Dear Parents,

Congratulations to Joel Scholtes who

represented St Michael’s at State level

athletics. He came 5th in the 800metres and 4th

in the 1500metres, in both races he achieved a

new personal best time. Well done Joel!

Congratulations also to our girls’ basketball

team who competed in The hoop time

divisional completion. The girls won all their

games throughout the day and just lost by one

point in the final. Thank you to Brett

Melbourne for coaching and to Mandy Grimes,

Eboney Devenie, Sharyn Melbourne and

Danyall Van Ekeren for scoring and supporting

on the day.

Congratulations to Olivia Gilham in Grade 1

for the second year running she was a Finalist

in Write4fun competition. The 2014 Schools

Short Story and Poetry competition was held

throughout Australian and over 12,500 entries

were received. Only 15 entries were chosen as

Finalists in each division. Olivia’s short story

was ‘I Rode On A Seahorse’. Well done

Olivia!

I am happy to announce that we will have

employed four new staff members for 2015; Mrs

Katie Calabrese, Miss Ashlea Vanyai, Miss

Gemma Wilson and Mrs Rose Pearson (Miss

Liffman).

They are all very excited and enthusiastic about

being part of the St Michael’s team and we

look forward to working with them.

If you happen to be a devotee of Jamie Oliver’s

cooking programmes, you might have seen the

series titled “Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals”.

Perhaps, you read some of the promotion

material amongst which was the following

statement, “Jamie Oliver thinks everyone

deserves to eat delicious nutritious food and in

his new series, Jamie shows how to create a

whole home-cooked feast from scratch, in the

time it takes to heat up a ready meal.” Fresh

One Productions. Then, maybe, you were a

little perplexed, even disappointed, to observe

that the advertising breaks were all taken by

Hungry Jacks, Coca Cola and KFC!

Was the Broadcaster’s management aware of

the struggle between Jamie’s “nutritious food”

NEWSLETTER No. 34 DATE: 5th November 2014

and the “junk food” of the programme sponsors and

didn’t care because the sponsor’s money was

“authentic”? Were the sponsors trying to

deliberately confuse the viewers by having their

“junk food” mixed in with Jamie’s “nutritious

food”? Whichever way you choose to look at it,

authenticity took a big hit, as did credibility,

integrity and honesty.

We, who are Christians, need to seek balance as

we rove our critical eye. How much of a hit do our

authenticity, credibility, integrity and honesty take

when our roving critical eye focuses on these

values. Most Christians would agree that the

Sermon on the Mount is the “standout piece” of

Jesus’ preaching. When Jesus said, “So in

everything, do to others what you would have them

do to you” Matthew 7:12, was he was suggesting to us

that we should not only try to see things from

another’s perspective but to evaluate what should

be done if we were the other person?

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story of

compassion, generosity and sacrifice fulfilled by a

cultural outcast, a Samaritan, and ignored by those

who pretended to be “righteous”, the priest and

the Levite. The Samaritan gave of his money and

time in his effort to address the needs of an

unknown in trouble, without any expectation of

reward or repayment. He interrupted the “business”

of his day to meet the desperate needs of a stranger.

Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:37.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount also contains the

famous challenge: “Love your enemies and pray

for those who openly work against you.” Matt 5:44.

St Peter, chosen to be the first Pope and so to

represent Jesus, echoes the challenge when he

writes, “Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with

insult, but with blessing, for this is why you are

called.” 1 Peter 3:9

So how does our roving critical eye see us in the

light of the above three challenges? The Samaritan

was the “real deal” or the “authentic person” – “The

authentic self is the soul made visible.” Sarah

Breathnach. He was one in his thoughts, feelings and

actions; he didn’t simply know the right thing to do

or simply think about it – he did it! “Go and do

likewise.”

Keep smiling,

Cathy Blackford

Principal

News from the Principal

Get Well Wishes to Mrs Carla Scholtes

Two weeks ago Mrs Carla Scholtes underwent an operation

that did not go as well as expected, unfortunately this means that she will not be back at school this year. We have had good news today that she is on the mend but there is still a long journey

ahead. Please keep Carla in your prayers.

NOVEMBER

6th Thurs Parents & Friends Meeting

6th Thurs Read & Relax Day

6th Thurs Regional Summer Sports

6th Thurs Cuppa & Conversation – Dietician 1.30pm

7th Fri Lunch Order Day

7th Fri Mass 9.30am – Gr3/4 A&B

10th Mon Italian Week

10th Mon Incursion – Italian Performance - Hall

12th Wed School Educ. Board Meeting

13th Thurs Italian Parade – 9.00am

14th Fri Mass 9.30am – Gr5/6 B&D

14th Fri Prep excursion to Inverloch

14th Fri Gr1/2 Learning Assembly 2.30pm

14th Fri P&F Shopping Tour

17th Mon Regional Cricket

19th Wed 2015 Sacrament Meeting - Parents

20th Thurs 2015 Prep Rotation – 9.30-11.00am

20th Thurs 2015 Prep Information 7.00pm

21st Fri Mass 9.30am – Gr1/2A&B

24th

Mon School Closure – Staff Maths PD

28th Fri Mass 9.30am – Gr1/2 C&D

DECEMBER

3rd

Wed Prep, Gr1/2 incursion at school

5th Fri End of Year Giving Mass – 9.30am

5th Fri Lunch Order Day

5th Fri P&F – School Disco

9th Tues Orientation Day – Prep & Year 7 -2015

10th Wed Grade 6 – Graduation Mass 6.00pm

12th Fri Mass 9.30am – Grade Prep

12th Fri School Fun Day

15th Mon Family Christmas Carols & Picnic

17th Wed Last Day for Students

19th Fri Last Day for Staff

Dates to Remember

School Playground

At St Michael’s we are very fortunate to have great adventure playgrounds for our students to use during the school day. Obviously students are always keen to try these out and test their ever developing physical skills. During the school day, any time students are permitted on these playgrounds it is a requirement that direct supervision is provided by a teacher. Some parents may wish for students to have some extra time on the playground between 3.20pm and 3.45pm. This is only possible if the parent is providing direct supervision at the playground with the child. All responsibility for the safe and appropriate use of the playground equipment at this time is placed on the supervising parent. No child is allowed on the play equipment without their parent right there with them. I ask all parents to please support us in this safety requirement. If students are using the equipment unsupervised we will need to ban all access after school.

Selection of Grades Policy This policy is attached to the newsletter and is an indication of the process that is applied to the development of grade structures and student placement in grades.

If you have a request for your child/children’s placement for the 2015 school year, please forward your information, in writing to myself, Principal, by no later than 7

th November 2014. Parent requests should be

based on individual student needs and not requests for preferred teachers. These will be forwarded onto staff for consideration when placing students. This process for staff begins in November. Therefore requests received after this date will not be considered.

As professionals, our staff use academic, behavioural and social issues to ensure there is an effective balance within grades and across a level to provide the optimum learning environment for your child and all students. Please be aware that your letters are not guarantees. As stated in our policy “Parent letters regarding factors to be considered are based on individual student needs and not requests for preferred teachers”. Our policy also states “Student placement in classes will be formed on the basis of providing a balance between the intellectual ability of children, their social development, gender, previous class and friendship groupings and any other known factors that may have an impact on the class grouping. Individual needs and a whole school perspective must be considered.” Staff will always consider that a student needs to be placed with a child in which they have a positive relationship. This does not always mean that it will be their best friend or friends.

SCHOOL FEE REMINDER Families paying school fees in four equal instalments should note that the final instalment was due on Friday 31st October. Fee statements detailing the amount outstanding were sent to all families at the beginning of term 4. All fees, except for those paying by direct debit, should now be paid in full. Payment of all outstanding fees is now required immediately. When making a payment, please ensure the correct reference number is used to enable allocation to the correct fee account. Any families wishing to discuss any aspect of their account should contact Mrs Maria Churton or alternatively make an appointment with Mrs Cathy Blackford.

LOTE WEEK 2014 St Michael’s School

From Monday 10th to Thursday 13th November St Michael’s School will celebrate our Italian language and culture program.

Throughout the week each class will participate in various activities.

Monday, 10th November – Incursion performance “Vacanze Romane” in the School Hall for all classes to attend.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday students will participate in Italian cooking activities.

Thursday, 13th November - students are asked to dress as an Italian character or simply wear clothes that are red/white/green (national colours of Italy).

- 9.00am – Italian Parade. We invite all family and friends to attend the Parade.

- 12.30 – 1.00pm: students offered a serving of Gelato (If any parents are able to help with serving Gelato from the Hall please contact Signora Filomena Massaro by Wednesday, 12th November.)

Look carefully at the staircase which is made up of railway sleepers. You will see that the staircase has 5 steps. Without actually drawing the staircase and counting each sleeper, find a way of working out how many sleepers are needed to make a 10 step staircase.

Education News

FAMILY MATHS

Answer for last week: Northam is 100 kilometres from Perth. Young Henry Heavyfoot drove from Perth to Northam at an

average speed of 100 km/hour. He cycled back at an average speed of 25 km/hour. What was his average speed for the whole journey? (The answer is not 62.5 km/hour.)

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL A reminder to all parents that if a student requires medication of any kind during school hours that we must hold written authorisation to enable us to administer the medication. An Authority to Administer Medication form is available at the office for completion and signing by parents/guardians. These forms are available on the school’s website under the Student Wellbeing tab, Medical Forms. The medication must not be kept by the student, it must be handed in at the office and be clearly labeled with the students name and the name of the medication.

St Michael’s Primary School, Traralgon

SELECTION OF GRADES POLICY

Rationale: At St Michael’s, children's learning is enhanced when classes are arranged with recognition of students varying abilities and behaviours and to optimise staff skills. A clearly defined, collaborative process for the placement of children into classes will lead to greater efficiency, increased understanding, and improved opportunities for learning.

Aims:

To provide each child with the opportunity to be part of a class of children that will allow them the optimum opportunity to learn.

To form well balanced classes of children that take into account the social, emotional, academic and physical characteristics of each child.

To ensure that optimum use is made of the existing knowledge that teachers, parents and others have of each child prior to class placement.

Implementation:

Expressions of interest will be sought from staff members via the Annual Review Meetings, as to possible grade teaching placements they would like to be considered for.

An ‘intention to return slip’ will be published in the school newsletter late term 3 early term 4 to inform enrolments for the following year.

The Principal will formally seek input regarding factors to consider in relation to the placement of a child within a grade via the newsletter at the beginning of term 4.

All parent factors to be considered must be directed to the Principal and placed in writing by the end of October. The factors to be considered must be based on individual student needs and not requests for preferred teachers. This written note indicating factors for consideration will help inform the process – it does not guarantee student placements.

These letters of input will be considered for the following year only.

The Principal will inform staff of parent input prior to the formation of classes.

Parent letters after this time will not be considered.

Under exceptional circumstances the Principal may reorganise classes throughout the year.

The principal, in consultation with the Consultative Committee, and all staff; and after considering the educational philosophies of the school, student numbers, and the effective balance of social, emotional, academic and physical needs will determine the number of classes, the type of class groupings and class sizes for the following year.

Class groupings will be formed depending upon the number of staff and school enrolments. The school will maximise the use of available rooms and staff to form class groupings.

These decisions will be based within Catholic Education Commission of Victoria awards and agreements as well as allocated staffing and funding arrangements as provided by the Catholic Education Office.

Student placement in classes will be formed on the basis of providing a balance between the intellectual ability of children, their social development, gender, previous class and friendship groupings and any other known factors that may have an impact on the class grouping. Individual needs and a whole school perspective must be considered.

The allocation of children and class compositions are ultimately the responsibility of the Principal and staff.

Staff members will not disclose the composition of proposed grade structures prior to any formal announcements.

Staff members will not disclose student’s placement in classes prior to any formal announcements.

Children who enrol at the school during the year will be temporarily allocated to classes, with the possible need to alter the placement once further information regarding the child is known.

Evaluation:

This policy will be reviewed as part St Michael’s five-year review

Ratification

This policy was last ratified by staff and the school board in 2011

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB Issue 8:

The last day for orders to be back at school is Thursday, 13th November 2014. If paying by credit card, follow the instructions on the receipt/order form. If paying by cheque, make cheques payable to ‘Scholastic Australia’. Place order form and payment in an envelope and return to your child’s class teacher, orders must be returned to the year level they were issued from.

from the Parents & Friends Association

Tea Towels Available

There are a limited number of tea towels for purchase in the office for $10 each. They have self portraits of the children and staff on them and look fantastic. This is the last chance to purchase them. Shopping Tour Tickets

Nicole Dunbar will be selling tickets on Wednesday 12th November from 8.30am in the staff room. If you cannot make it on that day feel free to label an envelope with your name, the number of tickets you would like to purchase and your child's name and class. Place the correct money inside ($20 per ticket) and tickets will then be sent home with your child. It would be much appreciated if groups could be organised by this date as I am unavailable to sell tickets on the day of the tour. Walkathon News

Thanks to the generosity of our families and friends the walkathon raised just under $6,700!!

The highest fundraising class was 1/2B with a total of $850.50 raised. Well done to 1/2B. Together with their teachers Mrs Rickwood and Mrs Spiteri they can choose a free activity the whole class can enjoy.

There were many impressive individual fundraisers. The highest fundraiser was Tacen Davidson with $187.00!

Congratulations to Tacen, he will receive a $50 gift voucher. Harrison Kus was runners up raising $150.00!

from the Community

St Michael’s Youth at Latitude 38-11-41 (St Michael’s Parish Youth Group for all young people in Year 5 to lower secondary

Friday 7th November 2014 Progressive Dinner

Walking dinner around Traralgon. Meet at Newman Park for BBQ tea 6.30pm,

walk to dessert venue & pick up from St Michaels Church, 8.30pm. Permission slip required

Cost: $3 for BBQ + money for dessert Phone Leah 0438 811 709 or Mel 0408 499 012 for more info

St Michael’s & St Gabriel’s Primary School

SHOPPING NIGHT When: Friday, 14th

November 2014

Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm (shopping time) Cost: $20 per head (includes supper afterwards at La Porchetta from 9pm onwards)

The evening will begin at Grow Master from 5:00 – 6:00pm for drinks, nibbles and shopping. Grow Master are offering a 25% discount on everything excluding bulk garden supplies and special offers. They offer a beautiful selection of Christmas decorations, bags, jewellery and scarves, homewares and of course plants. Groups of 8-10 will then proceed to the following participating stores (an itinerary will be provided at GrowMaster):

NEW ADDITION NEW ADDITION NEW ADDITION

Aussie Disposals up to 35% off: Shop here for all your camping, fishing and hunting goods. Including

LED Lenser torches, Leatherman multi-tools, hammock stands, sleep bags & swags.

The Shoeroom 20% discount: On all new season shoes. Tony Bianco handbags/wallets new range will be in store. Go on,

spoil yourself or perhaps that perfect Christmas gift!

Kitchen Cupboard 20% off storewide (excluding sale items & electrical): Homewares, cushions, Christmas decorations,

KitchenAid appliances, WillowTree - this is a store with everything!

Toyworld 20% off (excluding trampolines, swing sets & sale items): Get in early to avoid the Christmas rush. No further

discount on our already fantastic Lego prices!

The Feminine Touch Boutique 20% off storewide: Seafolly swimwear and a beautiful range of bras, briefs and sleepwear.

Sportsland 20% off storewide (excluding sale items): footwear, sporting apparel, swimwear and sporting accessories.

Jilly M 20% off fascinators and 25% off storewide: a recently established boutique selling jewellery, leather hand bags,

clothing and the largest range of evening bags in the valley.

Collins Booksellers/Traralgon Newsagency 10% off everything storewide (excluding Tattslotto and cigarettes): Apart

from books, CDs & DVDs, the newsagency now offers an exciting range of giftware, AFL memorabilia, Charlie Bears,

Darrel Le chocolates and liquorice.

Raue’s Leather 20% off storewide (excluding sale items): a huge range of luggage and handbags with professional service!

Miss Frou Frou 20% off storewide: this wonderfully eclectic store offers giftware, jewellery, body products, handbags,

kitchenware and much more!

Panthers Mensland 20% off storewide: Get in early to beat the Christmas rush and buy something for the men in your life!

Stockists of Gazman, Mossimo, Nautica and Ben Sherman plus a huge range of new season’s polo tops, shorts, shirts & jeans.

Milano Shoe Gallery 20% storewide: Where you will find your next favourite pair of shoes!

Treehouse Living, 14 Breed Street 20% off storewide (including new lay-by): Beautiful and unique homeware, gifts and

furniture as well as a gorgeous range of colourful Christmas Decorations. Much of the collection is exclusive to Gippsland

and there are so many gift ideas that it will make your Christmas shopping a pleasure. If you would like your items gift

wrapped, please come in prior to 14th November so your purchases will be ready for collection on the night.

Sugarbabies 20% off storewide (excluding sale items): Adorable baby and children’s clothes and baby gifts.

Select Music Systems Pty Ltd 25% off storewide: Music memorabilia, t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, beanies, miniature guitars,

music posters, statues, head phones, accessories and more!

Metroseven 20% off / 10% off sale items: Stockists of men’s and women’s fashion labels such as Wish, Politix, Bardot,

Mavi Jeans and much more.

Australia Post (discounts on the night): selling a range of books including children’s books & cook books, general giftware

and a variety of craft packs for all ages.

Latrobe Flowers 20% off storewide: products include giftware, candles, teddy bears, Gollies, Mor products, photo frames,

jewellery boxes, artificial flower arrangements & Christmas ornaments.

Party Cupcake 15% off storewide: Gippsland's home of speciality cakes and all things cakes, parties and events. Products

include party & cake supplies (cake tin hire is also available), edible images and giftware.

Guardian Pharmacy 15% storewide: A great range of giftware, handbags, jewellery, wallets, candles and more!

The Country Basket 15% storewide: Predominantly home and giftware including fragrance products (soy candles and

melts), wall art, handbags, throw rugs. 8 week lay by on offer and free Christmas wrapping.

We recommend you browse the shops in the weeks leading up to the shopping night and have your list ready as each

group will be on a strict timetable. Most of the businesses are happy to hold stock until pick up on the night.

Contact either Nicole Dunbar 0417 105 859 (St Michael’s) or Marilena Thorley 0439 897 185 (St Gabriel’s) to reserve

a place. Alternatively you can place your name on the list in the front office at school.