Cultural Plan Meetings - Term 4 2025

Dear Parents & Carers

Each Wednesday for the next four weeks we will be holding Cultural Plan meetings for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You will be able to book a 15 minute meeting to sit down with the AEA team at St Michael’s. Cultural Plans in Armidale Catholic Schools are living documents designed to empower our students to connect with and express their cultural identity throughout their educational journey. These plans focus on four key areas: Country, Culture, Community, and the Curriculum. We look forward to collaborating with you and your child to create a plan that represents their cultural identity.

If the booking times don’t suit your schedule, we are happy to arrange an alternative to get these plans completed.

St Michael’s AEA Team

Breanna Todd, Ashlen Rae & Renae Catlett

Compass Attendance Codes

Please see the below table to help assist you in selecting the correct reason for Attendance notes in Compass.

If you have any questions, please contact the office for further assistance.

School student travel information for parents and studentsSchool Travel PassesApplications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details.

If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

School Fees

School fees per year for 2025 are:

1 Child $1164.00
2 Children $2037.00
3 children $2910.00

School Fees are billed on an annual basis at the commencement of the School Year and our standard payment terms are 10 monthly instalments from February to November.

Parents are issued an annual Tax Invoice/Statement in Term one with monthly statements issued thereafter.

Families experiencing hardship may also contact the School to enter into alternative payment arrangements.

All schools within the Diocese have facilities to pay fees by BPAY, EFTPOS or Credit Card, Cash or Cheque. Our preferred payment method is BPAY.

Celebrations

Birthdays and Awards