What an amazing first week back at school we had last week. A very calm and engaging start.

A very special occassion on Monday, as our Year 6 students received their Leadership Badges and Shirts. An important year for them. We have very dedicated students who are wanting to make a difference in their final year of primary school and leave their legacy. 

I have been asked to take part in an 'Evidence Forum' for Catholic Education. I will join the Director, Assistant Director and a small number of selected Principals from across the Archdiocese to take part in a process. Core to the success of transforming education across Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese will be defining the right pedagogical improvements to be made in classrooms across the system. This Evidence Forum project will allow us to observe best practice classrooms in Australia, see the best school improvement programs in action and critically explore current educational research. This is an exciting opportunity not only for myself personally and professionally, but for St Michael's, as evidence I uncover will directly inform future directions and improvements made. I will be away from school on 20 February and 5 March (Canberra) and 25 Feb until 27 Feb (Sydney/Perth). I will keep you informed throughout this process. 

For this reason, I will not be able to attend the Year 5/6 Camp. Disappointing, however, I do need to be at school as much as possible. Jane McKeough will take my place. The Year 5/6 teachers will be attending Camp Cooba as previously arranged (Damien Webb, Jessica Figura, Shannon Blakey). Camp Cooba also have their own sport teaching leaders who will be assisting students throughout all activities. I know the teachers and students will have an excellent time. I have been to Cooba on several occassions over the years and it has always been excellent.

A reminder tonight is our Meet and Greet night. This is a very informal social event where parents can pop into their child's classroom to say hello. Following, drinks and nibbles will be served in the tuckshop area for parents to chat and perhaps meet a new family.

Just a reminder as the year starts for students to wear correct uniform to school everyday, this includes hats and jumpers, along with correct school coloured hair ribbons and hair ties and no line shavings in hair. Students are not permitted to wear nail polish. Sports shoes are to be predominantly white and school shoes are to be fully black shoes. They do not need to be full leather black shoes, however they must be all black, no white soles or white logos/ticks. Thank you for supporting us to ensure all students wear the correct uniform each day. 

The Term 1 School Fees went home and the end of last week, please take the time to check your fees and ensure that all direct debits will cover the fees for the 2019.  If you need to increase your direct debit, please see Lisa in the Front Office.  Please remember to return the Student Information Check List and the Medical Alert Form (if required) to the Front Office by this Friday, your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.

On Sunday I was reminded through the Gospel the importance of being present. Stopping and taking the time to connect with God through prayer. As a Catholic School, we value taking the time to pray to strengthen our relationship with God. We value accepting all, respecting all and walking in the footsteps of Jesus. 'They left everything and followed him'. Our lives are busy and demanding at times. It is important to model for our students/children how we follow Jesus - helping those around us, showing compassion and empathy, accepting all and valuing diversity. Taking the time to listen to what God is asking of us each day - 'Here I am'.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Be Kind.

Pat Ellis

Principal