Filter Content
| Important Dates & Reminders | |
| 22 September | St Michael's Feast Day and Last day of Term 3 |
| 9 October | First Day of Term 4 |
| 27 October | Grandparents Day |
Catalyst & High Impact Teaching Practice
On Monday Jordan O’Sullivan from Shaping Minds continued his work coaching our teachers in the implementation of evidenced based practices. Our teachers spent the day observing Jordan teaching direct explicit instruction lessons with a focus on High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP). Jordan observed our teachers and gave them feedback to support their growth. I sincerely thank our teachers for their dedication to personal improvement in classroom teaching. We know that better teaching leads to improved learning outcomes for students who are at the heart of all we do at St Michael’s. Jordan was most impressed with the quality of the instruction he saw and the engagement and learning progress of our students. If you would like to read more about Catalyst and HITP please access information at the following site.
https://catalyst.cg.catholic.edu.au/initiatives/high-impact-teaching-practice/
Spelling Mastery
This year our teachers began delivering ‘Spelling Mastery’, a researched proven program that uses evidenced based Direct Instruction methods to enable teachers to deliver highly interactive, structured lessons that help students develop their spelling skills.
Spelling Mastery approaches spelling through strategies, patterns and rules. The straightforward lessons in Spelling Mastery combine phonemic, morphemic, and whole-word instruction to make spelling easier to learn, leading the way to more effective writing.
Spelling Mastery interweaves these three approaches according to students' skill development and provides lessons to assist teachers efficiently and effectively teach the spelling skills students need to become proficient readers and writers. Explicit instruction, careful selection of spelling words, and repeated and cumulative practice, aid students to master each concept and reinforce and retain key information.
Recently our teachers completed Progressive Assessment Tests (PAT) in Spelling, our students’ performance indicated significant growth overall. We attribute some of this success due to the Spelling Mastery Program and our teachers increased capacity to teach using High Impact Teaching strategies. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and professionalism of our teachers and the dedicated approach of our students to their learning.
Sharing Our Learning
Come along for a relaxed visit after school next Wednesday 20th September 3:15pm- 5:30pm to look at all the wonderful learning that’s been happening at St Michael’s. Be part of your child’s learning and give your child 2 stars and a wish for their future progress.
Aboriginal Artwork
Thank you to Danielle Madsen for organising some fantastic experiences in her role as Aboriginal Education Officer. Last week on Monday, our students completed some artwork led by Katrina Cambridge (CE Education Officer) using dot painting and gum leaves. Danielle is also commissioning new Aboriginal Value Poles for the front of our school building.
Ready2Munch
Tired of making lunches for your kids? Why not try ‘Ready2Munch’ online ordering system this Friday 16th September and next Friday 22nd. Lunch orders will be delivered to the school for lunch time only NOT at recess.
To order please access the site at https://ready2munch.com.au/
Parents need to select St Michael's School before placing an order. You will need to include your child’s name and class on the order.
Parents will need to place orders by 4pm on a Thursday for delivery on a Friday.
Thank you for your continued support,
Bridgette McCann (Acting Principal)
Special wishes to those children who will celebrate their birthday this week:
| Austin B | 5/6H |
| Temalisi K | 3/4O |
| Jesse H | 3/4O |
Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Harmony Award this week.
Well done!!
| KD | Bram S |
| 1/2K | William A |
| 1/2T | Kyliemaine S |
| 3/4B | Grace S |
| 3/4O | Thomas W |
| 5/6H | Sebastian R |
| 5/6M | Vanessa C |
| 5/6S | Toby M |
St Michael’s Feast Day
The Feast Day of St Michael is Friday the 29th of September. St Michael is an Archangel (chief angel) whose name means ‘one who is like God’. In the Old Testament, Michael came to help Daniel after he had a vision. In the New Testament, Michael led the faithful angels to fight evil. St Michael is seen as a protector of the church. At our school St Michael helps to look after us and to make right choices.
We will celebrate the feast day of St Michael with a whole school liturgy on the last day of term, Friday the 22nd of September. The liturgy will take place in St Michael’s church commencing at 9:15 followed by Rainbow awards. All families are welcome to join us. The students will also be participating in activities that will enrich their understanding of St Michael the Archangel.
Whole School Focus – Perseverance
We are continuing to break open our term focus of ‘Harmony in my Community’. So far this term we have explored the theme of sustainability and the values of forgiveness and wisdom. Over the next 2 weeks we are looking at one of St Michael’s keys for learning; persevere. Perseverance is about having a growth mindset, learning from mistakes and taking responsibility for learning. Harmony Awards will celebrate students who display perseverance and have a never give up attitude.
For all Religious Education enquiries please email Erika Tokich at:
erika.tokich@cg.catholic.edu.au
Parish Sacramental Program 2024
2024 Sacramental Program – for students who are baptised and in years 4-6 in 2024.
Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated in term 1, 2024.
Sacrament of First Communion will be celebrated in term 2, 2024.
Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in term 3, 2024.
Information session – an information session for the 2024 Sacramental Program will be held early in term 1, 2024 (date to be advised).
For further Information – please contact the Sacramental Program Coordinator at sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au or check the parish website at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth
We thank all the parents who have volunteered to assist. We have a few families who are looking to arrange car-pooling. If you are able and willing to take another child to Boorowa, please let us know.
Erin Hardwicke