Dear Parents/Carers,

Another week full of fun and learning. As we move to the second half of Term 4, I would like to thank all staff at St Michael's for their continued dedication and passion for what they do. As well as planning for 2019, staff are busy assessing students, writing reports, preparing items for the Christmas night, supporting new students with transitions, finalising personalised plans to handover, along with engaging students in learning experiences and dealing with little incidents that tend to pop up at this time of year as children become tired, hot and exhausted. Working at a school is a committment and many of the tasks asked of staff are completed outside of the 'normal' work hours. Not just the physical act of 'doing work', but when we constantly think about a particular child or situation, and how best we can support and help, which often goes late into the night and weekends. The time taken away from our own families can be massive at times. Please take the time to say thanks! Staff at St Michael's are truly dedicated individuals who can be here long before school starts and/or long after school finishes. 

Peer Support

Next week, we draw to a close our Peer Support program for 2018. A big thank you to Simone Brennan for her leadership with this program and to our senior students for preparing and leading these sessions. There has been a constant buzz across the school every Wednesday when Peer Support is occurring. Our intention is for all students at St Michael's to begin building great leadership skills which will assist them not only at school but in life in general. 

Siloam - Principal's Spirituality Retreat

Next week I will be away from school for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. I will be attending Siloam at Galong with other Principals. This is a overnight retreat for Principals which occurs three times a year. It is our opportunity to connect as Catholic leaders and have time away from the school setting to reflect on the influence and impact we have on our school communities. In my absence, please contact Damien Webb.

Reconciliation Retreat

Tomorrow our Year 3 students will travel over to St Monica's to join their Year 3 students for the Sacrament of Reconciliation Retreat Day. This is a special time for our students as they deepen their understanding of what Reconciliation means linking to the Gospel of 'The Prodical Son'. Thank you to Meaghan Younger and Yvette Whalan for supporting students through this journey and to the parents and families involved for your support. 

Fete Committee Meeting

On Monday (19 November) at 5.30pm, we will hold our next fete committee meeting in the library. The committee formed last month and have already been very busy sourcing sponsorship, ideas and support. You will note in last week's newsletter and this week's newsletter, along with an email from your PRN, that on Friday 30 November we are holding a uniform free day. On this day, we are asking students to bring in an item to donate for our silent auction for the fete. Each class has been given a theme for donations. Thank you in advance for supporting this. 

Don't forget to rsvp for our upcoming Christmas night. It is going to be a great night!  

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

Staffing

As mentioned previously, Cathy Holland begins her long service leave next week until the end of the year. Cathy will also finish up at the end of the year. If you see Cathy around tomorrow, please say farewell and thank you. Cathy has dedicated 19 years at St Michael's and has educated many as classroom teacher and teacher librarian. We will miss Cathy's gentle nature and sense of humour. We will officially farewell Cathy as a school at the end of the term. 

We congratulate Brendan Hague on his appointment at St Monica's Primary School in Evatt. Over the course of this year at St Michael's, Brendan has developed good relationships with staff, students and parents. He has led our STEM approach, supporting staff and students in their understanding and skills. Brendan's calm nature will be missed at the school. Still being part of the same Parish, we will surely see Brendan around in the future. We thank and wish Brendan all the best as he moves forward in his career. 

School Banking Coordinator for 2019

We are still seeking a volunteer to assisting with the school banking for 2019.  Fiona Scadden has kindly volunteered, however having a second volunteer will assist greatly as she is not always available every week.  Please let Lisa in the Front Office know if you can assist in any way.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Kind regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal