Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I have returned to school this week, following the Religious Congress in Anaheim, California. Mrs Martine Mathieson and I felt very privileged to be selected to attend the Congress. The opportunity to actively participate in an international Congress, surrounded by other Catholic educators and parishioners was a wonderful opportunity. The theme of the Congress was ‘Embrace Grace’ and the quality of speakers was outstanding. A number of Bishops, Priests, Brothers and lay women and men led sessions at the Congress. Mrs Mathieson and I also had a day in an outstanding Catholic School and visited an outreach centre called ‘Homeboy’ which was founded by a priest to assist ex-gang members to reclaim their lives. The Principals and Religious Education Coordinators of the other four schools that attended the Congress were also deeply impacted by the experience as well. A special thank you is extended to Mrs Rutkowski, Acting Principal, the school leadership team and all staff who ensured all went well during our absence. 

During our time away, there have been numerous big events such as: 

• The Power FM radio show which was beamed live from our back playground and featured guest appearances from Mrs Rutkowski and our student leaders
• Open days for prospective students in 2024. Both sessions were well attended and supported by staff and student leaders
• The Cross Country carnival for students in Years 3-6. An excellent day organised by Mr Allmark, staff and parents
• Representative sport trials attended by St Michael’s students

The representative sport trials have continued since our return. Mr Allmark will give an update in his sport report. Good luck to all students who are continuing to attend these sport trials. A number of our students have made it through to the next level. The students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 will participate in a ‘mini’ Cross Country carnival on our back grassed playground next Friday 24 March 2023. Further details will be shared and parents/care-givers are welcome to attend. 

This week the students in Year 3 and 5 commenced NAPLAN. ​​The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is the only nation-wide assessment of students’ literacy and numeracy skills. It provides parents important insights into their child’s progress at school, and helps governments, education authorities and schools to see whether young Australians are reaching important literacy and numeracy goals. This is the first year NAPLAN will be held in March, having traditionally been held in May. The main reason for having the tests conducted in March is the belief that valuable data will be available earlier to inform teaching and learning programs, and to identify professional development needs. It also means parents will receive results earlier in the year, helping to inform the conversations they have with teachers. Thank you to the teaching staff who are supporting the students through this testing program. Two days have been completed and NAPLAN will conclude after this Monday and Tuesday. Well done to our students so far. 

The new Parents and Friends (P&F) Committee had their first full meeting last Monday evening. The meeting was held in the school library and a number of families were able to attend via Zoom as well. President Carina Beattie and her new team participated keenly in the meeting and a number of new ideas were presented and accepted for the year. The first Parents and Friends event will be a ‘Welcome’ School disco on the back playground in two weeks time - Friday 31 March. All families are invited to attend. Details will be shared with parents. Please put this date on your calendar.

There will also be a ‘Working Bee’ on Sunday 30 April to reorganise the P&F equipment currently under the parish office. Congratulations to this new P&F committee.

On Wednesday I sent home a communication that Father Joseph, our Parish Priest, and I prepared for families of Catholic students preparing to receive the Sacraments of Penance (Reconciliation), Eucharist (First Holy Communion) and Confirmation in 2023 and future years. Through this communication, we explained why the teaching of the Sacraments has moved from mainly school-based, to Parish-based. A decision was taken at the end of last year by Father Joseph and his parish sacramental team to implement this new program for 2023 and beyond. At masses in the local Parish churches over the next two weekends, families of Catholic Year 6 students will need to attend to enrol in the Confirmation program. All students in sacramental years (Year 3 and Year 6) will continue to learn about the sacraments during religion lessons in the classroom, but the Parish-based program will allow families to work through a workbook with their children at home as well. Click here to view a copy of this letter to families. 

OPEN NIGHT 2023

I wish to thank our wonderful staff and Year 6 leaders who were tremendous tour guides for our Open Night on Thursday 9 March. Several guests made comments  acknowledging the maturity and friendly nature of our leaders and appreciate the warm reception received. Well done Year 6!

EARLY LEAVERS- MAJOR DISRUPTION

In recent weeks, the school office has been inundated with parents collecting students before 3pm. The formal school day concludes at 3pm and parents are requested to make medical or other appointments after this time. Collecting students early disrupts teachers and student learning. It also prevents our office staff from finishing their work at an appropriate time each day. From today, students will not be permitted to be collected early without a legitimate reason. For example, when assembly finishes in the hall on a Friday afternoon, parents will not be permitted to collect their children early, as has become the case in recent weeks. We also ask you to contact the school office before 2:15pm if a specific change of plans needs to be conveyed to students, for example, a student needs to catch the bus instead of being picked up. Phone calls to the office with last minute instructions after 2:15pm puts enormous stress on the office staff and teachers to ensure the student receives the updated change of plans. Thank you for your assistance with this.

Finally, thank you to all staff, families and students for participating in the St Patrick’s Mufti Day. All students learnt more about St Patrick during their religion lesson today. St. Patrick's Day is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. St Patrick was responsible for spreading Christianity throughout Ireland in the 4th century. The day was originally celebrated with religious feasts and services, but gained momentum as a secular celebration of Irish culture when it reached the United States alongside Irish immigrants. Boston held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, followed by New York City in 1762. Since 1962 Chicago has coloured its river green to mark the holiday. Irish and non-Irish alike commonly participate in the “wearing of the green” - sporting an item of green clothing or a shamrock, the Irish national plant. Our Irish heritage in Australia has always been recognised through St Patrick’s day and is one of great celebrations. Enjoy!