This week we take a moment to reflect and celebrate St Mary of the Cross MacKillop with her Feast Day on August 8. What an extraordinary woman. Australia's First Saint. 

What an amazing legacy Mary MacKillop has had on Education in Australia. Her dedication, and advocacy for the poor, sick and those in need in our society. What we as Catholic Educators still hold dear to our hearts today.

There are many quotes from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop that resonate with me. Perhaps one of these might speak to you this week...

'Never see a need without doing something about it'

'Find happiness in making others happy'

'We have much for which to be thankful'

'We must teach more by example, than by word'

'Remember, we are all but travellors here'

Annual Survey

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential and individuals can not be identified. 

The surveys will be launched via email on Friday 7 August 2020 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, please contact the Front Office directly. 

Community Council Update

Community Council met via Zoom last night. It has been an interesting year regarding council, due to COVID-19. 

Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions, we will have to place our disco on hold for the time being. You would remember we pencilled in a night this term, in the hope that we could plan behind the scenes and by the time the night came around, restrictions would have eased. Due to the pausing of easing restrictions within the ACT, we have had to make the call now to hold off, until hopefully Term 4. 

We have also decided, that we would like to go ahead with our annual Trivia Night, but via Zoom instead. Our thinking is, that parents and carers organise their table of 8-10 people and go to someone's house to play. Mr Webb will be the quiz master for the night and we might be able to organise some roaming visitors to houses. Watch this space! We are really keen to get some community event up and going and be able to connect everyone (even via zoom) and have some fun!

COVID-19 Update

St Michael's and Catholic Education continue to take advice from health authorities in relation to COVID-19. The Catholic Education Office has a team that is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it develops, paying particular attention to local hotspots and organising support for schools where required. St Michael's is practicing all safe hygiene practices in line with government advice. We understand that the situation is fairly fluid and we will communicate directly with you should there be any important changes in relation to our school operations in the coming weeks. We remind all families: 

• If your child is unwell, they should not attend school.
• Please ensure that anyone who presents with COVID-19 symptoms in your family is tested.
• Parents should avoid routinely entering the school where possible but can attend scheduled school events and meetings with teachers where required (physical distancing and hygiene measures still apply).
• In regards to afternoon pick ups - our messaging is 'please pick up and leave'. A reminder that you can drive through the staff carpark from 3.05pm if easier. 

Should you have any questions in relation to our school and COVID-19, please feel free to contact our office.

Take it easy. 

Kind regards, 

Pat Ellis

Principal

Religious Education Curriculum

Who is God? What a fabulous question 3/4 are investigating. Who is God for you?

What image do you have when you hear the word ‘God’?

Religious Life of St Michael’s School Community

Whole School Prayer Time

This Friday, 7th August students in Years 1&2 will lead us in celebrating the Feast of St Mary MacKillop of the Cross. Students will gather for Whole School Prayer Time at 9:00am in their own classes. A reminder that parents are currently unable to join us in the school for WSPT but you will be with us in our hearts.

Feast of the Assumption

Next Friday, 14^th August, we look forward to being led in prayer by students in 5/6 to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption (which will be the following day on Saturday 15^th August).  

Family Prayer

The Diocese of Brisbane have some fabulous resources that we love to use for education and prayer. One that has been created for families to use for prayer at home. I encourage you to access this wonderful resource to enliven your family home prayer practices.

https://litedliturgybrisbane.weebly.com/family-prayer-week-by-week.html/

Parish News

Reconciliation Preparation

Bookings for your appointment for making the First Rite of Reconciliation are now open on the parish website. Please go to www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth under Sacramental Program to make your booking.

Home preparation – Week 2 Choosing What is Right

Children: What were some great choices you made this week?

Parents: What did you enjoy most this week about working with your child on right choices?

SunSmart in August

A reminder that this week marks the beginning of August and time to start wearing hats again. 

Hats are available for sale at the Front Office for $12.  Please remember also to label your childs hat.

Book Week 2020

Many of our students have started to ask about the theme for this year's Book Week. This year's theme is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds. Our dress up day will be on Thursday the 22nd October. We are looking forward to seeing where everyone's curiosity and creativity takes them with their costumes!

Indigenous Literacy Foundation

This year during Book Week  (Term 4, Week 2) we will hold another Great Book Swap. After the wonderful support the event received last year we would like to show our support to the Indigenous Literacy foundation (ILF) again. The Giant Book Swap will take place on Thursday 22nd October. In order for the event to be a success we are asking each student to donate a pre-loved book, that is in good condition, and can be enjoyed by someone else. On the day of the book swap students will then be able to choose a new book to take home for a gold coin donation. The money we raise is used by the ILF to purchase books that are then sent to regional and remote Indigenous communities. 

We ask that all donations of books be made prior to the 19th October. Books can be left at the Front Office or with Mrs Hardwicke in the Library. Thank you in advance for your support of this important initiative. 

Overdue Library Books

Overdue loan records have been sent home. If you are able to please return any overdue books as soon as possible that would be appreciated. If a title is incorrectly showing up on your child's account or a book has been misplaced, please return the loan notice with a note indicating that the book is lost/been returned. This will help us greatly with our records. 

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Children’s Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and all Australians, celebrate the strengths and culture of our children. It is an opportunity for us to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

On or around 4 August, all Australians have the opportunity to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

This week the students will be making Rainbow Snakes, Rainsticks, Stick Art Sculpture, Body Fibre ornaments and Fibre Animals inspired by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Tjanpi (means grass in Pitjantjatjara language).Tjanpi artists use native grasses to make spectacular contemporary fibre art, weave beautiful baskets and sculptures.

Sacramental Program – First Reconciliation 2020
Students and parents must attend one of the last Masses listed below to make their commitment for the sacrament of reconciliation.

This weekend is the last opportunity to make your commitment for the sacrament. Attendance at a Commitment Mass is compulsory to make your Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Please remember to make a booking for the Mass in advance, through the parish website at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth

Commitment Masses
Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Tuesday 8 September in St Michael’s Church
Wednesday 9 September in St Monica’s Church
Thursday 10 September in St Monica’s Church

Families have indicated in the registration form the preferred date for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Booking for the Sacrament of Reconciliation must be made via the parish website under the Sacramental Program.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not available in 2020 for the School of Religion due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Harmony Award in Week 3.  Awards will be presented at Friday morning's assembly. Well done!!   

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

Alessia 3/4F, Jahzara 3/4A & Mitchell 5/6K

We hope you have a great day!!

The Commonwealth Bank school banking program has started back up again, banking days will be on a Thursday. Could we please ask that all books be left at the Front Office and if possible we ask that you don't bring in large quantities of small coins (ie. 5 and 10 cent pieces).

We are still seeking another volunteer to join the team, you will not be required every week and training will be provided.  If you are keen, could you please let Lisa at the Front Office know of your availability.

Information to open accounts is available from the Front Office.