I hope everyone enjoyed the recent long weekend. As we move through Reconciliation Week, it is important to remember at the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is for us all to take time to reflect on how we can all foster positive race relations with our relationship grounded in a foundation of truth.

As mentioned last week, I was fortunate to recently attend the HALT (Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher) Summit in Darwin. This is an annual summit that occurs in Australia for all accreditated HALTs to attend, to learn, reflect and network. Presenters at the conference included Professor John Hattie who discussed the 'impact' that we as HALTs have on our school communities, Dr Lyn Sharratt who discussed how we can inspire our school communities to be the best they can and finally Dan Haesler who discussed how we can influence those around us and the importance of focusing on emotional intelligence. A very affirming and challenging two days. I look forward to bringing what I have learnt back into St Michael's as we continue to move forward with our Annual Improvement Plan for 2019. 

Good luck to our Cross Country Team who tomorrow will be competing at Stromlo. Thank you to Erin Hardwicke for her organisation behind the scene and giving her time to assist with morning training. 

A reminder that our K-6 School Disco is on Friday night. Tickets can still be purchased leading up to the night. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. It starts at 5.30pm. Thank you to Rachelle Clark for taking the lead with coordinating this fundraising event. 

On Tuesday we will hold our Athletics Carnival for 2019. I have had recent discussions with various parents as to why we hold this carnival at Kaleen Oval instead of other ovals. The main reason is the ease of the event being so close. It saves significant cost as we don't require buses. It saves time as we can get there quicker and is easier to get equipment and items over there. It is also close to school in case of an emergency and needing access to school facilities. Lastly, in the event of bad weather, we can still run main events and leave younger grades at school without having to cancel buses and bookings. I look forward to Tuesday and seeing the school spirit in action.

Don't forget to book your spot on a table for the upcoming Trivia Night. It will be a great night. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aO1doImU1wc9zZrVx1L-92b8EjeVQfa1gqxL4kQ0RHI/edit?usp=sharing

A reminder that Damien Webb, Laura Frogley and myself are participting in the Rations Challenge. To read more and donate, please visit our page https://my.rationchallenge.org.au/t/stmichaelsstaff

Congratulations to Paul and Kristina on the arrival of Zoe Wati Buckley, stepsister for Xanthia, Stella and Olive.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal

Whole School Prayer Time

Thank you to 1/2M for their prayerful leadership of our special Whole School Prayer Time celebrating the feast of Mary, Help of Christians. 

5/6W are already beginning to prepare for our next Whole School Prayer Time on Friday 7 June.  They will explore this term's theme 'Engage' as we continue to unpack our year long focus on Growing with the Spirit.

First Communion

Our next preparation session is Thursday 6 June at St Monica’s School from 6pm. Parents and children will work together in this one hour session focusing on Eucharist as revealed through the story of the Feeding of the 5000.  Participation in this evening is vital to preparation for First Communion.

If you have not already taken part in a commitment ritual at Mass please ensure you see Father prior to the beginning of the Mass you attend this weekend. Thank you to those families who have already paid the $30 administrative fee for First Communion. If you have not done so yet could you please arrange to have this paid by 6 June.

Mini Vinnies  

On Friday 14 June, Mini Vinnies will be holding their ‘Winter Woolies’ day and hosting a ‘Stay Out’ again. Students are invited to come dressed in warm woolies for the day and bring donations of jumpers, scarves, gloves and blankets. The warm winter clothing will be donated to St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol for use with the homeless and poor in our city.

From 4pm Mini Vinnies will also host a ‘Stay Out’. Students are invited to come back to school between 4pm – 8pm to share in some activities learning about homelessness and life for the poor in our community. We will have a visit from the Night Patrol van, make some food for them and have a small experience of what it is like to sleep outside. Dinner of hot soup and a breadroll will be provided. 

Congratulations

Well done to Ellie 1/2W who recently competed in the Wagga Wagga and Fierce Dance Eisteddfods. Receiving 1st place with her troupe for all 4 of her 8/u age group dances and 1st place and Highly commended for her 6/u age group dances.

Congratulations to Levi 5/6B who has been selected to the ACT U12 Golf team. Levi will travel to Toowoomba to compete at the nationals in September. We wish him all the best.

Athletics Carnival

A reminder that our carnival is next Tuesday at Kaleen North Playing Fields. All students will walk over to the carnival with their class. While we hope for nice weather, please send your child in warm clothes including jacket or parker. No additional canteen facilities will be available so some extra snacks may need to packed as well as water bottles.

Thank you to the many parents and grandparents who have volunteered to assist. A note with information about your role for the day came home today.

We would love to see as many people drop in over the course of the carnival to cheer on our students as they compete in their track and field events.

Belconnen Region Cross Country

We wish our 37 students who will represent our school at the North Canberra Regionals tomorrow the very best. Thanks to Bridgette McCann and Shannon Blakey who will take the team and Matt Gafa for volunteering as a course marshal.

The app of the week is Brainpop Featured Movies. This allows students to learn interactively about the world around them. Children have the chance to explore hundreds of topics that span Science, Math, Social Studies, English, Engineering & Tech, Arts & Music, Health and many more. The featured movie topics relate to current events, movies and historical figures.

Playgroup is held on Wednesdays in Weeks 2 to 9 from 9am till 10.30am in the School hall.

It is for children ages 0-5 and their parents/carers.  Please contact Kylie Arena or Lisa Monro on 62414022 for any enquires. 

Congratulations to the following children who have achieved a Harmony Award in Week 5 and will receive their award this Friday at morning gathering (weather permitting).

Lunch Orders are to be placed by MIDNIGHT on Wednesday nights. 

The canteen still require assistance on Fridays from approximately 12.30-1.45 to help pack lunch orders, if you can assist in anyway, please contact Lisa in the Front Office.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  

Please feel free to contact Empire Catering on 0408 200 481 for queries with lunch orders or any constructive feedback you have regarding menu items.  

Reminder that school banking is processed on a Thursday morning, please leave your books at the Front Office for processing. 

Information packs are available at the Front Office for anyone wishing to open a new account or claim your rewards.

Thank you to Fiona, Connie & Cheri for assisting with the banking this year.  

Special wishes to those children who celebrate their birthday this week:

Joshua 5/6F, Arna 3/4YM & Desan 1/2M

We hope you have a great day!!

The Woolies Earn and Learn program is back running from 1 May till 25 June.  For every $10 spent at a Woolworths store you will be given a sticker, the stickers can then be placed on a sticker sheet (available from the Front Office), or placed in the boxes on display in the Front Office or at the Woolworths store in Belconnen Mall.  The stickers will then be redeemed for resources from Modern Teaching Aids.  Start collecting today to enable us to receive some great resources.

The 2019/20 Entertainment Book is now available to purchase.  Books can be purchased at the Front Office for $60 or digital copies can be ordered through the following link.  Please see Lisa in the Front Office for more information.