From the Principal Dear Parents

Mother’s Day Liturgy

Tomorrow our Mother’s Day Liturgy will take place in the church commencing at 10.15 am followed by morning tea provided by the

P&F Committee and volunteers. All mothers and grandmothers are most welcome to attend. We wish all mothers a very happy

Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 May.

Attendance

Whether absences are excused or unexcused, research shows that they hurt student achievement more than parents might guess. Students with a history of poor attendance are more likely struggle at school and tend to fall behind their peers in reading. By middle and high school, they also are more likely to fail courses. It’s no surprise that missing a lot of school hurts achievement. But new research shows that even just one or two absences a month make a big difference.

Uniform

The children return to school on Monday 15 May in their full winter uniform. As you would know we have a new pale blue sports tracksuit. This new sport tracksuit has a transition period of 18 months. Therefore if the old navy track pants and navy school jacket fit your child, they may wear them for the next 18 months. However, the new pale blue track suit must be worn as a complete set. There is also a new long sleeve polo shirt that can be worn in winter. In brief, the complete old sports uniform or the complete new track suit. Thank you for your support.

Serving a healthy family media diet

Many parents struggle with exactly how much screen time is okay for their children. Is a half-hour TV show okay but a full-length movie bad? How much gaming should you allow when your children also use their computer for homework? Does Wikipedia count as reading? And when does a passion for, say, video games become problematic? The truth is, there is no magic formula. And just as every family differs in what they eat, when they eat and what they like, a healthy media diet is different for every family. The key is making sure that the things that are important to your family are fairly balanced over the long term.

A healthy media diet balances activities (games, social media, TV), time (Fifteen minutes? Three hours?) and choices (YouTube, Minecraft, “Star Wars”) with offline activities (sports, face-to-face conversations, hobbies).

Find balance. Instead of counting daily screen-time minutes, aim for a balance throughout the week. Help your children

plan a week that includes things they have to do and things they like to do, such as schoolwork, activities, chores, reading, family time and TV or gaming. Decide on limits and behaviour using a family media agreement.

Walk the walk. Put your own devices away while driving, at mealtimes and during important conversations. Children learn

habits from the adults around them.

Talk about it. Ask questions about their favourite games, shows and characters. Discuss ideas and issues they read about

or learn about through a TV show or a game. This is an opportunity for bonding, learning and sharing your values.

Create tech-free zones. Set rules that fit your family, such as no devices during dinner, no social media during

homework or all screens off before bedtime. Some families have a central spot for charging and all devices must remain there after bedtime.

Check ratings. Choose age-appropriate, high-quality media and technology for your children.

Reflection

Jan Chrouchin, a Baptist Minister, has these thoughts to share in her “Mother’s Day Creed”

“I Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who was born of the promise to a virgin named Mary.

I believe in the love Mary gave her Son that caused her too follow him in his ministry and stand by his cross as he died.

I believe in the love of all mothers and its importance in the lives of the children they bear.

It is stronger than steel, softer than down, and more resilient than a green sapling on a hillside.

It closes wounds, melts disappointments, and enables the weakest child to stand tall in the fields of adversity.

Thank God for mothers and thank mothers for helping us to understand an all-loving God.”

Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Grandmother’s Day

St Michael’s Primary School

3–5 Chapel Lane, Tel: 9639 0518 Fax: 9639 6734

Baulkham Hills Email: stmichaelsbhills@parra.catholic.edu.au

Issue 7 Term 2 Week 3 Thursday 11 May 2017

Prayers

Please keep in your prayers the Kelly family (James 2 Blue and Olivia 5 Yellow) on the passing of their paternal grandfather recently.

Eternal rest grant to him, Lord. Let your perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

We also pray for those in our community who may be unwell at this time.

2018 ENROLMENTS

We are currently contacting families who have submitted an

enrolment application for 2018. Families who have

submitted their application will receive a phone call by

Friday 17 May to organise an appointment for you and your

child to attend an interview at the school during May-July.

Enrolment applications are still being taken for 2018. We

would ask that families with siblings who will be attending

the school in 2018, please submit their applications during

the enrolment period.

Enrolment at St Michael’s Primary Catholic School includes your return of the Enrolment Application with supporting documentation including copies of the following:

Passport-sized photo of your child (original)

Birth Certificate*

Baptism Certificate*

Immunisation History Statement* (visit

www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or call 1800 653 809 and request your statement)

Passport with visa* (if not Australian Citizens).

Please note:

Originals of all documents must be sighted at the interview or upon lodgement of the Enrolment Application via the school office.

It is essential that both parents/guardians sign the different sections of the Enrolment Application.

For further enquiries please contact the school office

on 9639 0518.

Religious Education

May is the month of Mary

May is traditionally the month of Mary. Mary is our spiritual mother.

Mary has many names: Queen of Peace, Star of the Sea, Mother

of God, Our Lady help of Christians, Mary, a woman of Faith—

these are just some of them. No matter her name, she is always

ready to intercede on our behalf. What loving son can refuse his

mother’s requests? Knowing that, we should feel confident to bring

our petitions to Mary, knowing that she will make the requests to

her Son, Jesus.

This month, some classes are reciting a decade of the Rosary each

day, because Mary has asked us to pray the Rosary to bring us to

true peace.

“Oh Mary, we ask to pray for us.”

Enrolment Mass Ceremonies for Sacrament of Penance/

Reconciliation 2017

As the first step in your child’s preparation for the Sacrament of

Reconciliation, enrolment ceremonies will be held on Saturday

13 May 13 at 5.30 pm and Sunday 14 May at 8 am, 10 am and

6 pm. During this time, the Community will welcome the children

and pray for them and their families during this special preparation

period plus receiving Father’s blessings. For further queries please

contact Jenny Hayek on 9639 0598.

Mrs Maureen Gleeson, Assistant Religious Education Co-ordinator

Social Skills and Mantras Program.

Week 4: Being positive

People with a positive approach to life. Positive tracking:

Looking for the good things is a way to succeed.

Week 5: Giving and receiving compliments

Good mates look for the good things about others.

Contact details If you change your contact details such as telephone numbers,

address and/or email address, please contact the office to let us

know so that we have your most recent details in our database.

This can be done by emailing the school office at

stmichaelsbhills@parra.catholic.edu.au or calling 9639 0518.

Newsflash!!!!

2017 School Fundraiser!

“Logophile Day”

Week 6. Wednesday 31 May. Starting at 11.30am.

[“Logophile?”

What will happen on a “Logophile Day”? Dictionary.com gives clues

‘Logophile’ – noun; a word lover or word buff

Word Origin

Greek logos 'speech' + -phile 'friend, lover']

Look out for Donation Cards that will be brought home by your child/ren soon.

All money raised will be spent to purchase resources to

support students learning in their classrooms:

Literacy, Technology, History and Geography

Afternoon pick up—Slow & Go

We have once again been contacted regarding parents blocking the

driveways of residents in Chapel Lane, particularly across the villa

driveway.

Please ensure that you do not block the driveway of residents’

homes.

We have been advised that this area will be under surveillance and

fines apply.

School Fees School fees have been sent out to families for Term 2. If

you have not received your school fee statement or if you

have any questions you need to ask, please contact Tanya

Eastaway, Finance Officer on 9639 0518.

Back path Please ensure that you walk to the back path to collect your

children in the afternoon, particularly children in the younger

grades.

Children in younger grades without a sibling need to be col-

lected by their parents at the back gate. Any child not picked

up by a parent is brought back to Slow and Go.

For the consideration of our neighbours, please move

out of the area as soon as possible and ensure that your

children are not running through lawns or playing in the

creek area. Please be mindful of the cars that are moving in

and out of this area and the supervision of your children to

ensure their safety at all times.

Book club orders - final date Thursday 11 May

Book Club orders close today. No late orders can be ac-

cepted as the order will go through this evening. Thank you.

Calendar Dates WEEK 3

Fri 12 May Mother’s Day Non Eucharistic Liturgy 10.15 am

WEEK 4

Mon 15 May—Fri 19 May

Years 1-6 Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences

Mon 15 May All students to be wearing Winter Uniform

Tue 16 May 5 Blue & 5 Yellow Parish Mass 9.15 am

Wed 17 May 1 Blue & 1 Green Parish Mass 9.15 am

Thu 18 May 5 Green & 5 Red Parish Mass 9.15 am

Fri 19 May School assembly 8.50 am—Prayer 4 Red

Year 6 Eucharistic Liturgy 10.15 am

MacKillop Touch Football Trial

WEEK 5

Mon 22 May Yr 5 Red CARES Excursion

Tue 23 May Yr 5 Yellow CARES Excursion

2 Green & 2 Red Parish Mass 9.15 am

Wed 24 May Yr 5 Green CARES Excursion

3 Green & 3 Red Parish Mass 9.15 am

Yr 4 Reconciliation

P&F General Meeting 7.30 pm

Thu 25 May Stage 3 Girls Soccer Gala Day

Yr 4 Blue CARES Excursion

2 Blue & 2 Yellow Parish Mass 9.15 am

Fri 26 May School assembly 8.50 am—Prayer 3 Red

WEEK 6

Tue 30 May ICAS Science Competition

1 Red & 1 Yellow Parish Mass 9.15 am

Wed 31 May “Logofile” day

Thu 1 Jun K Blue & K Yellow Parish Mass 9.15 am

P&F Second-hand uniform sale 2.30 pm HALL

Fri 2 Jun School assembly 8.50 am—Prayer 2 Red

Peer support

Calendar Dates—2017

Term 2—Monday 24 April to Friday, 30 June 

Monday 24 April—Staff Development Day—Pupil free 

Tuesday 25 April Anzac Day Public Holiday 

Wednesday 26 April—Students Resume for Term 2 

Term 3—Monday, 17 July to Friday, 22 September 

Term 4—Monday, 9 October to Tuesday, 19 December 

Friday 15 December Students Finish for 2017 

Monday 18‐Tuesday 19 December—Staff Development Days—Pupil free 

Music News The children from 2 Green and 2 Blue will be performing a

song they have learnt in music lessons at the Week 4

assembly. (Friday 19 May)

Mrs Lyndall Parker, Music Teacher

Year 6 Jellybean Guessing Competition Congratulations to Isabella Clement who won the Year 6

Jellybean guessing competition. There were 667 jellybeans

in the jar and Isabella was the closest guess at 657.

Thank you to all the children and families who participated.

Year 6 Formal Committee

Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences Years 1-6 These conferences begin next Monday 15 May until Friday

19 May.

It is very important that every parent attends the conference

with their child. If you have not made a conference interview

time on the online booking system, please do so as soon as

possible as the bookings close tomorrow evening Friday

12 May 2017. Booking details are attached to this

newsletter.

Star corner Over the Easter long weekend, Cooper Crawford, Mitchell Essex (both in Year 4) and Ashton Crawford (Year 2) competed for Cumberland Nepean in the NSW U/11 T-ball Championships. All boys played exceptionally well, with the team coming 5

th overall.

They all received a trophy from St Michael's Softball Club

at the recent presentation night in recognition of their rep-

resentative efforts. At the same presentation, Cooper was

also awarded the T-Ball Encouragement Award and a

medal recognizing his 5 years of service to the Club – the

youngest player to ever achieve this milestone.

Complaints and grievances

Parents must not to approach other children if there has been an issue at school. School issues should always be left to

the school to manage. Having a parent approach another parent’s child can be very intimidating and detrimental to the

child. We remind parents of the procedure for dealing with complaints and grievances below.

We also take this opportunity to remind parents that children are not to bring items that are valuable to the children to school

(such as ooshies, toys, popular cards). There is always a risk when bringing these items to school that they could be lost,

damaged or taken by someone. If children bring items valuable to them to school, the school can only go so far in terms of trying

to find items that are lost or stolen. It is in the best interests of the child not to bring these valuable items to school. It is each

child’s responsibility to look after their own items.

Complaints and Grievances Policy At St Michael’s Primary School, Baulkham Hills, the dignity of each individual is valued and the rights and beliefs of all members of the community are respected. St Michael’s follows the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Complaint

Handling Policy and Procedures which is available from the school office and on the school website.

However, from time to time concerns may arise between different groups within the school community. At St Michael’s

we aim to attempt resolution as soon as any concerns arise.

Procedural Fairness

We endeavour to ensure that our student behaviour procedures and strategies allow for procedural fairness. We believe that

procedural fairness is a basic right of all when dealing with school authorities. We apply the “right to an unbiased decision” and

the “hearing rule”.

The “right to an unbiased decision” includes the right to:

impartiality in an investigation and decision making

an absence of bias by a decision-maker

The “hearing rule” includes the right of the student against whom an allegation has been made to:

know the allegations related to a specific matter and any other information which will be taken into account in

considering the matter

know the process by which the matter will be considered

respond to the allegations

know how to repair relationships and to “make things right”

know how to seek a review of the decision made in response to the allegations.

In order to ensure procedural fairness, school staff need to be allowed to investigate and respond to matters in an appropriate manner. Parents must always communicate directly with the staff of the school when they have concerns about student behaviour, rather than approach individual students or parents with their concerns

Parents

Complaints or grievances pertaining to classroom issues or that relate to other children are to be dealt with by school personnel. It is not appropriate for parents to approach other children or other parents while on school premises to resolve issues.

The recommended procedure to be followed by parents is:

The first point of contact is the child’s class teacher. An appointment with the teacher should be made via the

school office or directly with the teacher.

If parents are not satisfied with the solutions offered or believe they have not been given a fair hearing, they are

encouraged to make an appointment with either the Principal or Assistant Principal, to discuss the issue further.

Parents are reminded that there are always two sides to every story and while it is important to listen to their own

child, it is also just as important not to draw conclusions or make accusations until all the facts are known.

Parents may also contact Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) for further discussion.

All parties should aim to work towards a mutually agreeable solution to the grievance.

Students

The recommended procedure for students who have complaints or grievances is:

If and when issues arise in the classroom, students are encouraged to speak to the class teacher in order to seek

assistance in finding a resolution.

Students encountering problems on the playground are asked to talk to the staff member on duty, who will then if

necessary refer it to the class teacher or one of the school’s Leadership team.

Students may also speak to any other staff member regarding any issues.

Appeal A person who is not satisfied the matter has been resolved appropriately may choose to appeal to the Principal of the school if the Principal has not been involved in investigating or examining the complaint, or is not the person named as the source of the grievance / complaint.

Alternatively an appeal may be made to the Head of School Services for the school who may be contacted at the CEDP.

Term 1 Week 11 KQ BLUE Violet Duncan

KvG GREEN Martina Beaux

KR RED Lilla Van Ross

KRT YELLOW Maddison Longhurst

1HS BLUE Lily Bamford

1S GREEN Ava Kalal

1G RED Nicholas Manolas

1F YELLOW Bianca D'Souza

2R BLUE Charlotte Ursino

2J GREEN Lillian Sukkar

2P RED Genevieve Bowles

2L YELLOW Emily Ryan

3B BLUE Zara Khouri

3H GREEN Gabi Pittas

3C RED Anthony Ayoub

3RC YELLOW Jackson Roberts

4BM BLUE Anamaria Simcic

4G GREEN Ryan Sayers

4P RED Cristina Hurtado

4I YELLOW Caylee Stevens

5K BLUE Audrey Velez

5J GREEN Kate Kennedy

5M RED Caelan Kustreba

5OD YELLOW Keira Mirosevic

6F BLUE Christian Zabaneh

6B GREEN Harrington Thomas

6R RED Angus Lewis

6M YELLOW Owen NowakAllcorn

Term 2Week 2 KQ BLUE Peter Baszczyj

KvG GREEN Boris Jeloudev

KR RED Koby Gwynne

KRT YELLOW Lucas Wale

1HS BLUE Jackson Sordo

1S GREEN Christopher Scott

1G RED Sebastian Farias

1F YELLOW Max Hall

2R BLUE Jessica MacKay

2J GREEN Luca Scotland

2P RED Brooklyn Calma

2L YELLOW Watson Smith

3B BLUE Alessio Schiavone

3H GREEN Jazelle Alexander

3C RED Mia Giffney

3RC YELLOW Isaac Thomas

4BM BLUE Travis Cupo

4G GREEN Luca Pagliarini

4P RED Matthew Mackay

4I YELLOW Tobias Butterfield

5K BLUE Jinu Jang

5J GREEN Ashley Jay

5M RED Sebastian Charon

5OD YELLOW Ben Boxshall

6F BLUE Ethan Garcia

6B GREEN Rachel Wong

6R RED Brayden Barton

6M YELLOW Taylor Khoury

Sport Taine Katalinic

Assembly Awards—Presented 3 May 2017

Student of the Week

SPORT

Congratulations to the following students who

finished in the top 10 at the Diocesan Cross

country. Students who finished in the top 8

will now represent Parramatta at the Mackil-

lop Cross Country later in the year.

7th 8/9 Boys 2000m Patrick Johns

6th 8/9 Girls 2000m Lauren Nada

2nd 10 Boys 2000m Riley Nolan

4th 10 Girls 2000m Elizabeth Harvie

6th 11 Boys 3000m Javier House

10th 11 Girls 3000m Kaitlyn Nada

7th 12/13 Boys 3000m Oscar Van Zoggel

8th 12/13 Boys 3000m Dylan Brettle

Well done to Dylan Brettle who has been se-

lected to represent St Michael’s in the Mackil-

lop Rugby League team. Dylan will now travel

to Salamander Bay in June to compete for

Mackillop in the NSW PSSA carnival.

Steve Kovelis, Sports Teacher

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Younger Widowed Support Group

VENUE: 38 Prince St, Blacktown (CNR First Ave)

DATE: 3rd Tuesday of each Month (Feb –Dec) TIME: 7.00pm – 9.00pm COST: $5.00

CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES

Solo Parent Services

Has your spouse or partner died and are you searching for someone who understands the enormity of

your loss and the impact this is having on your life and your

children? Do you long to connect with others

who have experienced a similar loss?

Are you unsure of how to assist your children through their grief?

Would you like support as you deal with your changed circumstances?

REGISTRATION

Solo Parent Services PHONE: Rita – 8822 2222

EMAIL: soloparentservices@ccss.org.au

News from 5OD Yellow

Term .

Marriage breakdown is usually a traumatic

experience for all concerned.

The Church reaches out in support of

those whose marriage has broken down,

while upholding the permanence of a true

Christian marriage.

Many separated and divorced people and

their families wonder about their status

within the Catholic Church, and begin to

ask such questions as ...

What is the basis for an annulment?

How does an annulment differ from a

divorce?

How long does it take?

Are children of a marriage declared null

considered illegitimate?

On this Information Night you will have the

opportunity to have these and other such

questions clearly answered.

Date: Tuesday 23rd May 2017

Time: 7pm –9pm

Venue: CCSS, 38 Prince St, Blacktown (cnr First Ave)

Cost: $7.00

Seminar Understanding the Process of Annulment of Marriage within the Catholic Church

CCSS PARRAMATTA DIOCESE SOLO PARENT SERVICES - CATHOLIC TRIBUNAL OFFICE

PRESENTERS

Catholic Tribunal Office

Parramatta

REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL

Contact Rita

Solo Parent Services

Ph. 8822 2222

or

soloparentservices@ccss.

org.au

St Michael's Primary School 3 – 5 Chapel Lane

BAULKHAM HILLS NSW 2153

Tel: 9639 0518 Fax: 9639 6734

When you click finish, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically - check your junk mail folder if you do not receive your email immediately. You can return to www.schoolinterviews.com.au at any time, and change your interviews - until bookings close.

Dear Parents Parent/Teacher/Student interviews will be held for Year 1 to Year 6 in Week 4 from Monday 15 May to Friday 19 May 2017. You can now book interviews at times that suit YOUR FAMILY BEST. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and follow these simple instructions. BOOKINGS OPEN ON MONDAY 1 MAY AND CLOSE ON FRIDAY 12 MAY.

.

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Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au Enter THIS school event code. Then follow the 3 simple steps.

BOOKINGS OPEN ON MONDAY 1 MAY SO THAT ALL FAMILIES MAY BOOK AT THE SAME TIME Interviews are strictly 10 mins. If you require more time, please contact your teacher directly to make alternative arrangements. Parents can change their interview bookings, any time prior to the closing date, by re-visiting the www.schoolinterviews.com.au website, and using the event code. Parents wishing to change their interview times after the closing date, should contact the school directly on: 9639 0518. We would love to hear what you think about online booking. If you get time, click on the “contact us” button on the www.schoolinterviews.com.au website, and leave some feedback. Please remember to include the school’s name and suburb.

ENROL NOW FOR 2018

BEFORE SCHOOL CARE AFTER SCHOOL CARE

VACATION CARE

OPERATING HOURS

BSC 7:00 – 8:30AM

ASC 3:10 – 6:30PM

VAC 7:15AM – 6:15PM

FEES

BSC $11.50 per child

ASC $20.50 per child

VAC from $55 - $70 per day

TO ENROL

www.stmichaelsoosh.org.au

CONTACT

Alison Nicolson – Director

0499 993 489

admin@stmichaelsoosh.org.au

ENROLMENTS CLOSE 1st JULY 2017

Families will receive Confirmation of Care by early October once re-enrolments for current

children in care have been completed.

Please note that places are limited and we recommend placing your child on waiting

lists at other centres that service St Michaels Primary School.

St Michael’s OOSH provides quality Before and After School Care and Vacation Care to families with school

aged children attending St Michael’s Primary School and has been operating since 1993.

We can cater for up to 85 children per morning session and 135 children per afternoon session.

We recently completed our Assessment and Rating through the Department of Education and Communities, receiving

Meeting National Quality Standards in all areas.

This Newsletter is available for viewing on our website: www.stmichaelsbhills.catholic.edu.au

Catherine McAuley Westmead

Enrolments for Year 7 2019

There are three Open Mornings specifically for Year 7 2019 enrolments to be held on:

Tuesday 16th May, Wednesday 18th October and Monday 6th November 2017

9.15 – 11am

Catherine McAuley is now accepting enrolments for Year 7 2019. Each year the demand for places at Catherine McAuley exceeds what is available. Join us on one of our upcom-ing school tours especially for Year 7 2019 applicants but open to any year group.

These mornings will give interested parents and students the opportunity to tour our school on a normal school day. You will be able to view our school grounds and facilities, go into classrooms and meet our students and teachers. Enrolment packs will be available on the day.

To book places for a school tour on one of these tour mornings please contact our School Reception on 9849 9100.