Dear Parents and Carers,

We have recently commenced the Season of Lent. It is a time where we prepare for Easter by doing 3 main things prayer, fasting and giving to others. In years gone by the focus used to be on ‘giving up’, in families it was giving up ice-cream, giving up chocolate and having fish n chips on Fridays. Looking a bit deeper as we prepare for Easter, Lent is a time for us to reflect on our own weakness, what are the things that prevent us from accepting Jesus into our hearts? It’s a time to let go of bad habits and develop new positive habits. It’s a time for action on giving to others. Making a difference in a small way is a great first step, how can I do something wonderful for my family? May this Lent be a time of positive change for all of us, inspired by the love and compassion of Jesus. 

Registration and Compliance

Thank you to everyone involved in out 2 days of Registration and Compliance last Wednesday and Thursday. The panel is preparing a report that we will share with the community addressing these 5 domains in Catholic Education.

• Catholic Identity and Culture
• Staff Capacity and Leadership
• Excellence in teaching and Learning
• Partnerships and the Community
• Stewardship and Resources

We were required to submit a document detailing our journey of continuous improvement in these areas and providing evidence attesting to the process. The 7 visiting panel members investigated these areas and reported against a set of criteria.

Feedback celebrates and affirms a journey of improvement at St Michael’s. Early feedback has been positive and constructive with ideas and alternatives for various areas. It is always great to have new eyes looking at how we do things. 

NAPLAN

We have been sending home parent information about NAPLAN which will be held earlier this year. Please see attached information and reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

A message for the community

The start of the school year is a particularly busy time in our school carparks and surrounding streets. To help keep students safe when making their way to and from school, please ensure you drive and park safely and legally, at and around, school grounds. We all have an important role to play in supporting road safety. Access Canberra has notified us that mobile speed and parking vans will be in operation to support our students’ safety. These enforcement teams play a critical role in supporting our students get to and from school safely and we thank them for their ongoing support. In addition to sticking to the speed limit, please remember to park safely – including not parking across pedestrian crossings, in no stopping zones, on corners, verges and double parking. Unsafe and illegal parking can reduce visibility of our students and motorists to see each other, creating a significant hazard when students cross the road. Let’s work together to keep our kids safe.

This Wednesday to Friday I will be attending the Catholic Leaders Days in Bowral. Thank you to Bridgette McCann who will be stepping up in my absence and to Lisa Mammoliti who continues to be a great support in the Religious Education Coordinator role.

I hope families enjoy the Canberra Day long weekend safe travels.

Many blessings,

Principal