We have had an amazing week and a half with everyone back onsite. It is so great to have all students (just a couple of families still at home and returning shortly) and all staff back together again. Students have been so well behaved and engaged, I think more appreciative of school and what they have been missing out on. Staff have loved over the last couple of weeks, spending time with each child and re-establishing those all important connections. Thank you once again for all your support. We have got through this period together!

Intercultural Understandings

Over the last week, it has been hard not to be thinking and reflecting about what is occurring right across the world regarding the human rights movement against systemic racism and violence.

It is important to discuss this with your child/ren, as they are hearing and seeing what is happening and it is an important learning opportunity for them, the future generations of our society. 

My advice would be to talk to children in language that they would understand and they are familiar with, to help them understand what is happening. Focus on a few terms, such as, Restorative Practice, Empathy, Love and Diversity. These are terms we use at school often.

Restorative Practice is about building, maintaining and restoring relationships and community. Just because something was an accident or wasn't done with any intent, if someone is hurt by your actions, it is important to own that and help to repair the harm so it doesn't happen again. 

Empathy is one’s ability to connect with another person by building relationships built on mutual trust and understanding. To put yourself in someone else's shoes. It’s so important to think about how other people feel, because we are all different and can feel different things at different times based on what is happening for us at that moment.

Love is about trust, about peace, about freedom to be you. It is important for us to listen, to be open, to be fair. We can all be better, and love is the commitment to strive to be better each day. 

Diversity is the celebration and acknowledgment of differences and commonalities across cultures. We are so blessed to be all different. It is important though, that everyone feels supported and safe at all times. 

Intercultural understanding is a General Capability of the Australian Curriculum and is embedded in the way we teach at St Michael's. It is about engaging students’ interest in the lives of others. The idea is to promote curiosity, care, empathy, reciprocity, respect and responsibility, open-mindedness and critical awareness, and supports new and positive intercultural behaviours. It centres around three critical dispositions – expressing empathy, demonstrating respect and taking responsibility.

We will continue this week, especially in light of what is happening in the world right now, to discuss, pray, educate and empower students to deepen their developing understanding and to encourage them to make a positive difference in this world

Wellbeing of Staff

Over the last couple of months, I have been in awe of the staff at St Michael's. Their commitment and passion has been truly inspiring. To continue to thank them, and look after their wellbeing, each term we invite Sarah, from Hands On Corporate Massage for all staff to have a 15 minute neck and shoulder massage. This time around, I am sure it will be truly welcomed. A small way we can say thank you to our staff each term and ensure they take the time to reflect and recharge. 

Enrolment

This week I look forward to meeting some of our new families for 2021. Our Kindergarten students and their families have their enrolment interviews this week. We will also welcome some other students across the school in 2021, with new students enrolled for Year 1, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6 at this stage. 

I always love this time of year. It is such a privilege to be able to especially meet these 4 year old children and then be able to watch them as they grow and develop over the years. The journey of schooling is a big one and the choice parents make for a school is massive. We are thankful to all our families for choosing St Michael's, for the trust and partnership that is created when a child (and family) enrols with us. We enrol a family, not just a child at St Michael's. 

SleepOut@Home & PJ Day

Don't forget our Vinnie's SleepOut@Home occurring next Thursday (18 June). We would love every family to donate $5 (via Qkr! App under Charity Donations) to go to St Vincent de Paul Society to help those in need this winter. We will also be having a PJ Day on Friday 19 June where students wear their PJs to school and bring in a winter woolly to donate. 

Enjoy the week ahead.

Take care. 

Pat Ellis