St Michael's Catholic Primary School Meadowbank

Wellbeing pups top of the class

They might have only just begun their schooling journeys but two very special staff members have already sent tails wagging.

In a Sydney Catholic Schools first, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Oatley and St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Meadowbank both introduced wellbeing dogs into their school communities last week.

St Joseph’s welcomed the adorable Winnie into their school, while the loveable Micky is St Michael’s newest addition.

The dogs are both four-month-old Groodles, who also happen to be sisters and littermates.

The pair were sourced by Dogs Connect, a world-first mental health and wellness program that integrates wellbeing doings into schools and workplaces.

A helping hand

Kylie Brakel, Principal at St Joseph’s, said the arrival of Winnie was the culmination of many years of research and months of preparation.

“I’ve been researching the use of wellbeing dogs for some time now, so I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to implement it,” Mrs Brakel said.

“Wellbeing dogs are shown to help reduce anxiety among children, to help those who have experienced trauma, and to help teach social and emotional regulation” – Kylie Brakel

Mrs Brakel noted that she’s already seen an enormous difference in the behaviours of both students and staff.

“It’s been great to see the smiles on their faces – you could see the happiness and positivity that Winnie brought right from the first day,” she said.

“I had a parent even say to me, ‘I have never seen such a happy group of children.’”

The students at St Joseph’s have loved Winnie visit their classrooms.

An instant hit

Alison Felici, Principal at St Michael’s, said the idea to …

domenictrimboli01August 25, 2022|

Schools stand with Lebanon

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) parents have been overcome by people’s show of love and support for Lebanon after a huge explosion shook Beirut on 4 August, killing more than 170 people and injuring thousands.

Danny Makary – a Lebanese-background parent at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Meadowbank – said words cannot describe the gratitude he and three other Lebanese school parents are currently feeling towards their school and parish communities, along with their friendship and family circles.

After the deadly Beirut explosion, which left the world reeling, the parents posted an appeal on the school’s Facebook page calling on the community to donate non-perishable foods, clothing and essential items, such as nappies and women’s hygiene products, to help people affected.

“The appeal was posted on the school Facebook on Saturday (8 August),” Mr Makary said. It was also posted on Sydney to Lebanon, a Facebook group created that day to let people know how they could support the struggling families in Lebanon.

“We woke up the next day and our phones were ringing off the hook with calls from the school community, friends, family, people on Instagram and Facebook that had seen the post,” Mr Makary said.

“We’re now trying to raise funds to secure a third container” – Parent Danny Makary

Within just a few days the parent group, which includes five non-school parents, was inundated with donations, filling up two container-loads.
Such was the outpouring, they have now had to place a pause on donations.

“The first two containers have also been donated – we’re now trying to raise funds to secure a third,” Mr Makary said. “It’s been so overwhelming.”

…

Isabell PetrinicAugust 14, 2020|

For goodness bakes

Try saying this three times fast.

Super-healthy Pentecost party pandemic protein pancakes are among the latest stress recipes for baking.

You can find out how to make them in St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Meadowbank’s new Pentecost Party (Pandemic Edition) Cookbook 2020.

St Michael’s Meadowbank Pentecost Party Cookbook 2020.

“Our community would typically gather on Pentecost for a beautiful Mass and Eucharist, followed by a spirit-filled Pentecost party with international foods, singing, dancing and children’s games,” the schools’ Family Educator, Kirrily McDermott, said.

“But COVID-19 restrictions meant we were required to stay at home this year, so we had to get creative.

“The result was an e-cookbook collaboration between our school and the St Michael’s Church Meadowbank parish community, filled with the party recipes we would have been eating if coronavirus hadn’t arrived.”

It includes Father Emmanuel Seo’s Dalgona coffee recipe, Ms McDermott’s family recipe for pineapple pie, Year 1 student Noah’s Brazilian Beijinho (coconut truffles), Year 1 student Reece’s Semiya Payasam (Indian dessert), Year 5 student Alex’s Awesome Banana Cake – and much more.

“This cookbook, I believe, is truly an expression of the creative work of the Holy Spirit alive and animating our St Michael’s community” – Kirrily McDermott

School principal Brian Story loves to host BBQs, so he shared his tips for cooking the perfect steak.

The cookbook was launched after a Rosary Night held via Zoom to celebrate Pentecost and the end of the Month of Mary.

“This cookbook, I believe, is truly an expression of the creative work of the Holy Spirit alive and animating our St Michael’s community,” Ms McDermott said.

For more information visit St Michael’s Catholic Primary School …

Isabell PetrinicJune 9, 2020|

Wellbeing pups top of the class

A helping hand

An instant hit

Schools stand with Lebanon

For goodness bakes

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our schools and offices now stand. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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