Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians, 

National Child Safety Week - 7th September to 13th September 

This week we celebrate National Child Safety week across the Diocese of Sale. This year, the focus is on moving beyond conversations to concrete actions that prevent harm and instead, focussing on strengthening support systems, and empowering communities to actively protect children.

By shifting from conversation to action, every child not only feels heard but also experiences real safety, care, and protection. 

Bishop Greg shares this message with you all:  https://www.ceosale.catholic.edu.au/child-safety/child-safety-week-2025

Congratulations 

Tonight we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for 27 Year 3 students. We wish them all the very best as they take the next step in their journey of faith. 

Tomorrow our Year 4 children head off to school camp at Coonawarra Farm Resort.  We look forward to hearing about the fun they are having and the wonderful experiences they will share. A big thank you to our teachers who are also attending and taking time to ensure our students have the best camp experience possible. A reminder that the Year 4 children and staff will have a rest day on Friday 12th September. 

Class requests for 2026 

This is the time of year when we begin the process of planning our class lists for the 2026 school year. Whilst this is an onerous and time-consuming task, we are blessed to have such a knowledgeable staff who are aware of each student’s individual needs and work collaboratively to make professional judgements in relation to class planning and student placement.

When deciding our individual class structures, a number of factors are taken into account, which include:

• Student’s social, emotional, academic and physical development
• Student’s cognitive development
• Student relationships
• Family dynamics, eg sibling placement
• Teacher knowledge, skill and expertise
• Enrolment numbers at the various levels
• Practical resources, such as space

If your child has a particular social or emotional  need or there is important information that we should be aware of when considering class placement for the 2026 school year, we ask that parents put this information in writing and submit it via email to principal@stmtraralgon.catholic.edu.au

It is important that your child’s personal needs request be submitted each year as individual circumstances change. We will not be referring to requests made for years previous.  All requests are specifically about your child’s social and emotional needs.  It is not an opportunity to provide requests for particular class structures or teachers. Requests for teachers will not be taken. 

A huge amount of time and effort goes into creating class lists by classroom teachers and the wider leadership group. We ask that parents trust the decisions made by teachers and please recognise that we also have a view on what works well for your child socially, emotionally and academically. Once class lists have been finalised, and reports sent out, changes are not made to grades, as this sets a precedent that cannot be maintained by the school. 

All requests must be received by the close of business on Friday 19th September; no further requests will be taken after this date. 

Hot Dog Day and Footy Day  - Thursday 18th September 

On Thursday 18th September we encourage all staff and students to wear footy colours to school to celebrate the end of term. At 2pm, we invite parents and carers into the school yard to join us for the parade and longest kick competition. Families please be advised that it is school policy that students do not use face paint or coloured hairspray on dress up days. 

Important Dates 

16th September - Latrobe Valley Division Athletics 

17th September - State Netball 

18th September - Footy Day 

19th September - Last Day of Term - school finishes at 1pm 

Kind regards 

Lia DiCorleto 

I set high expectations of what I can achieve.

I work hard and always try my best.

I reflect on my own learning and how I can improve.

I can receive and act on feedback.

John 3: 13 - 17

Today we concentrate on the power of the cross in our lives. It is the ultimate demonstration of the nature of God. Christ gave of himself even to death on the cross. This is characteristic, not only of the man Jesus, but of the Godhead. Creation is the first example of divine emptying; redemption is the ultimate example. Unlike Good Friday when we stand before the stark cross and mourn the death of our innocent messiah, today we stand before the glorious cross and praise God for God’s incomprehensible goodness toward us. God’s graciousness is poured out indiscriminately, prodigally as only profound love can be given. Such is the nature of our God, and the cross is the symbol of this nature.

Jesus compares the pole in the wilderness on which was fixed the serpent to the cross which becomes the source of our healing. It was through the cross that Jesus conquered sin and death and won for us access to God. It is through the cross that we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ. As painful as life’s crosses may be, they serve to transform us. It can be our hope in the midst of pain and suffering and brokenness, because it promises to carry us into new life.

Through the goodness of God, which has been poured out for us, we have been granted eternal life. It is incomprehensible to think that death is the way to life, but that is the message of this feast. The cross, which is a sign of shame and misery, is now a symbol of glory and exaltation.

REMINDER: Please return the Latrobe City Libraries Membership Applications by Friday 19th September. Students will begin to use the Traralgon Library next term and will require a library pass to do so.

The 2025 country of focus is Zambia. Zambia, a country of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, lies in the heart of southern Africa. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the wildlife-filled plains and warm-hearted people, Zambia is a land of beauty and resilience. Despite its natural wealth and strong spirit, many families face daily challenges, especially in rural areas. Today, one of the most urgent issues is the severe hunger crisis that threatens the wellbeing of millions. 

The Mini Vinnies mission team lead the students at St Michael’s as we became the hands and feet of Jesus in our school, raising awareness and working to make a difference in the lives of those in Zambia. Our first fundraising event for Socktober is a Colouring Competition and Guess the lollies in the jar. For 50c the students are able to enter the colouring competition, choosing an entry to colour. The students might also like to guess the number of lollies in the jar for 50c a guess. The  Mini Vinnies will visit the classrooms each day until the end of the term. Winners will be announced at the beginning of term 4.

We offer hot lunches weekly on a Monday with Munch Lunch. They are a local company that offer a variety of lunch items. 

Ordering is simple, download the Spriggy Schools app via your App Store or Google Play store, select St Michael's School,  add your children and their class to the app and place your order!  Lunches will then be delivered to school. Orders need to be placed by 9:00am on the day. You can pre order lunches 2 weeks in advance.

Contact: Munch Lunch 0459 220 445 or hello.munch.lunch@gmail.com