Choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
As parents, carers, or grandparents you have a choice - and the right - to offer your child the best education available.
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle proudly hosts some of the best schools in Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter and Upper Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Manning regions.
Catholic schools offer a unique educational experience which forms the child or young person as a person of integrity, compassion, faith and wisdom. Catholic schools also work closely with their local parish to enhance in students a capacity to make sense of their world, to make judgements and to recognise the uniqueness of others within a faith community.
Each school has a supportive community of teachers, parents, carers, Parent & Friend committees, clergy, parishioners and support staff who work together to focus on students; encouraging success, promoting discipline, supporting creativity and instilling compassion. This means that Catholic schools do not just teach religious studies, they seek to develop spirit, mind, body and character and cultivate Gospel values that support lives filled with joy, endeavour and hope in the future.
Each Catholic school has a commitment to focusing on each individual student’s ability, offering a unique array of educational, creative, sporting and formation opportunities for students.
Finally, Catholic schools offer peace of mind to parents; knowing they’ve made the right choice and the best investment for their child’s future. It is because of this and the many opportunities available to students that we believe choosing a Catholic education is the right choice to make.
WHY DO FAMILIES CHOOSE ST MICHAEL’S?
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
As a Catholic school, St Michael’s exists to ensure the faith development of the students in our care. We strive to provide a quality education for our students in a caring environment within the Catholic tradition. The differences, richness and beauty of all students and cultures are respected and valued. Our prayer is that every student be enabled to learn to the best of their ability and grow to their full potential in the knowledge that God loves them and has created them in his image.
The whole school community participates in the religious life of St Michael’s with an openness to the presence of God through the message of the Gospel.
QUALITY TEACHING
Quality teaching is provided by exceptional educators at St Michael’s. Through collaboration, we aim to provide the highest quality learning and teaching opportunities. The programs we develop cater for the individualised needs of our students. At St Michael’s we consistently support all staff to be excellent practitioners through on-going professional learning, research and self-reflection. Our goal is to nurture and appropriately challenge our students to be actively engaged in their learning. A focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration is essential to prepare students to be informed citizens for the future. To produce 21st century learners who encompass the skills of tomorrow we provide many opportunities for student to engage with including STEM challenges, coding club and ICT integration.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
St Michael’s is situated in a beautiful bushland setting with a well- equipped spacious playground, a large multipurpose hall, a learning hub and a creative learning space. The school is well equipped with advance technology and all students have access to interactive smartboards, laptops, desktops and iPads. They also have access to wireless internet throughout the school as well as video conferencing. Students have the opportunity to be a part of the Gardening Club where they are taught how to plant, grow and take care of seasonal vegetables, whilst ensuring the sustainability of the natural environment. They also learn skills in recycling and composting.
COMMUNITY
St Michael’s is a very strong community of students, parents, staff, parishioners and friends. Steeped in the Mercy tradition there is a wonderful sense of belonging that permeates throughout the school, creating a family-like atmosphere where everyone is welcomed and valued.
While valuing community within the school, St Michael’s members also value the wider community. St Michael’s has earned a good reputation through participation in Mini Vinnies, sporting events, visitation to local aged care facilities as well as active participation in community commemorative services.
As a faith community we pledge to offer our students quality, holistic education in this nurturing learning environment.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
From 2021, students from St Michael’s will be able to continue their secondary education to Year 12 at the brand new Catherine McAuley Catholic College in Medowie.