Filter Content
- Important Dates & Events
- Principal's Page - Judy Egan
- Community Council Corner
- RE News: Meaghan Younger
- Parish News
- Sports News: Erin Hardwicke
- Amazing Art! - Jane McKeough
- Rainbow Awards
- Student Welfare Officer - Shahenie Burns
- Lost Property
- Cyclabilities & Waterabilities
- Happy Birthday
- Sustainability Update
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Entertainment Book 2020/21
- Holiday Happenings
- School Sport ACT Trials
| THIS WEEK | |
| 16 June | ACT Cross Country |
| 17 June | Musica Viva Performances |
| 18 June |
Whole School Prayer Time led by KF and Awards in the Church @ 8.50am Winter Woolies Day & Vinnies Stay Out |
| NEXT WEEK | |
| 25 June | OLPH Feast Celebrations |
| 25 June | Last Day for Term 2 |
| COMING UP | |
| 13 July (Tuesday) | First Day for Term 3 |
- St Vincent de Paul Winter Woolies Day permission notes
Please remember that copies of notes sent home are available on our website. https://www.stmichaelsps.act.edu.au/notes
Dear Parents/Carers,
Many of you may be aware that the Bradnam family have been with their amazing little man Jack (1/2B) in Sydney while he is recovering from a serious illness. Melissa and Jamie would like to pass on the following message.
“We thank you all for the love, prayers and support we are receiving from the St Michael’s community. Blood donations have helped Jack considerably and we would love to encourage our community of family and friends to donate blood and save other lives in the future.”
Please consider donating blood and continue to join us in sending our love and prayers to Jack and his family during this tough time.
Athletics Carnival
We were able to run all our races and have a wonderful Athletics Carnival on Friday, despite the weather forecast. Thank you to all the parents/carers who came along and helped at the event and to the generous families who cooked the BBQ lunch when we returned to school. Special thanks to Erin Hardwicke and her band of teacher helpers who put together a great event- well done all!
St Vincent de Paul Stay Out
All the information for this event went home last week and is on the Compass Portal (under the section opt in event). It’s a great experience for our children to understand about homelessness. This is our small version of the bigger community event, so please be generous in donating to those less fortunate.
Semester One Reports
Reports will be issued by the Compass Portal on Monday 21 June. We have been advised by CE that there will be no paper reports issued. There will be an opportunity to book an appointment via the Compass Portal to chat with your child’s teacher on Tuesday 22 June, Wednesday 23 June and Thursday 24 June. Appointments can now be booked in, you should have received information via the portal with booking times for your child. Please contact your child’s teacher if you need to make alternative arrangements.
It is important to acknowledge that report time can sometimes be a stressful time for students and families. It’s a great chance to talk with your child about his/her strengths and to look at challenges as opportunities for growth. We want our children to have a ‘growth mindset’ around their learning and to understand that learning and growth takes time and effort. Here are some important statements around growth mindset, that you can use for discussion.
|
Fixed Mindset |
Growth Mindset |
|
I give up I can’t do it This is too hard I’m not good at this I’ll never be as smart as them |
What am I missing? Mistakes help me improve I’ll use some of the strategies I’ve learned I’m going to train my brain to do it I’m going to figure out what that person did and try it |
We are truly blessed at St Michael’s to have such a wonderful and supportive community,
Thank you for everything you are doing to support us,
Warm wishes,
Judy Egan
Community Council Corner
The Community Council met last Wednesday and, though it was cold and rainy outside, it was warm in the St Michael's staffroom with everyone still very grateful to have resumed in-person meetings and be able to see everyone else in real life rather than via video.
We were excited to hear that new furniture has been ordered for the 3/4 classrooms to replace the cumbersome, older pieces that have been in there for a while. Also great to know that telephones are now being fitted in each room to increase the ease with which teachers can communicate, particularly in emergencies.
As far as fundraising, our kitty remains static as we have neither been spending nor raising but in Term 3 we will be hosting our very popular, annual TRIVIA NIGHT. On the back of last year's very successful mobile, virtual trivia concept, this one is a return to in-person gatherings, much like our Council meeting itself. One of the highlights in the St Michael's calendar, we will share more info about ticketing, theme, etc. as the event draws closer but we can confirm it will be Friday 13th August. If anyone is willing to volunteer to help out, either on the night or beforehand, please email us on office.stmichaelsps@cg.catholic.edu.au
We can also report that we are taking action to update the first aid supplies in our Front Office in order to provide the best care for our children.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if there is anything you would like raised at our Community Council meeting.
Religious Education Curriculum
Kindergarten
This term in Kindergarten we have had a look into Jesus' teachings of love, compassion, forgiveness and choices. This is through knowing that God gave us the freedom of choice. Jesus also taught us right from wrong through the Gospel stories and that we learn right from wrong from our experiences.
Religious Life of St Michael’s School Community
St Vincent de Paul Winter Woolies Day and Stay Out
Friday 18th June will be our annual St Vincent de Paul Winter Woolies Day and Stay Out event. On Friday 18th June all children are invited to wear their own choice of warm clothing to school and bring donations of warm winter woollies for donating to St Vincent de Paul. St VdP are in high need of blankets, warm coats, gloves and socks for use by the homeless and those in need in Canberra’s community. You are also invited to send in donations of toiletries items for creating dignity packs for the homeless. Suggestions for these packs are soap/body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner and hand-cream.
From 4pm students are invited back to school to participate in the Stay Out. They will enjoy a visit from the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol Van and activities run by the St Vincent de Paul Ministry, including a ‘homelessness’ experience outside in the dark. Children will have a soup and bread roll dinner like from the soup kitchens run for the homeless and help put together the dignity packs using donated toiletries items. A letter outlining more details and a permission note went home last week and a copy is available on our website.
Youth Mass
A reminder that the second last Sunday of each month is the Youth Mass in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. This is celebrated at the 5:30pm Mass at St Michael’s each month. Following Mass there are games and food for the young people. The next Youth Mass will be on Sunday 20th June.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Feast Day
The feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (our parish patron) is June 27. As a parish, the two schools within it (St Michael’s and St Monica’s Primary Schools) will hold simultaneous days of celebration on Friday 25th June as the last day of term. Due to ongoing COVID restrictions we are still unable to come together as the two schools but will hold these celebrations in our own school contexts. At St Michael’s from 9:00 – 12:30 students will be involved in multi-age groups participating in a range of prayer, reflective, physical and creative activities organised by the teaching staff. We will hold a special prayer liturgy at St Michael’s Church at 1:00pm to which families are all invited. Students will spend some time back in their own classes after lunch.
Global School Partners
Hi St Michael’s Primary,
GSP has fund raised and provided all our schools, including Jariah, with these essential first aid supplies to assist them with the required COVID precautions and with everyday incidents in schools. Without your Support none of this would be possible, so thank you.
Warm regards,
Sam
Sacramental Program 2021
The Sacrament of Confirmation - will be celebrated during Term 3 on the following dates:
- Tuesday 7 September in St Michael’s Church
- Wednesday 8 September in St Monica’s Church
- Thursday 9 September in St Monica’s Church
Registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation
Registration must be made via the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Qkr! App.
Registrations opened on 22 June 2021 and will close by 9 August 2021.
No further registration will be accepted after the closing date.
The parent information session is scheduled for 22 July (additional information will be provided in coming weeks).
The Sacrament of Reconciliation - will be celebrated during Term 4.
For further information please contact the Sacramental Program coordinator at sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au or the parish website at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth
Olympian Visit
Yesterday students in years 3-6 enjoyed a visit from Seve de Campo our top ranked Cross Country Skier. Seve was able to visit us as part of the Olympics Unleashed schools program. The students enjoyed the opportunity to meet Seve, learn about the sport of cross country skiing, as well as be inspired to set goals, overcome challenges, and find their passions!
ACT Cross Country
We wish Cameron W 5/6F and Mahlia G 1/2B all the best as they compete at the ACT Cross Country today.
Athletics Carnival
Our athletics carnival last Friday was a terrific day of competition and house spirit. The results are so close that the top 3 houses are only separated by 5 points! We will complete the discus and shot put event last before the end of term and then be in a position to determine the winning house. At this time we will then present ribbons and announce the team to represent us at Belconnen Region in August.
A very big thank you to the generous parents who gave their time to prepare the special lunch and assist with time keeping. The staff and students are very grateful for your time!
Erin Hardwicke
erin.hardwicke@cg.catholic.edu.au
Aboriginal Cave and Rock Art
In Visual Art lessons we have been learning about symbolism, techniques and the use of natural pigments used in Aboriginal art. Australian Aboriginal art contains many different symbols. These help the artist tell a story or give meaning to the picture they create. The symbols tell about the people and meeting places as well as creating a unique style for the artist. These may change around Australia as there are many different Aboriginal groups who use quite different painting styles.
Hi, my name is Samuel Mitchell. My family and I have been lucky enough to go and see a lot of Aboriginal rock and cave art because we used to live in the Northern Territory and that is where some of the most famous rock art is located.
One day we left Darwin and headed to Kakadu National Park. We arrived at Ubirr where we walked a trail to view Aboriginal Art. The rock art depicts traditional foods and tells stories about law and creation.
Later we climbed a big rugged rock that was very slippery so that we could look over the Nadab floodplain. It was an amazing view. At sunset a man played a didgeridoo. I’ve been there three times.
Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Rainbow Award in Term 2. 
Awards will be presented at Friday morning's assembly in the Church.
Well done!!
|
Class |
Student |
Reason |
|
KF |
Felix W |
Felix is a hard working, conscientious and kind student. He always tries his best at any task and contributes positively during class discussions. It has been positive to see Felix come out of his shell this term and grow in his confidence and self-belief. He is a quiet listener and brings a calm energy to the classroom. Well done Felix! |
|
Madeleine C |
Madeleine is a great role model for her peers. She demonstrates the 4B’s throughout each day and reminds her class of the 4B’s each morning during prayer time. Madeleine's love of learning is clear in her dedication to completing her work to a high standard. She is a confident, bubbly and kind member of our class. Well done! |
|
|
1/2B |
Allegra B |
Allegra is a patient and kind student who applies herself to all tasks with 100% effort. She is a positive role model to her peers, following school rules consistently. Allegra is respectful to teachers and other students. She uses feedback to improve her learning and achieve her goals. Allegra works cooperatively with others and is held in high regard by her classmates. Well done! |
|
Milos Z |
Milos is a kind-hearted student who goes out of his way to help his peers and teachers. He tries his best with every task and is constantly striving for improvement. Milos is respectful in his interactions with staff and other students. His positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning is to be commended. Well done, Milos! |
|
|
1/2HW |
Ned C |
Ned is a hardworking and diligent student, who always brings an aura of positivity to the classroom. His sense of humor is a great asset and his personal growth mindset has seen him flourish throughout this semester. Ned sets a great example for others and is always willing to take on feedback to help him grow. Great work Ned! |
|
Zara C |
Zara is a warm and happy student, who always brings a smile to school. She sets herself a very high standard across all subject areas and is always willing to help others within the class. She is a confident student and is always working hard to excel academically. Keep pushing yourself Zara! |
|
|
3/4A |
Olivia S |
Olivia always has a smile on her face and is always willing to help in the classroom. She tries her best, applies herself to all set tasks and always completes things in a timely manner. Olivia constantly strives to improve and shows care to all. She consistently follows the school rules and is a fantastic role model to others. Congratulations Olivia! |
|
Oscar W |
Oscar is a kind and thoughtful class member. He is always looking after his classmates and helps them out and comforts them when there is a problem. Oscar tries his best in his work and shows respect to others. He is a focused learner who has grown in his resilience when faced with challenges. Well Done Oscar! |
|
|
3/4L |
Josh P |
Josh is a kind and caring classmate. He always goes out of his way to help his teachers and his peers without being asked or wanting a reward. Josh is an example to others through his consistent display of the 4Bs. He is respectful to others, always acts with responsibility, and is an avid learner. Well done Josh! |
|
Sierra T |
Sierra is a respectful and thoughtful classmate. She always helps her peers with their work and is a friend to all she meets. Sierra consistently follows the school rules, displaying the keys for learning, and is an example to her peers. She always tries her best in her work and strives to improve her learning by taking on feedback. Well done Sierra! |
|
|
3/4Y |
Toby M |
Toby is a thoughtful and kind member of the class. He willingly assists his peers and works cooperatively in groups. Toby understands and demonstrates the 4B’s of St Michael’s. He is always safe and respectful in his play and work. Toby strives to be responsible in all that he does and is an active learner in the classroom. He is commended for his efforts this term. |
|
Desan P |
Desan is always respectful and caring in his interactions with staff and students. He goes out of his way to be helpful to all. Desan demonstrates his understanding of the importance for safe play and work. He works diligently, showing responsibility and striving to improve himself in all learning areas. Desan is commended for his efforts this term and encouraged to continue to shine in his future learning. |
|
|
5/6F |
Katie P |
Katie is a kind and thoughtful class member that goes out of her way to assist others and improve their day. She quietly completes tasks and is using the key of questioning to ensure she understands on a deeper level. Katie is a conscientious student who has worked hard to manage her time and workload, achieving positive results. Well done Katie! |
|
Cameron W |
Cameron has taken on this role as a leader with confidence and responsibility. He always is the first to offer assistance to his peers and younger students. He is aware of how he learns best and is able to manage his time appropriately to ensure he completes his work to a high standard. Well done Cameron!!! |
|
|
5/6K |
Grace A |
Grace is a student who consistently strives to showcase her best, not only within her learning but also within her interactions with others. She understands and demonstrates the 4B’s each day which allows her to create and maintain positive relationships. Grace always has a smile on her face and genuinely wants the best for everyone. Her warm and bubbly personality makes her a great asset to the class. Well done Grace! |
|
Jayden S |
Jayden is a kind hearted and polite student. He consistently strives to showcase his best learning within all subject areas and is starting to make great connections within his learning. He always shows the 4B’s in his everyday interactions with both his peers and teachers. Jayden’s wonderful sense of humour and comical personality makes him a valuable member of 5/6. Congratulations Jayden! |
Student Welfare
Hi my name is Shahenie Burns and I work as the Student Welfare Officer. As a part of my role I get to work in small group settings with children. During these session I usually create an activity for us to do together. This week was using egg cartons to create a face. I was so impressed at what they made.
Shahenie Burns
Student Welfare Officer
All lost property for this term is on display outside the Front Office, please remind your 
children to check for any misplaced items. Any unclaimed items will be placed in the 2nd hand clothing pool at the end of Term.
Please also remember to label all clothing and lunch boxes/drink bottles. Could you please also double check your children's clothing to ensure they have bought home the correct uniform item. I have a lot of parents still looking for named items. Your help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Special wishes to those children who celebrate their birthday this week:
James 3/4Y, Parth 3/4Y, Matthew 5/6K and Aaron 5/6K
We hope you have a great day!!
For our school sustainability program this term we are aiming to collect many items that would normally be sent to landfill. These items will be made into other items for people in Australia and poorer countries around the world. Our aim is to make the environment a cleaner place while helping the community. The items we are collecting to recycle for a better purpose are: - Toothpaste tubes, floss containers and old plastic toothbrushes
- Electric toothbrush heads
- Medical ointment tubes
- Hair gel tubes and caps
- Hair paste plastic jars and lip balm tubes
- Face soap dispensers and tubes
- Lotion bottles, tubes, dispensers, and jars
- Shaving foam tubes (no cans)
- Plastic razors and blades
- Lip gloss tubes
- Mascara tubes
- Eye liner pencils and cases
- Eyeshadow tubes
- Concealer tubes and sticks
- Medical blister pack
- Spray or pump from cleaning products
- Coffee pods
- Party supplies and dining disposables (single-use cutlery and straws)
- Prescription drug packaging (blister packs)
- Plastic bread tags
If you could collect these items at home and bring them into school, there will be a tub at the Front Office for you to drop off your collected items.
We would appreciate your help and assistance. We hope together we can make a difference in the community and maybe even further.
Thank you.
Your Sustainability Team
DANCECORE - Dance classes are on Wednesdays 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 Tuesdays at recess, forms are available at the Front Office. Contact Sydney Academy of Chess 9745 1170
GUITAR - Guitar lessons with Sam on Thursdays, 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