Ready, Set, Aspire! New friends. Endless opportunities. February 2026
Grand Designs Comes to St George’s
Our Performing Arts Centre, St George's, was the third star in a recent show with design royalty Kevin McCloud and Tim Ross.
Currently touring the country with their show Live in Interesting Places, audiences in the two sold-out performances were regaled by their banter, storytelling, and design-driven inspiration which included a surprise musical performance as the finale.
Kevin and Tim also generously hosted a seminar for a group of current and recently graduated St Michael's design students.
This campus is an extraordinary one… I think together, [the buildings] present a great privilege of opportunity for anybody lucky enough to be here to attend, to be a parent here, to have contacts and involvement with the school and not least of course [St George’s] which for me, is such a wonderful example of how you sensitively approach the creative reuse of buildings.
Game On: Two Elite Coaches Elevate the Student Sport Experience
Student sport is entering an exciting new era with the appointment of two outstanding Head Coaches for Volleyball and Basketball.
Ricardo Buttini Chirelli (Head of Volleyball) and Livai Smith (Head of Basketball) bring elite experience, high standards and a genuine passion for helping young athletes grow not just as players, but as people.
Livai Smith - Head of Basketball
Director of High Performance at Westgate Basketball
Head Coach, Westgate Youth Men's Big V
Former 1st Team Coach at Melbourne Grammar
Specialist in elite athlete development pathways
Builds resilience, leadership and competition-ready athletes
With their proven track records across school, club and high-performance programs, Ricardo and Livai are here to bring fresh energy, raise the bar, and create something truly special for our students.
Ricardo Buttini Chirelli - Head ofVolleyball
Coach of 1st Boys and Girls Teams
International experience: Brazil and Australia
Award-winning Level 3 Coach
Victoria State Team Coach
Develops character through sport
Learn more about Ricardo and Livai at @sportatstmichaels
Livai in action during a Senior Boys match.
Ricardo coaching our Year 7 Girls.
On Stage Soon: Jesus Christ Superstar
Rehearsals are in full swing for ourYears 10-12 Musical production ofJesus Christ Superstar.
Known for its electrifying score and emotionally powerful storytelling, this iconic musical delves into timeless themes of power, loyalty, faith and the beautiful complexity of human relationships.
The production offers students the opportunity to work at a pre-professional standard and perform at the magnificent National Theatre in St Kilda. Jesus Christ Superstar will run from Friday 1 May to Tuesday 5 May.
For a preview, join us at the 130 Years House Picnic (see What’s On for details), where the cast will be performing.
St Michael's students, alumni, staff, parents and friends proudly marched side by side in our School contingent's third year of participation in the Midsumma Pride March, 2026.
As well as being the best way to start the school year, our participation in Pride March allows us to celebrate the inclusion we champion as a community and involves us in a global movement that celebrates visibility, rights and calls for a positive future for all LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Guiding, not Fixing: Supporting Your Child’s Friendship Journey
At St Michael’s, we know that helping children build healthy friendships is one of the most important foundations for lifelong flourishing.
From the early years through to adolescence, our students are explicitly taught the skills they need to form respectful, authentic relationships.
Through our wellbeing curriculum and the U R Strong Friendology program, children learn how to make and maintain friendships, navigate conflict, set boundaries and develop confidence in themselves.
Friendships can be messy and that’s okay With the right language, tools and partnership between school and home, these moments become powerful opportunities for growth.
Key takeaways for families:
Friendship skills are explicitly taught not left to chance
Social learning supports emotional, mental and academic growth
Healthy conflict is a normal and valuable part of development
Coaching builds resilience more effectively than stepping in
Small social challenges help shape strong character
Parents play a powerful role as “friendship coaches” guiding rather than rescuing, listening rather than solving, and helping children build the confidence to manage social challenges independently.
Click here to read the full article by Tim
Melbourne Victory Football Club Partnership
Our School is now an official partner to Melbourne Victory Football Club.
Melbourne Victory are overseeing our soccer program from Years 5 through to Year 12, delivering elite coaching aligned with one of Australia’s leading football organisations
This represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-quality sporting experiences and aspirational pathways for St Michael’s students.
Partnership features:
Melbourne Victory coaches will lead all A/1st teams
Morning training sessions with a strong focus on technical development
Students will train within the Melbourne Victory philosophy and curriculum
A consistent framework across both A and B teams
Clear pathways into the Melbourne VictoryAcademy and elite football programs
This partnership with Melbourne Victory is an exciting milestone for Sport at St Michael’s. It allows us to provide our students with access to elite coaching, a clearly defined development framework, and aspirational pathways, while remaining true to our school values and focus on holistic student growth.
A Fresh Start: What's New in the Junior School
Have you visited the Junior School lately? You might notice a few changes.
The Marlton Reception and administration area has been thoughtfully redesigned to improve movement into and out of the building, as well as flow and function around the reception space, creating a more welcoming, visible, and community-centred environment. Hopefully, you have met Brydie Hepworth who is now managing Marlton Reception.
And keep an eye out for our very special new addition to the Junior School community Axel the therapy dog!
Axel is a 10-year-old Miniature Schnauzer with over eight years of experience as a trained therapy dog, including work in hospitals and schools.
Please join us in welcoming new members of our 2026 Junior School leadership team: Randall Pearce (Director of P-3) and Benjamin Woodworth (Head of Student Wellbeing & Engagement, P-6). You can read more about Randall on page 9.
Saturday 28 February 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Coleman Walk
Celebrating 130 Years of St Michael's Grammar School. Join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and House spirit as we warmly welcome Old Michaelians and our Past Staff back to celebrate our vibrant community and rich history.
Wednesday 1 April 4.30pm
St George's Precinct
All ELC - Year 12 families are invited for a wonderful evening of music, performed by our students.
Friday 6 March 7 00am - 8 30am
Dolly’s Cafe
St Michael’s Grammar School invites staff, students, parents and members of the St Michael’s community to come together on International Women’s Day for our annual breakfast - hear from special guest AFLW player, Isabel Huntington (OM 2017).
Book your tickets here.
A Global Journey to St Michael’s: Q&A with Randall Pearce
From the red dust of remote Australia to classrooms in Canada and the UK — with plans for a half marathon thrown in for good measure — our newJunior School Director of P-3, Randall Pearce, has never been one to stand still.
Could you give us a brief snapshot ofyour teaching journey before joining St Michael’s?
I started my teaching career many years ago in an Aboriginal community, which inspired me to teach internationally in Canada and the UK. After returning home to Adelaide, I worked across independent schools before moving to Melbourne in 2024 for new challenges. I’m thrilled to be back in an independent, coeducational school.
Outside of the classroom, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
I’ve just started running again and even entered the Melbourne Half Marathon thi year. Running reminds me to persist, push through the tough moments and stay focused on the goal lesson bring into the classroom ever day.
Ifyou could take our students on a field trip anywhere in Australia, where would you g and what would you hope the discover?
Springs the students to ed centre and nnection to res and
Advice you would give parents about suppporting their child’s learning journey?
Stay curious with your child. Celebrate the small steps, ask questions together and make learning part of everyday conversation.
Aspire Higher – Take Advantage of Academic Support in 2026
↖ Chloe Hancock Head of Academic Studies
At St Michael’s, we believe academic success begins with understanding how each student learns best. In 2026, my focus is on equipping students with practical systems, processes and strategies that work with their brains — not against them.
Over recent weeks, I’ve loved meeting students individually and in small groups to map out their academic goals
I warmly encourage parents and students in Years 7–12 to reach out to me for support with planning, mindset and study skills. Establishing positive rapport and clear processes early can make all the difference
Academic Coaching & Planning (Years 7–12)
Students can access individual or small group sessions focused on:
Executive functioning skills
Organisation and time management
Personalised academic planning
Building achievable, realistic systems
Together, we create a clear starting point and simple processes that support confidence and independence.
Aspire Higher Club – VCE (Years 10–12)
Launching in Term 2, Aspire Higher is designed for any student undertaking a VCE subject who wants to elevate their performance. The program will include:
Skill-building workshops and practical strategies
Guest speakers including VCE assessors, university researchers and performance psychologists
Support for managing performance anxiety and building resilience
Accountability sessions and collaborative study opportunities
OM Academic Mentoring –Relaunching Term 2
Our Old Michaelians (OMs) bring valuable experience and insight to support students across a range of subjects. Available Monday–Thursday, the expanded program offers targeted mentoring, workshops and structured booking systems to help students grow academically while balancing co-curricular commitments.
We look forward to partnering with families to help every student Aspire Higher in 2026.
Learning Environments Designed to Inspire
As students move through their St Michael’s journey, they experience the benefits of different buildings and spaces across our campus. Each building has been carefully stewarded in its heritage, and reimagined for present and future learning needs. This enduring commitment to innovation has earned St Michael’s numerous architecture and educational design awards, and created some of Melbourne's most inspiring educational spaces.
Performing Arts Centre, St George’s
Multiple award-winning 2023 transformation blending Victorian grandeur vaulted timber ceilings, majestic organ and stained glass with modern technology for unforgettable performances and events.
Sisters Building
Earmarked for further upgrades this year, there are two trial remodelled classrooms on level 2, giving students and teachers 12 months to provide feedback on utility to inform a broader refurbishment.
Gipson Commons
A dynamic ELC-12 hub that expands our learning landscape with flexible classrooms, quiet pods, breakout zones and custom science spaces, all designed for the realities and possibilities of 21st century education.
Sports and Aquatics Centre
Boasts an impressive indoor heated 6 lane swimming pool, weights room, multi-purpose court and classrooms.
Dolly’s Cafe
Named in honour of our first student, Dolly’s Cafe, supported byAvoca Catering, is the go-to spot for delicious lunchtime meals or a quick snack. With many dietary options, a refreshed rotating menu and new coffee beans in 2026, there is something for everyone.
Centre for Inquiry and Innovation
The award-winning Centre for Inquiry & Innovation (CII) is a purpose-designed, flexible learning environment. The CII offers adaptable spaces where students can experience a dynamic blend of indoor and outdoor environments and are encouraged to shape their own learning experience.
Early Learning Centre (Margaret Thomas House)
Margaret Thomas House is home to our 3 and 4-year-old learners, nestled amongst nature and the resources of our ELC-12 campus Expansive playgrounds and gardens are part of daily life for ELC students, who also learn beyond classrooms through programs such as Beach Kinder and their regular community walks.
Coleman Courts
These new courts provide additional play, learning and connection space, and reduce our reliance on offsite sporting venues. These outdoor-undercover courts are an example of community-centred design completed to high environmental and functional standards, and without disruption to learning in 2025.
Allan Pizzey (Junior School) Building
With classrooms and reception spaces refurbished during the 2025 and 2026 summer holidays, the Allan Pizzey building boast modern learning spaces, enables connection for students, staff and parents alike, and gently prepares students for Year 7 and beyond, with age-appropriate lockers and a range of learning technologies available.
Book your tickets here.