentation and subsequent deliberation took place regarding the implementation of a Personal Device Program starting in 2024. This proposal was further examined and discussed at this week's School Advisory Council. A key point that emerged from these discussions was the introduction of new devices to support the evolving educational landscape. Given that the typical lifespan of a Chromebook is between 3 to 4 years, it was recognized that our current devices may not meet the demands for optimum functionality and software compatibility, crucial elements for an effective learning environment. 

To ensure the success of our digital technologies program and to provide access to tools that significantly enhance learning, the consensus is to introduce new devices at the year three level. This strategic approach ensures that these devices can adequately support learning over a four-year period, aligning with the expected lifespan and maximizing their utility. Damage to devices will be covered by insurance, unless there has been misuse of the device.   

We believe that this initiative is a proactive step toward creating an enriched educational experience for our students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 

Currently, the cost of a chromebook, inclusive of warranty, licences, labelled skins and protective case, with accidental damage cover, all of which have been examined by the School Advisory Council, is $724. Spread over four years, this cost will be $181 per year. Devices will remain the property of St Michael's School, however after 4 years, most devices are at the end of their life. Many of our current devices now need to be retired.

From 2024, the following will be put in place:

• Students from Prep to Year Two will have access to an iPad at school (one to one)
• Students in Years Three and Four will have access to a new Chromebook in 2024. These will be paid out in full through student levies over a four year period, until they complete their primary schooling in 2026 and 2027. These devices will be assigned only to these students for the four year term, thereafter being returned to the school.
• Students in Year Five and Six will either be issued Chromebooks that were new this year to the school and some new ones will also need to be purchased. 

Should you have any questions or require further clarification about the personal device program or our school fees and levies, please do not hesitate to reach out. An information session about the use of devices at St Michael's School will be provided early in 2024. Thank you for your understanding and collaboration.

2024 SCHOOL FEES

Annual school fees at each level have had minor increases which reflect the consumer price index. 

St Michaels' Welcomer-Families

One of the many wonderful traditions we have at St Michael's is that of our Welcomer Families.  Each year, we match volunteer families to new families who are joining our school.  Could you be one of our welcomers?

What's involved?

Our volunteer family writes a short letter of welcome (we provide a template to help and a card) which is given to our new families at either one of the Prep transitions or mailed out to them.  The volunteer family provides a phone number or email address so that if there are any questions before school starts, the new family has someone to reach out to for advice.  You would remember the questions - what's a testing day? Do they wear their uniform or casual clothes?  Where's the best place to park? And if you don't know the answer, you have the PFA to ask, backing you up! On the first day of school, which next year will be Friday 2nd February (Testing days: 31 Jan & 1 Feb), hopefully the welcome family can also be there to say hello and help our new families feel at home.

Normally, we draw our welcomers from current Prep families and current families who will have a Preppie starting next year.  In 2024 though, we will also be welcoming families across the school from St Mary Magdalen's, so we need lots more helpers than usual.  If you are happy to participate, please contact Therese Molnar on 0417 014 772 or via email therese.molnar@gmail.com  Many Thanks!

Year Six Mini Fete

After calculating the total of all that was raised at the mini fete last week, the students raised $1,923.90. An incredible effort! Thank you to all who supported the students, particularly the staff for your work these past few weeks and to the parents for your donations of items.

Craig Community Centre Craft Market

The Craig Community Centre is holding a Craft Market on Saturday 25th November, from 11am to 3pm. St Michael's students have been invited to perform at the event, during which we will perform one of the songs from our recent Production, An Aussie Adventure! (Womabt On A Surfboard). All students are invited to take part in this and we would love to have as many voices there as possible. If you're able to be present between 1.30-2.30pm, please reply to the Operoo notice that went out last week. Invite your families to come and watch as well. See you there!

Chess Mates

Our first session of Chess Mates took place last week where 20 eager Chess Sharks wanted to show their skills. These sessions will be held on Thursday afternoons from 3.30-4.30pm until the end of the year. We will book in further sessions in 2024 so please don't worry if you missed out!!

Hands On Music concerts

Hands On Music provides instrumental lessons for students at St Michael's School. On Tuesday 5th December, all students who learn an instrument will take part in a concert at St Michael's School to perform something from their learning this year. This is an excellent opportunity for the children to put their learning into practice. These sorts of events aid students in strengthening their skills as they aim for mastery of their instrument. We look forward to hearing the students at the two concerts being held on this day, at 12.30-1.15pm and 1.15-2.00pm. All parents, grandparents, extended family and friends welcome! 

Scholastic Book Fair

Last week, the final issue of the Scholastic Book Club should have come home to you. 

If it didn't, there are spare copies available from the school office.  While there is never an expectation that you will purchase something, all purchases do contribute to school fundraising. 

Final date for placing orders is Wednesday November 29th.  All orders placed by that date will be sent to the school before the end of term.  If you want any items as Christmas gifts, please ensure you tick the "gift" box and your order will be put aside in the school office for collection.

Thank you very much for your support of Book Club this year.  We have used the funds raised to purchase additional readers, literacy aids and books for the library.

If you have any questions, please contact me on 0416 014 772

Kind regards

Therese Molnar 

(Seb 3/4R and Luke 1/2B)

Walk for Tiwi

As you may recall, earlier this year I attended a Principal conference in Darwin where we visited the Tiwi Islands and late last term we raised funds for St Therese's Church through our Walk for Tiwi initiative. As an East Central Zone Network of schools, we raised $8,500.00 in total to donate to St Therese's, about which we were notified this week. An excellent result and one which has been shared within our local Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) news. See here for details. Many thanks again to St Michael's families for your contributions to this worthy cause.

Parent Thank You Morning Tea

SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY 6TH DECEMBER, 11AM TO 12 NOON

We welcome all parents who have helped out this year in any way, shape or form, to come to a morning tea to celebrate 2023! This is our chance to say thank you for the amazing and wonderful support you give us in offering the programs, learning and environment to our children. Whether you have attended an Enhancement Session, been a classroom helper, supported a sports program, or even cleaned tables for the classroom teacher you are WELCOME!

The morning tea is being held directly after the St Michael's End of Year Mass and we truly hope you can be there!

Solway Basketball Programs

In our Community News section, there are two basketball programs advertised which I encourage parents to review. If your child is not currently participating in a sport and is reluctant to do so, these sessions could be a good opportunity to try something new and engage in some healthy competition. 

Altar Servers at St Michael's Parish

The Parish is looking for Altar Servers for 2024. Students who have received their Eucharist are eligible to be an Altar Server. If your student is wanting to apply, please email a short application to rloricco@smashburton.catholic.edu.au explaining why they would like to be an Altar Server.

See the Religious Education section for some information on Our Giving Tree 

Carols on the Green

We look forward to our annual St Michael's Carols on the Green event for the celebration of Christmas 2023. 

When: Thursday December 7th, 6-7.30pm (Gates open from 5:00pm)

Where: St Michael's Tennis Courts

What to bring: A picnic basket and outdoor chairs (NO alcohol please)

Students will sit in their class groups in front of the stage for the evening and return to parents at the end of all class performances. Families are invited to bring along their picnic rugs and sit on the grass or bring chairs and sit along the concreted areas towards the side and back of the tennis courts. Please note this will be an alcohol free event due to child safety regulations. Please keep an eye on the newsletter for updated details.

PFA BBQ - The PFA will be serving a BBQ from 5.00-6.00pm on the Soccer court. 

Upcoming Closure Day ~ Monday 27th November

A reminder to all that we are holding an additional closure day on Monday 27th November for 2024 planning. Please ensure you have this date in your home calendar.

Some important 2024 dates

To assist you in your planning for 2024, we release some of our term dates here for your home calendars.

St Michael's School Open Days 2024

The St Michael's Open Days have now been published! Please tell your neighbours, friends and families, if they have a child who is ready for Prep in 2025, to come to an open day or to phone the office and arrange a tour at a time that suits them. Tours run from 9.30am each Open Day for approximately 1 hour.