St. Michael's Primary School ~ Term 2 Week 4

IMPORTANT DATES

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I write to you as the principal of St. Michael's Primary School Tallangatta, whilst Mrs Fenton is on parental leave. From the moment I joined this welcoming community, I felt a sense of warmth and belonging that is so special and very much appreciated.

I am incredibly excited to join such a dedicated community of students, families, educators and staff. Together, we will continue to live out the values of courage, compassion and community that are at the heart of St. Michael's faith community.

I am strongly committed to the learning, well-being, engagement and growth of every student. I believe that a nurturing and supportive environment is essential for fostering a love for learning and empowering students to reach their full potential. I am eager to meet you all and work collaboratively with each of you to ensure that we can ensure the flourishing of each child in all dimensions - spiritually, academically, socially, physically and emotionally - the whole child.

I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have received, and I am eager to embark on this journey together over the next 13 months. My door is always open, and I look forward to getting to know each of you better in the days and weeks ahead.

It is truly a privilege to join this wonderful school as principal. Together, let us continue to inspire excellence and build a brighter future for our students.

We wish all of our mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and those who are the special people in our students’ lives who are like mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday. We pray in gratitude for these amazing people who nurture and care for us. 

Loving God, you are always with us, holding us in your loving embrace.

We thank you for our mothers and those who are like mothers to us. Through the love they show, the way they nurture and care for us they help us to know your love.

We place our mothers in your tender care and ask for your support when they are weary, to show them compassion and kindness when they need it, and to show them constant love and gratitude.

We pray for those whose mothers who have died or are separated from their families that they feel your loving presence in their hearts. 

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

With peace and blessings,

Mrs Lisa Hitchcock
Principal

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

Meet the team at St. Michael's - 2024

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.

Mrs Mez Moffat - Religious Education Leader

Blessings as we begin Term 2. 

Within the Religious Education domain at St Michael’s, we have celebrated “The Risen Jesus” after Easter within our classrooms through songs, prayers and learning about Jesus’s resurrection. A time of great celebration for us as Christians.

Sacramental Program for 2024.

Wodonga Catholic Parish have begun the initial steps of the Sacramental Program for 2024.

The first Sacrament this year will be Reconciliation (Confession) beginning next Tuesday May 7^th from 4:00 – 5:00 OR Thursday 9^th from 6:00-7:00pm. 

Call the Parish Office on 6024 3603 and speak to Sonni La Motte-Schubert or Anne Tremethic for help. 

If anyone in your family is interested in receiving any of the Sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation & First Eucharist) please email, call or ask me any queries you may have.  I was a member of ‘The Sacramental Team’ for over 10 years so have a very good understanding of these beautiful stages in out Catholic faith journey.

St Vincent DePaul - Mini Vinnies at St Michael’s.

A team of very willing helpers have begun a Mini Vinnies group at school working alongside the local St Vincent de Paul organisation. Mrs Ann Seal, St Vincent de Paul’s President, came and spoke to the students in Yr. 5/6 about the ways they help support families locally. We thank Anne for her time and sharing of discipleship to our students.

The Mini Vinnies group have decided to take cation and will be organising a “BLANKET/DOONA & WARM CLOTHING DRIVE” to donate to St Vincent de Paul.  Please have a look for any clean, good quality Winter items that you are able to bring in as donations. If you would like to make a $ donation towards a blanket or doona, please leave at the Office. Mrs Moffat will deliver all donations into the Wodonga store so please support this group of students who are keen to help others less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you.

Pentecost Sunday.

In 2024, Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 19th. As Christians, we believe that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples as tongues of fire on their head and gave them immense courage. The disciples were blessed with the ability to speak different languages and this meant they could spread the Good News of Jesus Christ as The Son of God. This is the beginning of the ‘Christian Church’ and so is celebrated as the Church’s birthday. 

We will be sharing a cake at St Michael’s on Friday 17^th and singing “Happy Birthday to our Church”. Details to follow so you can join us if you are able to.

Thank you and God bless everyone.

Mrs M.  Moffat

Religious Education Leader.

Mental Health Wellbeing Leader Mr Joe Quinn

The Victorian Government has provided schools with the Mental Health in Primary Schools program.  This is supported by the Murdoch Children’s Institute of Research and Melbourne  University. 

There are three main parts to the Mental Health Wellbeing Leaders role. 

1. Work with Leadership of the school to implement learning and teaching programs that support the Mental Health Wellbeing of the students.

2. Build the capability and confidence of teachers to better identify and support students with mental health concerns.

3. Develop a clear pathway for referrals for students identified as requiring further support within the school and to regional and external community-based services.

While my role is not a teaching role, I spend some time in each class every week to build relationships with students and to support the teachers. It is important that we work together to destigmatise mental health issues.

I also provide support for families who may seek assistance from time to time. I may be able to link you and your family to existing services at the times you feel you need some extra support. 

Updates via School Newsletter and Dojo. 

I will be providing support resources on the school Dojo page from time to time and in the school newsletter.

Contact: 

You can contact me through the school office on 02 60712386 or directly by email at jquinn@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au.  I work at  St Michael's on Monday and Tuesday. I also work at Sacred Heart PS in Corryong on Wednesday and Thursday.  I will respond to urgent emails from Monday - Thursday. 

Joe Quinn

Sports Report - Ms Jo Hook

We have had a busy start to Term 2 Sport at St Michael’s. 

The Grade 3-6 students participated in Cross Country with Tallangatta Primary School at the golf course. We are proud of all of the participants for their efforts. Congratulations to the following students who have been invited to represent the school at the NERSSA carnival in Yackandandah on May 17^th: Lily Colclough, Gracie Thompson, Teghan Wood, George Thompson, Oscar Wilson, Leon Turnbull, Darby Thomas, Bridie Bowran, Ebony Furze and Hamish Colclough. 

Our Foundation students have also been working hard on their distance running and participated in the Junior Cross Country event at school. Thank you to our Year 5/6 Leaders for helping to organise this event.  

We are looking forward to more sporting fun this term with our hockey clinics starting next week. 

Mother's Day Devonshire Tea

We welcomed all the special women in our community as an early celebration for  Mother's Day on Sunday 12 May. Thank you to those that could join us today.  

A lovely Devonshire Tea was shared and the children enjoyed spending first break with the special women in their lives. 

School Handbook Update

A synthesis of contemporary research is that schools with a policy on full school uniforms are more likely to be high-performing academically and also less prone to high rates of bullying, exclusion, absenteeism, suspension and poor student behaviour choices. A school uniform encourages a sense of belonging and provides a visible identity in St Michael’s School community. A school uniform eliminates parents' and students' unnecessary costs associated with fashion trends and peer pressure. 

 Our uniform reflects the distinctive nature of St Michael’s Primary School with our colours, green and gold. The school logo features a cross at the heart of our Catholic belief that we nature the mind and hearts of all students. Our philosophy of our school uniform reinforces our school motto, “Courage, Compassion and Community”. 

Hair 

Hair is to be neat, off the face and not covering the eyes. Attention-seeking hairstyles, colors, or beading are not permitted. Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back with plain forest green or gold bands/ribbons or scrunchies. 

Earrings 

One set of matching earrings (one in each ear lobe) is permitted. These may be plain fine sleepers or small simple studs in gold or silver and may include a clear or coloured stone. 

Necklaces 

Necklaces are to be in gold or silver with a simple charm. These are to be unobtrusive, that is small and simple in appearance, if visible when worn with their uniform. Medical necklaces or bracelets may also be worn. 

Rings

Children may wear one small, plain ring on one hand.

Wodonga Catholic Parish News

What's on

Lunch Order  List 2024

Neighbourhood House - Tallangatta

Silk Scarf Marbling

Marbling is a beautifully peaceful and fluid artform, floating paints are dotted and swirled to create amazing patterns.  Come and learn step by step the techniques you need to marble a gorgeous silk scarf.  Kylie from Art Starts Here will be there to guide you every step of the way.  This session will be held on Friday 17 May at 6.30pm.  See How to Book below.

Tai Chi

Join us on Tuesday mornings for our 4-week series of Tai Chi classes with experienced teacher, Barb Ritchie.   The slow and gentle movements to peaceful and relaxing music can be made standing or seated and so are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.  You will leave feeling mentally and physically ready to tackle the week ahead.  If there is sufficient interest these classes will be offered on a regular basis.  The one-off fee of $25 covers all four sessions on Tuesdays 21 & 28 May, 4 & 11 June from 9.30am to 10.15am.  See How to Book below.  (If you miss out please put your name on the waiting list so we can advise you of any future classes.) 

Kids Cooking Class

Would you love your kids to help in the kitchen at home?  Mary Grant, retired Home Economics teacher and CWA member, will teach your kids how to cook sweet and savoury delights in this fun and interactive after-school class.  The class will be held on Wednesday 22 May at 4pm.  In this class the children will make yummy Cowboy Cookies and Mini Pizza Quiches - perfect for school lunchboxes if they last that long!  This workshop is for children aged 8 and over, unless accompanied by an adult.  See How to Book below.

#stuff4 teens – Table Tennis & Takeaway Takedown!

Get ready for an epic battle of skills, reflexes, and nerves of steel. It's the ultimate championship where last player standing takes the crown! And we'll be serving up some tasty takeaway food and drinks. Our #stuff4teens events are for young people aged between 13 & 17 years.  This event will be run and supervised by TNH volunteers who have current Working With Children Checks.  Level up your Friday night with your crew on Friday 24 May from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.  See How to Book below.

Capturing a Memory

Join us on Sunday 26 May at 1pm for an immersive cultural experience with Wiradjuri woman Narelle Urquhart.  Using oil pastels on black paper and with Narelle’s inspiration and guidance you will create a small contemporary art piece inspired by your own special memory.  Along the way Narelle will share her stories and journey as an Aboriginal woman and artist.  No artistic skills required, just a willingness to open your heart and mind and give it a try.   Join us for an enlightening and enriching experience. * This workshop is for adults and students aged 16+.  See How to Book below.

Yarn for a Cause

Our new knitting and crochet group has started!  Join us for a cuppa and chat whilst knitting beanies for patients of Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre plus other much needed woolen items for the homeless.  If you are keen to come along but don’t know how to knit or crochet we can teach you!  If you are not able to attend but would like to contribute to the cause you can pick up a pack from the House to make at home.  Donations of wool will also be very gratefully accepted!  The group meets weekly at the House on Mondays between 10am to 12pm.  Come along to find out what it is all about or you can call Helen on 0419 571 836 for more information.

Regular activities reminder:

• Narelle from Wodonga Skills and Jobs Centre’s next visit is TOMORROW Thursday 2 May.  Free one-on-one tailored career advice!  Call the House to book.
• Hume Riverina Legal Service’s next free legal advice visit is Thursday 9 May.  Call 6055 8090 to book your appointment.
• Monthly Games Night is THIS Friday 3 May from 6.30pm – free and no need to book just come along! 

The House is 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

REMINDER!  MOTHERS DAY HIGH TEA

Join us in celebrating the remarkable women in your life this Mother's Day at this special High Tea event!  Indulge in a delightful spread of sophisticated tea stands and bite-sized treats courtesy of Yellow Picket Fence, all while enjoying live music by Chain of Fools a vibrant nine-piece band from Chiltern, playing rock, soul and blues classics from many eras.  Lucky door prizes supplied by The Potted Cumquat and Bundled Blooms will be given out! 

This event will be held at Tallangatta Memorial Hall on Sunday 12 May from 2pm to 4pm.  The cost is $20 per person and children U12 $10.  To reserve your spot visit: tinyurl.com/towong-shire-events or call the Towong Shire Customer Service team on 1300 365 222. 

Trivia Night

Tallangatta Football Netball Club are hosting a Trivia Night this Saturday 4 May at Tallangatta Memorial Hall.  Doors open 6pm for a 6.30pm start.  Drinks at bar prices and BYO food.  Tickets are $100 for a table of 10.  Contact Laura on 0400 315 365 to book your table.

NDIS Information Session

My Supports will be visiting the House next Tuesday 7 May from 2pm to 3.30pm. Come along to learn more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and what services you can access in your area.  All welcome, no need to book just come along.  A cuppa and light refreshments will be served.  For more information call Jaimi-Lea on 0437 228 854 or visit www.mysupports.com.au

Tallangatta Diabetes Support Group

This local group aims to support people impacted by diabetes and welcomes new members.  The groups next event is on Monday 13 May.   A guest speak will provide information on the role of Diabetes Australia - Victoria and the supports they can provide including education, walks, video chats and more.  The meeting will be held at the Community room opposite the Library commencing at 7pm and a light supper will be served.  All welcome.  Contact Denise Johnston on 0427 761 671 for more information.

Upcoming Community Event Reminders

Details were provided in our last email.  See attached poster for more info:

• CWA Craft Day – Friday 10 May
• Senior Citizens Mystery Dutch Auction – Friday 17 May
• Bonegilla & Tallangatta Rail Trail Advisory Group - Whistle Stop High Tea - Sunday 19 May

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!

Neighbourhood House - Tallangatta

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