St. Michael's Primary School ~ Term 2 Week 10

IMPORTANT DATES

Principal's Message

Absence and Teacher Communication Map 

Dear families,

As we move closer to the end of Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has already been a vibrant and productive first half of the year. It’s been wonderful to see our students settling the into the new school routines, embracing new learning opportunities, and continuing to grow both academically and socially.

I hope everyone is looking forward to the upcoming school holiday break—it’s a well-earned chance to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. These breaks are so important for our wellbeing, and I encourage families to take a moment to celebrate the many achievements of the term so far.

We’re also delighted to welcome back Charlene Fenton, who has rejoined our team as a specialist teacher and Learning Diversity Leader for two days a week through to the end of the year. Charlene brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education, and we’re thrilled to have her back supporting our students and staff.

Here are a few important updates:

• Student Reports will be released on Monday of Week 11. These reports provide a valuable snapshot of your child’s progress and achievements during the first half of the year.
• Parent Learning Conversations will take place in Week 2 of Term 3. These conversations are a key part of our commitment to strong home-school partnerships and provide a chance to reflect on your child’s learning journey and set goals for the remainder of the year.
• Bookings for these conversations will open on Monday of Week 1, Term 3. We encourage all families to participate and connect with their child’s teacher.

As I continue in my role as principal, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the support and encouragement I’ve received from our school community. It’s been a privilege to lead such a dynamic and caring school, and I’m excited about the journey ahead.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and joyful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the second half of the year, ready for more learning, growth, and shared success.

Warmest regards

Marsha Ardern
Principal

Meet the Teaching team at St Michael's Primary School 

At St Michael's Primary School, we are fortunate to have a team of dedicated and passionate teachers who truly go above and beyond for their students. They create an environment that is nurturing, engaging, and inspiring, where every child is given the tools and support they need to succeed. Whether it's through personalised learning strategies, creative lesson plans, or simply offering a listening ear, our teachers make a lasting impact on the lives of their students. Their commitment to fostering both academic growth and emotional well-being ensures that every student feels valued, respected, and motivated to reach their full potential. We're incredibly lucky to have such an outstanding group of educators at St Michael's!

New Drop Off Zone 

Grade 5/6 Camp 

On Wednesday the 25th June we left St Michael’s Primary very early and travelled up the Freeway to arrive at the  Australian Institute of Sport. Lots of facts and details about training to become professional sports players whilst looking at the Olympic size pool, gym, volleyball courts, ice hockey rink, indoor stadiums, basketball arena and the shop.

Next was the Governor General’s House with our tour guide, Grant explaining lots about the Governor General’s role in Australian politics. The students loved the Rolls Royce used for formal travel and the hand crafted jewellery cabinet.

We squeezed in a trip around the National Abortorium to see all the beautiful tree species and have a play on the amazing playground there.  Dinner was back at the Discovery Parks accommodation and was delicious!

Thursday was very busy with visits to The National War Memorial, Questacon, Australian Museum, a sunny but chilly cycle tour around Lake Burley Griffin, the Australian Electoral Commission Education Centre, dinner back at Discovery Park and out for Zone Ten Pin Bowling. 

The students remained engaged with every tour, asking thoughtful questions, responding respectfully to all they were asked and overall, being well behaved every where we went.

Friday was Luke’s birthday, so we got to start the day with cake!!  Then we experienced the tour of Parliament Houses' 4,700 rooms!! Two very engaging tour guides kept all our attention for over an hour and a half. We then went through an excellent role play on how we pass a “Bill” through Parliament. 

Lunch was on the road, and we arrived back late afternoon with smiling and tired students.  OH, us Teachers were tired but happy as well.  Overall, an amazing Canberra Camp with everyone learning lots and enjoying each other’s company. 

Very proud of our Year 5/6 students in every possible way. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the National Capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist schools in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs.

New Allied Health Available

Allied Health Counsellor, Tamika Gigliotti will be available at St Michael's School on Thursdays.  For anyone seeking support with their children or families, a private and confidential space will be available at school for sessions with Tamika.  

Garden Club Donations 

Dear St Michael’s Families,

As we look ahead to the cooler months, the St. Michael’s Garden Club is getting ready for our winter planting—and we’d love your help! 🌱❄️

If you have any winter seeds to spare, we’d be so grateful for your donations. You can drop them off at the school office or bring them to Miss Kaycee’s Year One classroom.

Your contributions help our students learn, grow, and get their hands dirty in the most wonderful ways. Thank you for supporting our little gardeners!

Warm wishes,
The St Michael’s Garden Club.

Student Pick-up Arrangements

Please phone the school if your child/ren are not going to be on the bus or have changed pick up arrangements. This is a part of our daily process and our commitment to Child Safety at St Michael's.

Please update ongoing changes when they begin or conclude e.g. sport training or guides. 

School Advisory Council and Parent Representative Group 

We are looking for new members!

If you would like to take the opportunity to nominate for our School Advisory Council or join our PRG we would certainly appreciate new members. They are both great ways to connect with other families and support your child/ren's education and make our school even better. 

If you have any questions about the council or PRG please contact the school. 

2025 Pupil Free Days

Term 3: 13  August CESL Staff Spirituality Day

Term 4: 20 October Dan Petro Behaviour Analyst Professional Learning, 28 November 2026 Planning day and  17 - 19 December Staff Professional Learning Day and Magnify Sandhurst Days

STUDENT ILLNESS & ABSENCES

A reminder that if your child has gastroenteritis or fever please notify the school and record on your child's absence notification. This will help keep our school safe and our students healthy.

Gastroenteritis exclusion from school - 48 hours from last symptom of vomiting and/or diarrhoea.  

St. Michael’s Primary School is committed to child safety and the inclusion of all children.

Media and the News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Your children may be exposed to the news or media about the current conflicts in the Middle East and in Ukraine. They may hear adults discussing it as well.  Here are some hints for you to reflect on before talking to your children about war. 

The full article can be found at;

How to talk to your children about conflict and war 8 tips to support and comfort your children www.unicef.org

Joe Quinn
Mental Health Wellbeing Leader. 

Wodonga Catholic Parish News

Good afternoon all,

The bulletin looks a bit different this week – hope to return to the other format next week.
Have a lovely weekend.

Regards,
Marg

What's On

Border Triathlon Squad

The Border Triathlon Squad are excited to offer to you our 2025 Duathlon Series.

This series will be held at two different locations, one being Tangambalanga & the other in Wodonga.
The best part of this series for us, is that we are offering it for kids from the age 5 upwards and are also including adults to join in the fun. Depending on the age of the child, the distances will be different. (Attached is our flyer with all the details on distances per location)

Best of all, there is a discount if you register for more than one event & kids under the age of 7 are free!!! 

For those that register, an email will be sent out prior to the event with all the details you need to know. 

Cheers
Nadine & Jeremy Border Triathlon Squad