Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians, 

We all made it! Congratulations on a wonderful Term Three. It was certainly a big one! To finish off the term we have Student Led Conferences, Hot Dog Day and Footy Day. 

Today we have a number of students representing St Michael’s at the Division Athletics being held in Newborough. We wish all our students the very best of luck and we know that you will do us proud. Tomorrow, a team of Grade 5/6 girls will  head to Melbourne to compete in the State Netball Competition. Representing your school at this level is a mammoth achievement and no matter the result,  we are super proud of the girls. Thank you to Mrs Wisewould for supporting the team and a super shout out to Stacey Chapman for coaching the girls all the way through. Without the parent support, our students would not have the opportunities to compete at such events so we are super grateful. 

Staffing news: 

I wish to advise that Miss Molly Clavarino and Miss Tija Dark will be taking 12 months leave from St Michael’s in 2026. Both Molly and Tija have advised of their desire to travel next year; an exciting opportunity and we wish them both well. 

Miss Katilin Vacca, who is currently on leave and enjoying a year of travel, has resigned. Katilin will be greatly missed and we wish her all the very best. 

This week we farewell Mrs Natasha Morley as she begins parental leave. We wish Tash and her husband Bert all the best as they embark on the special journey of parenthood. This week we also say goodbye to Miss Ally McGown, who has accepted a position as an Education Support Officer at Gippsland Grammar in Sale. Thank you Ally for your contributions to St Michael’s. 

Next term I will announce the 5 new staff that we have recruited to join the St Michael’s teaching team for 2026. 

Please note, there will not be any afternoon buses running on Friday 19th September as we have a 1:00pm finish.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a wonderful term break. We will see you back here at school on Monday 6th October. 

Lia DiCorleto 

Important dates: 

19 September - Last Day of Term. 1:00pm finish (No PM Buses)

8th October - Year 6 Graduation Photo 

15th October - Casual clothes day - Catholic Mission 

15th October - Regional Athletics 

I always tell the truth.

I am honest when reflecting on my personal performance.

I take responsibility for my actions.

Luke 16:1-13

We return again to the Lukan theme of money and how it can get in the way of being a true disciple. This week’s gospel passage reminds us that we cannot be a follower of God and chase after riches at the same time. That parable of the steward and his master is one that is rarely quoted and would be unfamiliar to most readers. The actions of the steward upon learning that he is to be dismissed seem to us to be evidence of his dubious dealings and yet the master praises his astuteness.

When a steward entered into loans and deals on behalf of his master, he would build into the repayment a profit for himself. This was quite normal and acceptable. It would be like a modern day salesman saying that he would forego his commission on the sale so that the purchaser didn’t have to pay as much. But why does Jesus use this parable? He makes the point that when the crunch comes – when the kingdom of God is imminent – monetary wealth is going to be meaningless. It is best to cut your losses and turn your energy to building relationships rather than riches.

Jesus tells his audience to use money to win friends so that when your money fails you your friends will welcome you. This sounds a bit like buying friendship. But what Jesus was saying was to share your riches with those in need and not be boastful and greedy of your wealth. He is calling his audience back to the commands of God to take care of the needy and to make sure that no one is left without enough to live. So the friendship Jesus is encouraging the people to make through their money is a friendship with the poor and the needy.

The 2025 country of focus is Zambia. Zambia, a country of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, lies in the heart of southern Africa. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the wildlife-filled plains and warm-hearted people, Zambia is a land of beauty and resilience. Despite its natural wealth and strong spirit, many families face daily challenges, especially in rural areas. Today, one of the most urgent issues is the severe hunger crisis that threatens the wellbeing of millions. 

The Mini Vinnies mission team lead the students at St Michael’s as we became the hands and feet of Jesus in our school, raising awareness and working to make a difference in the lives of those in Zambia. Our first fundraising event for Socktober is a Colouring Competition and Guess the lollies in the jar. For 50c the students are able to enter the colouring competition, choosing an entry to colour. The students might also like to guess the number of lollies in the jar for 50c a guess. The  Mini Vinnies will visit the classrooms each day until the end of the term. Winners will be announced at the beginning of term 4.

Term 4, 2025 school bus travel applications have been processed, and travel offers have been emailed to families. Please accept your travel offers prior to the expiry date specified on the offer. If the offer lapses, STAP will allocate the seat to the next traveller on the waitlist.

Families who wish to travel may submit a new application if they are seeking travel in term 4, 2025 via the Student Travel Assistance Portal https://studenttravelassistance.educationapps.vic.gov.au/

The STAP team will continue to monitor the waitlisted travellers daily and families will be notified when a seat becomes available. 

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