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Dear parents and carers
Well it certainly has been an action-packed fortnight at St Michael’s! Term 3 is always a special time in our school calendar - traditionally a season where learning literally leaps off the page and into the real world through hands-on activities, exciting excursions, and visits from inspiring community members and experts. Our students have been fully immersed in rich, engaging experiences that bring their learning to life in the most memorable ways.
One of the absolute highlights was our magical celebration of Book Week - and what a week it was! Our school was transformed into a wonderland of words, where imagination reigned supreme. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our much-loved Librarian, Mrs Stuart, students were treated to a treasure trove of literary delights, from book sales brimming with page-turners, to the ever popular and much anticipated Book Week Parade.
The parade was a spectacular showcase of creativity and character, with students (and staff!) stepping into the shoes of their favourite storybook heroes. From wizards and wild things to superheroes and fairytale favourites, the school was bursting with colour, joy and storytelling magic.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive and incredibly creative parents, and enthusiastic students for making these past two weeks so vibrant and unforgettable.
At St Michael’s, we don’t just learn - we live the adventure of learning every day!
Standing Strong Together: St Michael’s Takes a Bold Stand Against Bullying
At St Michael’s creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment is a top priority 0 and that means taking a strong stand against bullying. Last week our school proudly joined schools across the country in the Bullying. No Way! National Week of Action, reinforcing our commitment to empowering students with the confidence and skills to call out bullying, support one another, and prevent harmful behaviour before it starts.
This year’s theme - Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up. - resonated deeply resonated with our students. From Prep to Year 6, students explored what it means to be an upstander, not a bystander. Through classroom discussions, role-playing, and creative activities, they learned how to recognise bullying, respond with kindness and courage, and speak up for themselves and others.
One of the highlights of the week was a vibrant poster campaign, where students expressed their anti-bullying messages through powerful artwork and slogans. These posters now brighten up our school walls, serving as daily reminders that St Michael’s, bullying has no place.
Together, we are building a culture where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. Let’s keep the momentum going - because when we remember to Be Bold, Be Kind, and Speak Up, we can and do make a difference!
Year 2 excursion to Kuranda
All Aboard for a Journey Through Time!
This term, our adventurous Year 2 students have been uncovering the rich history of our Cairns region - from the early days to the present. And what better way to bring their learning to life than by stepping aboard one of our most iconic treasures: the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
On Tuesday last week, students hopped on this historic train for an unforgettable excursion. Built over 100 years ago, the railway was a remarkable engineering feat, carved through the rugged rainforest and steep mountains to connect Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands. It played a vital role in transporting people and goods, shaping the development of our region.
As the train wound its way up the range, students heard fascinating stories about how transport has evolved over time and how this railway has helped build the Cairns we know today.
It was a real-life journey into the past - and a chance to experience history in motion!
Crystal Caves in Atherton - Year 3
Year 3 Rocks their Learning with a Sparkling Science Adventure!
This term, our curious Year 3 students have been exploring the wonders of Science and English, uncovering the secrets of geological formations, investigating the fascinating differences between living and non-living things, and discovering the magic of life cycles. They have been hands-on with soils, rocks and minerals - learning all about their unique properties and why these natural resources are so important to our world.
The highlight of their studies culminated in a dazzling excursion to The Crystal Caves in Atherton! With wide eyes and eager minds, our students explored the underground world of glittering gems and mysterious minerals on a guided tour that brought their classroom learning to life. From sparkling crystals to ancient fossils, it was a day full of awe, excitement and unforgettable discoveries.
By all accounts, it was a gem of a day - and a brilliant way to celebrate all the amazing learning happening in Year 3!
Year 5 Dive into Discovery at the Cairns Aquarium!
Our Year 5 students have been diving deep into the fascinating world of Animal Adaptations as part of their Science and English studies, and their curiosity is truly coming to life! This term, their learning journey took an exciting turn with an immersive excursion to the Cairns Aquarium. Guided by expert educators, students explored the incredible ways marine creatures have adapted to survive and thrive in their environments.
From camouflaged cuttlefish to the powerful jaws of reef predators, our students were captivated by the wonders of the underwater world. Getting up close with these amazing creatures brought their classroom learning to life in the most unforgettable way. It was a hands-on minds-on experience that sparked wonder, deepened understanding, and showcased the power of learning through real-world experiences.
At St Michael’s we are proud to offer rich, engaging experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning!
Feast of the Assumption - A Joyful Celebration of Faith
Last Friday, the St Michael’s community came together in a truly special way to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption.
Our church was filled to the brim with students, staff, parents, friends and parishioners - a heartwarming sight that reflected the strength of our faith community. Presided over by Father Sabu, the Mass was a beautiful and reverent tribute to Mary, the mother of Jesus who was taken up into Heaven - body and soul. The feast reminds us of Mary’s deep faith and trust in God, and inspires us to follow her example in our own lives.
It was a truly uplifting celebration that brought our school community together in prayer, reflection and joy.
Australian Catholic Education Conference
St Michael’s Students Shine at Diocesan Mass and National Conference Launch
On Wednesday this week, 20 of our senior students had the honour of attending a truly heartwarming and unforgettable event - the launch of the National Catholic Education Conference in Cairns. Held at the Cairns Convention Centre, this special occasion brought together over 1,000 students from schools across the Cairns Diocese for a moving Mass presided over by Bishop Joe.
The day began with a powerful formation experience, setting the tone for what was to be a deeply spiritual and joyous celebration. Students, teachers, school leaders, and delegates from Catholic schools all over Australia gathered in unity, faith and song. The voices of our students filled the space with hope and pride, and for many, it was a moment that truly touched the heart, bringing more than a few tears to the eyes of those present.
We are incredibly proud of our students for representing St Michael’s with grace, reverence and joy. Their presence and participation in this national event reminded us all of the strength and beauty of our Catholic community.
That’s all from me this week. Enjoy this lovely weather..
God bless
Jacquie
Parent Teacher Student Conferences
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held for Prep to Year 6 as per the below timetable. Bookings are to be made via PTO. Bookings are now open.
If you are unable to attend in person, please contact your child’s teacher, either by email or Seesaw to arrange a time on the designated interview date below to have a phone interview. (See attached PDF for a list of class teachers and their respective email addresses).
Interviews will be of 10 minute duration and they can be either Face to Face or via a phone call on the designated date.
|
Date |
Class |
|
Monday 25th August |
Year 3B |
|
Monday 8th September |
Year 2A |
|
Tuesday 9th September |
Year Prep A |
|
Wednesday 10th September |
Year 4A |
|
Thursday 11th September |
Year 1B & 3A |
|
Friday 12th September |
Year 5B & 6A |
|
Monday 15th September |
Year 2B |
|
Tuesday 16th September |
Year Prep B & 5A |
|
Wednesday 17th September |
Year 4B |
|
Thursday 18th September |
Year 1A |
|
Friday 19th September |
Year 6B |
For these interviews we are using our online booking system called Booked (formally known as Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO)).
Using this system, you will be able to book the interview times that suit you best from any internet enabled device. Booked (PTO) also has its own free app for Apple and Android devices.
Booked (PTO) can be accessed through the MyCE App or St Michael's Parent Portal.
https://bookings.parentteacheronline.com.au/Logon2
See attached instructions on how to access the Booked (PTO) system.
SCHOOL TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE SCHEME (STAS)
Prep A
Our Prep students have been busy building their literacy skills by learning sight words and writing descriptive sentences. It’s wonderful to see their confidence and creativity growing each day!
Last Wednesday, we celebrated Book Week with a fantastic parade. The basketball court came alive with superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs, and dogs — a colourful and imaginative mix of costumes that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Thank you to all the families for your support in making the day so special!
Class 1A
Class 2A
Year 2’s Journey Through History – Kuranda Scenic Railway Excursion
Last Tuesday, Year 2 students embarked on an unforgettable journey aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. This excursion was a perfect way to consolidate our learning about the history of our region, from past to present.
We discovered that the railway line, which officially opened in 1891, is an engineering marvel. It features:
- 15 hand-dug tunnels
- 55 bridges
- 98 sharp curves
The students were fascinated to learn how this railway was built by hand through rugged terrain, and how it played a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the growth of the region.
Class 3A
Our recent excursion to the Crystal Caves was a truly magical experience for our students. They were captivated by the stunning crystal formations and enjoyed learning about the fascinating world of rocks and minerals. A highlight of the day was watching the teachers crack open a geode, revealing glittering crystals inside—an exciting moment that brought science to life!
Class 4A
Our Year 4 students have been putting their persuasive skills to the test in a creative way this term. For their English assessment, they are using the podcast machine to record persuasive reviews of their favourite movies.
The purpose of the task is to convince their peers to watch the film they love most. By using the podcast format, students are learning how to combine persuasive language with clear speaking skills to engage and influence an audience.
This exciting use of technology has allowed students to practise expression, tone and confidence while making their arguments more powerful. It has been a fun and authentic way to show how spoken language can persuade others.
Class 5A
Year 5 had an exciting and educational day at the Cairns Aquarium, where we deepened our understanding of animal adaptations—a key topic in our science unit. Students observed a wide range of marine and freshwater creatures and explored how each species has adapted to survive in its unique environment.
We learnt about:
- Camouflage in reef fish and sea creatures
- Specialised body parts like the long snouts of seahorses
- Behavioural adaptations such as nocturnal activity in certain species
- Environmental adaptations in animals living in mangroves, rainforests, and coral reefs
The visit helped bring our classroom learning to life and sparked lots of curiosity and great questions!
Class 6A
This week the Year 6 cohort experienced the privilege of conducting a mock parliamentary session in the presence of some representatives from the state parliament education office. We have been studying Civics and Citizenship this term which has led to many interesting debates about issues within the community at a council, state and national level. The students listened to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, the Honourable Patrick Weir talk about his role including stories about suspending some members of parliament for breaching the code of conduct!
Student birthdays 11th August to 24th August 2025
| Month | Student Name |
| Aug | Justin Barry |
| Annie Creek | |
| Amelia Johnston | |
| Arthur Stephens | |
| Oliver Lizzio | |
| Jack Brewer | |
| Angela Kirkby | |
| Isla Lavis | |
| Ruby Ottone | |
| Abby Ottone |
Join Our Tuckshop Fun!Hi everyone! I’m Chandell, Tuckshop Convenor. I’m all about making our tuckshop a lively, fun-filled place, and I’d love for you to be part of it!
How You Can Get Involved:
VOLUNTEERWhether you’ve got an hour or two to spare, or just want to pop in for a quick hello, your help is gold to us! No need to let us know in advance—just swing by and join the fun. Don't forget to complete your volunteer induction first!
BAKE FOR USIf volunteering isn’t your thing, we’d love your support through baked goodies. Sweet or savory, your treats make our tuckshop extra special!
Come for the laughs, stay for the community, and help us keep our tuckshop the heart of the school. We can’t wait to see you there!
Volunteers always welcome in the tuckshop! Interested? Drop in and see us today :)
TUCKSHOP OPENING HOURS
| MONDAY | Second Break only |
| TUESDAY | Second Break only |
| WEDNESDAY | Breakfast from 8:00am, First Break, Second Break |
| THURSDAY | Breakfast from 8:00am, First Break, Second Break |
| FRIDAY | Breakfast from 8:00am, First Break, Second Break |
BREAK TIMES
| FIRST BREAK | 10:50am - 11:30pm (20 mins play / 20 mins eating) |
| SECOND BREAK | 1:30pm - 1:50pm |
Parents can see all of our current Tuckshop items in the Flexischools app.
We currently have an exceptionally large number of overdue library books. Could you please remind your children to return their books on their designated library day?
Books can also be returned on any other school day, not just when their class is scheduled to borrow. Your support in helping us maintain our library collection is greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your cooperation.
Book Club Issue 6 has been sent home with your child. All orders need to be submitted online 5th September.
Term 3, 2025 – School Fees & Levies
Please contact accounts.gordonvale@cns.catholic.edu.au if you have not received your Term 3 fee statement by the mentioned date below.
School fees and levies for Term 3 2025 were processed and sent via email on Tuesday 29th of July 2025.
The due date was Tuesday 12th of August 2025.
Reminder letters were sent to families who may have overlooked their fees on Tuesday 19th of August 2025.
There is a 14-day standard payment due date to finalise your school fee account on Tuesday 2nd of September 2025.
These reminder letters are also an opportunity to review current payment plans, Centrepay, or direct debit payments.
Please do not hesitate to contact accounts.gordonvale@cns.catholic.edu.au for any queries regards to payment plans, direct debits, financial hardship, concessions, or Centrepay.
2026 Tuition Fees and Fee Discount Information
FEE & LEVY INFORMATION
School fees are made up of tuition fees which are set by Cairns Catholic Education, and the school’s levies.
Tuition Fees
Our school is part of an independent school system. The need to charge fees arises from the policy of governments to deliver significantly lower per capita grants to non-government schools than to state schools. Whilst this necessitates tuition fees and levies, it also ensures we can maintain some independence as a school system and achieve the ideals of the Catholic Church in our school organisation.
The schedule of tuition fees is set by Catholic Education Services.
The current schedule is at the link below.
Levies
School Levies are set and reviewed annually.
- Capital Levy (buildings and maintenance)
- P&F Fundraising Levy
- Resource Levy
- Activities Levy
Please contact accounts.gordonvale@cns.catholic.edu.au the school accounts department for current levies.
Discounts
Every attempt is made to make an education at St Michael’s affordable so that no Catholic child is denied a Catholic education because of financial difficulties. Parents are often pleasantly surprised at the affordability of Catholic Education in the Cairns Diocese, especially when compared with other non-government schools (private/independent), or Catholic schools in capital cities.
A sibling discount applies to families where more than one child is attending one or more Catholic schools in the Cairns Diocese.
Holders of a current means-tested Australian government health care or pensioner concession cards receive an automatic 70% discount on tuition fees (does not apply to school levies).
Families who are not concession card holders yet are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to make a confidential request to the principal for special consideration. Please contact the school’s Finance Officer to arrange an appointment.
Unless prior arrangements have been put in place, failure to follow school policy and procedures may result in the engagement of a Debt Recovery Agency.
Please do not hesitate to contact accounts.gordonvale@cns.catholic.edu.au for any queries regards to payment plans, direct debits, financial hardship, concessions, or Centrepay.
2025 Catholic School Fees and Discount
2025 Concession Card Information Sheet
 |
Kind Regards, Justine Hind | Finance/HR Officer |
Instrumental Music Information 2025
We are pleased to announce that an Instrument Trial for Semester 1, 2025 will be offered through the St. Mary’s Instrumental Program.
Grade 2s and 3s will be offered the violin, and grades 4, 5 & 6 will be offered brass, woodwind, percussion, and string instruments.
Please see the office or email kjepson@cns.catholic.
Our St Michael's Community Playgroup is a free, welcoming and inclusive space for families of 0-5 year olds.
Affiliated with Play Matters and facilitated by Chandell van Rees.
When: Monday and Tuesday each week during school term time.
Time: 9am - 11am
Where: St Michael's School Hall, 4 Muir Street, Gordonvale.
Can you help? Are you able to offer your talents?
Commentator, Reader, Choir, Musician, PowerPoint Operator, Altar Server, Church Cleaning, Trimming Hedge, Helping with Sacramental Program, Hospitality -helping with morning teas after Anointing Mass, Setting up for coffee/tea after Sunday 8am Mass, Assist on Wednesdays with Free coffee/tea Norman Park 3.30-5.30pm.
There is an URGENT NEED for volunteers to help with the PANTRY for the Needy on Monday and Tuesday mornings, some lifting required.
Contact Rita in the Parish Office 4046 5215 / 4046 5216 / 0409 054 401.
MASS TIMES
Sunday 31st August is Confirmation/ First Communion for our 8 candidates.
Bishop Joseph Caddy will be the Celebrant, please come and meet him and join in the Celebrations in the Hall, following the Mass.
| Saturday | Vigil Mass 6.00 pm, St Michael's Church |
| Sunday |
Mass 8.00 am, St Michael's Church Mass 10.00 am, St Therese's Church Mass 5.00pm, St Therese's Church |
| Tuesday |
7.00 am St Anthony Devotion & Rosary, St Michael's Church 8.00 am Mass & Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, Holy hour, Benediction, St Therese's Church |
| Wednesday |
8.00 am Mass, St Michael's Church (except for the 1st Wednesday of the month: 9.30am Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing, followed by morning tea in the hall) 3.30 - 5.30 pm Cuppa in Park, Norman Park |
| Thursday |
8.00 am Mass, St Therese's Church 10.00 am Cenacle (Rosary) Norman Park, 40 Sheppard St, Gordonvale |
| Friday |
8.00 am Mass & Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, Holy hour, Benediction, St Michael's Church 5.00 pm Stations of the Cross & Rosary, St Michael's Church |
Upcoming Events
AUG 26 - Prep Circus full dress rehearsal
AUG 27 - Year 5 Camp (Wed-Fri)
AUG 28 - Prep Circus - Main event!
AUG 29 - Family Movie Night (cancelled)
SEP 03 - Parent Engagement Meeting
SEP 03 - Prep Pies in the Playground
SEP 05 - Father's Day Stall
SEP 12 - Under 8s Day
SEP 17 - St Michael's Spelling Bee
SEP 19 - Last day of Term 3
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
OCT 06 - Public Holiday King's Birthday
OCT 07 - First day of Term 4
OCT 10 - NAIDOC/St Michael's Feast Day/Mercy Works
OCT 22 - Year 6 Camp Tinaroo (Wed-Fri)
OCT 31 - Day for Daniel
NOV 11 - Remembrance Day Liturgy
NOV 20 - Bump Up Day
NOV 26 - SMG Chess Tournament
NOV 28 - Christmas Carol Concert
DEC 02 - Year 6 End of Year Awards
DEC 03 - Year 6 Liturgy & Celebrations (evening)
DEC 04 - Year 6 Excursion
DEC 05 - Last Day of School (12pm finish)
Check the MyCE app Calendar for all calendar events.
2025 Term Dates
| Term 3 | Monday 14th July - Friday 19th September |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 7th October - Friday 5th December |
2025 Public Holidays
| King's Birthday | Term 4 | Monday 6th October |
TCS and Peninsula Sports 10 - 12 year olds
Australian Government Mobile Service Centres
Hambledon House Southside Celebration 2025
https://hambledonhouse.com.au/south-side-celebration-2025/
Cairns Water Security Project
Pyramid Views
A Prayer for Our School Community
Dear God,
We thank You for the gift of our children and the joy they bring to our school. We ask for Your protection over each student, that they may feel safe, supported, and valued every day.
Help us to create an environment where kindness thrives and bullying has no place. Give our teachers and staff wisdom and patience as they guide young minds, and help our students to grow in knowledge, confidence, and compassion.
May our school be a place of peace, learning, and love. Bless every classroom, playground, and hallway with Your presence.
Amen.