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- Important Dates & Events
- Principal's Page - Judy Egan
- RE News: Meaghan Younger
- Parish News
- Sports News: Erin Hardwicke
- Harmony Awards
- Happy Birthday
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Entertainment Book 2020/21
- Daramalan - Enrolment Information
- St Francis Xavier College - Enrolment Information
- Merici - Enrolment Information
- John Paul College - Enrolment Information
- School Sport ACT Trials
| THIS WEEK | |
| 21 April | SFX Expo Day (Year 6) |
| 23 April | Anzac Day WSPT @ 8.50am in the courtyard |
| NEXT WEEK | |
| 29 April | Sacrament of Eucharist Parent Formation Night - 6pm via Zoom |
| COMING UP | |
| 7 May | Cross Country |
Please remember that copies of notes sent home are available on our website. https://www.stmichaelsps.act.edu.au/notes
I hope families were able to spend some quality time together over the Easter holiday period. Thank you so much to the family groups who helped in the Greenhouse keeping an eye on everything, we appreciate your kindness.
Welcome back to Ms Meaghan Younger this term and a warm welcome to Melissa Morella who will be joining us on a temporary basis in Learning support. We also have several pre-service teachers on various days being mentored by our wonderful staff.
Catalyst
On Monday St Michael’s was the venue for Day 2 of High Impact Teaching Practice, excellent Professional Learning delivered by Dr. Lorraine Hammond from Edith Cowen University WA.
We were excited to welcome Ross Fox (Director of Catholic Education), Dr Tony Bracken, (Deputy Director) Pat Ellis (Education Lead), the Catalyst team and representatives from Catholic Education to our school. School Principal’s and Staff from St Bernard’s Bateman’s Bay, Holy Spirit Nicholls, and St Thomas the Apostle Kambah also joined us. It was a great experience, the learning, research, and collaboration as part of the catalyst initiative is helping us to reimagine our classroom pedagogy in powerful and practical ways.
And now it’s your turn!
Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity for St Michael’s families, TOMORROW! Thursday 22 April. 3.30-4.15pm, School hall.
Dr Lorraine Hammond, is sharing her knowledge of current approaches to teach reading. You will need to get in quick, by booking on our google sheet.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eeydMC6Q3CgG5YkW4spvJuxO9ajd1GJbhW-tPuBpWRo/edit?usp=sharing
Spaces are limited so bookings are essential.
Parent Portal- COMPASS
In line with other Catholic Primary Schools, and as a way of communicating more effectively, St Michael’s will be introducing a new online portal called Compass in Week 3 this term. This Parent Portal allows you to receive information about your child’s school and their progress. It will give you access to school reports, messages, classroom blogs and the ability to submit attendance notes. The portal is accessible via the web and the Compass School Manager App (via the App store on your device).
This Parent Portal will make engaging with your child’s school faster, easier and more secure.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Receive relevant messaging through the app or desktop
- Submit absence notes
- Give consent for events/excursions
- Communicate directly with teachers (desktop only)
- Book parent-teacher conferences
- Access your child’s academic reporting
- Update basic contact information knowing your data will remain secure
We will update you with further information next week.
The mornings are certainly getting cooler as we approach Anzac Day, a time of national remembrance. May we always cherish the values of courage and sacrifice.
Many Blessings
Judy Egan
Religious Education Curriculum
Across the school teachers have worked hard over the Easter stand-down time to prepare units of Inquiry in Religious Education that we hope will engage our students and be relevant in their world today. We have linked the concept of ‘Change’ as it is our focus concept for Term Two.
Kindergarten students will be learning about Jesus’ teachings on love, compassion and forgiveness that challenged people about the way they were living. They will relate examples of people having the freedom to choose between good and bad, right and wrong.
In 1/2 students will be exploring people’s responses to change, including their own actions and those of the Church.
Students in 3/4 will look at how the sacraments of initiation make changes in people’s lives. They will also look at the sacraments as a source of nourishment for our faith community.
Our 5/6 students will investigate the seven sacraments and how they help us in our faith journey. They will identify evidence of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and in the actions of people throughout history.
Religious Life of St Michael’s School Community
Be Still and Know that I am God as we change and grow
Our year long theme of Be still and know that I am God is expanded and deepened again this term as we look at how God is with us in change. God is our catalyst for change and our support as we go through all that it brings, be it hard or joyous. Jesus is inspirational in changing death into life by defeating his death in the tomb and rising to a new life. This past year has brought about many changes in our world and many people are still struggling with restrictions, fear and isolation, and in extreme cases, death of many in their country. How lucky we are in this country to be so comparably safe. Our God is with us in all the change and always will be.
Easter Season
In the Church calendar we are still in the season of Easter. Our prayer spaces reflect this with the colour of the cloths being white and gold. This season is a joyous and yet challenging one where we remember and relive the apostles confusion and wonder at Jesus’ resurrection. How appropriate when we are living in a very changed world today. What a comfort are Jesus’ words to Mary upon her seeing him outside the tomb, “Be not afraid.” It is times like these I am reminded that the Church tells us we are always an ‘Easter People’ – living with the miracle of Jesus’ death and resurrection. How are we facing the challenges before us at the moment? Have you remembered to lean on your God who is with us always?
ANZAC Liturgy
This Friday, with our Whole School Assembly at 8:50am, we will hold a short commemoration for ANZAC Day. All families are most welcome to join us in the courtyard for this special liturgy, particularly serving and past members of the Defence Force.
First Eucharist
A reminder that students in Year 4 who have already received the Sacrament of Reconciliation last year are invited to prepare with the parish program this term. The parent information evening is held via zoom on Thursday 29th April from 6:00pm. Families will be asked to attend one of the parish masses the following weekend (1-2 May) for their official commitment. More information is below in the Parish section.
Meaghan Younger - REC
Sacramental Program 2021 – First Eucharist for students in Y4 from 2021
The Sacrament of First Eucharist will be celebrated in Term 2 of 2021 on the following dates:
- Tuesday 8 June at 6pm in St Michael’s Church
- Wednesday 9 June at 6pm in St Monica’s Church
- Thursday 10 June at 5.30pm in St Monica’s Church
- Thursday 10 June at 7pm in St Monica’s Church
Please keep the candidates for First Eucharist in your prayers.
Information Night for First Eucharist
The parent information night will be held on Thursday 29 April 2021 at 6pm via zoom (zoom address provided in the invitation to eligible candidates).
Registration for the Sacrament of First Eucharist
Registration must be made via the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Qkr! App. Registrations opened on 30 March 2021 and will close by 16 May 2021.
No further registration will be accepted after the closing date.
Commitment Masses
Students and parents must attend one of the weekend Masses at either St Monica’s Church (6pm Saturday or 10am Sunday) or St Michael’s Church (8am or 5.30pm Sunday) on one of the dates listed below to make their commitment for the Sacrament.
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May 2021
There will be no additional commitment masses beyond these dates.
Purchasing a stole for First Eucharist
Purchasing a stole is optional and is not compulsory. If you wish to purchase a stole, please make a payment of $20 through the Qkr! App and send an email to sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au and arrangements will be made for delivery/pickup.
For further information please contact the Sacramental Program coordinator at sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au
Term 2 Sports Dates
Please save the date for both our Cross Country and Athletics carnival's which will take place this term.
Cross Country: Friday 7th May
Athletics Carnival: Thursday 10th June, Kaleen North Playing Fields
Cross Country Carnival
Please ensure your child/ren wear sports uniform on the day and have suncreen applied prior to arriving at school. An additonal drink bottle is also recommended. We look forward to seeing which house will take home this years cross country shield!
Parent Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to help out with our cross country between 9-11am. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in supervising a small section of the course. If you are able to help, please let Lisa in the Front Office know or you can email Erin Hardwicke at erin.hardwicke@cg.catholic.edu.au
Congratulations
We congratulate Josh Lobo, former St Michael's student, on winning the U14 100m and 200m at the National Athletics Championships during the holiday break. Josh is now offically the fastest U14 male in Australia. An amazing achievement, well done Josh!
Erin Hardwicke
Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Harmony Award in Week 1. Awards will be presented at Friday morning's assembly (weather permitting).
Well done!!
| KF | Zoe E |
| 1/2B | Milos Z |
| 1/2H | Ana K |
| 3/4A | Madeleine B |
| 3/4L | Ana L |
| 3/4Y | Desan P |
| 5/6F | Delilah D |
| 5/6K | Ethan E |
Special wishes to those children who celebrated their birthday in the holidays:
Chloe 5/6F, Charlotte 3/4Y, Tom 5/6F, Matteo 1/2H, Alexander 3/4Y, Nina 3/4Y and Connor 5/6F
Special wishes to those children who celebrate their birthday this week:
Kai 3/4A, Stella 5/6F, Avi 3/4L and Ruby 1/2B
We hope you have a great day!!
DANCECORE - Dance classes are on Wednesday's at recess in the
school hall, forms are available at the Front Office.
Contact Cassie 0417 442 750
CHESS - Chess classes are held in C Block on Tuesday’s at recess, forms are available at the Front Office. Contact Sydney Academy of Chess 9745 1170
GUITAR - Guitar lessons with Sam on Thursday's, please contact 
Sam on 0408 196 855
PIANO - Piano Lessons with Mary-Liz on Mondays & Tuesdays, please contact Mary-Liz on 0413 425 753
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB - Scholastic Book club is back and runs twice a Term. If you have any queries, contact Mrs Monro or Mrs Hardwicke.
The Entertainment Book is back, bigger and better, prices starting from $69.99. Please click on the link below to order your digital copy of the new book.
Please see the School Sport ACT webpage https://schoolsportact.org.au/ or Facebook page for the most up to date information.
SCHOOL SPORT ACT TRIALS – Please keep an eye on the School Sport ACT website https://schoolsportact.org.au/ for upcoming ACT trials. The process for registering can be found below. If you need any assistance registering your child please feel free to ask for assistance.
How to register your child with School Sport ACT
School Sport ACT now collects all registration information online – this is to prevent the movement to and fro of a paper note and have all information readily available to officials prior to the trial. As this process incurs a fee for data storage, system maintenance and admin, a small $5 fee payment via credit card will be required.
- Go to the School Sport ACT website – https://schoolsportact.org.au/
- Click Register (top right corner of homepage) for an Account – enter parent details and password
- A confirmation email will be sent to your chosen email that will contain a link that you must click on to verify the email account.
- Click Log In (top right hand corner of home page) enter password then click on top tab My Profile
- You will see a ‘dashboard’ of your information, click green box to Add Student – enter student and medical details and save.
- Go to the Sports Tab – choose your specific sport, click on Trial Information box then click on the Register to Trial link.
- Select your child’s name from the dropdown box and then enter the optional fields for Playing History, Preferred Position (if applicable) and Representative Experience. If you are already in the system, ensure your child’s school is up to date in your profile – have they moved onto High School?
Please contact me via email if you have any questions, feedback or are able to offer your assistance at any of our sporting events throughout the year.
Looking forward to another big year of sporting participation,
Erin Hardwicke
erin.hardwicke@cg.catholic.edu.au