What a big fortnight we have had in Australia and the world. The media and social media coverage of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been at a level that we haven't seen before. Whilst this virus is of concern, the coverage has been quite alarming at times. Being a father of two young girls, it is interesting the questions and concerns they have when they get home from school, about the things they have heard on the playground. My advice, is be open and honest (of course age appropriate) to help ease anxiety and worries. You are the most trusted person in their lives. Help them to be critical of what they hear or read and provide age appropriate facts. Allowing children to watch or listen to the news at present, should be done so with caution. It is important that parents are taking the time to discuss what is happening in Australia and around the world with their children. This is not a role that should be deferred to a teacher at school. It is much easier to talk one-on-one with a child about these bigger issues, than what it is to talk to 25 students in class, all with different levels of understanding, experiences and questions. You know your child best, so this is best to come from you in the first instance. 

I have sent out an email earlier this week detailing precautionary action that will be taken as we move to the end of the term and to keep you as up to date as possible. Please refer to those emails. 

Whilst disappointing to cancel events, I must take the advice from CE, Department of Education and the Department of Health. As always, decisions are made to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students. In light of what is happening and the advice with COVID-19 and the flow on effect, many events coming up this term, have had to be postponed or cancelled. We apologise in advance and thank you for your support and understanding. 

School Photo Day - Postponed until Friday 6 November

Year 5/6 Camp - Postponed until Monday 19- Wednesday 21 October

Special Lunch Day - Week 8 cancelled 

Parent-Teacher Check Ins - Cancelled

Cross Country - Postponed until next term - date TBC

Belconnen Swimming Carnival - cancelled 

Year 5/6 Excursion - cancelled

Year 6 High School Open Day Visits - we assumed postponed. Will let you know revised dates if and when they are provided to us

Term 1 Award Assembly - Postponed until end of Term 2. We will do a Semester Award Assembly instead

Holy Week Reflections - done within class groups instead of whole school

5/6K Assembly - postponed until next term - date TBC

Whole School Prayer Times - cancelled for this term 

Please note - we will no longer be holding morning assembly. Students will still line up in the same spot, however they will then head straight to classes. 

Birthday certificates and harmony awards will be presented within their classes during morning class prayer circle. Thank you for your understanding with this. 

Harmony Day

Next Wednesday, we will be celebrating Harmony Day. This is an important day for us being 'People of Harmony'. Children will be involved in different activities throughout the day. 

We have Harmony Day Projects set up with thanks to Mrs Anderson. Each love heart contains a little reflection, something to consider something to action. More than ever it is important that
we think of others and create harmony in our school, our lives, ourcommunity and our world. Head into C Block and you will see the display. Take a photo of a heart or two and as a family explore further. We can be the change we want to see in the world. At St Michael’s, we are a people of Harmony.

National Day Against Bullying!

On Friday, although they have postponed the official National Day Against Bullying, we will still focus and draw attention to this important issue. 

Parent Representative Network (PRNs)

Thank you to all the parents who already put their hand up to be a PRN for 2020. We are still looking for parents in 3/4F, 3/4FR, 3/4A and 5/6K. If your child is in one of these classes and you feel the PRN role is something you would like to be a part of, please completed the section below. 

Walk gently in the week ahead. Take care of yourselves and each other. 

Kind regards, 

Pat Ellis

Principal