What a very settled week we have had to welcome the 2020 school year. A huge thank you to all the staff for their preparation leading up to the start of school. A calm start doesn't just happen in a school, it takes a lot of organisation and preparation. I really appreciate the amazing team we have here at St Michael's. 

Parent Operated Canteen

This year St Michael's was not able to secure a canteen provider so some parents have stepped in to make healthy meals twice per term. The first of these meal days will be FRIDAY 21 February. There will be a few items available for children to purchase with their money at recess. At lunch time we will have one freshly cooked meal available: the first meal will be bolognese pasta bake! You will need to pre-order your child's lunch via QKR and there will be instructions on how to do this in next week's newsletter. All profits go straight back into our canteen.

We also NEED VOLUNTEERS to keep this canteen going. It's really easy, either volunteer some time on the two Fridays each term to cook, serve and clean OR be given a recipe the week before to bake for sale at recess. Please email council.stmichaelsps@cg.catholic.edu.au for more information.

Keys for Learning 

Over the course of this week, all classes have been unpacking our first Key for Learning - Collaborate. 

We believe at St Michael's it is important for students to learn the understanding and skills of how to collaborate with others. We believe students should have fun when learning, living out their full potential and working with others. 

There have been some interesting learning experiences occurring across the school involving team work, problem solving and leadership. 

Before School Care

We have 4 families already accessing the Before School Care. In order to keep this service running, we really need to support YMCA. 

Just to provide some further information, as there was incorrect information circulating. 

Due to Government requirements, Before School Care and After School Care are charged on a per session basis, not by time. The morning session is 7-8.30am and the afternoon session is 3-6pm. 

The cost of Before School Care session is $22.50 for a permanent (ongoing) booking and $25.00 for a casual booking.

YMCA are most happy to assist families with either a permanent or casual booking. Please contact their Customer Care Team on 6242 4040 / cscanberra@ymca.org.au

With regards to the Child Care Subsidy, this differs for every family. Some families may receive 85% cost of fees to 50%, whilst some receive zero. This link may assist families - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy

Meet & Greet

On Wednesday 12 February, we will host an informal opportunity to Meet & Greet the teacher. This is a social connect rather than a presentation/information session. 

Teachers will make themselves available between 3-4pm and 5-6pm in their classrooms. Feel free to pop in, introduce yourself and have an informal chat. I am aware many parents have already connected with teachers before and after school. Some light afternoon tea will be available in both block areas for parents. 

If you require a more formal sit down conversation with teachers, this can be arranged at a separate time by emailing the class teachers directly. 

Teacher's emails are as follows;

KL - jessica.lewis@cg.catholic.edu.au

1/2W - damien.webb@cg.catholic.edu.au

1/2B - shannon.blakey@cg.catholic.edu.au

3/4A - sarah.anderson@cg.catholic.edu.au

3/4F - nadia.farhadi@cg.catholic.edu.au

5/6K - natasha.kapantais@cg.catholic.edu.au

5/6F - jessica.hallahan@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Swimming Carnival & Water Fun Day

Notes came home with every student on Monday. If your child has misplaced the note, you can either pick up a paper copy from the notestand in the foyer or download a copy from our school website. 

The carnival will be on Tuesday 25 February at Gungahlin Pool. We have changed venues this year based on feedback from parents. Notes came home for the carnival for all

students in Years 3-6.

Students in Kinder and Year 1 will remain at school for a Water Fun Day and Special Lunch. Students in Year 2 who are turning 8 this year, can attend the swimming carnival if they wish. All other Year 2 students will remain at school for the Water Fun Day. 

Any questions you may have, please contact your child's class teacher or email our Sports Coordinator directly erin.hardwicke@cg.catholic.edu.au 

A huge thanks to Erin for her preparation and organisation of both events. 

Year 6 Leadership Ceremony 

On Monday 10 February we will hold our Year 6 Leadership Ceremony. This will be held at 9.30am in the school hall. Our Year 6 Leaders will be presented with their badges and leadership shirts. All most welcome to attend. This will mark the next step in their leadership journeys. 

Kindergarten Welcome!

A huge welcome to our 26 little people who started on Monday. We have a very settled group of students. As well as some exisiting families, we welcomed 12 new Kindergarten families starting their schooling experience with us. If you need anything at all, please feel free to email me directly patrick.ellis@cg.catholic.edu.au 

New Families Welcome!

As well as our new Kindergarten families, we welcomed 5 new families across the school. Welcome to Nate, Elliot, Aanya, Suraya, Samuel, Miriam and Ari.

Opening School Mass

All are most welcome to attend our Opening School Mass tomorrow. This is the first time as a whole school and Parish community that we are coming together in prayer. It is the first time for our Kindergarten students to attend Mass with us (an hour is a very long time for them, we will do our best). Thank you to Jess Figura, 5/6F and Meaghan Younger for your preparation of this Mass. Fr Loi will lead our celebration. 

Reconciliation Action Plan 

Last year we began the process of developing an Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for our school. Not many Primary Schools have a RAP, however, we feel it is important to show leadership with Reconciliation. Part of showing our commitment and spirit of Reconciliation, we have redesigned our staff sport shirts. This is one of the visual ways in which we are displaying an inclusive environment, welcoming all and celebrating a shared positive journey of Reconciliation. 

Kind regards, 

Pat Ellis

Principal

2020 School Theme - Knowing & Growing as Stewards of God's Creation