St. Michael's Primary School ~ Term 3 Week 8
IMPORTANT DATES
Term 3, 2024
Wednesday 4th - Friday 6th September | Grade 5 & 6 School Camp - Melbourne |
Friday 5th September | School Assembly 2:50 pm |
Monday 9th September | Pupil Free Day - Staff Professional Development |
Thursday 12th September | Questacon - Science Circus |
Monday 16th September | Al's Skateboarding Wodonga Excursion Year 6 |
Friday 20th September | Last day of Term 3 - EARLY FINISH 2:15 pm |
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I am very grateful that I have been able to join the Year 5 & 6 students and Mrs Moffat on their camp. This has been an amazing experience seeing these students challenge themselves, enjoy the different activities and the learning they have taken on, as well as the care and support they have given each other.
Thank you to Mrs Moffat, Mr Sam Macdonald and our bus driver Steve from Martin’s Transport Albury for ensuring that the students were able to participate and gain so much from this exceptional camp - that many of the students said was the best ever!
On Sunday 1 September we began the Season of Creation with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. It will conclude on St Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day 4 October.
“Hope and Act with Creation” is the theme for the 2024 Season of Creation. The theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), where the Apostle explains what it means for us to live according to the Spirit and focuses on the sure hope of Christ’s saving love and eternal life that is born of faith, namely, newness of life in Christ.
Pope Francis explains that to hope and act with creation, means above all to join forces and to walk together with all of humankind to care for our common home. This Season of Creation is an opportunity to live in hope, despite the challenges of our world, and to act with creation in love, care and remaining in awe of this wondrous gift from our Creator God.
This can be as simple as enjoying a sunrise or sunset, making sure you are sorting your waste into the correct bin, going for a bush walk, reducing what you purchase or using the car less.
I pray that this Season of Creation is a time to make small changes that can have a big and lasting impact for all future generations.
Peace and blessings,
Lisa Hitchcock
Principal
PUPIL FREE DAY MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER - Staff Spirituality Day at Sacred Heart Corryong
Principal Long Service Leave
I will be taking long service leave from Thursday 12 September until Friday 20 September. During this time, Mrs Ardern will be acting principal. Please contact Mrs Ardern in my absence.
School Engagement Survey
Staff and families have begun completing this important survey for our school. Students from Years 4-6 will complete it in class next week. If you are one of the families who have completed the survey please email - principal@smtallangatta.catholic.edu.au and I will make sure you go into the raffle to win a Tallangatta IGA or Tallangatta Bakery Voucher.
The School Engagement Survey, that importantly includes our families and students’ voices, will help to inform our next School Improvement plan for the next four years.
Teachers & Staff Response to Emails and Messages
To ensure our teachers and staff have a healthy work life balance I wanted to communicate to our community the following:
- Teachers and staff will respond to emails and messages within 48 hours and will be monitoring these during the hours of 8am-5:30pm.
- If you have an urgent message please call the school on (02) 6071 2386 or the school mobile number on 0418 105 060.
Thank you for your understanding and care of our teachers and staff.
Term 3 Ends - Friday 20 September 2:15pm
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.
Marsha Ardern - School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)
Teamwork is the Buzz that Keeps the Hive Alive!
This term, our school is abuzz with excitement as we focus on the theme of community through our School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) program. At the heart of our learning is the powerful analogy of bees working together to build their hive, symbolizing the importance of teamwork in our school community.
Throughout the term, students, teachers, and staff have collaborated to create a vibrant display of bees in action, showcasing how every member of our school has a role to play. Just as each bee contributes to the hive’s success, each of us contributes to the positive and nurturing environment at our school.
The theme, "Teamwork is the Buzz that Keeps the Hive Alive," reminds us that just like in a hive, our school community thrives when everyone works together. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or during special projects, we all have unique strengths that, when combined, create a supportive and thriving environment.
As we continue to explore this theme, we encourage everyone to think about the role they play in keeping our hive—the school—strong and healthy. It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize the importance of cooperation, respect, and shared responsibility in making our school a place where everyone can succeed.
Please discuss this topic with your family.
Ms Jo Hook - Sports Report
On Wednesday 4th September the Foundation to Year 4 students participated in the NERSSA Athletics Carnival in Albury. It was a beautiful sunny day and the students enjoyed meeting students from other local schools. The St Michael's students showed courage as they participated in a wide range of events throughout the day. Congratulations to all students for trying your best and supporting our school community.
Any students advancing to the next level for ages 9 and above will be notified next week.
NERSSA Sports Day
Class Happenings - Grade 3/4
We have had a very busy term in 3/4. Students have enjoyed researching and writing their own information reports and challenging their multiplication skills. They have spent time practising for the Sandhurst Arts on Show performance and did a fantastic job on stage on Tuesday. As a class, we have enjoyed working with other classes including the Potato Olympics with 1/2 and a roller coaster STEM challenge with our 5/6 peers. This term, we were lucky to have a visit from police officer Dimity who led an important discussion on cyber safety.
We also had a visit from our class mascot Hank the Labradoodle!
The class is very excited for our camp in Term 4. Permission notes will be sent out next week. Please fill in dietary requirements as soon as possible.
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
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
Wodonga Catholic Parish News
Hello everyone,
Please find attached the ‘ NEW LOOK’ Bulletin, for this weekend, Safeguarding Sunday. I do hope you like the look of it and enjoy the read.
As we enter the second weekend f the Season of Creation There is a beautiful reflection from Fr Adi on page two.
Have a happy day to all. Don’t forget to share your smile with a stranger and a friend.
Kind regards
Sonni
What's On
Tallangatta Neighbourhood House
Relax and Reset
Restore, re-energise and detox with this guided relaxation session using meditation and mindfulness techniques led by Brigitte Weber. You will take home the knowledge and skills to achieve quick daytime energy restoration, deep nighttime sleep and manage stress. The sessions will run for three Thursdays 11, 18 & 25 September from 6.45pm to 8pm. The cost of $30 covers all three sessions. Why not take some time out for yourself – we promise you will leave feeling relaxed, calm, balanced and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you. See How to Book below.
RUOK? Day – Cuppa and Cupcakes
A conversation could change a life! Our pop-up community food gatherings are designed to bring our community members together to make connections. Come along for a cuppa and a chat whilst enjoying cupcakes and donut holes catered by Tallangatta Bakery. Stay for a little or a long while and make a new friend or meet up with an old one! **No need to book just drop in to the House anytime between 2pm and 3pm on Thursday 12 September.
RUOK? Day is a reminder to us all about staying connected and having meaningful conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. There are 4 Steps to an RUOK? Conversation: Ask R U OK?, listen, encourage action and check in. We encourage you to make every day RUOK? Day. Learn more at https://www.ruok.org.au/
#stuff4teens - Game On!
Ready Set Game! Level up your Friday night with free pizza and power-ups. Drift into the ultimate classic and retro gaming marathon with Mario Kart, Nintendo and Sega Classics. Time to get your game on—challenge accepted!
Just for teens aged 13-17. Fully supervised by adult TNH volunteers. At the House on Friday 13 September from 6pm to 9pm. This is a FREE event, but you still need to book your spot! See How to Book below.
Mosaics
If you have always wanted to learn how to mosaic here is your chance! Join us at the House on Sunday 15 September from 10am to 1pm. Kylie from Art Starts Here will teach you everything you need to know to create a gorgeous Australian native mosaic. At the workshop you will apply the mosaic pieces and then you will take home a grout pack and the knowledge to finish your masterpiece off at home. The workshop cost of $65 includes 3 hours tuition, all materials, tools and safety equipment. TNH subsidises the cost of all our activities to make them accessible and affordable for our community – the usual cost of this workshop is $110 per person. Please note this workshop is for adults and students aged 16+. See How to Book below.
Needle Felting
Join us at the House on Monday 16 September from 1pm to 3pm 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 use a foam inner core and needle felting techniques to create a cute little teddy bear. This is a simple but effective craft using very few materials and a relaxing hobby for many. Why not come and give it a go? It will be a lovely afternoon with plenty of chatting and laughter and we will have the kettle on. See How to Book below.
It’s not too late to join us for..
Community Lunch! Only 4 spots left! THIS Friday!
Join us at the House on Friday 30 August at 1pm for a cuppa, chat and a pizza lunch for only $5 (pay cash on the day). Tallangatta Hotel will be catering the pizzas (Meatlovers, BBQ Chicken, The Lot, Tropical & 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 – THIS Saturday!
Come along to the Memorial Hall on Saturday 31 August commencing at 1.30pm for a lovely afternoon of live entertainment. The concert will feature the Tallangatta Community Choir singing timeless favourites and will be joined by special guests: 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. Tickets are $10 and children are free. See How To Book below.
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 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.
Don’t forget these regular activities happening at the House..
- Tallangatta Food Swap & Tallangatta Community Share Garden – this Sunday 1 September from 10am. All welcome!
- Wodonga Skills and Jobs Centre’s next visit Thursday 5 September. Free one-on-one tailored job seeking advice! Call Narelle on 0436 468 031 to book your appointment.
- Monthly Games Night will be held next Friday 6 September from 6.30pm. Free and no need to book, just come along! All welcome!
- Hume Riverina Legal Service’s next free legal advice visit Thursday 12 September. Call 6055 8090 to book your appointment.
- Yarn for a Cause – Mondays 10am to 12pm – enjoy a chat & cuppa while you knit and crochet beanies and other items for Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre. All welcome!
- Dungeons & Dragons – Thursdays from 5pm – tabletop role-playing game – contact Naomi on 0456 610 777 for more information.
- Supported Playgroup – Tuesdays 10am to 12pm – stay as little or as long as you like - free and no need to book, just come along!
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.
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!
SCHOOL HOLIDAY BOREDOM BUSTERS
Let us help you keep the kids entertained these school holidays! Four interactive and fun activities to choose from! All sessions start at 10am and tickets are $12 each. Check out the attached poster for more details and see How to Book below. Our school holiday activities usually sell-out quickly so don’t delay!
- Cooking for Kids - Monday 23 September (For school aged children. U9 to be accompanied by an adult.)
Have fun learning basic cooking skills in this hands-on class with Mary. Bake delicious sweet and savoury treats to take home and enjoy.
- Bee-Bot Robots – Thursday 26 September (For ages 5 to 8 years. All children to be accompanied by an adult.)
Anne will teach you how to program your robot to turn and move forwards and backwards. Then you will design a road and maze for your bee-bot to travel through.
- Bringing the Drama – Monday 30 September (For ages 8 to 14. Adult supervision not required.)
Join Alyce Fisher from Theatre on Toast for a high-energy session of drama games and skills. A morning of interactive fun encouraging improvisation and finding your voice.
- 3D Animal Portraits – Wednesday 2 October (For school aged children. U9 to be accompanied by an adult.)
Get crafty using recycled bits and bobs to create colourful 3D animal portraits. Kylie from Art Starts Here will guide you step by step to create these mystical, magical creatures.
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
Town Garage Sale
Start putting aside your trash and treasure ready for the return of the Tallangatta Trash and Treasure - Community Garage Sale on Saturday 5 October. This event is for households within the township of Tallangatta. A map of participating houses will be put together so you can find a bargain. Follow the Facebook page to keep updated with event information and to find the link to the registration form. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558788156993
Charity Golf Day
Tallangatta Health Service are holding a charity golf day and lunch at Tallangatta Golf course to raise funds for a new sensory garden for residents at Lakeview Nursing Home. The golf comp will be a 3 Person Ambrose, there will be an auction, prizes, raffles and lunch will be catered by Websters Estate. The event will be held on Saturday 19 October. See the attached poster for more information and how to book.
Show’n’Shine & Swap Meet
This fantastic annual event hosted by Tallangatta Classics Inc showcases cars, motorcycles, tractors and machinery will be held at the Tallangatta Showgrounds on Sunday 27 October. There will also be market stalls, food vendors and music. Gates open at 7am and entry is $5 with U16 free.
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!
Katherine