From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

Please note that weekly Parish mass times will now be located each week on our School Hours / Timetable page in our newsletter. 

Prayer

Feast of Pentecost

This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. On this day we commemorate the gift of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon the apostles, which gave them the strength and courage to spread Jesus' message to the world. It's a time that we also can reflect on the gifts we have been given and how we best use these in our homes, in our school, in our community.

Year Prep/One/Two Excursion - Como House

Last week our Preps and One/Two classes visited Como House, an historical house and Garden, situated in South Yarra. The focus of the excursion was to support our Inquiry Learning this term from the History curriculum. The students had the opportunity to see a little of what it was like to live in the early 1800s in a privileged lifestyle, experiencing the clothes, games and ways of living experienced by the people of the time. The buzz of excitement on their return to school from this excursion certainly indicated a wonderful time was had by all. Students will use this experience as they continue to explore this part of the curriculum throughout this term.

Secondary School Experience

Our Year 4s last week were invited to spend a day at Salesian College, Chadstone, and Avila College, Mount Waverley, and be a Secondary School Student for a day! Students had the opportunity to experience a Science class in action, be part of some sports activities and engage in some art lessons too. Much of the feedback from the students was extremely positive. These sorts of experiences give students a little bit of insight into what happens in Secondary Schools and can often help with some of the anxieties that can occur at transition times. We appreciate the invitation and collaboration with Salesian and Avila Colleges.

Prep Enrolments 2024

This week I have been meeting with families who have enrolled their children into Prep for 2024. It has been wonderful getting to know some of our existing families a little better and those who will be new to St Michael's next year. Letters of offer will be sent next week. If you have not yet placed your child's enrolment form with the office, please do so as soon as possible.

St Michael's Student Council Representatives

It was wonderful to see our SRC members presenting at last week's assembly, with all their ideas about how we can continue to improve our wonderful school. It's such a pleasure to work with the council at our fortnightly meetings, hearing their variety of thoughts and ideas. Each member has been charged with presenting the collective thoughts of the council to their class and then returning to our core group and sharing the discussion that has happened in their classroom. I am proud of every member's input and look forward to ending the semester with their accomplishments. Thank you

Thank you for your efforts: Metaxia K, Oliver B, Billy D, Rose D, Freddie S, Max D, Elise D, Addie K, Oli D, Brayden F, Rafferty H, Luke H, Luca S, Will R, Alyssa S, Bettina T, Dina B, Thenuk W, Ariane Ciancio and Lara D.

Enhancement Session

Despite a wet start to our Enhancement Session last Saturday, our volunteers turned up and bravely faced the cold and rain to help us with the many tasks we had set for them. We were able to trim and clear many of the trees and garden beds in the school, particularly around the front of the office, and we also repaired the fence behind the Soccer court which gets a regular pounding from our enthusiastic players!! Thank you to all the parents who attended on Saturday. It was wonderful to accomplish these works together.

Class / Level Social Events

It has been wonderful to see lots of social events being organised for classes, levels and parent groups. Please feel free to advertise these events in our school newsletter and always check the Community News to see what's happening.

Staff Leave 

As expressed in letters to Prep and Three/Four R families last week, Ally Panas and Deanna Imbriano take leave later this term to enjoy some travel time with their families. They both finish Term 2 on Friday 9th June and return to school at the commencement of Term 3, Monday 10th July. We wish them safe travels and an enjoyable time away with their respective families.

Glen Iris District Cross Country

On Tuesday of this week, 34 St Michael's students in Years Three to Year 6 Six took part in the Glen Iris District Cross Country event at Nettleton Park in Glen Iris. The day was superb and the students were ready to race! We are so proud of each and every competitor who took part in the event. It takes courage and perseverance to be involved in an event such as this and we are proud of all your efforts. We congratulate Maddison Hermsen and Darcy Bowden who finished in the first 10 students to complete their race. Maddi and Darcy have qualified for the Booroondara Division Cross Country to be held next Monday at Ruffey Park Lake, Doncaster. We wish them both well and look forward seeing them compete again.

Kinder Kids Reading Session