A Warm Welcome to Term 2, 2026
From the Head of the School
Over the holiday break I set myself a simple intention: read a couple of books and catch up on a few recommended shows. Like many of us, I didn’t quite manage it. And perhaps that is telling. In recent readings, I have been struck by the idea of the decline of ‘monoculture’ the fading of those shared cultural moments that once gave us a natural common ground. When I was growing up in country Victoria, our media choices were few. Today, the opposite is true: endless platforms, endless options, endless content each designed to capture our attention, often in highly personalised ways.
In that environment, it takes real discipline to decide what deserves our focus what is truly important, not simply what is loud, urgent, or emotionally magnetic. My reading revisited Stephen Covey’s ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ and returned to a framework many will recognise: separating the urgent from the important. When the world feels noisy, our choices and habits become a kind of compass. It is one reason I have felt reassured by the careful work behind our revised daily structure: it delivers increased learning time with teachers for Senior School students and longer lesson sessions for Junior School students, while also providing our teachers and wellbeing experts with additional time to deliver outstanding instruction and personalised pastoral care.
At St Michael’s Grammar School, our compass begins with our founding values: Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion. Compassion, in particular, is more than noticing another person’s needs; it is the willingness to act with kindness. It also aligns with a principle I return to often: seeking first to understand. In a complex world, the ability to listen carefully, to hold perspective, and to respond with integrity is not just “good character” it is a leadership skill.
This week gives us three powerful reminders of what it means to be grounded in shared purpose. Today, 23 April, is our School’s 131st birthday, an occasion to reflect with gratitude on the legacy we inherit and the one we are shaping together. And as part of our term’s rhythm, our community will come together next week through our School Easter Services. These services matter because they pull us back from the rush of the everyday and remind us that education is not only about achievement it is also about meaning, belonging, and the kind of people our
children are becoming. We will also come together to commemorate ANZAC Day, with our School ANZAC Commemorative Ceremony and student representatives attending the Dawn Service and Veterans’ March.
A further highlight of early Term 2 will be the launch of our annual Merry Month of May (MMoM), including Astor Assembly - MMoM Launch. Each year, this student-led K-12 initiative is one of the clearest expressions of who we are: students choosing causes, building understanding, organising activities, and inviting the whole community to participate. It is service learning in action leadership with purpose and it offers wonderful opportunities for students to practise and grow the capabilities we value so highly: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, character, communication and citizenship
More broadly, Term 2 is rich with opportunities for students to find their ‘tribe within the larger tribe’ through their sport, clubs, co-curricular, immersion programs, House activities, and community service. Those experiences create shared stories and common ground, even in a world that can feel increasingly fragmented and uncertain. They also develop confidence, agency, and the habits of contribution qualities our community has long prized, and qualities our graduates carry with them, so they are prepared to lead not only with intelligence and competence, but with integrity, courage and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. I wish every St Michael’s family a wonderful start to Term 2.
Sincerely,
Gerard Houlihan Head of the School
Next Page:
• Save the Date - Term 2 Key Events
• Parent Communications in 2026
• Helpful Parent Links
Save the Date – Term 2 Key Events
ANZAC Day Commemorative Ceremony
• Date: Friday 24 April
• Venue: On-campus, All Students (Parents currently serving and Veterans invited)
2026 School Photos
• Year 7–9: Wednesday 29 April
• ELC–Year 6: Tuesday 5 May
• Year 10–12: Thursday 7 May
• Sibling Photo Day/Make-Up Day: Monday 18 May
‘Careers in Healthcare’ Professional Networking Evening
• Date: Thursday 30 April
• Venue: The Gipson Commons | Register
Jesus Christ Superstar – Years 10-12 Musical
• Date: 1 May – 5 May
• Venue: The National Theatre | Book here
PCA Mother’s Day Luncheon (Sold Out)
• Date: Friday 8 May
• Venue: Zinc, Federation Square
Term 2 PCA Meeting (Online)
• Date: Tuesday 12 May
• Venue: Online
1st VII Netball Night Match vs Westbourne Grammar School
• Date: Wednesday 13 May
• Venue: Westbourne Grammar School
St Michael’s Tertiary and Careers Expo 2026
• Date: Wednesday 20 May
• Venue: Dolly’s Café and Gipson Commons Atrium
Soiree Festival (Years 4-12)
• Date: Saturday 30 May
• Venue: Performing Arts Centre, St George’s
Virtuoso - Solo Performance Concert
• Date: Thursday 18 June
• Venue: Performing Arts Centre, St George’s
Parent Communications in 2026
To support parent clarity, please note below our channels and frequency for key parent communications throughout the year. Our aim is to continually improve parents’ experience with SchoL, and to share news and achievements in formats that suit the needs of busy St Michael’s families. Feedback and suggestions can be directed to community@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
1. Head of the School Letter – twice per term
At the beginning and end of each term, parents can expect a letter from me, celebrating our community achievements and bringing key ELC-12 matters and opportunities to your attention. I also invite parents to follow me and St Michael’s Grammar School on LinkedIn, where we engage with trending topics in Education, and share the work of our students and exceptional teaching, pastoral and support staff.
• Archive: Letters from the Head of the School, 2026
• St Michael’s Grammar School – LinkedIn
• Gerard Houlihan - LinkedIn
2. The Crest – our bi-monthly newsletter for St Michael’s families
Our Marketing and Communications team collaborate across our community to highlight student achievement, staff expertise and impact, innovations to facilities and resources, parent contributions, key events and more. Feedback on our new format and its content is encouraged. Each family should receive a print copy, distributed in class and tutor groups, every second month within term time. Read the latest edition of The Crest
3. ‘Important Dates’ post on SchoL
Updated every Monday, check ‘Important Dates’ on SchoL for upcoming key events requiring attendance and/or planning by families.
4. ELC, Junior School and Senior School Leadership Updates – SchoL
Alexandra Fegan (Director of Early Learning), and Deputy Heads of the School, Nicole Armatas (Head of the Junior School) and Emma McDonald (Head of the Senior School) post regular updates to families via SchoL news posts.
Adjusting your SchoL Notifications to improve your experience
Helpful Parent Links
I encourage parents and guardians to review your Notification settings on SchoL by clicking on your profile thumbnail and navigating to ‘Notification Settings’. This better ensures that your experience is tailored to your personal preferences.
If you are encountering any difficulties with SchoL or other schoolsupported platforms, please contact our ICT team at support.technology@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
1. SchoL – Forgotten Password
Visit the SchoL login page, and click on the ‘Parents, forgotten your password?’ link below the ‘Sign-in’ button
2. St Michael’s Private Bus Service – View route maps and book for Term 2
Bus Service Homepage – SchoL
3. 2026 Parent Handbook
The 2026 Parent Handbook provides key information to support your child’s learning journey throughout the year. I encourage all parents to download and refer to it as needed. 2026 St Michael’s Parent Handbook
4. Parent Community Association (PCA) Homepage on SchoL
https://learning.stmichaels.vic.edu.au/homepage/12293