St. Michael's Primary School ~ Term 3 Week 6

IMPORTANT DATES

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers of St Michael's,

Thank you to all of our students, families and staff for an amazing effort for Book Week today! It was so wonderful to see the Magic of Reading come to life in our parade.

I am very pleased to share some of the celebrations from our recent School Improvement Tool Review which concluded yesterday. I am thrilled to announce that St Michael’s Primary School has received commendations in several key areas. This recognition is a testament to our entire school community's collective efforts—students, educators, staff and families alike. I want to acknowledge Charlene Fenton's work over the past two years. 

Celebrating Our Commendations

Promoting a Welcoming and Inclusive Culture

Our review highlighted St Michael’s as a shining example of fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture. We are deeply committed to creating an environment where every individual feels a strong sense of belonging, and it is heartening to see this effort recognised. 

Keeping Students at the Heart of Everything We Do

At St Michael’s, our students are always at the centre of our efforts. The review affirmed our commitment to placing students at the heart of all decision-making processes. 

I thank our families who joined us for this review and the recent Catholic Identity Review to share their insights and experiences of St Michael's. I also thank Charlene and the staff for their work in preparing for the review. As we move forward, we remain committed to building on these strengths and using the review's recommendations to continue our journey of improvement to ensure the flourishing of all our students. 

Father's Day

Next weekend, we celebrate our fathers, grandfathers and those special people who are like fathers to us. We will have our Father's Day Breakfast -8:00 am and Mass 9:15 am on Monday 2 September to celebrate these loving and caring people.  Through the love and care these people show us, we can understand how God is like a loving father to us. We celebrate the life-giving care we receive through our fathers, and we remember those fathers who are no longer with us. Please complete the  RSVP using this link if you would like to join us for breakfast.

God our creator,
Jesus taught us to call you Father,
as close to you as a parent’s embrace of their child.
We ask you to bless our fathers who reflect something of your love to us.

We love them very much and we ask you to keep them safe each and every day. Give them strong and loving hearts, bless the work they do and surround them with your love and peace.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Peace and blessings,

Lisa Hitchcock 

Principal

ST MICHAEL'S BOOK WEEK PARADE

School Engagement Survey 

Our students in Years 4-6, staff and families will be asked to complete a School Engagement Survey in the next few weeks.  Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd conducts this annual process for providing feedback. You will be invited to participate in the Family Survey via email. Although your participation is voluntary, I strongly encourage you to participate in this survey. This data along with the Catholic Identity Review Report and the School Improvement Tool Review Report will provide us with great feedback, information and data to form St Michael's strategic direction for the next four years to maximise students' outcomes and our community's continued growth. 

Families that complete the survey will go into the raffle to win a Tallangatta IGA Voucher or a Tallangatta Bakery Voucher.

Sandhurst Arts on Show

Students from Years 3-6 will perform at the upcoming Sandhurst Arts on Show on Tuesday 3 September. Families are invited to come along and enjoy the performance at 'The Cube' Wodonga. Families will need to obtain free tickets using the link or QR Code above - a limit of four tickets per family - to attend. 

Please contact the school if you have questions about Sandhurst Arts on Show.

Foundation Students School Nurse Visit

The school nurse will visit St Michael's soon to do the Foundation health, wellbeing and development checks. Foundation Families -  please ensure you have completed the online form or returned your form to school. Contact the school if you have any questions. 

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

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.

Religious Education - Mrs Mez Moffat

From the Wodonga Scared Heart Parish, Sacramental Team, enrolments are now open for Confirmation Eucharist. Enrolment forms and timetables are attached at the end of the newsletter, along with the Parish News. 

Mez Moffat welcomes your email if you have any questions. mmoffat@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au

Wellbeing - Mr Joe Quinn

WELLBEING 'Behaviour is Communication'

St Michael's Class teachers are focussing on supporting the students with classroom procedures and expectations. Each class implements positive behaviour strategies, to help students be more aware of what they can achieve individually and as a class group. The poster below helps us reflect on and understand what might be going on of a child when they demonstrate irregularities in their behaviours. 

What is it that you don't see, when your child shows different behaviours? 

Al's Skateboarding Wellbeing Program

Skateboarding has been an awesome fun-filled experience. We haven't just skateboarded we have learnt so much about our emotions and how to manage them. I’d like to thank everyone who has organised this awesome experience Mrs Hitchcock, Mr Quinn and Mrs Moffat.

Al, Bodie and Luke have been great people that we should all look up to and learn from. I recognise how much work this takes to organise and thank them. I think listening to Al and how skateboarding has helped with his mental and physical health lets us all know how much sports and being in our own space can help us throughout our lives.

By Eloise Hicks.

Pick'n'Mix 1-6: For a healthy lunchbox pick & mix something from each food group 1 – 6!

The Department of Health Pick & Mix 1-6 poster provides a range of ideas and practical tips to inspire families to create healthy school lunchboxes

Pick and mix one tasty option from each of the five core food groups to create a healthy lunchbox every day:

1. Fruit (e.g. fresh, frozen, pureed and canned in natural juice)
2. Vegetables, legumes and beans
3. Milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives
4. Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans
5. Grain (cereal) foods
6. Plain water

Please ensure no chewing gum is brought to school in students' lunch boxes. 

Student Attendance

Wodonga Catholic Parish News

Wodonga Catholic Parish Sacramental Program

Running again for 2024.

We are now taking enrolments for Confirmation Eucharist. 

I have included a link to the form enrolment and the blurb in this email. May you please make this accessible to the families in your community,  much appreciated.    https://wodongacatholicparish.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-CON-EUCH-Enrolment-Form-1-1.pdf

Share your smile, there is always someone who needs it more than you. 

 We are now taking enrolments for the 2024
Confirmation/Eucharist Program that will run during October, the Sacraments being received on the first weekend of November . 
Enrolment forms are available on our Parish website or Facebook page. Hard copies can be collected from our CEW Schools or the Parish Centre. 

To enrol your child/children in the
Confirmation/Eucharist Program they must have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

If you have any questions about the program please
E: wcpsacramental@gmail.com 

What's On

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE ACTIVITIES

Mastering Patterns

Take your sewing skills to the next level and learn how to use patterns and sew your own garments with confidence.  The classes will be led by retired home economics teacher and CWA member, Mary Grant, and run over four weeks on Wednesdays 9, 16, 23 & 30 October from 7pm to 9pm.  There are very limited places available to ensure participants receive hands-on individual support and leave with the skills and passion to be sewing outfits for years to come!   The cost of $50 covers all four sessions.  See How to Book below.  If you are keen but miss out, please put your name on the waiting list on Eventbrite and we will see what we can do.

Free help with your gizmos!

Do you spend too much time puzzling over how to do things on your digital devices? We are excited to be continuing our partnership with the awesome Vocational Major students from Tallangatta Secondary College to deliver the ‘Know Your Gizmo’ program. The students will be at the House to give free one-on-one help with your smartphones, iPads, tablets and laptops.  Sessions will be held monthly on Wednesdays 21 August, 18 September, 16 October and 13 November from 10am to 11am.  There are limited places for each session, so bookings are required by calling the House on 0408 573 474 or dropping in to see us.  Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with your non-tech savvy family, friends and neighbours.

Secrets of Sponge making

Always wanted to know how to bake a beautiful light and fluffy sponge?  Retired Home Economics teacher and CWA member Mary Grant will show you the tricks to make sure you succeed every time you bake!  Join us on Sunday 25 August from 1pm to 3pm at the Anglican Church Hall.  You will bake and take home a freshly made sponge plus the recipe to make more for your family and friends because the first one will be so good you won’t want to share it!  *Please note this class is for adults.  See How to Book below.

Community Lunch – Did somebody say Pizza?!

Join us at the House on Friday 30 August at 1pm for a cuppa, chat and a pizza lunch for only $5 (cash on the day).   Tallangatta Hotel will be catering the pizzas (Meatlovers, BBQ Chicken, The Lot & Veggie) and we will also be serving garlic bread and Drumstick icecreams for dessert.  Yummo!   Our pop-up lunches are designed to bring our community members together to make new connections.  Bookings are essential!  Phone the House on 0408 573 474 or drop in and see us to book your seat at the table.

Welcome to Spring Concert

Say goodbye to Winter and welcome the coming of Spring with a pleasant Saturday afternoon of live entertainment at the Memorial Hall!  The concert will feature the Tallangatta Community Choir singing timeless favourites including a medley of songs by The Seekers, ‘Happy Together’ by The Turtles and the The Isley Brother’s high-energy ‘Shout’ which is sure to have you clapping and singing along.  Tallangatta Community Choir are well-known for their high-quality performances at community events such as Australia Day, Anzac Day and Christmas Carols.   Now in its third year, a regular feature of this annual concert is the inclusion of local performers.  This year’s special guests are Haydon Fisher piano solo; Mallee Damm guitar & vocals; Rhys McKee piano solo; Cat Magic acoustic duo and a poetry reading by Jock Cavanagh.  Another special treat will be a bracket of songs by the Australian Military Wives Choir.  Be sure to stay after the concert to enjoy a chat and a delicious Devonshire tea catered by the ladies from CWA Kurrajong.    The concert will be held on Saturday 31 August commencing at 1.30pm.  Tickets are $10 and children are free. 

See How To Book below.

Yarn for a Cause

Join us for a cuppa and chat whilst knitting beanies for patients of Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre plus other much needed wool 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.

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 let your family, friends and our community know about this service.

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

 Halve Waste

Halve Waste are visiting Tallangatta to support community members with using the new green lidded bin!  You will find them out the front of the Tallangatta IGA on Wednesday 21 August between 3pm and 5.30pm.   The Halve Waste website https://halvewaste.com.au/ offers a wide range of resources and information how to recycle and use your waste more effectively.   For more information on Towong Shire Council's waste program, visit: tinyurl.com/waste-and-recycling

The Flying Bookworm

Towong Shire are hosting an enchanting experience at Corryong and Tallangatta Libraries during Children's Book Week!  You and your children will enjoy captivating live performances of your favourite stories by The Flying Bookworm!  This magical journey into the world of books will leave you mesmerised as they bring popular fairytales, stories, and poems to life.  Performing at Corryong Library, Wednesday, 21 August at 11.30 am and Tallangatta Library, Thursday, 22 August at 12.30 pm.  Please RSVP to library@towong.vic.gov.au or call in to the Library.

Tallangatta Carer Connections – Future Pathways for Youth Workshop

Are you a carer for a person that needs extra support in day-to-day living? This may be disability, illness or a chronic condition. Are you looking to connect with other carers in our local area and learn more about carer supports available?  Tallangatta Carer Connections is voluntary and run by carers for carers.   The next meeting is on Thursday 22 August with a cuppa from 9.30am followed by a workshop on Future Pathways for Youth presented by Mark Cottee from NELLEN from 10am to 12noon.  Located in activity space room opposite the Tallangatta library.   All welcome.  See the attached poster for meeting dates and this link for more information on the workshop. https://www.facebook.com/events/1206518597369681/?ref=newsfeedmore

Tallangatta Men’s Shed

The Men’s Shed is a place for locals to share skills and connect.  All are welcome to participate in making, repairing and repurposing and also supporting community projects.   Located at 25 Barree St (below the Medical Centre & Health Service) the Men’s Shed is open Thursday mornings from 9am to 12pm until 20 September.   After this date the Shed will be back to its usual open hours of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.   If you would like to know more about getting involved head along on a Thursday morning for a cuppa and a chat.

Story Time at the Library!

Take your little one to Story Time and embark on a magical journey into the world of books and imagination.  Tales are brought to life weekly at Tallangatta Library on Wednesdays from 10am to 10.45am.

SES Tallangatta Unit

If you want to learn new skills, meet like-minded people and make a real difference in your community, head along to the Tallangatta Unit on a Monday night to find out what it's like to be a VICSES volunteer!   You'll get to meet friendly volunteers, have a sneak peak of the Tallangatta facility and learn about the role played in keeping our community safe.  There are a broad range of rewarding roles available from operations to community engagement and administration. Wherever your interests lie, there's a role for you in the SES Tallangatta team.  Meeting on Mondays 7pm at 7 Wagara Street, Tallangatta.

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 650 individual subscribers receiving this email and we have 1.2k followers on Facebook, so it is a great way to spread the word!

We Are Hiring!

I am excited to advise we have recently secured some funding from the Ovens Murray Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Alliance (OMMHADA) Community Wellbeing and Resilience Grants via the Upper Murray Region Neighbourhood House Network.    This funding has enabled us to recruit a part-time Administration Officer for a fixed term to 31 December 2025. 

The Administration Officer will support the Coordinator with the day-to-day operations of the Neighbourhood House.   More details on what the position entails can be found by following this link along with information on how to apply.   https://www.towong.vic.gov.au/1-council/careers/current-vacancies?item=id:2r35m5atc17q9suxcbzd

Please forward to anyone you think may be interested in the position.  Applications close Sunday 25 August.

  Katherine

Tallangatta Neighbourhood House

Positive Partnerships