It is with great pleasure that I can announce that after a recruitment process, Miss Jessica Lewis has been appointed as a permanent full-time teacher at St Michael's from 2021. Jessica is currently teaching Kindergarten and has been with us for three years. Congratulations Jess!

We would also like to announce that Miss Natasha Kapantais and Miss Nadia Farhadi were successful in their re-appointments as temporary full-time teachers for 2021. Tash is currently teaching 5/6K and Nadia currently on 3/4F. Well done Tash and Nadia. 

We are so pleased that all three teachers get to stay with us again next year. Three amazing teachers who contribute so positively and proactively to the life of St Michael's. 

We would also like to announce that Annie Brearley will replace Damien Webb (1/2W Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) for next term whilst he is Acting Principal. We had a very strong field through the recruitment process. Annie is a dynamic young educator, who will bring enthusiasm and joy to 1/2W during Term 4. We welcome Annie to the St Michael's School Community. 

COVID-19 Update

Whilst we navigate our way through the 'COVID normal', we are still being highly vigilant with regard to hygiene, cleaning and continuing only to have essential adults within the school building. 

Whilst we hope it doesn't occur, and as a wider community of Canberra, everyone remains COVID aware, we do have a week of Remote Learning ready to go. Teachers have worked hard to ensure we have 5 days of learning, ready to go, if neeed in the future (hopefully it will just sit there and never be needed). 

It is still also really important that children who are unwell (runny nose, cough, headaches, temperature etc) stay home. Any child who presents as unwell, will need to go home. As a parent, I know this can be extremely frustrating with work and other commitments, however, these are COVID times and we all must follow the guidelines to ensure we don't go backwards. 

A reminder, when visiting NSW, please check the NSW Health Website for COVID Hotspots and follow the advice. Again, this is really important. 

Just to clarify for school restrictions, if a student or staff member are being tested for COVID-19, other members of their family are not required to isolate while waiting for test results (where they are not a close contact of a positive case). So, a child or parent who is unwell and goes to be tested, other family members are not required to self-isolate until the results come back. Only the person being test. This is different where you are a close contact of a positive case.

Those who are tested for flu like symptoms are able to return to school after a negative test result. They are not required to isolate for 14 days or be retested after 10 to 12 days. This is where there is no connection to a positive case and are likely to be most cases. Where you are a close contact of a positive case you are required to isolate for 14 days and be retested. If you have any questions at anytime, please reach out to the school to ask. We are in this together and we need to support each other while we adapt to these 'COVID normal' times. 

Father's Day

In the now, new tradition, of celebrating events COVID style, we will be hosting a Drive By Father's Celebration on Friday 4 September. We have a little something to give to the Dads who drive by in the morning. Staff will be outside from 8.10am on Friday handing out a breakfast/morning tea treat, in lieu of our normal traditional Father's Day Breakfast. We hope to see you drive by this Friday. 

Virtual Family Trivia Night

Come and join the fun. You don't need to leave your house. A fun, family activity (the questions will not be too difficult). If dress up isn't your thing (no problems, just zoom as you are). 

We are keen to connect as many families as possible for some fun. You can join as a family of 2, a family of 4 or 6, or join with another family at your house for 8 or 10. It is all just for a little fun! Sign up below and we will see you online. Remember, extended family and friends are welcome to join in also. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18xJpKyVcGTGZPeVJ7lAuSpEAEmAOSqfvahmzNcJfyLQ/edit

Science Week

A great Science Week was celebrated last week along with our #notquiteasatelliteselfie due to the weather, but in St Michael's School style, we made it work. A big thanks to Meaghan Younger for her organisation of events for the week and for teachers making sure fun scientific experiences were had by all. 

Home Learning (Homework)

Along with any readers that come home, we also have Wushka to access. Please contact your child's teacher if you require more readers to be sent home or the access again for Wushka. Reading Eggs is also active for students. 

FUN and FITNESS WEEK IS COMING! 

Unexplained Absence Notes
This week your child will have been given a note for you to sign and return if they have any unexplained absences.  Could the notes please be returned to the Front Office as soon as possible.  Please remember that all absences need to be sent through the Schoolzine app or emailed to the Front Office directly, preferably on the day your child is away.  Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated as we navigate through our new computer system (Compass).

Religious Education Curriculum

1/2 continue to learn about communication with God. They are exploring different forms of prayer and Scriptures in which Jesus led prayer with others. At home this could be further deepened with looking at your own family prayer practices. This resource from the Brisbane Diocese may be of use as your family trial different ways of praying. https://litedliturgybrisbane.weebly.com/family-prayer-week-by-week.html/

5/6 have begun to explore how prayer connects us with God. In the coming weeks we will investigate the Catholic Church’s Liturgical Calendar and how we often pray differently as we move through the liturgical year. Looking at the year, when can you see high points and low points in our seasonal celebrations?

Religious Life of St Michael’s School Community

Fathers’ Day Celebration

Next Friday, 4September, we will celebrate the special men in our lives, especially our fathers and those in father roles. Dads are invited to do the drive by at drop off in the morning and receive a special breakfast snack on us.  5/6F have been very busy preparing the Whole School Prayer Time which will again be shared in individual classes throughout the day. 

Reconciliation Preparation

Retreat for Year 3 students at both schools on Thursday 27August, 11:40–1:40pm. Due to COVID-19 restrictions regarding sharing of food, children will need to supply their own lunch and recess as usual. A small individual treat will be provided for all participants.

Parent/Child Formation

Online on Thursday, 27August 6pm   https://cgcatholic.zoom.us/j/4073113815

Don’t forget to book online for the 1^st Rite of Reconciliation on:

• Tuesday 8September (St Michael’s Church)
• Wednesday 9September (St Monica’s Church)
• Thursday 10September (St Monica’s Church)

You need to book a 10 minute appointment between 3:30–6pm on one of the three evenings offered. Staff will be present to welcome families and assist with COVID-19 safety protocols. It is suggested you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your booking time to allow for prayer and personal preparation for your child.

Creating Watercolour Texture

Over the next few weeks, we will be experimenting with watercolours to create artistic textures.  Texture will be made by pressing down cling wrap onto wet paint, dabbing a painted area with a tissue, scratching wet paint with plastic forks, sprinkling salt onto the paint, crayon resist, blowing paint with a straw, scrapping paint with pieces of cardboard and even getting our fingers dirty.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Harmony Award in Week 6.  Awards will be presented at Friday morning's assembly (weather permitting).

Well done!!   

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

Suraya 3/4F, Clarisse 5/6F, Aveline 1/2W & Misha 1/2B

We hope you have a great day!!

It is time to register your family group. Join the family fun! Please register via the google doc link below. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18xJpKyVcGTGZPeVJ7lAuSpEAEmAOSqfvahmzNcJfyLQ/edit?usp=sharing 

Sacramental Program – First Reconciliation 2020

Home Preparation books should now be completed ready for discussion at the Parent/Child Formation evening on Thursday 27th August from 6-7pm – zoom attendance at this evening is compulsory. The zoom link is https://cgcatholic.zoom.us/j/4073113815

Home preparation books must be handed into the school by Friday 28 August.
Fr Loi will sign the ‘Parents’ Discernment of Readiness’ (last page of the book) and the books will be handed back to students when they make their Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on:
Tuesday 8 September in St Michael’s Church
Wednesday 9 September in St Monica’s Church
Thursday 10 September in St Monica’s Church

Booking for First Reconciliation 

Families have indicated on the registration form the date for the sacrament of reconciliation – you now need to book a time on that date by:

Go to website:   http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au

Click MAKE A BOOKING

Enter event code: s7g23 (upper or lower case, doesn’t matter)

 You will then be required to enter your details (email, name, phone, child’s name), then go on to select their time.

 Purchasing a robe for Reconciliation

This is optional and is not compulsory.

Send an email to sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au and you can make the payment through the QKR! App.

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

Dear Parents,

We are participating in the Redgum Book Club virtual catalogue this term. Every order will earn resources and books for our school. To view the current catalogue open link Redgum Term 3 Catalogue

New release titles in the current catalogue include:

• Peter Rabbit I Love You Daddy – This heart-warming book is the perfect way to tell Daddy “I love you” on Father’s Day, or any other day of the year. Peter Rabbit I Love You Daddy
• Lego Batman Sticker Super Heroes and Super Villains - Who is the coolest Super hero? Who is the craziest Super Villain? With this book you decide! Lego Batman
• Edge: I HERO: Monster Hunter: Yeti – Exciting, monster based, choose your own destiny adventure story, in which you are the hero! Monster Hunter: Yeti
• Number Puzzles & Games - Test your number skills with this fun-filled book. Contains counting challenges, sudoku, number mazes and so much more! Number Puzzles & Games
• Ronaldo Rules – This book is full of everything a young fan wants to know about Cristiano Ronaldo. Includes lots of quizzes and facts. Ronaldo Rules
• The World’s Worst Parents – These tales of the most spectacularly silly mums and deliriously daft dads will leave you rocking with laughter. The World's Worst Parents
• The Schoolmaster’s Daughter – A story from Jackie French about education in colonial Australia and how women once had to fight for their right to it. The Schoolmaster's Daughter
• The Impossible Boy – Believe in the impossible…A magical adventure that celebrates friendship, the power of imagination and ice cream! The Impossible Boy
• IQ XOXO Smart Games – Award winning Smart Games is the leader in multi-level games. Featuring 120 challenges for endless, brain-teasing fun! IQ XOXO Smart Games

Free shipping on all orders over $40. A small delivery fee applies for orders under $40.

All books in the current catalogue will arrive in the Redgum warehouse the week commencing Monday 10^th August.

If you have any questions, email Lesley on schools@redgumbookclub.com.au

All women are invited to participate in an Archdiocesan Women’s Reflection Afternoon which will be livestreamed to all corners of the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese this Saturday 29^th August from 2.00pm to 4:30pm. Gather with friends at home, in the parish or at school to hear inspiring talks and participate in short guided prayer experiences.  Register for free at www.bit.ly/WomensReflectionAfternoon More info at https://www.catholicvoice.org.au/event/womens-reflection-afternoon/

Enquiries email catholic.women@cg.org.au or ring/text Lara on 0429 192 869

This event is hosted by the Archdiocesan Women’s Taskforce https://womenstaskforceacg.org/