St Michael’s College at The Abbey Church
Each term, students from the College next door gather in the Abbey Church for a chapel service, meditation and the special services that mark their school year.
Our Neighbour Since 1983
St Michael’s College began as a co-educational primary school in 1983 with only a handful of students. It originally operated from a small fibro cottage known as St Raphael’s, the former farmhouse that became home to the Abbey Community when they first settled on the land in 1965.
While the College is an independent school founded on Christian values, its curriculum encompasses both Pastoral Care and Religious Education programs. Through these, students develop a deeper understanding of their own strengths and areas for growth, learn to build healthy and respectful relationships, and explore the world’s major religions and other faith traditions. This broad approach fosters empathy, respect, and compassion, while encouraging students to appreciate diverse perspectives.
Chapel Services Each Term
Each term, students gather at the Abbey Church for a Chapel Service led by Fr George and Sr Veronica. These school chapel services reflect the College motto, Wisdom through Growth, encouraging students to develop both spiritually and personally.
The Abbey Church is filled with students most Monday afternoons for worship, singing, prayer, and reflection. They listen to and learn about the stories from the Bible, including the parables and miracles, and take part in meditation, which may be silent or guided. One of the most engaging parts of the afternoon is question time, when students ask thoughtful and often challenging questions, such as, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” or “Where did God come from?” These conversations encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper exploration of faith and life.
As the students enter the Abbey Church, a bell is rung and, in the ensuing silence, the chapel service begins to unfold. Through simple explanations, such as what makes the Chapel a sacred and special place, children come to appreciate the sense of peace that can be found there. They are encouraged to recognise that same peace within their own hearts and souls.
“Why do bad things happen to good people?”
Over the course of their seven years at St Michael’s College, students gradually develop an understanding of the purpose and significance of a Christian church, its traditions, and its symbols. At the same time, they are introduced to other faith traditions and may, during their studies, visit a mosque, a synagogue, or a Buddhist temple. Learning about different religions and comparing the ethical principles they share is an important part of the education, fostering respect and acceptance of the diversity of many faith traditions.
One family shared a memorable experience from a holiday in New Zealand. Their taxi driver was a Sikh, and during the journey he was amazed by the thoughtful conversation he had with their Year 5 daughter about Sikhism. When they reached their destination, he stepped out of the car and, with tears in his eyes, asked how she knew so much about his faith. He explained that in all his years of driving, he had never experienced such a knowledgeable and respectful conversation about Sikhism. It was a powerful affirmation of the value of the College’s approach to interfaith education.
Meditation and Reflection
Meditation is a central part of every Chapel service in the Abbey Church. Even the youngest Prep students learn to sit quietly, focus on their breathing, and become comfortable with stillness. They are often invited simply to listen to the gentle sounds of the surrounding bushland, the calls of native birds, or the quiet within the Chapel itself. These moments of reflection help children develop mindfulness, inner calm, and an appreciation of the beauty and peace found in both nature and silence.
Special School Services
Fr George officiates special services throughout the year, including the Ash Wednesday service, where students actively participate by placing a cross of ash on one another’s foreheads. The service marks the beginning of Lent, encouraging students to reflect on positive personal change by embracing values such as kindness, compassion, honesty, and trustworthiness, qualities that are central to their educational journey.
Students also present the College’s Easter Service, which highlights the true significance of Easter within the Christian faith. Through readings, music, and reflection, the service provides an opportunity for the school community to come together in celebrating the message of hope, renewal, and new life that lies at the heart of the Easter story.
At the beginning of each year, the Year 6 students and their families gather in the Abbey Church to celebrate the Badge Ceremony, a special occasion that marks the start of a new chapter in each student’s learning journey as leaders of the school.
The Abbey Church also provides a fitting setting for the Year 6 Graduation Service at the end of the year. The moving candlelight ceremony is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration, leaving students and their families with a sense of hope and encouragement as the graduates prepare to begin the next stage of their education at the high school of their choice.
For many students, the Graduation Service remains one of their most treasured memories of their time at the College. As former students return to visit, they often reflect on the significance of the ceremony and the lasting impression it made on them.
A Place of Comfort and Memory
The Abbey Church is also a place of comfort and remembrance, where the College community gathers for memorial services to honour the lives of past students who have passed away far too young. During these deeply emotional occasions, families are surrounded by the care and support of the wider College community. The presence of so many students, parents, staff, and alumni reflects the strength of the College’s connections and the compassion that underpins its values, offering comfort to grieving families as they remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
Come and see the Church for yourself
The Abbey Church is open to everyone, whether you have been coming for years or are simply curious after dropping your child at the gate. Ask us anything, there is no pressure.
Call us on 1300 172 333, or