Denise's Message
Dear Families,
World Teachers Day
This day was celebrated on Friday 29th October. This is an opportunity to celebrate the teachers who are making, or have made, an impact on our lives. All St Michael's staff were so appreciative of the lovely cards expressing heartfelt thanks and gratitude from both children and families. They were also very excited to receive the wonderful gift of either a Mecca gift card or a lovely bottle of wine.
So thank you from all the staff to the parents involved and our P&F group for initiating this most pleasing recognition of the great work all our teachers and support staff do for each child in their care.
St Michael's P&F
We acknowledge the work done by Jane Rocca who has been involved in our P&F group since her eldest daughter started school here at St Michael's. Jane has led the group for the past 3 years spending many hours supporting the school through fundraising and community events. It is with sadness but understanding that I inform you that Jane has decided to step away from this role due to her own increased work commitments.
I also acknowledge all parents and carers who have contributed to the P&F, its fundraising and community events. Your support and commitment to working and making our school a strong community and a great place for our children to learn is highly appreciated and valued by myself and all staff and children.
In recent times there have been some issues raised by members of our P&F, regarding its purpose, protocols and forms of communication. As the group is currently not functioning it is an opportune time for the school to review the purpose of the Parents and Friends and invite members of our community to be part of its re-imagining. In the next week, you will receive information asking for an expression of interest from those wishing to be part of this. I strongly encourage you to get involved as it is a rewarding experience for all.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, November 11th, is a memorial day observed since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in all wars so that we can live in a free country today. The signing of the armistice, an agreement to end World War I, occurred on 11 November 1918 - at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Yesterday we marked this day at school by stopping at 11am for 1 minute of silent reflection.
Swimming Program
The Swimming Program for this year will go ahead in the week beginning Monday 6th December. The program will take place at the Carlton Baths Centre in Rathdowne St Carlton. I ask you to please pay the swimming levy for your child if you have yet to do so.
Excursion Levy
This year due to COVID and time spent learning from home it has been challenging to provide children with either incursions or excursions to stimulate and support their learning. During online learning, teachers accessed online incursions to stimulate learning for their classes and over the next few weeks, most classes will be engaged in excursions and incursions. It is anticipated that the Excursion levy will be exhausted by these activities but if there is any money remaining you will be informed.
Prep Orientation
This week we welcomed our Prep 2022 children and their families to our school. The children were very excited and very keen to meet their Prep teachers, Olivia Turville and Tahlia Bogg. They will join us for 3 more orientation sessions over the next 3 weeks to meet more of their peers as well as their Year 5/6 buddies.
Our Community
We have many families in our community that continue to be affected by the COVID pandemic, families who are unable to visit close relations interstate such as the Battistella family who were featured in The Age to share their story. We also have members of our community who have relatives who are ill both at home and in hospital. As we begin to enjoy the freedom of getting out and about, it is important we remember these families and continue to keep them in our prayers and thoughts.
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.