Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your support on Friday for our Rainbow Family Walkathon. This was such a fun and colourful afternoon. Much excitment filled the air, along with coloured powder. A big thank you to Damien Webb and Lisa Monro for coordinating the event behind the scene. We raised over $6500 which will continue to go towards our upgrading of our outdoor spaces and equipment. 

Kindergarten Orientation

Yesterday we welcomed 20 preschoolers to St Michael's. These very excited (and nervous) children will form our Kindergarten class of 2019. Thank you to everyone for making them feel welcome. As mentioned last week, Jessica Lewis will continue to teach on Kindergarten in 2019 which means we can already start transitioning and ensuring  a smooth move from preschool to 'big school'. Another Orientation morning will be held in a fortnight. 

Christmas Event

On Tuesday 11 December we will hold our Christmas Carol Spectacular Night at 6pm. I am aware that the last couple of years it has rained out, so keep those positive vibes and prayers for good weather on the night. Each class will be performing two items. A more traditional carol and then something a little special with a more modern take on a carol. We will be holding a Christmas Treats stall where you could purchase some items. Information will come home via your PRN about how you could help by contributing to the stall by baking a little something. As a thank you for your support this year, the Community Council will be putting on a free BBQ for everyone. Please RSVP for catering purposes via 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19zNlpFgU0MBf3_y2saFDc_4b_EmAzn4QpjBEeQ6Db2M/edit?usp=sharing

Orienteering 

Over the last two weeks, all students have been participating in Orienteering sessions as part of their sports (and Maths) lessons. It has been great seeing students moving around the school mapping and providing directions. Such important skills to develop. All classes have two more sessions to go. Thank you Erin Hardwicke for organising.

Before School Care Trial 

Before School Care Trial started this week. This is being held in the library between 8-8.20am before regular supervision starts at 8.20am. I hope that this has provided support for families in the mornings and allow you all to get off to work in less of a hurry. We would appreciate a small donation to access the service which will go towards the library and greenhouse upkeep. We welcome feedback on this throughout the rest of the term. Should you wish to provide your child with a piece of fruit, breakfast bar etc at this time, that is fine. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation 

Tonight is the Sacrament of Reconciliation Parent & Child Preparation Night. This will be held at 6pm at St Monica's School. Any questions, please contact Meaghan Younger (REC). Next Friday, 16 November, students in Year 3 will be travelling over to St Monica's for the Sacrament Retreat Day. 

Change of Bell Times in 2019

To fit in with teacher planning, timetabling and allocation of resourcing we will be changing bell times in 2019. Changes will not impact on start and end of school. The changes will occur during the day to maximise learning opportunities. 

Bell Times / Sessions will be as follows...

8.50am - Start of School / Class time

11am    - Recess Eating

11.10    - Recess Play

11.40    - Class time

1.40pm - Lunch Eating

1.50pm - Lunch Play

2.20pm - Class time

2.50pm - Pack Up / Clean Up

3.00pm - End of School

This will take some adjusting for students (and staff), however, we feel this will allow ease of timetabling and planning time for teachers and maximise learning time whilst shortening the afternoon session. 

Community Council - Vacant Positions

Due to constitutional requirements, there are two vacant positions on the Executive of the School Community Council from 2019.  We are therefore calling for nominations - any parent in the School community is eligible to nominate.  Please see Lisa in the Front Office for a nomination form if you are keen to be part of this committee.

School Banking Coordinator for 2019

We are seeking a volunteer to assist with the school banking for 2019.  We already have one volunteer who has kindly offered to process the banking, however having a second volunteer will assist greatly as she is not aways available every week.  Please let Lisa in the Front Office know if you can assist in any way.

Final Thoughts

Sunday's Gospel reading is for myself, the essence of Catholic Education. As a Catholic Educator and Leader, my role is to lead by example, to influence and inspire all to live out their full potential and proclaim their faith. In doing this, one develops a deeper love for God, yourself and your neighbour. This is what I hope students at St Michael's develop over their years at school. With home and school working together, we want our children/students to move through primary school with love, kindness, acceptance and empathy for all those around them, including themselves and God. We want what they have learnt, developed and discovered in primary school to serve them in the years beyond, to have a positive impact on themselves, their families and their communities. 

Enjoy the week ahead.

Kind regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal