Principal's Page - Pat Ellis
It is with great pleasure that I can announce that after a recruitment process, Miss Jessica Lewis has been appointed as a permanent full-time teacher at St Michael's from 2021. Jessica is currently teaching Kindergarten and has been with us for three years. Congratulations Jess!
We would also like to announce that Miss Natasha Kapantais and Miss Nadia Farhadi were successful in their re-appointments as temporary full-time teachers for 2021. Tash is currently teaching 5/6K and Nadia currently on 3/4F. Well done Tash and Nadia.
We are so pleased that all three teachers get to stay with us again next year. Three amazing teachers who contribute so positively and proactively to the life of St Michael's.
We would also like to announce that Annie Brearley will replace Damien Webb (1/2W Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) for next term whilst he is Acting Principal. We had a very strong field through the recruitment process. Annie is a dynamic young educator, who will bring enthusiasm and joy to 1/2W during Term 4. We welcome Annie to the St Michael's School Community.
COVID-19 Update 
Whilst we navigate our way through the 'COVID normal', we are still being highly vigilant with regard to hygiene, cleaning and continuing only to have essential adults within the school building.
Whilst we hope it doesn't occur, and as a wider community of Canberra, everyone remains COVID aware, we do have a week of Remote Learning ready to go. Teachers have worked hard to ensure we have 5 days of learning, ready to go, if neeed in the future (hopefully it will just sit there and never be needed).
It is still also really important that children who are unwell (runny nose, cough, headaches, temperature etc) stay home. Any child who presents as unwell, will need to go home. As a parent, I know this can be extremely frustrating with work and other commitments, however, these are COVID times and we all must follow the guidelines to ensure we don't go backwards.
A reminder, when visiting NSW, please check the NSW Health Website for COVID Hotspots and follow the advice. Again, this is really important.
Just to clarify for school restrictions, if a student or staff member are being tested for COVID-19, other members of their family are not required to isolate while waiting for test results (where they are not a close contact of a positive case). So, a child or parent who is unwell and goes to be tested, other family members are not required to self-isolate until the results come back. Only the person being test. This is different where you are a close contact of a positive case.
Those who are tested for flu like symptoms are able to return to school after a negative test result. They are not required to isolate for 14 days or be retested after 10 to 12 days. This is where there is no connection to a positive case and are likely to be most cases. Where you are a close contact of a positive case you are required to isolate for 14 days and be retested. If you have any questions at anytime, please reach out to the school to ask. We are in this together and we need to support each other while we adapt to these 'COVID normal' times.
Father's Day
In the now, new tradition, of celebrating events COVID style, we will be hosting a Drive By Father's Celebration on Friday 4 September. We have a little something to give to the Dads who drive by in the morning. Staff will be outside from 8.10am on Friday handing out a breakfast/morning tea treat, in lieu of our normal traditional Father's Day Breakfast. We hope to see you drive by this Friday.
Virtual Family Trivia Night 
Come and join the fun. You don't need to leave your house. A fun, family activity (the questions will not be too difficult). If dress up isn't your thing (no problems, just zoom as you are).
We are keen to connect as many families as possible for some fun. You can join as a family of 2, a family of 4 or 6, or join with another family at your house for 8 or 10. It is all just for a little fun! Sign up below and we will see you online. Remember, extended family and friends are welcome to join in also.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18xJpKyVcGTGZPeVJ7lAuSpEAEmAOSqfvahmzNcJfyLQ/edit
Science Week
A great Science Week was celebrated last week along with our #notquiteasatelliteselfie due to the weather, but in St Michael's School style, we made it work. A big thanks to Meaghan Younger for her organisation of events for the week and for teachers making sure fun scientific experiences were had by all.
Home Learning (Homework)
we also have Wushka to access. Please contact your child's teacher if you require more readers to be sent home or the access again for Wushka. Reading Eggs is also active for students. 
FUN and FITNESS WEEK IS COMING! 
This week your child will have been given a note for you to sign and return if they have any unexplained absences. Could the notes please be returned to the Front Office as soon as possible. Please remember that all absences need to be sent through the Schoolzine app or emailed to the Front Office directly, preferably on the day your child is away. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated as we navigate through our new computer system (Compass).