Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope your family is doing well and beginning to shake off the icicles as we see the blossoms emerging and the soil beginning to warm.

Staffing News

This past week Mrs. Shahenie Burns has accepted a full-time Wellbeing Officer position at Margaret Hendry School. Shahenie has been with St Michael’s in a part-time capacity since February 2020. She has expressed how much she will miss our beautiful school, staff, and children but has been keen to work in a full-time capacity. We thank Shahenie for her wonderful contributions to our school and wish her every future success.

Visit from Monash Primary School

This Thursday, 8 September the leadership team from Monash Primary School will be visiting St Michael’s to observe the great work we are doing teaching literacy. Monash has heard about our work with Dr Lorraine Hammond and Brooke Wardana in the past 2 years.  The Monash team are big fans of Brooke and the engaging way she approaches explicit instruction in literacy. We are very happy to collaborate across sectors and share what works well in classrooms.

NAPLAN results

NAPLAN results have arrived for students in Year 3 and Year 5 and will be sent home via school bags today. Interrogation of NAPLAN data happens system wide and on an individual school basis. Over the coming weeks the system and individual schools will be looking at the data to see where strengths and challenges are evident. It is important to remember that NAPLAN is one test that collects data and not all students are at their best in test conditions. If you have any questions and concerns about the information, please make an appointment to see your child’s teacher. Remember to frame any conversations with your child around positives and areas of strength as students need to build confidence and self-esteem.  

Garden Updates

Thank you to Natasha Kapantais for organising some fantastic experiences in her role as Aboriginal Education Officer. The bush tucker garden beds are looking spectacular, and the knowledge gained from visiting experts has been so beneficial for our students. Thanks also to Mr Webb and the Garden Teams for doing some great planting this week.

Building Updates

I have met with the building and maintenance team and work is going to tender for the refurbishment of the front entrance and staffroom. Shortly, new lights will be installed at the front of the school to replace the current lighting which is inadequate and unsafe.

Hats On

Thanks to everyone for ensuring that students have school hats to protect them from increasing UV exposure, our school uniform is a valued part of St Michael’s community, and the safety and wellbeing of students is always our highest priority.

Events- Saturday 19 November 11am-2pm

Please keep informed of upcoming dates and events, we will include a 40^th Anniversary section for each newsletter to promote and celebrate this momentous event. Information is included in this newsletter about our 40^th Anniversary pavers- make sure you have your family name recorded in history to celebrate St Michael’s and the contribution to Catholic Education over the years.

This Friday, 9^th September has been allocated across Canberra schools for a Pupil-free day to allow staff planning time missed due to teacher shortages. We hugely value the support given to us by our community for this important time.

We keep our Confirmation candidates in our prayers as they finalise their preparation for the Sacrament.

Many Blessings,

Judy Egan

Principal