St. Michael's Primary School ~ Term 1 Week 4

IMPORTANT DATES

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have hit the ground running at school with a myriad of activities on our school calendar already from our Year 6 Leadership Day, Swimming Carnival, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and our Beginning Year Mass. 

This term is a shorter one, with only nine weeks and within that time we still have the following items on the agenda: Learning Conversations, Catholic Education Week, NAPLAN, Harmony Day and School Photos to name a few. 

A huge congratulations to our students who made it away to the Upper Hume Swimming Division last week: Elle, Ebony, Carla, Tilly, Darby, Eloise, Boyd, Hamish, Archie and Oscar. An extra special mention goes to Ebony and Elle who have made it away again to the Regional Division on Wednesday 6th March. We wish you all the very best in Shepparton Ebony and Elle!

Pupil-Free Day

A reminder that we have a pupil free day on Monday 26th February. On this day staff will be working with Bernadette Pearce from Catholic Education which will be a year-long partnership to build a solid numeracy practice across the school. We will also be looking at our student data and curating interventions strategies.

Learning Conversations

We invite parents to our Learning Conversations (LC) on Tuesday 27th of February for an opportunity for families to meet their child’s teacher/s. This opportunity is to discuss any key information that might be helpful for the year ahead and/or any concerns or goals you may have for your child and their personal growth and development. Please note that bookings via SIMON/PAM for our LC will close this friday.

Office Sign-in

If your child is late to school, after our 8:55 am morning bell please ensure that you walk your child into the school office to sign them in. Parents and guardians are not able to walk students to classes on or after 8:55am without first visiting the office. Additionally, students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to be signed in. 

NAPLAN

We ask that parents of students in year 3 or 5 start talking to your child about the upcoming online test known as the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Families of students in Year 3 and 5 received a letter last week with further information regarding NAPLAN.  Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parents or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the principal. If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a student withdrawal form. These forms are available at the school office and must be completed by Friday 1st March.

When your child’s NAPLAN results are received please retain this copy as it will be required when enrolling your child in Secondary School. The school does not receive an original copy so please keep this in a safe place as we are unable to provide you with another in the future. 

Pokemon & Football Cards

Please be aware that Pokemon and Football cards are only available to be brought to school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and used under the supervision of an educator at Calm Club. Students can play the Pokemon game but are unable to swap or trade any cards. The same applies for the Football cards - there is no trading.

This strategy is in place to ensure that students are protected from being upset from losing a card/s and to guarantee that no student is unfairly taken advantage of from a trade deal as cards have different values and importance than others.

Yours Faithfully,

Charlene Fenton

Principal

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

Grade 3/4 Ms Jo Hook

Sport

We have had a fantastic start to St Michael’s sport in Term 1. As part of our updated school behaviour matrix, students have been focusing on demonstrating the following attributes in sport lessons:

• We try our best
• We are resilient
• We help others to succeed.

It is wonderful to see many students displaying good sportsmanship during sport lessons and at play time.

Swimming

Our first interschool event for the year was the swimming carnival. It was fantastic to see so many students having a go at competing as well as cheering for our school. Thank you to the family and community members who came along to support us. Congratulations to the 10 students who made it to the Upper Hume Division swimming carnival in Wodonga last week: Elle, Ebony, Carla, Tilly, Darby, Eloise, Boyd, Hamish, Archie and Oscar. We are excited to share that Ebony and Elle have also made it through to the regional carnival in Shepparton on March 6th. We wish them all the best.

Coming Up:

National Ride2School Day

Friday 22nd March - more details to follow soon.

Cross Country

Next term, we will be running a cross country event with Tallangatta Primary School on the 19th of April.

Jump Rope for Heart

In Term 2 we will also be fundraising and running skipping events to support the Heart Foundation.

School Swimming Carnival

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.

CLEAN Up Australia Day 

Lunch Order  List 2024

What's On...

Wodonga Catholic Parish News

Neighbourhood House - Tallangatta

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE ACTIVITIES

Games Night

No more boring Friday nights!  Get yourself up off the couch and out of your pjs and join us at the House for Games Night on Friday 1 March from 6.30pm!  If you love cards and board games, having a laugh and a bit of friendly competition then this should be right up your alley! There is no need to book, just come along with a couple of your favourite games and some nibbles. This social night is free and all ages are welcome.  (Children must have an accompanying adult.) Games Night is held on the first Friday of every month! 

Resume Health Check

Does your resume need a revamp?  Are you a newcomer to job hunting, looking to re-enter the workforce or changing careers?   Julie from Wodonga Skills and Jobs Centre will be at the House from 10am on Thursday 7 March to help you check that your resumes are working for you and not against you.  Book in for a free one-on-one session to look at resume key components, reflecting skills and experience, clear and concise formatting and tailoring to the role you are applying for.  If you are happy with your resume but need other career advice you are welcome to book in for that too!  To book your appointment with Julie call the House on 0408 573 474 between 10am-2pm Monday to Friday.   (The Skills and Jobs team will be at the House on the first Thursday of every month but if these dates don't suit please contact the Skills and Jobs teams to arrange another time that works for you by calling1300 698 233 or emailing skillsandjobs@wodongatafe.edu.au)

Free Legal Advice

Hume Riverina Community Legal Service will be visiting the House on Thursday 14 March.   The friendly team can 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.

#stuff4teens – Polymer Clay

Calling all artsy teens!  Get ready for an epic polymer clay sesh including after-school snacks to stop you feeling hangry!   At the House on Friday 15 March from 4pm to 6pm.  Kickstart your creativity and try something different on a Friday arvo.  Kit provided full of tools, cool clay colurs and jewellery bits!  Make it, bake it and take it home!  Our #stuff4teens activities are open to all the peeps aged 13-17 and the House will be running an activity every month just for teens!  Don't sleep on this opportunity to craft and vibe with other talented teens!  Spread the word and bring your squad!  See How to Book below.

Boat Fishing

Fancy some fresh fish for dinner?  Head out onto the Tallangatta arm of Lake Hume to experience boat fishing on Sunday 17 March at 8am.  Everything is provided for you to enjoy a morning out on the water including boat equipment, fishing gear and fishing licence!    If you are lucky to reel in a fish you will also learn how to fillet your catch.   This activity has a minimum age of 16+ and wearing of supplied lifejackets is compulsory.   Session will run weather permitting.   See How to Book below.

Sewing Machine Classes for Kids

In this introduction to sewing children will learn everything they need to know to be able to use a sewing machine. Retired home economics teacher and CWA member, Mary Grant, will then help them apply their newly acquired skills to make a unique and colourful wall hanging.

The workshop will take place over two weeks on Monday 18 & 25 March from 4pm to 6pm.   There are only 5 places available so book quickly! If you miss out please put your name on the Eventbrite waiting list as we may be able to run additional workshops.   The cost is $25 and covers both sessions. All materials, sewing machines and after school snacks will be provided. This workshop is for children aged 8+ unless accompanied by an adult.  See How to Book below.

Emergency Apps for Smartphones

Want to be more tech savvy and prepared for emergencies?  Australian Red Cross will present this free practical workshop to empower you to use technology more effectively before, during and after natural disasters and other emergencies.   Get assistance to download and set up emergency apps on your smart phone that allow you to be notified in case of a bushfire, flood, call for help, report hazards, plan for emergencies as well as connect with family, friends and your community.   To book for the workshop on Tuesday 19 March at 11am head to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/emergency-smart-phone-apps-for-victorians-tallangatta-tickets-817869578927

Needle Felting – Bunnies

Join us on Wednesday Crafternoon to learn the addictive craft of needle felting - the process of sculpting and shaping wool into objects. A special felting needle is used to bind the fibres together, creating a solid form.  You will learn how to create an inner core for the shape and use the needle felting technique to create the features of a cute little bunny.  Perfect for a non-chocolate Easter gift!  This is a simple but effective craft using very few materials and a relaxing hobby for many.  Why not come along on Wednesday 20 March at 1pm and give it a go?  It will be a lovely relaxing afternoon and we will have the kettle on.  See How to Book below.

Shibori Dyeing

Experience the magic of Shibori as Kylie from Art Starts Here introduces you step by step to the art of Japanese manual resist dyeing.  Experiment with folding, twisting, stitching and clamping the fabric to create traditional and beautiful patterns.  You will transform four cotton handkerchiefs and a tote bag using your favourite Shibori technique.   This is a beginner adult workshop 15+ and the cost includes all tools and materials.  Come and join us on Saturday 23 March at 10am!  See How to Book below.

Easter Treats Community Afternoon Tea

Put this one in your calendars!  Hop along to the Neighbourhood House on Wednesday 27 March between 2.30pm and 4pm and join us for some Easter feasting!  A great chance to enjoy a cuppa, hot cross bun or a sweet treat for the cost of a gold coin donation.  Our community food events are designed to bring our community members together.  Stay for a little or a long while and make a new friend or meet up with an old one!  All welcome, no need to book, just come along. Really hope to see you!

Reminders:

• Preserving Vegetables – Saturday 2 March - only 3 spots left!

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 and our community.

HOW TO BOOK!

Book in for all Neighbourhood House presented 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 Community Garden by the Lakeside

All are welcome to attend the Annual meeting on Saturday 2nd March at 10am at the shed in the garden.  The aim is to get community together to discuss plans moving forward for this space, as well as develop roster system for some basic tasks in the garden to help make sure it is always inviting for community access.  Please drop in and have your say as to how you would like to see this space used.   The aim is to soon have a grand opening of the space and hope to discuss ideas of what this might look like at the meeting.   All welcome!

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 3 March.  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. 

Connecting Carers

Carer Gateway are hosting a lunch and information session in Tallangatta on Thursday 21 March from 12pm to 2.30pm.  This is a chance to connect with carers in your local area, share experiences and learn about carer supports from informative guest speakers.  See the attached poster for more details.   To register or for more information contact Suzie on 0402 159 696 or email CarerGatewayEnquiries@vt.uniting.org

Tallangatta & District Astronomy Club (TADAC)

Did you know you can gaze upon the wonders of the night sky at the Tallangatta & District Astronomy Club (TADAC) observatory?  At TADAC’s public viewings you can use the powerful telescopes to view deep sky objects including nebulae, star clusters and galaxies and find out more about astronomy from TADAC members.   The next public viewing night is Saturday 23 March at 8.30pm.    The cost is free however a gold coin donation is appreciated if you are able.  The aim is to do the viewing in moon-free skies so the dates and times do change throughout the year and are also weather dependent.   If you would like to know more about how to get involved contact Zachary West on 0438 863 739, email tallangattaastronomyclub@gmail.com , visit www.tadac.info or https://www.facebook.com/groups/353336408686606

THS Active Living Groups

Tallangatta Health Service offers a wide range of weekly exercise group options for all ages and abilities with no referral needed.  This is a great chance to improve your energy and wellbeing, stay fit and independent in your home and connect with your community.  Exercise groups include: Walking; Balance, Falls & Seated Strength; Osteoarthritis & Strength; General Strength & Balance.  See the attached poster for times and days and call THS Allied Health Team on 6071 5210 for more information.

Tallangatta Community Share Garden

The Share Garden is located at the Neighbourhood House and 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

And a reminder in case it is not already in your calendars to take the whole family to the Tallangatta Agricultural & Pastoral Society annual Tallangatta Show on Saturday 9 March at the Showgrounds.

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 600 individual subscribers receiving this email and we have 1,100 followers on Facebook so it is a great way to spread the word!

Phew, okay I think that is everything!  Hopefully you made it to the end of this email and I will see you at an activity around Tallangatta soon!

 Katherine

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