That is the end of 2018! What an amazing year we have all had. I would like to thank everyone for their warm welcome this year and for working with us as we implemented many changes and new initiatives. I am hoping that you can see the vision we have for St Michael's and we are excited of what the future holds. I feel truly blessed and honoured to be in a position to lead this amazing school community. I couldn't have asked for a better year. I am passionate and dedicated to continue to move St Michael's forward. I appreciate your continued support!

A huge thank you for Tuesday night's Year 6 Graduation Mass and Celebration. Thank you to the Year 6 parent committee for your organisation, to the Year 5 parent helpers on the night, to Fr Loi for leading our Mass Celebration, Meaghan, Damien, Lisa and Maria for the coordination of the night and the Year 6 teachers for their preparation. A really beautiful night!

At this time of year, it is a good time to have a discussion with your child about 'the year that was'. Some guiding question below could be helpful to initiate conversations. 

1. What is something we did this year that you think you will remember for the rest of your life?
2. What is something you accomplished this year that you are proud of?
3. What was the nicest thing someone in our class did for you this year?
4. What was the most challenging part of this year for you?
5. Where is your favourite place in your classroom (or school)? Why?
6. If you could change one thing that happened this year, what would it be?
7. What are three things you did this year to help your classmates?
8. What are the three most important things you learned this year?
9. What is something that was hard for you at the start of the year but is easy now?
10. In what area do you feel you made your biggest improvements?
11. What is your favorite part of the day in your class? Why?
12. What is something you taught your teacher or classmates this year?
13. Of the books you read this year, which was your favourite? Why?
14. What was the best piece of writing that you did this year? Why do you think it is your best?
15. What person at our school has made the biggest impact in your life this year? Why?
16. What is something the teacher could have done to make this year better?
17. What are six adjectives that best describe this school year?
18. Knowing what you know now, if you could write a letter to yourself that would travel back in time so that you would receive it at the start of the school year, what advice would you give your younger self?
19. When you consider the rest of your life, what percentage of what you learned this year do you think will be useful to you?
20. What advice would you give students who will be in this class next year?

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to those parents and staff who will be checking in on Miss Jordan's Garden through the break to ensure things are still moving along. 

Tomorrow, our last day of the year, students will be told their new classroom, new class teacher and new class peers. An exciting time for students and staff. All students have received at least one of their choices for learning friends. We feel that we have formed classes that will provide the best opportunities for each student. It is important for children that home and school are positive about this. Thank you in advance for your support. No changes will be considered, as this would have a greater impact throughout the school. Support timetables and resourcing have already been allocated for 2019 based on these class structures. We will finish the year with our traditional 'Light Ceremony' at 2.15pm in St Michael's Church. A beautiful way to finish the year in prayer.

On behalf of all staff at St Michael's, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. We hope this time is one that is special for your family and friends. Take time to reflect on the year, reach out to those in need, celebrate with family and friends and take time to pray and connect with God. We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the break. Happy New Year!

See you on Monday 4 February. The Front Office will open again on Wednesday 30 January. 

Enjoy the next 6 weeks ahead!

Kind regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal