Dear Families,

World Teachers Day

Today we celebrate World Teachers Day in Australia, so Happy World Teachers' Day to all teachers, especially our St Michael's Teachers.

Over the past three years, our teachers have faced challenges in their profession that have never been faced before and in many cases not seen in any other profession. Teachers needed to completely change the way they work within a short period of time (1 day in fact) to ensure our children continued to receive the very best education possible, and they did this with the highest level of professionalism and dedication. Each teacher at St Michael's is dedicated to ensuring your child's needs are at the heart of every decision they make and they are committed to guiding your child in their learning to be the best possible person they can be.

So, I ask you to think of them today, maybe send them a message via ClassDojo expressing your appreciation and thanks for all they do, I know they will appreciate it!

Special thanks to our School Advisory Council, especially Jane Rocca and Joe Greco who along with other families organised a special celebration and treat for each of the teachers today.

ClassDojo

Speaking of ClassDojo, I also ask families to take the time to not only like the posts your teachers are putting up about your child's class and their learning but to also make a comment. An enormous amount of time and effort is put into each post so I know the teachers would appreciate knowing that you have viewed it.

First Communion

On Sunday, November 6th some of our Year 3/4 children will be receiving their First Holy Communion. This is a very special day for them and their families as they continue along their faith journey, so I ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. All St Michael's families are welcome to attend this celebration which will be in our St Michael's Church at 10:00am.

School Fees 2023

At the recent School Advisory Council meeting I presented the proposed School Fees and Levies for 2023. Together we agreed on the set fees and I thank the Council members for their careful consideration of the increases that have had to be made. As you all know the cost of everyday items has risen dramatically over the past months and it is envisaged that such increases will continue throughout 2023. In order to continue providing your child with all the resources they require we have had to raise the Family School Fee and the Year 3-6 Camp levy. We have kept the increases to a minimum as we understand the financial difficulties many of you are facing.

I also remind you of the MACS Concessional Fee Policy. If you have a Health Care Card you are entitled to access the Concessional Fee amount that is set by MACS. If you believe you are eligible for this policy please contact the office to make a time to meet with me.

You will find a copy of the 2023 School Fees and Levies attached to this newsletter.

School Uniform

As of next week, all children will need to be in their full Summer Uniform. I thank all the families that are ensuring their children are wearing the correct uniform each day. Runners are only to be worn on sports day and are not to be worn with the regular uniform. Leggings are not part of the uniform and should not be worn as sports pants or under school dresses. Hats are compulsory in Term 4 and must be worn when outside. A reminder also that our uniform shop is open on Tuesdays 3:15-3:45pm and hats are available for purchase from the office each and every day.

Smart Watches/Fitbits

We are seeing an increasing number of children wearing smartwatches or Fitbits to school. These are very expensive items and I do encourage children to keep them at home as the school will not be responsible for any loss or damage to these items. It is also important that these watches are not connected to phones or the internet during the school day. If children are using these devices as phones or as internet devices during the day they will be confiscated and parents will be called to collect them. I thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

Closure Days

MONDAY 31ST OCTOBER IS A SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY

On this day staff will be involved in Assessment and Reporting activities.

The Vacation Care program is available on this day if required, please contact YLV to book your child in.

TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER IS THE MELBOURNE CUP PUBLIC HOLIDAY

The Vacation Care program is not available on this day.

MONDAY 28TH NOVEMBER IS A SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY.

On this day staff will be involved in Professional Learning based on Inquiry Learning.

The Vacation Care program is available on this day if required, please contact YLV to book your child in.

2023 Prep Orientation

Our 2023 Prep children begin their Orientation program next Thursday when we welcome each child to our school for an introductory meeting with their teachers. This is a wonderful time for our school community. I look forward to working closely with each of our new families as they begin their St Michael's journey.

St Michael's Art Show

Please save the date for the St Michael's Art Show on Thursday 24th November, 4:30-7:30pm. This show has been almost three years in the making so make sure you come along with your family to enjoy the amazing artwork of all our talented students.

Denise Hussey

(Principal)

'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.

Denise's I Spy Great Learners