Previous news and information

This page will specifically be used for previous information that has been printed in our newsletter and will act as a "REMINDER page" for you to check what is still in date but perviously published. I hope this can be helpful for you! ~ Annie

2024 School Fees and Levies

We wish to thank families who have recently paid their school fees and who continue their payment plans. If you are struggling to pay it off in large amounts, please remember we can make arrangements for you to pay in smaller instalments that can work for you. If you wish to arrange a payment plan, please contact Kathy Muhllechner in the school office or via email kathym@smashburton.catholic.edu.au

Holiday Program with TheirCare 

Are you interested in booking your child in for care over school holidays onsite??

TheirCare and St Michael's Primary School are conducting a survey to understand the demand for a Holiday Program to be run each school holidays.  This will be run onsite with an average out of pocket cost of $16.00 once CCS rebates have been applied. Breakfast and afternoon tea will be provided, with families asked to pack a lunchbox as they would for a standard school day.

Please help us by answering the questions in this quick survey which should only take you 30 seconds to complete.  The survey will close on Friday 9th August.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D339QQJ

TheirCare has employed a new full time coordinator who commenced in the service this week. Her name is Shoba and she has over 12 years experience working with children in education and care, with a young daughter herself. She formerly ran a family day care business for many years. She loves cooking, gardening and the outdoors. We have welcomed Shoba to St Michael's this week.

Uniform

Just a reminder that our new uniform policy allows for children to have the option to wear either their school or sports uniform on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays each week. Naturally they will need sports uniform on their PE day.

Psychology Services

As mentioned in previous newsletters, St Michael's School has partnered with Advanced Psychology to provide assessment and counselling services for families in our community. We ask that if you are interested in any services that are provided by a qualified psychologist, that you please make contact with Advanced Psychology, using the booking procedures below. You may call to get advice about the services and ask questions as well. Please note that your communication and any services undertaken are completely confidential. St Michael's School simply provides the site for these services to take place.

Health Department Alert – Whooping Cough (Pertussis) 

The Victorian Health Department recently issued a public notice in relation to an increasing number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Victoria, particularly among children aged 10-12. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough, and can lead to life threatening infections in babies. Many babies who get pertussis catch it from older children and adults who might not even know they are infected. Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough (occurring in bouts), characteristic 'whooping' sound when breathing in, tiredness, runny nose, and low-grade fever. Please speak to your doctor (GP) and seek a diagnosis if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms. 

Early identification and separation are crucial in preventing the spread to other children. Pertussis is mostly spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing, so good hygiene practices and immunisations help prevent the spread. Immunisations are particularly important for infants and pregnant women. If pertussis is diagnosed, your GP will advise on appropriate treatments. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP. Read the full alert here: Increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Victoria | health.vic.gov.au

Hands on Music

Hands On Music is a company St Michael's has been using for some time.  If you wish for your child to learn an instrument this year, please make contact with Jen Capon via email: handsonmusic.j@gmail.com or phone: 0402 910 330