St. Michael's Primary School ~ Term 1 Week 2

IMPORTANT DATES

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A warm welcome to all our new and existing families for the beginning of the 2024 academic school year!

We have had a wonderful start to the year with all students including our new Foundations settling in well to the routines and expectations of primary school. 

This year we are very excited to welcome an extensive list of new staff members to our school community: Mrs Bianca Kennedy, Mrs Sarah Palmer, Mrs Jo Hilliard, Mr Joe Quinn, Mrs Alice Colclough and Ms Holly Johnson.

The beginning of the year is a busy time for everyone, so to assist our families with the familiarity of school expectations we have some back-to-school reminders to ensure your time at St Michael's is smooth and efficient.

SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR (SWPB) FRAMEWORK

We have high expectations of our students to follow our School Wide Positive Behaviour (SWPB) framework. All students, staff, parents and school community members are expected to follow our school expectations which are lived through our school motto that comes from our Josephtie tradition:

•       Courage
•       Compassion
•       Community

Last year we trialed a new way of approaching SWPB through our school motto. As a Catholic school, we always stand with a point of difference to other schools and to support this, we will no longer be using the 3B’s (Be Safe, Be a Learner and Be Responsible) but rather teaching our students to use the 3C’s and utilizing the language and statements of “we are…”

We are courageous

We are compassionate and

We are one community.

Behaviour Matrix

Our 3C’s will be explicitly taught through our Behaviour Matrix, which as you can see, still addresses the fundamentals regarding safety, learning, responsibility and respect.

This matrix is an overall guide to what is expected at St Michael’s across three levels - Personal Space, Shared Space and our Learning Space.

Behaviour Flowchart

Students' expectations are managed through a “ready to learn” understanding and an acknowledgement of self-accountability, as all choices have consequences both positive and negative.

The level system is used in all classes and offers an opportunity for growth and re-engagement at all stages of the process. Positive praise and affirmation are at the heart of all that we do to educate all students to strive to be their very best each day. All classes have their own rewards system and as a school, we celebrate the students who are consistently at Level 0 - green and “ready to learn”.

For those students who reach Level 3 or Level 4, we believe that this should be communicated with parents and additionally that coaching needs to be offered to the student to help them re-enter the playground, classroom and/or community.

All educators are trained to explore the context of a situation through a Restorative Practice approach and consequences are determined according to student need and age. 

Respect and safety are our top priorities and we believe that this model will help us to ensure that all students at St Michael's are safe, supported, encouraged and empowered to become the best version of themselves.

If you would like any further information on this model, please do not hesitate to contact Marsha Ardern or Charlene Fenton.

COMMUNICATION MODEL

We have a thorough communication model that ensures communication is sent to the appropriate person at the right time. (see model attached below). Our communication is delivered through one of the following means:

1. Class Dojo (for all communication regarding students/families and in-class learning and whole school communication)

1. SIMON Everywhere/PAM (whole school communication used for the calendar of events, absences, permission notes, camps and excursions etc)

1. Email - All teachers have email addresses that can be used directly (see below for details). We also have an office email account - office@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au (This is used for non-urgent communication)

1. Phone Calls (For all urgent communication such as a change to end-of-day routine - please ensure you call before 2:30 pm)

1. Social Media - Facebook and Instagram are used for advertisements and general school posts

1. Newsletter - A fortnightly update of school life at St Michael’s with reminders of upcoming important dates.

SCHOOL TIMES

Duty of care commences at 8:30 am

Classes begin at 8:55 am

School day concludes at 3:15 pm

BREAK TIMES

Fruit Break 9:30/10:00 am

Lunch Break 11:00 am – 11:45 pm

Recess Break 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm

SCHOOL OFFICE

Our school office is open five days a week from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. All visitors to the school are asked to enter through the school foyer and kindly sign in. Our school gate remains closed (but unlocked) throughout the school day for child safety reasons. 

DROP OFF & PICK UP

Drop-off and pick-up times can become extremely busy and this must be managed safely, therefore we ask that all parents ensure that they are not loitering around the school pick-up and drop-off areas (in front of the school and across the road) for the safety of students, staff, parents, our school crossing supervisor and all other pedestrians. 

We have two educators, one working with our After School Care students and one farewelling and assisting students at the gate,  to help make the afternoon pick-up smooth and efficient for everyone.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

Now that we have more space within our school with the demountable, we will be opening up our assemblies to parents who wish to attend. Please keep an eye out in Class Dojo for communication of when this will commence. 

HATS & WATER

We are a sun-safe school, so please remember to pack your school hats (Hat on, Game on!). We also ask that you bring a drink bottle (or two) to school with your child filled with water only.

HEALTHY & NUT-FREE FOODS

A reminder we are a nut-free school, as we have numerous students who are allergic so, please be considerate of the food you pack in your child’s lunch boxes. Try to ensure your child has enough healthy food (fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein etc) for the day to assist them with the learning that takes place.

LUNCH ORDERS & HOT LUNCHES

Students can order lunches from selected cafes in the Tallangatta community. Please keep an eye out in Class Dojo for the 2024 ordering lists. Money should be enclosed in an envelope with the student’s name and food order.

Students are fortunate to have hot lunches at school. Please ensure that your child’s food is thawed, not frozen, wrapped in foil and clearly labelled with the student’s name in permanent marker.

2024 STAFFING & CLASS STRUCTURES

PARISH PRIESTS

Fr. Adi & Father John Paul                

TEACHERS

Ms. Charlene Fenton                       Principal

                                                                  principal@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Mrs. Marsha Ardern                        Foundation Classroom Teacher

                                                                  Senior Leader: Behavioural Wellbeing & Data Improvement

                                                                  mardern@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Mrs. Bianca Kennedy                      Grade 1 & 2 Classroom Teacher

                                                                  bkennedy@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Mrs. Sarah Palmer                           Grade 1 & 2 Classroom Teacher & Intervention Support

                                                                  spalmer@smtalalngatta.catholic.edu.au

 Miss Jo Hook                                     Grade 3 & 4 Classroom Teacher

                                                                  Learning Inclusion Leader & Sports Leader

                                                                  jhook@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Mrs. Mez Moffat                               Grade 5 & 6 Classroom Teacher

                                                                  Religious Education & Pastoral Care Leader

                                                                  mmoffat@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Jo Hilliard                                   Performing Arts & Specialist Teacher

                                                                  jhilliard@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Mr. Joe Quinn                                     Mental Health in Primary Schools Officer

                                                                 jquinn@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

LEARNING SUPPORT OFFICERS

Mrs. Kirstin Piper                            Learning Support Officer

Ms Holly Johnson                           Learning Support Officer

Mrs. Sue Hogan                                Learning Support Officer

Mrs. Ann Wright                              Learning Support Officer

Ms. Ren Wyatt                                  Learning Support Officer

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Kelly Johnson                                  Finance & Business Manager

                                                               kjohnson@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au (for finance matters)

                                                               office@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au (non-urgent office matters)

Alice Colclough                               Administration Officer

                                                              office@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au (non-urgent office matters)

SCHOOL SUPPORT

Mrs. Lesley Hildred                      Cleaner

Our committed and dedicated team look forward to working with you and your child for another happy and successful year at St Michael's. 

Yours Faithfully,

Charlene Fenton

Principal

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

Mrs Marsha Ardern - Foundation 

What a fantastic start to the year! Ann and I have enjoyed getting to know all the foundation students and learning their personalities. 

The students are engaged in all their learning tasks, especially the Daily 5 spaces.

In these spaces, the students learn through doing. Daily 5 includes the following spaces;

• Work on Writing: This term we are exploring recount writing. The spaces provided to assist students with this are a post office to write postcards of somewhere they have been, a small world table to retell stories that they have experienced such as going to the park and painting a picture to explore telling a story through art.
• Word Work: This area includes games that explore initial sounds. New sounds are added as students learn them.
• Read to Self - The library corner offers a quiet space for students to sit and read a story.
• Read to Someone - Next week, students will begin to learn how to blend 3 letter words. In small groups, they will take turns reading a book to the teacher. 
• Listen to Reading - Students can listen to a story on tape. At the end of next week, the students will receive their school iPad. This will allow them to listen to stories from Epic.

Grade 6 - Class of 2024

Welcoming our Grade 6 class of 2024 

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”

― Dr. Seuss

Mrs Bianca Kennedy -1 / 2 Class

Math:
This week in math we have been working on representing two and three
digit numbers as groups of tens and ones. We have used number blocks
and place value charts to represent numbers and their values.

Gardening:
The children have also had fun in the garden with Mrs. Hilliard,
learning about the composting process and how to be sustainable in
their gardening practices. Along with this, they have been learning
about identifying the difference between a weed and a plant. They
discovered some beans in the gardens that are going to be soaked in
some water and germinated into some beans.

2024 Fees & Charges 

Camp, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply.

A Special Consideration category also exists.

Schools can receive applications from families over terms one and two.
Families can list more than one student in the one application form if they are attending the same school.

Link below:

https://ccw.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CSEF-application-form-2024.pdf 

CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE 🚙🚌

If you live more than 4.8km from your closest school you can apply for the conveyance allowance.
This is a payment towards the cost of transporting your child to school by public transport, car or school bus. The payment is a contribution and does not cover the full cost of transport. Read more below.

https://www.vic.gov.au/travelling-school

S C H O O L ~ P H O T O ~ D A Y

26th March 2024

Full school uniform & black shoes please

Grade 6 Students - Year 6 Top, Green shorts & black shoes please.

In line with our school policy - No excessive jewelry, no hair colour or makeup please.

Hair accessories to be kept to a minimum please.

New email address - Office Staff 

With the change in office days for staff, a new email address has been created for all office related school communications at:

office@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Principal and teacher emails are still to be addressed directly to the staff member.

Lunch Order  List 2024

What's On...

Wodonga Catholic Parish News

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE ACTIVITIES

Preserving Workshops

Learn how to preserve excess seasonal produce and reduce food waste.  Mary Grant will share her tips and tricks on a variety of preserving techniques including jams, chutneys, relish, sauce and pickling.  Jars will be supplied to take home your delicious freshly-made preserves and there are two workshops to choose from:

Vegetables – Saturday 17 February from 9.30am to 1.30pm

*Please note these workshops have already been promoted on Facebook so tickets may be limited.  If you miss out please pop you name on our waitlist as we may be able to schedule additional sessions.  To do this click on the event on Eventbrite / Select Get tickets / Select Join Waitlist / Add your contact information.  (See How to Book below for Eventbrite link)

 Free Legal Advice

Hume Riverina Community Legal Service will be visiting Neighbourhood House. The service is available to give advice on a wide range of legal issues including credit, debts and fines, separation and divorce, family violence, tenancy, insurance, Centrelink and more.  If you are unsure if they can help with your issue just give them a call to find out, you will find the team extremely approachable and easy to talk to.  Call 6055 8090 now to book your FREE appointment.  If the dates don’t suit please give the team a call to make alternative arrangements.  The service visits Neighbourhood House on the second Thursday and fourth Wednesday of every month or you can arrange a phone call or a visit to their office in Wodonga.



 Recycling Donations

Thanks so much to everyone who dropped in their bottle tops.  We do not need any more of these as we now have enough to use for our art project planned for late March – more on this closer to the date.   We are still collecting:

• Coloured laundry liquid bottles (the type with handles)
• Buttons (all colours, shapes & sizes)

Please drop off items at the Neighbourhood House.  Thank you!

 Here to Help

Did you know that we have community volunteers here at Neighbourhood House from Monday to Friday between 10am to 2pm to help you however you may need?  If you have a tricky form to fill in or need help using the internet to research or apply for something online, we can help.  If you have something happening in your life that you need support with and you are not sure who to go to, start with us and we will endeavour to point you in the right direction.  Or if you are at a loose end and feel like a cuppa and chat we are here for that too.  No need to book, just drop-in. Please help us spread the word to your family and friends!

 

HOW TO BOOK!

Book in for all Neighbourhood House activities on Eventbrite https://tallangattaneighbourhoodhouse.eventbrite.com.au.  For help with bookings or more information: reply to this email, call us on 0408 573 474 or visit us at 5a Banool Rd from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm. 

 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

 Tallangatta Food Swap

This wonderful initiative for the whole community is held the first Sunday of every month at 10am at the Community Share Garden at the Neighbourhood House 5a Banool Rd. You don't have to be a gardener or baker to participate, there are many things that you can share including egg cartons, jars, recipes, bags of manure, worm juice, flowers, eggs, honey, excess fruit and vegies, just to name a few!  The next gathering is on Sunday 4 February.  If you are not sure what it's all about just drop in on the day, you will be most welcome! Or you can contact Tamara on 0400 326 953 for more information. 

 Ambulance Victoria – Help Save a Life

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time! It can happen at any age, health or fitness level, and often without any symptoms.  Take a few minutes out of your day to join Ambulance Victoria in the Triangles for this FREE pop-up session on Sunday 18 February from 10am to learn the important skills of CPR and the use of an AED, also learn about the valuable app GoodSAM.  It’s up to all of us to learn how to save a life.  

 Tallangatta Music Gathering

An inclusive gathering for like-minded musicians and singers of all abilities.  Sessions are held every Tuesday night at the Masonic Lodge Hall in Tallangatta (two doors down from the Memorial Hall next to the old fire station).   Arrive from 6.30pm for a start time of 7pm.   Cost is a $2 donation to help with use of the hall.  There will be a Jam and opportunities to play or sing your songs and music of all genres.  For more information contact David Bell on 0417 775 915 or follow Tallangatta Music Gathering Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1262464304449893

Tallangatta Community Share GardenThe Share Garden aims to provide an inclusive, safe, and healthy space for all members of our community to connect, share culture, knowledges, skills, and experiences, and to learn from the shared experience of growing food.  The garden aspires to build community resilience and sustainability by providing access to healthy, local food, while strengthening local knowledge that can be passed down through generations.  

Located at the Neighbourhood House, the whole community is welcome to drop in and enjoy the garden and pick produce (look for the yellow ‘ready to pick’ signs).  A donation box is located in the big red box under the verandah but donating is completely optional.  The garden group would love to welcome new members to help with planting and garden maintenance.  If you have some time to spare and would like to get involved please contact Neighbourhood House and we will connect you with the group.  It is not necessary to be a green-thumb to get involved and is a great way to learn more about vegie gardening.  Also see the Tallangatta Community Share Garden Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/613967186771597

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)Did you know Neighbourhood House is the home of the Tallangatta D&D group?  Sessions are held every Thursday from 5pm. D&D is a tabletop role-playing game, played with multiple players, with a Game Master who facilitates the game describing the world and scenarios everyone is playing in through their Characters. These worlds often fit into the Medieval Fantasy genre inspired by works such as 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Narnia'.  In short, D&D is a game where everyone comes together, with the guidance of rules and dice, to tell a story, have an adventure and have fun!   The group would love to welcome more players to the game which is suitable for adults and high school students.  If you are interested in joining in or finding out more, please phone Naomi Fisher on 0456 610 777.

 Promote your Community Group or event

As your Neighbourhood House we see it as our role to share information about all activities happening in Tallangatta that might be of interest or benefit to our community.  If you are involved in a local community group or organisation and want to let your community know about your groups regular activities or upcoming event, please email us the information.  There are currently around 550 individual subscribers receiving this email and we have 1,000 followers on Facebook so it is a great way to spread the word!

 Katherine