Dear Families,

I hope that you all enjoyed a healthy and happy holiday spending quality time with family and friends.

It was wonderful to see our children return with smiles on their faces and hear all their stories of what they got up to during the holidays. We have many wonderful events happening throughout this term so it is important you check the calendar so you know when they are happening.

ANZAC Day

The day before we returned to school was ANZAC Day, a significant day in the history of Australia and New Zealand. On this day we remember all the men and women who have lost their lives fighting in wars to protect Australians and people in many other countries to maintain our freedoms to live safely in a peaceful and fair society.

On our return to school on Wednesday, the children took part in an ANZAC service. During this service, we were privileged to have Lex join us to play the Last Post and the Rouse in person on trumpet, a very moving moment for all. The children all showed great respect for all the people who have and continue to fight for our safety and freedoms.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following children for stepping outside their comfort zone and following their passions, we are very proud of each of them!

Ben Cao-Mini Vinnies Leader

Congratulations to Ben for leading our school in raising $250 for the Caritas Project Compassion Campaign, here is his story!

For Project Compassion we sold Zooper Doopers to students for $1 so that we could raise money to help people in need. At St. Michael's we will do our best to help Project Compassion so that they can give people a good home and a good healthy life. All the money that we raise goes to Project Compassion so that they can buy bathroom products, food, toothbrushes, shampoo and many other things people use in daily living.

Harvey Wood Yr 5/6A

Harvey represented St Michael's School to compete for a position in the Primary School Cricket Squad. He competed against children from across Victoria, here is his story!

Hi Denise, unfortunately, I have to say I didn’t make the Squad. But in return, it was a fun experience and I learned from it. One thing that I need to do is step up my stamina and I think that got me in the first half but during the second half, I pushed on and took 3 wickets and was batting by myself for about 20 minutes.

I am very proud of what I have achieved. 460 people were there. Down to the top 50 kids in Victoria is a big effort. (Harvey)

Amelia O'Keefe 1D

During the holidays Amelia made contact with a family friend who lives in Nebraska, USA. Her friend, Lucas is in grade at Aldrich Primary School in Omaha, Nebraska and they are learning about countries around the world and his class has chosen to learn about Australia. Well done Amelia on being a fountain of knowledge and answering all their many questions.

Mother's Day

We will be celebrating Mother's Day at St Michael's on Tuesday 9th May so please keep this morning free, more details will be sent out to families shortly.

Your child will also have the opportunity to buy a little gift for their Mother or a special person from our Mother's Day stall, thank you in advance to the Mothers for assisting in purchasing these gifts. Again details about the date and time of the stall will be shared with you all. It would be great if some Dads could volunteer to assist on the day of the stall.

After School Traffic

We have seen a great improvement in the way in which parents/carers drive and park at pick-up time after school. I ask you all to continue to keep following all traffic rules and regulations so that our children remain safe.

It is important that you use the school crossing when crossing the road at all times.

I also remind you that if you are not following the traffic rules your registration number will be recorded and sent through to the authorities, the safety of our children is paramount, and selfish, unsafe pickup behaviour will not be tolerated.

School Uniform

Although it is now time for all children to be wearing their Winter School Uniform, children are permitted to continue wearing their summer uniform until the end of Week 2. Our uniform shop will be open next Tuesday for those needing to purchase new Winter uniform items.

The uniform to be worn is:

Winter Uniform

Winter Tunic or Navy long pants

Long Sleeve Yellow polo shirt

Bomber Jacket

Navy socks or navy tights

Black school shoes

Sport Uniform

Navy tracksuit pants (navy sports shorts can still be worn)

Navy short sleeve sports polo

Sport Rugby top

White socks

Runners

A warm and cosy school beanie, as well as an excellent school jacket, are also available from the uniform shop.

A reminder that children whose hair is below shoulder length, or covering their face must have it tied back.

Birthday Treats

Many parents like to send a birthday treat to share with their child's class. A reminder that items need to be individually wrapped, do not require refrigeration or special care, and will be given out at the end of the school day.

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.

Prayer

Third Sunday of Advent