From the Principal

Dear St Michael’s School families,

Prayer

Loving God,

You call us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Strengthen us so that our words bring encouragement,

our actions bring hope,

and our presence brings Your grace into the lives of others.

May the light You place within each of us shine brightly—

not for our own praise,

but so that others may see Your goodness in all we do.

Help us to preserve what is true, just, and compassionate,

as salt preserves what is precious.

Guide our hearts so that we never hide our light

or diminish the gifts You have given us.

Instead, empower us to share them boldly

for the building of our communities

and the flourishing of all Your people.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

We invite families of Baptised Catholic students in Year Three to please ensure you have checked the nForma Parent Portal for important information regarding the Reconciliation program for 2026. If your child is in Years Four to Six and has not yet received this Sacrament and you wish them to, please see Mr Ray Hickey or Deacon Malcolm in the Parish office.

PANCAKE & PLAY

Next Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, when we commence the Season of Lent. Traditionally on Shrove Tuesday we eat all our richer foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season begins. Last year St Michael's held a Pancake and Play afternoon, where all students were given a pancake (or 2), prepared by the PFA and families were invited to remain after school to have a play together on the Biggie. Details of the event can be found on our PFA page. We hope you can make it!

We need helpers to cook. Email Annie Herbison if you are able to be at school by 2.15pm next Tuesday to help us cook (aherbison@smashburton.catholic.edu.au )

ST MICHEAL'S HOME READING PROGRAM

Last week a very important letter was issued to all families about the Home Reading program and how this will be taking place this year. We ask all parents to read this letter through the nForma portal so that you can understand what is happening with the take home texts and also so you can continue to support your child's reading development.

ST MICHAEL'S SWIMMING CARNIVAL

This week’s Swimming Carnival was a tremendous success, with excellent participation from all students and a vibrant sense of school spirit throughout the day. The warm weather made it the perfect day at the pool, and it was wonderful to see the children encouraging one another and giving their best in every event. A sincere thank you to Jordan LoRicco, (Phys Ed Teacher) and all staff who supported the students and helped ensure such a well-organised and enjoyable carnival.

Congratultions to Gold House with 226 points, leading the event for 2026. Well done to all our Houses in their efforst; scores as follows:

Red House - 160 points

Green House - 156 points

Blue House - 144 points

Our Team Spirit Award went to Blue House this year.

Well done to 20 students who qualified for the District Swimming Carnival, representing St Michael's School. Details about this date and what is required for students has been released through the nForma Parent Portal.

PARENT / TEACHER SNAPSHOT CONVERSATIONS

A reminder to families that on Wednesday 4th March, between 1.30-7.00pm, Classroom Teachers will be holding Snapshot Conversations with parents. The purpose of these meetings is to give you an opportunity to share insights about your child, while teachers will provide a brief update on how your child has settled into the school year and share some preliminary Literacy and Numeracy data. 

PLEASE NOTE: SCHOOL WILL FINISH AT 1PM ON WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH AND THEIRCARE IS PROVIDING CARE FROM 1PM ONWARDS.

Booking times will be made available TOMORROW through nForma.

We ask please that you complete the following form and send it to your child's teacher before the meeting OR bring it with you to discuss. Paper copies of these can be found through the office or your child's classroom. 

ST MICHAEL'S VEGGIE GARDEN

Thank you to Five/Six B this week who planted silverbeet seedlings this week in our garden.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DAY

We hope by now you have marked this special day in your family calendar. All are invited to celebrate 80 years of St Michael's School and Parish. Keep it free and we'll see you there!

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY

This year our School Photo Day is being held on Wednesday 11th March. We ask that all students are dressed in full Academic School Uniforms with their school jumpers on this day with school shoes. If their PE session is scheduled on this day students may bring runners to school for the session.

A reminder that if you need new uniform pieces for photo day, please be sure to arrange that as soon as possible. Uniform shop open Wednesdays 8.30-9.30am; orders can be made through uniformshop@smashburton.catholic.edu.au

ST MICHAEL'S FEES & LEVIES

School fees and levies invoices will be sent out shortly to all families. Please find the Payment Committment Form below. This needs to be completed by every famiy and returned to the school office as soon as possible. Thank you

A reminder that families with a Health Care card may be entitled to a reduction in fees.

Please speak to Kathy Muhllechner in the school office if you have one.

If you have any queries or require further information, please contact Kathy at office@smashburton.catholic.edu.au or call on 9885 3105.

SACRAMENTAL DATES

Is your child ready to prepare for and receive one of the Sacraments this year? Please see our 2026 Parent Handbook for dates of all Sacraments for 2026, as well as lots of other vital information.

CLASS CONTACT LISTS

Soon you will be asked if you give permission for your email address / mobile contact to be placed on a Class Contact List with other parents' details of children in your child's class. These lists, as well as WhatsApp Parent links are intended for parents to organise social occasions, etc. If you have a concern related to a school matter we ask that you please contact the school about these matters.

ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY BLOG

St Michael's School has partnered with Advanced Psychology with a psychologist working onsite weekly. This link takes you to a blog with podcasts / webinars that deal with a variety of topics which might be of interest to parents and teachers. 

https://www.advancedpsychology.net/blogs

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, play, pray, work and gather. 

We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and we honour the ongoing cultural, spiritual and educational contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.