Principal's Message
Term 4 Week 7
Monday 16th Nov - Sports Day at Flemington Road Oval
Week 8
Friday 27th Nov - SCHOOL CLOSURE - 2027 Planning Day
Dear St Michael's Families,
Following communication last week regarding the 2027 class structure, I have received a variety of queries. It is important that families understand how classes will be decided and the programs that will help support continuous growth of all students.
Classroom Structure and Student Placement
As we prepare for 2027, our teaching teams are working collaboratively to ensure every student is supported and extended at their specific point of need. Our Year 1 to 3 teachers and Year 4 to 6 teachers will plan together as teams to deliver a consistent, evidence-based curriculum. Student class placement in composite environments is based on social dynamics, additional needs and equitable teacher workload - rather than academic ability. Regardless of which composite class children are placed, all children will receive targeted instruction matching their learning level—ensuring appropriate scaffolding for areas requiring support and extension for areas of strength.
Literacy - Phonics & Word Origins
Following a successful Term 4 trial, we are excited to roll out a structured synthetic phonics program across all Prep, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 classrooms in 2027. Supported by our Literacy Leader, Rita, and Learning & Teaching Leader, Lauren, classroom teachers will lead small-group instruction, ensuring every child’s phonological development is explicitly supported. Alongside this, we are expanding our literacy focus in Years 3 to 6 with the rollout of a dedicated Word Origins (morphology and etymology) program to deepen students' spelling, vocabulary and reading comprehension as they progress through senior primary. Teachers will be participating in training on how to implement and assess these approaches in the coming weeks.
Fortnight Ahead
As we head into the final weeks of Term 4, we have a few important dates to keep in mind for your family calendars. On Monday, 16th November (Week 7), our students will be heading across to Flemington Road Oval for our annual Sports Day, so please ensure your child arrives dressed in their sports shorts/skort with either their sports polo, or a top to represent their House colour. Students should also have a sun-smart hat, drink bottle, and plenty of energy for a fantastic day of fun and competition.
Families are welcome to attend - please remember our photography and social media policies.
Looking ahead to Week 8, please note that Friday, 27th November will be a School Closure Day as our staff come together for our 2027 Planning Day. We appreciate your ongoing support as we celebrate our students' achievements and prepare for another exciting school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Warmest regards
Damien Murray
Principal
2027 Enrolments
We are currently planning ahead for 2027. We still have some availability for Prep and limited availability in other year levels. If you know anyone who may be looking at local schools, please spread the word about your wonderful experiences as St Michael's. Enquiries can be directed to enquiries@smnthmelbourne.catholic.edu.au or by calling the school office on (03) 9329 9206.
If your child (Prep to Year Five) is moving away from St Michael's in 2027, please notify the office as soon as possible.
Download the NEW nForma Connect App!
nForma have launched a new and improved app with additional features. If you haven’t been prompted to do so, please download nForma Connect at your earliest convenience from either the App store or Google Play. Your username and password will be the same as the old app.
If you encounter any problems, please contact Lauren via email: lauren.doherty@smnthmelbourne.catholic.edu.au
'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.