Principal's Page - Judy Egan
Dear Parents and Carers,
I’m sure you will be looking forward to the Easter break and I hope you are getting some benefit from the end of daylight savings.
You will have received information via COMPASS this week notifying the community of my intended leave for the first 4 weeks of next term. I am fortunate to be accessing Catholic Education Principal Support to attend a short pilgrimage with a group of Principals from our system. My thanks to Tim Cleary who will be Acting Principal joining Bridgette McCann and Erika Tokich as your Leadership Team. Tim is an experienced leader and educator and originally from Canberra, completing his training at ACU, he is excited to be taking on the role. I have re-attached the communication from Catholic Education around his qualifications and appointment.
Other Staffing News
We have been advertising for a suitable candidate to fulfil the position of Welfare Officer at St Michael’s. I am happy to announce that Madison Mills will be joining us in Term 2. Madison is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work at ACU and will be with us for 20 hours per fortnight. She has excellent experience working with students and is thrilled to be taking on the role.
We have recently employed 2 additional Classroom Support Assistants (CSAs) to cater for staff on leave and staff moving into other roles. Heather Qail and Madeleine Widdeson have joined the Classroom Support Team under the leadership of Robyn O’Rourke our Classroom Support Teacher. We have had a seamless transition with new staff who are a wonderful asset to our staff team.
Health alert for Families around Prime Energy Drinks
We recently received advice from CE around the use of Prime Energy Drinks.
We have become aware that some students are consuming ‘Prime Energy Drinks’. Like all drinks containing stimulants such as Red bull or Mother, children’s health can be seriously harmed if consumed.
We are aware that some versions don’t contain stimulants, however, St Michael’s does not allow energy drinks of any kind, it is a much healthier and sensible option to bring water to school. We will not be showing this clip to the students, however it gives you a sense of the advertising and the marketing for these items.
Easter Prayer times and Religious Education Coordinator
Thank you to the teachers of various classes for preparing our Holy Week Prayer sessions each morning this week 9am Tuesday-Thursday. A huge welcome to Mrs Erika Tokich who will be joining us as our Acting Religious Education Coordinator (REC) next term for the remainder of the school year. Erika joins us from Good Shepherd at Amaroo and brings a wealth of experience in the role.
St Michael’s Community Council
The Community Council met last week and Evan our Chair has included some reflections to share. If you have any feedback for the team please contact Evan via office.stmichaelsps@cg.catholic.edu.au
The Community Council met for the second time this year on 29 March 2023. The meeting discussed the recent Registration Panel which visited the school over the previous two weeks, interviewing teachers, the executive, parents and me as Chair of the Council. The verbal feedback from the interviews has been positive, the final report will be provided to the school in the next few weeks, with the main points circulated to the community. We also discussed a grant which the school is applying for to improve equipment in the library hub, the upcoming hot cross buns for Easter, maintenance of the greenhouse, dates for a proposed social for the kids, school finances (which are healthy), enrolments and the new sports sheds. Some of the latter points will be discussed again at the next meeting. If you have any questions, please reach out to us. Judy also informed the council that she was undertaking a religious sabbatical during the upcoming holidays and four weeks into Term 2. Tim Cleary, who was a previous student of St Michaels and now an experienced Principal will act in Judy's position. The Council wished Judy a safe and rewarding trip.
Cheers Evan
Start of Next term
A reminder that Term 2 begins for students on Wednesday 26 April. With the start of Term 2 it will be time to transition into full winter uniform.
https://stmichaelskaleen.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1749/uniform_policy.pdf
Our main uniform suppliers are Lowes at Westfield Belconnen. We also have a good supply of second hand uniforms available including school bags for gold coin donations. Please see Lynda if you would like to purchase some items.
Enrolment Period
Just a reminder that the enrolment period for 2024 begins next term. Parents wanting to enrol students for Kinder 2024 will need to submit an online application form. Please let family, friends and any families you know interested in enrolling that they will need to apply. Catholic Education have advised that Kindergarten classes at St Michael's will be capped at 28. Our Open Mornings will be May 10, May 11 and we have an Open evening from 4pm-6pm. Please call us if you would like any further information.
Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful Easter with families and friends.
I am privileged to be able to journey to the Holy Land this Easter season and have you all in my thoughts and prayers as I walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Many Blessings,
Judy Egan
Principal
