Over the last three years, Damien Webb and I have worked closely as a partnership as  Principal and Assistant Principal. We have often been compared (of course Mr Webb has the style over me) and played along with it. Early on, a parent referred to us as 'Batman and Robin' and more recently as "Bert and Ernie', so, of course in our style and humour, to celebrate my last week at St Michael's, we are going to celebrate our favourite duos from cartoons/movie/TV next week wearing matching t-shirts each day. Then we can finally settled the three year commentary of what duo best represents us. Which duo do you think?  

Confirmation Parent Information Night

Tomorrow night, the OLPH Parish will host a Zoom Info Night for the parents of those Year 6 children who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is such a special occasion for the young women and men of our school. When it comes to Confirmation, I often find myself reflecting on a quote from Saint John Paul II "Only in Christ can men and women find answers to the ultimate questions that trouble them. Only in Christ can they fully understand their dignity as persons created and loved by God."

As our Year 6 students prepare to take the next step on their faith journey, I hope that they step closer to, and deepen their relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. 

Virtual Trivia Night

Saturday is the night! It has been a long time coming to have a community event (even if virtually). A huge thank you to Damien Webb, Community Council and parents who have been busy behind the scene preparing this night. It should be a fun night! Please access via the Zoom Link https://cgcatholic.zoom.us/j/93477617845 

Fun and Fitness Week 

Next week we have an exciting week planned and we will be doing physical activity everyday. Students can come dressed in their sports uniform for the week, alternatively, if they wanted to wear normal uniform with their joggers/sneakers, that is fine also. We know that it has been a difficult year for everyone, and our students have also felt the challenges of the year. To say thanks and to have some fun, we will host a Fun and Fitness Week. We have purchased new equipment, organised treats, and have the colour powder at the ready. The Quiz Master himself, Mr Webb, has organised trivia every afternoon also. The week of fun is all covered by some of Term 3 Excursion/Incursion Levy. We look forward to fun, laughter and fitness to finish off a big term!

Year 5/6 Leadership Fun Days

Ms Younger has been busy organising and coordinating our Year 5/6 Fun Leadership days next term (in lieu of Camp). I am jealous that I will miss the fun. It involves Bootcamp, Lego STEM, Creative Arts, Slip & Slide, Kaleen Indoor Sports Centre, Bubble Soccer, just to name a few activities. Catering is also getting sorted which will involve recess (fruit, chips, popcorn, muesli bars) and lunch (chicken and chips, pizza and McDonalds). We want these three days to be as much fun as possible, not only for the students but for Ms Younger, Miss Kapantais and Ms Hallahan (Figura), who were very much looking forward to Camp also. 

Thank you for everyone's continued kind words leading up to me finishing next week. I am continued to be reminded of what a great school and great community we have. I have felt honoured to be a part of change at St Michael's, and to elevate the school to be a very special place to learn and have fun. As you can imagine, things have been pretty busy for me getting things finished up here as well as getting in the head space of my new role in CE. The team, under Mr Webb's leadership, is ready for Term 4 and to finish off a quite challenging year, focused on continued improvement in teaching and learning as well as centring on everyone's faith and wellbeing.

The recruitment for a new Principal for 2021 has progressed to the next stage, with the job advertisement closed. Short-listing and interviews will take place over the weeks ahead by Catholic Education. We imagine an announcement will occur in the first half of next term. 

Enjoy the week ahead and take care.

Pat Ellis
Principal