Fr Mick’s Birthday

Last Friday, Fr Mick celebrated his 70^th birthday and our Parish community organised a lovely evening to honour this important milestone. On Saturday, many of our staff and the Parish community gathered for Mass at St Monica’s, followed by a surprise birthday party in the hall. We shared plates of food, pizza, drinks and enjoyed some great live music – thanks to the band and everyone who made this evening such a wonderful success!

World Teachers’ Day

On Monday, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day with a delicious morning tea provided by our Community Council on behalf of our parent community. Heartfelt thanks go to our parents and Community Council for their generosity and support of our amazing teachers.

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the World Teachers’ Day ACT Teacher Quality Institute Awards and Breakfast. Jane McKeough was nominated and received a ‘Teaching Giant Award’.

Jane has dedicated herself to sharing her love of the Arts with our school community over many years. Her ability to engage the students in Art appreciation is inspirational. Over the years she has assisted our students to appreciate the work of many artists and be inspired to create individual responses.

Jane has shared her love and joy of the Arts with the Kaleen community and is responsible for multiple Art shows and preparation of art instalments over the years.

Her latest Book Week creations were incredible: when Children’s Author Sue Whiting recently visited us, she was moved to tears by Jane’s creations and interpretations of her work.

In keeping with high impact teaching practice, Jane uses explicit direct instruction in her Arts classes and the students are so excited to engage in Arts each week.

Jane is a well deserving recipient and we are delighted that she was recognised as a dedicated, creative and amazing teacher who shares her passion with everyone. When teachers talk about Jane they use the words “unassuming and gracious”.  We certainly are blessed to have Jane as a ‘Teaching Giant’ at St Michael’s!

Staff Wellbeing

The wellbeing of our staff at St Michael’s is a top priority. This semester, we have been identifying a staff member each week who deserves to be celebrated. Last week we gave thanks and gratitude for Kim Kennedy who is our Maintenance Groundsperson and keeps our school looking spectacular. This is a poem written by Mrs Kelly for Mr Kennedy.

KIM

Early in the morning, when the magpies sing,

You’ll find Kim at school quietly doing his thing.

He gets things set for another school day,

He makes the place safe for the kids to play.

You might find him digging or putting out the flags,

You might find him sweeping or fixing something that sags.

Kim’s always busy working through the jobs on his list,

Always with a smile and nothing gets missed.

The things that Kim does most of us don’t know,

But if he wasn’t doing them it would pretty soon show!

Kim’s been here a while and the kids know his name.

And we all know without him it wouldn’t be the same.

He is happy to chat while he brews a coffee in his cup,

And to declare ‘Happy Friday’ as he raises it up.

The school looks top notch because of Kim’s care

And we’re all very grateful for the skills that he share’s.

Kinder Orientation

We are thrilled to welcome our future Kindergarten students for 2025, along with their families, to our first orientation session this Friday, 1st November 2024.

We invite families to arrive at the library entrance, where our staff will be ready to greet and guide you to the Kindergarten classroom. Once the children are settled, parents will have the opportunity to attend an information session in the library, while the children enjoy a range of fun activities in the classroom.

To ensure your child stays comfortable throughout the morning, please remember to bring a hat and water bottle for them.

During the session, uniform samples will be on display, and school hats will be available for purchase.

The session will conclude at 10:30 am, at which point parents will collect their children from the Kindergarten classroom.

We are looking forward to meeting our newest students and supporting them as they begin this exciting journey at our amazing school!

Many blessings,

Bridgette McCann

Acting Principal