Mission and Religious Education

Mission and Religious Education

Mission 

First Holy Communion

This Sunday 30 July Pippa, Miller, Georgia, Josie, Christopher, William, Jasper and Adelaide will be making their First Holy Communion with other children from St Michael’s Parish. Both Jacks will be making their First Holy Communion later in the term. We keep these children in our prayers as they prepare for this special celebration.

Whole School Masses

This Term our classes are each taking a turn to plan a Friday Mass. This is a great opportunity for students rostered on to be responsible for various roles including leading the singing, reading and taking up the Offertory. Thank you to Miss Rasche, Miss Summerell and Stage 3 students who led today’s joyful celebration of the Mass.

Our next whole school Mass celebrations for this Term are:

9.30am Friday 11 August, led by students in Year 1. Everyone is welcome.

9.30am Friday 25 August, led by students in Year 4. Everyone is welcome.

9.30am Friday 8 September, led by students in Year 2/3. Everyone is welcome.

9.30am Friday 22 September, led by students in Kindergarten. Everyone is welcome.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

On Tuesday 8 August we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Patron Saint of Australia. Mary was a woman of great faith and courage who worked hard for justice in Australia. She looked after the poor and with Father Julian Tenison-Woods established schools to provide underprivileged children with an education. She was soon joined by other women and Mary and Julian founded the first Australian order of the Sisters of St Joseph. Here at St Michael’s we have a special connection to Mary and her sister as our school was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph.

The Assumption

On Tuesday 11 August we will be attending the 9.30am Mass for the Feast of The Assumption, as this is a holy day of obligation.

Living Well, Learning Well - Pastoral Care and Wellbeing 

Legends of the Light Shine

Our Legends of the Light Shine focus for Weeks 3 and 4 of this term is courage. Courage helps us to stand up for what is right. 

This month on SchoolTV - Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual’s brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.

Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.

Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.

Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek help from a medical professional.

The link for SchoolTV is found on our St Michael’s School Website and has lots of great information to support your children’s health and wellbeing.

“Let Your Light Shine” support others to let their light shine and remember “We Shine Brighter Together”

Jacquelene Cronin

Assistant Principal - Mission