This week we welcome Wendy Rix. Wendy is a Yuwaalaraay woman from North West NSW. Wendy is a Visual Artist who has been working with all classes to create Indigenous Inspired Art. Wendy has also worked in a small group with our Aboriginal students. As part of Wendy's Artist in Residence, we commissioned her to create two artworks titled, 'Harmony and Challenge' (pictured left) and a cross (below). Whilst Wendy is at St Michael's, she will be painting two murals. A rainbow design on the white wall heading into B Block and a tree design on the green wall in the tuckshop area. This art program is in line with our Reconciliation Action Plan development.

Before School Care

It is great to see our Before School Care program run by YMCA slowly growing. We now have 6 students regularly accessing the service. In order to keep the service in the future (which will assist with attracting enrolments), we need the community support. Perhaps you need one morning a week where you can head into work early, head to the gym before work or enjoy a longer breakfast to recharge the batteries. Please consider the Before School Care program. To apply or receive further details and support please phone YMCA Canberra on (02) 6242 4040 (ask for Nadine or Jenny) or email them at cs.canberra@ymca.org.au  

Sprinkler System

I am pleased to let you know (after a very long process), that our sprinkler system is now repaired. The installation of this system originally made it difficult for repairs to take place. I have since engaged a new company to assist with our repairs and maintenance. 

Key for Learning - Create

The last fortnight we have been introducing our 'Keys for Learning' focusing on Collaborate and Persevere. It has been pleasing to see this in action across all classes. This week we have been introducing our third key 'Create'. In order for learning to take place, students need to be active in the process. This means we expect students to be engaged, asking questions, inquiring, exploring, challenging thinking and using the imagination. 

Swimming Carnival

A note came home yesterday regarding the final reminders for the swimming carnival which is occurring on Tuesday. Please note, all students will be required to participate in the swim test if they would like to enter into the water. Regardless whether they are swimming in races or just novelty events, all students wanting to go in the water must attempt the testing. Information was provided on the note that went home including the three levels of tagging that will occur. This is to ensure the safety of all students in the water and is set by the trained professionals at the pool. Their decision is final regarding what tag students receive. 

Special Lunch Day

Orders have now closed for our first Special Lunch occurring on Friday. Pasta Bake and a drink will be served on Friday to those students who have ordered a special lunch. Our Year 6 leaders will be helping in the set up and clean up. 

Recess sales will occur, so please bring some money (50c to $1) to purchase some items including muffins, cookies, hash browns, yoghurt cups with fruit and ice blocks. 

A huge thank you to the Parent Canteen Committee for your planning and preparation behind the scene to ensure these events can run. 

Community Council

Tonight we will hold our first Community Council meeting for 2020. I thank the members of council for the attendance tonight and their commitment to working collaboratively for continued success of St Michael's. We will advise next week the roles each council member will hold for 2020 along with some plans for events and fundraising based on parent feedback obtained last year. 

Enjoy the week ahead. 

Kind regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal