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Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
This week we celebrate 100 days of school for our Foundation students. It’s hard to believe that the students have already hit this milestone. We love watching the Foundation students walk through the gate each morning; some are already very independent, carrying their own bags and waving their parents off at the front gate and others still a little wary and needing a guiding hand for support. It’s always wonderful to see their personalities develop as the year proceeds. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful t-shirt creations on Thursday and would like to thank the Foundation teachers for their organisation to ensure the children have a memorable day.
Linked Incursion
Our Year 5/6 students participated in an incursion at school to link with their learning about Government. This incursion brings democracy to life through hands-on activities that align with the Victorian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship. The students explored Australia’s democratic process to gain a deeper understanding of how the Federal Parliament operates within the Westminster system. They discovered the roles of local, state, and federal governments and how they work together to shape the nation. In an interactive mock election, students represent parties, campaign for votes, and experience preferential voting in action. They see how absolute majorities and redistribution determine outcomes and why every vote counts.
Using costumes and props, students step into the shoes of MPs, debate a key issue, and follow the process of turning a bill into law. This immersive role-play encourages teaching democracy in a way that’s engaging, memorable, and curriculum-aligned. With plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share opinions, and take part in lively discussions, this incursion leaves students with a greater appreciation of how democracy works, and how it shapes their lives today. I’ve heard that there have been some interesting debates as to whether “PE should be taught at Primary School”.
State Cross Country
A huge congratulations to Harry Duncan for representing our school at the State Cross Country Championships! Harry earned his place among the best young runners in Victoria and showed incredible determination and resilience throughout the event.
Finishing 24th in the entire state is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Harry’s dedication, hard work, and passion for running. We are all so proud of his efforts and the way he represented our school with pride and sportsmanship.
Well done, Harry – what an amazing accomplishment!
Update on Before and After School Care provider
We are very close to securing a new provider to ensure that a seamless transition occurs. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Reminder of School Closure Day - 11th August 2025
On Monday 11th August, staff will be participating in a Professional Development Day hosted by Gen Bryant.
Gen will be working with staff from both St Michael’s and St Gabriel’s on developing their faith as Pilgrims of Hope.
Important Dates:
28th July to 1st August - Year 3/4 Water Safety and Swimming Program
30th July - Regional Netball
31st July - Foundation 100 days of school
7th and 8th August - Grade 5/6 Incursion
8th August - District Basketball
8th August - Whole School Mass 11:30am
11th August - School Closure Day
15th August - Crazy Hair Day
In Sunday's Gospel the rich landowner is constantly murmuring to himself. He poses questions which he answers. He is so bound up with his possessions that there is no room in his life for real conversation with people or with God. Conversation is what makes us human: we are word animals.
In muttering to himself, the rich man was becoming dehumanised and in danger that at the moment of death, he could find himself monologuing for all eternity. He, and we, need to learn the language of Heaven and we begin that on earth.
There are two partners of conversation we need: With God we call it prayer. The ‘Our Father’ is the conversation of the children of God with their heavenly Father. With other people, real dialogue might reveal something about them such that we need to respond wholeheartedly.
And then, draw closer to Our Lady who was the greatest conversation partner with God: ‘Be it done unto me according to Thy word.’ She is constantly trying to draw us into her conversation with God.
Who are we having conversation with in our midst of our days?
We are about to begin our preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
On Tuesday 19th August at 6pm there will be a Parent Information night for the parents of children receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year. This meeting will take place in the new hall behind St Michael’s Church.
If you have not yet enrolled your child for this Sacrament can you please complete an enrolment form and return it to the Parish Office. Please find a link to the Enrolment Form attached to this newsletter.
If you have any questions please contact Sue Rickwood on srickwood@stmtraralgon.catholic.edu.au.
We are very excited to be able to welcome Gen Bryant and her team into our school and parish in August. Gen is an independent musician, composer, public speaker and team builder who has been involved in school and parish ministry across Australia for over 18 years. Gen is passionate about spreading the Gospel messages of hope, love and justice to young people. Gen’s sessions are interactive and engaging as she shares her music and faith journey with people of all ages and all walks of life.
Monday 11th August is a Professional learning day for staff of St Michael’s & St Gabriel’s Primary Schools. On Tuesday 12th August the Grade 5/6 students will attend workshops at St Gabriel’s Primary School.
The following events are open to all school families to attend:
Sunday 10th August - Gen will provide music at the 5:00pm Mass at St Michael’s Church
Monday 11th August - Parish Evening Session at St Gabriel’s Primary School
Each week students from each class are awarded Student of the Week certificates. These children are nominated for the example they have been within the school based on the School Wide Expectation focus for that week. The weekly focus will be from Wednesday until Tuesday the following week. Awards will be given out at Assembly on Friday.
In Week 2 the School Wide Expectation focus is Respect:
I treat my peers, teachers and learning environment with respect.
I show appreciation for the efforts of others.
I speak kindly to others.
I show justice and fairness to all.
I listen carefully to others.
| John Manu | Penelope Griffiths | Ollie Martyn |
| Hudson Hazell | Maia Conway | Lucas Groves |
| Frankie Martyn | Elise Janiw | Eli Brady |
| Ollie Rouget | Dom Riseley | Corey Moore |
| Janvi Promod | Nixon Dugan | Jaxon Flowers |
| Sara Paolini | Luca Mifsud | Hallie Strickland |
| Joaquin Atayde | Saxon Clarke O'Connor | Louis Flowers |
Parents and carers from St Michael's are invited to see The Resilience Project webinar about building resilience at home. This webinar is on Thursday 31st July, 6:30-7:30pm. You can register using this link. The presentations are always informative and entertaining. This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to learn practical strategies to practice gratitude, empathy and mindfulness at home to continue to support and enhance your child's wellbeing.
We offer hot lunches weekly on a Monday with Munch Lunch. They are a local company that offer a variety of lunch items.
Ordering is simple, download the Spriggy Schools app via your App Store or Google Play store, select St Michael's School, add your children and their class to the app and place your order! Lunches will then be delivered to school. Orders need to be placed by 9:00am on the day. You can pre order lunches 2 weeks in advance.
Contact: Munch Lunch 0459 220 445 or hello.munch.lunch@gmail.com
