Dear St Michael’s College Community,

Welcome

Welcome to the 2022 school year. A special welcome to our new students, their families, and to new staff who are joining us at St Michael’s College.

Whilst having a hybrid model of education is not the ideal start to the year, I know all staff have been working hard to ensure the teaching and learning, whether it be online or face to face, has been well planned and engaging.

I had the pleasure of meeting with all of our Year 12 students in their pastoral classes on Wednesday morning and chatted to them about the excitement, challenges, concerns and highlights that come with their final year at school. We all know it is an important year but I reinforced the benefits of having a plan and supporting one another early in the year. Understanding and being across the Year 12 workload is essential, as is being aware of our wellbeing through positive connections and healthy choices.

Communication

Families would have already received much communication from the College in relation to ‘back to school’ and COVID-19 information. Please communicate with your son’s or daughters’ teachers, or our Administration staff, if you are unsure or have any concerns.  This will ensure a smooth start to the year.

Reception Students

There was excitement, nerves and lots of smiles as we saw 95 Receptions begin their First Day of School for 2022. Amongst all the changes, our Receptions have done a wonderful job at transitioning to school life and are already showing so much independence. They have enjoyed meeting new friends, learning routines, hunting for a special rainbow fish on our school tour, and of course playing at recess and lunch. We look forward to watching them grow and learn as we journey with them through 2022.

Year 7 Students:  A students’ perspective

Our first day in a Secondary school setting was absolutely fantastic! Meeting new students was a highlight, as we learnt a bit about each other in order to start building a strong Community. Finding out our Pastoral Class and engaging in different classroom activities was fun, meeting our new teachers was great and getting to know the school yard was also exciting.

The first day was a little overwhelming and challenging, but we all got through it together with the great support available at the College. Receiving our laptops and ‘bringing them to life’ in our PC Classes was an awesome bonus too.

All Year 7 PC classes are looking forward to an adventurous and positive year in 2022!

Kyla Broadbent 7GPC-5 and Emmanuel Thessalonikeous 7BPC-2

Mission and Vision

The College’s Mission and Vision has been well publicised by our previous Principal, Mr John Foley, over his 8 year tenure. He eloquently described to students and families at the 2021 Graduation Mass the established linked between the College’s Mission (Community, Challenge, Choice) and our Lasallian heritage.

In 2022 the College will pay particular attention to Challenge, a word we would all be very familiar with over the past couple of years. Our descriptor states, ‘Individual growth is achieved through engagement, opportunity and recognition, underpinned by a positive learning culture that is authentic, challenging and supportive.’

To achieve this ideal we need to all work in respectful partnership; allowing our students to engage in their learning, support their wellbeing, and connect in other ways including through the co-curricular program. When our students fully immerse themselves into all aspects of the College life, they will appreciate what the St Michael’s community offers. Let’s make this our challenge to all of our students entrusted to our care.

Kind regards,

Damian Patton
Acting Principal