Dear Parents and Carers,

After a busy and enjoyable 10 weeks, Term 2 has come to an end. Students can now look forward to a break in school routine and enjoy the holidays with family and friends. I wish to acknowledge our students for their positive attitude, efforts, behaviour and commitment to learning throughout the term. Their engagement in class and positive interactions on the playground reflect the spirit of St Michael’s and the kindness and compassion of the Good Samaritan.

Semester One School Reports were shared last Thursday for students in Years 1-6, and this week many of our families engaged in parent-teacher interviews. Thank you, parents and carers for supporting and working with our teachers to provide the students with a positive educational experience. I acknowledge and have a sincere appreciation for our fantastic teachers, office staff and school support officers. Their commitment to the students of St Michael’s is incredible.

Following the disappointment of cancelling the Athletics Carnival on Monday, we were blessed with a perfect day of weather yesterday. It was wonderful to gather as a whole school community and share in various competitive and non-competitive sporting activities. Students had an opportunity to apply their athletic talents, cheer for their colour house and experience a day of excitement and fun. I congratulate Mr Allmark for his thorough preparation and organisation of the carnival.

Wednesday afternoon, Year 6 students showcased their well-researched and creative Saints assignments. Each classroom permeated a buzz of interest, awe and appreciation by parents, fellow students, teaching staff and special guests. Students shared the qualities and Christian values reflected in their chosen Saint. I congratulate all of the students for their effort and engagement in the task.

This term, staff enjoyed spotting and awarding tokens for positive playground behaviour, random acts of kindness, goodwill and community service. Celebrations for this reward system and the student’s achievements occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Congratulations to all students for achieving their class reward. 

Today we joined together as a school community for our NAIDOC Assembly. NAIDOC presents an opportunity to celebrate with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to learn about First Nations cultures and histories. I appreciate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Mrs Dempsey and our Aboriginal Education Assistants, Miss Vanessa and Miss Zali, and Uncle Mark for preparing the liturgy. The sharing of prayer, story and dance immersed everyone in a cultural experience of community, life and history. Thank you to everyone in attendance and our P&F for preparing morning tea.

As highlighted in our Week 8 newsletter, the first day of next term, Monday 17th July, will be a Staff Development Day. All staff will be engaging in professional learning with a focus on literacy. Students will return to school on Tuesday 18th July. Thank you, parents and carers for accommodating this important day for staff at St Michael’s. 

I wish the school community a restful, safe and enjoyable holiday break.

Yours in Faith and Virtue,