Phone: 9707 1600
Fax: 9796 1902
16 Scanlan Street, Berwick, Vic, 3806
P.O. Box 424, Berwick, Vic, 3806
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Phone: 9707 1600 |
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Fax: 9796 1902 |
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16 Scanlan Street, Berwick, Vic, 3806 |
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P.O. Box 424, Berwick, Vic, 3806 |
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Student Activities |
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| The students at St Michael's School are keen to share their creativity and discoveries with you. This page is dedicated to their efforts: Rememberance Day 2008 <new pic> Budding Authors <new pic> St Michael's Farewells Portables National Simultaneous Reading Day Martin Williams Visits Grade 4 McKenna Boys Cancer Fundraiser Ron Cox Memorial Reading Award
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Rememberance Day 2008The St Michael's School community gathered on Rememberance Day to honour all service men and women who have fought in past wars and who are working in war torn countries today. We all remember those we knew and those we didn't ... Lest we forget.
Pictured: St Michael's students gather around the school memorial to remember those who served Australia at war.
Budding AuthorsSt Michael's latest budding writers Aisha Scutt and Lachlan Daniell are proud of their published work. Lachlan, 4B writes poetry in his spare time and loves reading. He likes to write poetry about special occasions and his published poem is a Mothers Day poem about his mum. Lachlan has a special leather bound book he writes his poetry in. He hopes to be an Olympic athelete one day and write about his experiences. Aisha, 6K saw the opportunity to have her work published and "had a go". Aisha feels her writing has improved as a result of working on her entry. Her poem is about Winter. Aisha loves performing arts and would like to write scripts in the future. She advises anyone interested in writing to, "Have a go and see what they come up with. Picture: Lachlan Daniell proudly displays the book, BEE CRE8TIVE, in which their work is published.
Hoop Time Finals 2008The Grade 6 Boys & Girls, who won their way through to the semi finals, competed on Thursday at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium. Both teams represented St Michael's School with distinction, and competed to the best of their ability. The Boys finished up with two wins and two losses, and showed great skill, while playing as a team. Several of the boys play Domestic Basketball together and you could see that understanding holding them in good stead throughout their games. The Girls had one win from four games, and showed progressive improvement through the tournament. By the last game, each girl was able to demonstrate individual commitment and dedication to their teammates. Well done to both teams
Sports StarsHayden Trezise and Jeffrey Fitzsimons of St Michael's School in Berwick both deserve to be congratulated. Grade six student, Hayden has been selected to play in the VPSSA Victorian softball team and Grade five student Jeffrey Fitzsimons has been selected in the Australian Junior Ski Squad. Both boys have worked hard to achieve an excellent standard in their chosen sport. Hayden has played softball for six years. He is an all-rounder including one of five pitchers. Hayden is excited to be competing in the national competition at the Olympic Softball venue in Blacktown, Sydney on the 24th November. Hayden is following proudly in his father's footsteps who played for the Victorian team in the Under 16 and Under 19 divisions. Hayden says practice, hard work and commitment have been the important contributions to his achievements so far. Jeffrey is one of only five people in Victoria who has been chosen for the intense coaching and will be working to improve skills so he will be competitive in his new Under 14's division. Jeffrey hopes to be selected for the Aussie Kiwi challenge which will run in Stoney Park NSW early in 2009.
Pictured: L: Jeffrey Fitzsimons and R: Hayden Trezise congratulate one another on their achievements.
GymbusSt Michael's middle school are enjoying their Gymbus program for term three. The program runs for ten weeks and assists in the development of fitness, balance, coordination, strength, gymnastics skills and general well-being. Jim and "Buzz" (pictured) are running a Bootcamp Army Instructors Program. It starts with light exercises and builds up slowly over the ten weeks.
Jewellery FundraiserWhen St Michael's Student Keara Vincent heard the story of a very ill little girl and her need for a Seizure Alert Assistance dog, it touched her heart. A fundraiser was being conducted at her mum's work and Keara and her friend Victoria Gerrard saw an immediate opportunity to contribute to funds already raised to help. Keara heard the story of a small girl, Tara O'Connell, who suffers from Williams Syndrome and has as many as 80 epileptic fits per day. The Seizure Alert Assistance dog is specially trained to sense the onset of the fits and warn Tara's carer so she is made safe for the duration. This will allow Tara to live a more independent life and give her parents peace of mind. These highly trained dogs cost $30,000 each to train and members of the community are working to make this a reality for her family. Keara and Victoria are running a two week fundraiser at St Michael's selling hand made jewellery. Keara's proud mum, Bev said, "The girls have worked all weekend making items of jewellery to sell at school. They are thoughtful and caring girls and it's lovely to see them contributing in such a way to another person in the community."
Book Week 2008Students and teachers at St Michael's school celebrated Bookweek this week with reading and art activities. The theme of the week, "Fuel Your Mind", inspired reluctant and dedicated readers alike to pick up a book and enjoy the world of reading. Students were divided into multi aged groups and after enjoying a favourite picture book read by the teacher, completed an art activity relevant to the story. By the end of the day every child proudly displayed works of art. Librarian, Mrs Rosie Brinkman said, "The children not only enjoy the bookweek celebrations but the opportunity to work in multi aged groups. Bookweek is another way to help switch them on to reading."
Asia DayGrades 6D and 6K at St Michael's have been working all of Term 3 on Asia studies, developing projects and other learnings on Asia. This was brought to a finale on Thursday, 26 June when the students had the opportunity to dress up in costumes from all over Asia. As part of this special day, other classes visited the Grade 6s to be entertained with shadow puppets and other Asian specialties. Pictured below is Grade 6K on the left, and Grade 6K on the right:
St Michael's Farewells PortablesThere was much excitement at St Michael's School in Berwick on Tuesday morning as the current portable classrooms were removed and loaded onto trucks destined for a new location in Koo Wee Rup. A different learning opportunity came to St Michael's as a huge crane lifted each structure high into the air and over existing trees to ensure their preservation. The children watched agog as the structures were loaded onto the trucks. The children squealed with delight and waved goodbye as the classrooms left for their new home. Over the school holidays St Michael's will receive new portable classrooms as part of a long term plan to enhance the school.
Manuela's Irish DanceNine year old Manuela Rainsforth of St Michael's School in Berwick is headed for stardom if her latest achievements are anything to go by. Manuela competed in the McAller School of Irish Dance "Open Feis" and placed sixth in Australia. Irish dance schools from around Australia competed at Manuela's local dance school. This result qualifies Manuela to compete in Hobart at the Nationals, Worlds and Teams Championships. Manuela fell in love with Irish Dancing when she watched a friend perform a few years ago. The rest for Manuela is history as her ability develops and her love for the dance flourishes. Pictured: Manuela Rainsforth hopes to travel internationally to compete further in Irish Dancing.
Basketball McDonalds HooptimeGrade 6 Boys & Girls represented St Michael's in the Cranbourne Hooptime Competition of last Wednesday. Both teams represented St Michael’s School with distinction, both on court and off. They all had a great time and achieved the ultimate success with victories in the respective “All Star Boys” and “All Star Girls” sections. They will go on to play off in the Regional Finals at Dandenong later in the year.
National Simultaneous Reading DaySt Michael's School in Berwick enjoyed National Simultaneous Storytime at 11am Wednesday 21st May. The Australian Library and Information Association choose a book each year that is written by an Australian author and published by and Australian publisher. This year's story,"Arthur" by Amanda Graham published by Era Publications was read in schools around Australia to celebrate literacy and continue to promote a love of reading amongst our primary school children.
Des McKenna & Baptismal FontSt Michael's School Juniors received a visit from ex parishioner Mr Des McKenna who spoke about the hand made stand for the church's baptismal font. Mr McKenna told the children about the one pine tree left standing on his Upper Beaconsfield property which needed to be moved. After being approached by Monsignor Gallagher to carve a font a few years after the fires, Mr McKenna thought the lone tree would be appropriate and would symbolize new life. Mr McKenna, who took up woodwork in his retirement, worked ten hours a day for four weeks on the stand and the design evolved into the piece we see today full of beauty and symbolism. "There are five knots in the wood which symbolize Jesus' five wounds and one view of the stand shows the branches carved to resemble a cross and symbolize the Crucifixion. Another view of the stand shows the Madonna and baby. The dish was made by another person from the Sale area." Mr McKenna told the children. Grade two teacher, Mrs Margaret Leane said, "Mr McKenna and his wife Carmel came from their home in Malmsbury to speak to the children about the history of the font. I teach the children about the story of the font each year but this year we were able to enjoy hearing about its creation from the artist himself. Mr McKenna has three grandsons who have been baptized over the font".
Pictured: Front L-R: Thomas Metcalfe, Annie Fogarty and Lewis Brewster.
Netball Kea Cup 2008A group of ten Grade six girls represented St Michael's in the Kea Cup Netball Competition on the 7th May. The coach of the squad, Mrs Kara Dedigama was impressed with the girls dedication to improving their skills in the weeks leading up to the competition and during the nine games on the day. The girls competed against all other schools in the area and while they won a few matches it was not enough to get them through to the finals. Mrs Dedigama said, "The girls represented St Michael's School extremely well and should be very proud of their efforts." Pictured: Back L-R: Alyssa Williams, Georgia Anderson, Ciara Tierney, Catherine Baker, Shaneah Francis, Nicole Turner and Phoebe Macreadi.
House Captains 2008St Michael's House Captains are ready to lead their teams to victory this year. With a girl and boy captain and vice captain to represent each house, Presentation, Gallagher, Casey and Flack, a total of sixteen grade six students will enjoy the responsibilities of leading their house during the annual sports carnival and helping to look after sports equipment on a daily basis throughout the year. Each student presented a talk to the Grades three, four, five and six classes stating why they would be a good Captain for their house. The students subsequently voted and the following students were elected. Rear L-R: Kirsty Marcon, Tim Lea, Georgia Sheers, Nick Hillard, Erin Tippett, Spencer Pratt, Phoebe Macreadie, Harry Money. Front L-R: Declan McAuliffe, Gemma Beard, Connor Glenane, Nicole Turner, Kieran Carlow, Rachel Wynne, Tom McKenna and Kimberley Michael
Martin Williams Visits Grade 4As part of their International Studies unit, Grade four students at St Michael's School have heard a story of migration first hand from Martin Williams who left England eight months ago with his family to begin their new life in far away Australia. The children asked many interesting questions and learned that the Williams family chose to come to Australia because they wanted a warmer climate. When asked how the family decided on Berwick as the place they would settle, Mr Williams told the story of closing his eyes and sticking a pin in the map. The rest is history. Martin, his wife Rose and their two daughters Emma and Beth have made Berwick their home and while he misses the curries in England he finds the people very friendly and the climate agreeable. Mr Williams spoke about the strange Christmas season last year, walking around shops on hot December days, listening to Christmas Carols. The family are far more accustomed to wet, cold, snowy Christmasses. The Williams family are happy with their decision to come to Australia and wish to become Australian Citizens as soon as they are able. Pictured: Mr Martin Williams and Grade four students from St Michael's School. The children enjoyed hearing Mr Williams' story of migration to Australia.
Walk Safely to School DayStudents of St Michael's School in Berwick are bright and happy and ready to learn after supporting the National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, 2 May. They have enjoyed the healthy benefits of walking while learning important safety skills and improved our air quality by reducing the dependency on cars. WSTSD is organized by the Pedestrian Council of Australia. Pictured: St Michael's School students are enthusiastic about their day in the class room after a brisk walk to school.
Ski StarSt Michael's School grade five student Jeffrey Fitzsimons (pictured) is an inspiration to his peers as he rides a wave of success in his chosen sport, water skiing. Jeffrey is the winner of the Overall competition in the Sub Juniors section of the Latrobe Valley Water Ski Club. Earlier this year Jeffrey won the Victorian Title for Sub Juniors which qualified him to compete for the Australian Title. Jeffrey attained a very respectable fourth placing in Australia. Added to these accomplishments, Jeffrey has won a Jentre Overall Ski Team medal with the highest score in his age group. This also allows the ten year old to become a member of a club team in which the highest scorer from each age group represents their club and competes against other clubs in future. Jeffrey trains twice, sometimes three times a week during the Summer months while competitions are on and once a week during Winter to keep fit and ready for the season to come. When asked about his success, Jeffrey said, "I feel great about my success because I have worked so
ANZAC Day 2008St Michael's School remembered the Anzac's in a touching ceremony with RSL representative Cr Brian Hetherton who spoke about the small French town of Villers-Bretonneux and how its people remember the Anzac's with gratitude for their contribution to the town's liberation during the First World War. As a gesture of thanks to the St Michael's community for continued support of the RSL through the sale of Anzac badges and poppies, Cr Hetherton also presented Mrs Bernadette Byrne with two copies of, "Simpson and His Donkey" for the school Library. Grade one student Sophia Imperatore sang a beautiful solo, "Lest We Forget" while the children listened thoughtfully and respectfully remembering those who served past and present. The ceremony is a tribute but also an important reminder to the children to never forget. Pictured: L-R Grade one students, Sophia Imperatore (kneeling), Georgia Taranto, Michael Barron and Matthew Lawless. RSL Representative Cr Brian Hetherton presented books to Mrs Bernadette Byrne for the school Library.  
Library Monitors - Term 1Library Monitors for Term One, Alexandra Delaney (left) and Gemma Wiedermann applied in writing to Mrs Brinkman for the positions. They are enjoying the responsibilities that come with a grade 6 leadership position.
Art AwardsThree St Michael's students received prizes for individual pieces of art entered at the Berwick Show. Jon Bishop (left) received a 2nd prize, Ben Hughes received a 2nd prize and Harley Vogrig received a first prize and a Commended Award for his entries. All three entered excellent drawings. The boys show great promise in the art field. Keep an eye out for our future Pro Harts.
Grade 5 Camp - The BriarsGrade 5 students enjoyed their three day outdoor camp at the Briars, Mt Martha. Different activities were a challenge and enjoyed by all. For some, it was the first trip away from home, which was also a challenge that was achieved by all.
McKenna Boys Cancer FundraiserWhen Tom, Lachlan and Josh McKenna conducted a raffle at school to raise funds for the Cancer Council, it wasn't their only committment to the cause. The St Michael's family took part in the Cancer Council Walkathon in Akhoona Park last weekend but also ran their own raffle through St Michael's School. The prize, an Ipod Shuffle, was donated by the family and the boys raised $352 to add to the walkathon's grand total. The boy's father, Paddy McKenna said, "The boys' grandfather suffered cancer a few years ago and is now healthy. We like to raise funds each year for the Cancer Council so the important reasearch that helps save so many lives can continue. It also gives the boys an opportunity to contribute to their community." Pictured L-R: Lachlan, Tom and Josh McKenna worked hard to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
2008 School RepresentativesReps from 16 June
Reps from 2 June
April 2008 Reps
The Senior Representatives beginning 13 April 2008 for two weeks. Pictured Rear L-R Phoebe Macreadie, Gemma Della Bosca, Emma Williams.
March 2008 Reps
Congratualations to our Representatives for March.
First School Representatives for 2008 St Michael's Grade 6 students proudly received their Representative badges at the first Flag Raising assembly. In the leadership program every grade 6 student will have the opportunity to be a leader at some time during the year. This will enable each child to experience the responsibilities connected with leadership. The success of the program in 2007 has ensured its continuation this year.
Pictured L to R: Jack, Blake, Luke, Principal Michael Hanney, Indii, Shaneah and Cira. The first Representatives for the year are more than ready to step up to the important Grade 6 leadership roles.
Ron Cox Memorial Reading AwardEamon McGrath is the proud winner of the Inaugural Ron Cox Memorial Reading Award at St Michael's School in Berwick. Ron Cox was a volunteer grandad who wanted to give back to the community in his retirement. Ron was a dedicated and passionate volunteer who worked hard assisting grade two children in improving their reading skills. Ron passed away in 2006 and St Michael's want to remember the huge contribution he has made to the learning and lives of so many. Ron was loved by all the staff and students. Eamon was given the award because he has shown an outstanding effort and dedication to improve his reading. Eamon has worked hard throughout the year with enthusiasm, energy and persistance. It was also a proud and emotional moment for Mrs Clare Cox, Ron's wife, who was invited to present the award to Eamon. Ron's daughter Anna was also present.
Pictured: Eamon McGrath accepts the Ron Cox Memorial Reading Award from Mrs Clare Cox.
Milo CricketBudding Cricket Stars Enjoy Competition Day. Students from St Michael's School in Berwick enjoyed competing in the Milo Kanga 8's Cricket Competition, a state wide competition conducted by Cricket Victoria to raise the profile of cricket. St Michael's competed for the first time, entering four teams (three boy's and one girl's). Each team played a round robin of three matches and one final. It was a fantastic experience for the students and an excellent learning opportunity for those who had never played.
Pictured: Grade 5 and 6 Students from St Michael's School enjoyed the Milo Cricket Competition. Each received a certificate of participation.
Write4FunTwo students from St Michael's School in Berwick have had artwork published after entering the "Write4fun" Art Competition. James and Lauren chose favourite pieces of art to enter the competition. James submitted an aboriginal print named, "Sun". He was inspired by aboriginal art he has seen. Lauren's, "The Dream House" was a favourite piece she enjoyed doing and was very proud of the finished product. James and Lauren recieved letters in the mail informing them that their work would be published in "Aussie Art", a book of the winners' artwork in addition to other outstanding entrants.
Pictured: James and Lauren are proud of their achievement.
Water Saving GrantJason Wood visited the students and staff at St Michael's School in Berwick to announce the successful application for a Community Watergrant. The school has been awarded a grant of $49,387 to implement water-saving improvements to it's facilities. The Coalition Government's Community Watergrants programme has distributed $1,853,382 to 42 community groups in the La Trobe area. The water saved across the 42 groups is over 26,000,000 litres or the equivalent to 659 swimming pools. The St Michael's Community has worked conscientiously to recycle water and assist in the children's awareness of the importance of conserving water and welcomes Mr Wood's announcement with great excitement. The students of St Michael's have a keen awareness of the need to preserve water and the grant will improve the efficiency of water on the grounds and in other facilities.
Pictured: Mr Jason Wood MP congratulates Principal, Mr Michael Hanney and students of St Michael's School after their successful application of a Community Watergrant.
School Leaders 2007November/December The final representatives for 2007 are congratulated by the outgoing representatives.
Pictured L-R: Outgoing Reps, Marcus, Matthew, Michael, Josh, Alan and Bianca congratulate, Lauren, Taylah, Elisha, James, Wayne and Anthony who are the last representatives for 2007.
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