Dear Parents, Guardian and Carers,

My time as Acting Principal comes to an end this week and we warmly welcome back Jodie in week 5. I’d like to acknowledge and thank all of the St Michael’s school community for your support during my time in the Principal role. Special thanks to Sharon Scholtes who took on the role of Acting Deputy Principal and Chris DiCorleto who stepped into the Foundation classroom teacher role. Times like these are always opportunities for learning and growth, and I can definitely say, it has been a whirlwind time but has enhanced my understanding and knowledge of what makes a school leader. 

Last Friday, we celebrated World Teacher’s Day and the staff at St Michaels were treated to a special morning tea by our Parents and Friends Group. We were also spoiled with boxes of chocolates and cake from some of our school families - we felt very loved! Thank you. 

Mission Day - Friday 8th November - Dress up as a Superhero 

On Friday 8th November we invite all staff and students to dress as superheroes. A gold coin donation will go towards the Catholic Missions. 

Melbourne Cup Long Weekend School Closures 

There will be no school for students on Friday 1st November and Monday 4th November due to school closure days. This is followed by the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday on Tuesday 5th November. See you all back at school on Wednesday 6th November. 

Important dates: 

• 28th October - 31st October - Year 1/2 Swimming Program  
• 1st and 4th November  - School Closure Day
• 5th November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday  
• 6th November - 8th November - Year 1/2 Swimming Program  
• 8th November - Mission Day Superhero Dress up 
• 19th November - School Concert 1.30pm and 6pm 
• 22nd November - Art Show 1:45pm - 3:00pm

Kind regards 

Lia DiCorleto 
Acting Principal 

Mark 10: 46 - 52

In this week's gospel we listen to the story of the blindman, Bartimaeus. In the time of Jesus, as a blind man, Bartimaeus would be regarded as ‘imperfect’ – incomplete – and consequently in a permanent state of uncleanliness. He would not be allowed to live within the bounds of normal society, nor have contact with people. When Bartimaeus learns that Jesus is passing by, Bartimaeus calls on Jesus to help him and the crowd tries to shut him up and remind him of his status. But Jesus calls Bartimaeus to him and, placing the needs of the other first, asks ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ When Bartimaeus makes his request, Jesus announces that it is his faith that has saved him and his sight is restored. Bartimaeus, like a good disciple, then follows Jesus on the road.

When Jesus encounters Bartimaeus he is sitting by the side of the road – a reject of society sitting off to the side as the world passes him by. There are times in all of our lives when we feel like this: hurt; ashamed; unloved; rejected; cast aside. It is at these moments in our lives that Jesus really wants to ‘break through’ into our experience. If we allow ourselves to hear his voice calling us to him, then we too can ‘throw off our cloak’ – our old life – and join him on the road.

By Imogen Rouget and Nicolette Chihota

The Mini Vinnes went to Sacred Heart in Morwell to present their presentation to the teachers and students about what fundraisers we have done throughout the year and how much money we have raised so far.  In the morning we departed from school all the way to Morwell with Mrs Rickwood and Helper Mrs Ross. We took a bus ( Thank you to our bus driver for taking us there and back). One of the teachers greeted us with pure joy and led us into the school where we got to have a small look around the school. We were given showbags from Officeworks with stationery in it. We got special name tags so everyone knew our names and wouldn’t get confused. 

St Michael’s Presentation

We had two people host the conference, Taylor and Robert ( Rob ) . They were both very nice and made us laugh. First before we started we did body percussion. After that, St Michael’s were up first. We did very well and the other school showed respect by listening and taking notes to later  ask questions. We then had a 10 minute snack and break. We got to go outside and meet some people from the other school.  We got to take a look around the school and used their equipment which was very nice of them.

Sacred Hearts Presentation 

Sacred Heart is a smaller school than us. We are five times bigger than them and we have more students. They did their presentation after the break and St Michael’s were very proud and surprised that they have a Milkshake Monday and we got to do some fun activities and after a free lunch we had more body percussion but before that Nicolette, Sophia and  Imogen showed  them one of the school concert dances we learnt (5/6 CD’s).  Robert said and I quote “ That's fantastic ladies”  and the girls felt a wave of joy, happiness and like we had succeeded.  Overall Sacred Heart did a fantastic job of explaining what fundraisers they do.

Behaviour 

Everyone overall acted really well and showed respect to everyone at the school. The only thing that people got a bit frustrated on was the Soccer. Where it was again Imogen, Nicolette, Sophia and this  time  Xander joined in hurting his ankle a bit but he’s fine now. 

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

Icy poles are available in Break 2 for 50 cents each with a limit of one per student.