Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

It has been lovely to see everyone back at school ready to start the new year. There has been a buzz around the school with excited children to see their friends and their teachers.

New Beginnings

This new year, like a new born child, is placed in our hands.
The days and weeks and months to come are pure gift.
They carry God's blessing and we welcome them. 
Our hope for the year that has been, 
is that all that was good in it, remains with us. 
and all that was harmful, is left behind.
Bless us, O God, as we journey together,
and bless the time and seasons yet to come.
As Scripture says: Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Fill this new year with your grace, your wisdom and loving kindness 
that we may reflect these gifts in our own spirit 
and share them with all who pass our way.
We ask you this in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

(Adapted Archdiocese Brisbane)

We enjoy having you being able to come on site, and whilst COVID restrictions have eased, just a friendly reminder that social distancing is still important especially when waiting for the gates to open at the start and the end of the day. If you are in attendance on the school site for more than fifteen minutes you are required to sign in using the QR code, COVID declaration form and vpass system.

First Communion

At the start of last year, students from grade 4 prepared for the reception of their first Communion. Unfortunately just before the sacrament was administered, the strict lockdown due to Covid-19 came into effect. We haven’t been able to celebrate this sacrament with these students and their families before now. This weekend these children from St Michael’s Parish will be able to celebrate this Sacrament. We congratulate these children and their families.

Safer Internet Day

On Tuesday 9th February 2021 students in grades 5 – 6 will be celebrating Safer Internet Day. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the safe and positive use of digital technology. It’s also a good time to explore the role we can all play in creating a better online community. This global campaign is celebrated by millions of people in 170 countries across the world. The students over the next few weeks will be participating in webinars and activities in class.

Parent webinars are also available and will look at how parents and carers can support young people to have safe and respectful online relationships and what to do if things go wrong.

 It will cover:

• starting conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships
• understanding the rights, laws and community expectations that govern social media use
• where to seek help if your child is involved in a cyberbullying incident.

The webinar will include case studies, research and targeted advice so you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

Dates for these are:

• Tuesday 9th February 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• Wednesday 10th February 12:30 to 1:30 pm
• Wednesday 10th February 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• Monday 15th February 12:30 to 1:30 pm
• Monday 22nd March 12:30 to 1:30 pm

You can register via the following link:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Kind regards

Jodie

St Michael’s Parents & Friends Association

1^st February 2021

Dear Parents,

The St Michael’s Parents & Friends Association meets monthly to coordinate fundraising activities and social gatherings like the Walkathon, Mothers and Fathers day stalls, school disco and social nights.

It is an important part of the school as it generates much needed funds for the school. These funds are used to enhance and beautify the grounds, to purchase equipment, furniture and educational programs. P&F offer lots of opportunities to be involved – no matter what your interest is, how much time you have to spare or what skills you can offer.  Please take the time to think about what you can do to support your school community and show your children that their school is important to you as well.  All of our children benefit from our fundraising activities and without more parental support our ability to raise funds will diminish.

The meetings are quite informal and are a good opportunity to hear about developments within the school as Jodie (Principal) or Lia (Deputy Principal) attend each meeting.  If you would like to know more about P&F please contact: myself, Jodie, Lia or the school office.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on 4^th March at 7pm in the staffroom. So come and make yourself a cuppa and join us.  You will be warmly welcomed and will meet some terrific parents.

We really need more parent help to keep the committee going. Your consideration of taking on a position on the P&F committee or being a general member or someone who helps out when needed would be greatly appreciated. Some roles will be vacated at the AGM and it is vital that passionate people fill them.  Please see the attached Nomination Form.

For any further information or questions please text or phone Deb on 0417 014 175

Yours sincerely,

Deb Rowley

P&F President

The St Michael’s Parent and Friends Committee, Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 4th March 2021 at 7pm in the school staff room. Some positions will be declared vacant. The following positions are to be filled on the core committee- President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. Or you may be interested in Publicity Officer or General Committee Member. If you are considering returning to a position or self nominating for one of these core positions, you will need to attend the AGM and submit a written nomination via this form.

Roles within P&F Committee

President

The President’s position carries a task of trust and responsibility and requires skill and time. The President should exercise authority with tact, be impartial and open to other points of view.    The main role of the President is to:

• Be the main representative/spokesperson for the P&F
• Liaise with the Committee members and set the agenda for meetings
• Be the main contact for agenda items
• Open the meetings punctually and ensure the agenda is followed
• Ensure those present at the meeting have the opportunity to discuss each item on the agenda prior to a decision being made
• Make sure, particularly on contentious matters, as many points of view as possible are expressed
• Make sure everyone is given an opportunity to speak and encourage members to speak by addressing questions to them
• Work towards a collaborative approach with other members of school community
• Be mindful of timelines, keep discussions on track and keep meetings moving
• Be mindful of the role of the Education Board and refer any contentious issues the board for discussion
• Liaising with the school principal in relation to any issues or concerns
• Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association

Vice President

The Vice President plays an important role by assisting the President with P&F responsibilities such as:

• Replace and chair meetings in the absence of president.
• Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association

Secretary

The Secretary is very important to the efficient operation of the P&F. The Secretary will work with the President and Committee members. Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Taking minutes at P&F and Committee meetings
• Photocopying and distributing minutes to Committee members along with agenda approximately one week prior to the next meeting
• In consultation with the Principal and President providing a summary of the matters discussed at the meeting for display on a parents notice board and/or in the school newsletter
• Dealing with any incoming/outgoing correspondence
• Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association

Assistant Secretary

The Assistant Secretary plays an important role by assisting the Secretary with P&F responsibilities such as:

• Taking minutes at P&F and Committee meetings
• Photocopying and distributing minutes to Committee members along with agenda approximately one week prior to the next meeting
• In consultation with the Principal and President providing a summary of the matters discussed at the meeting for display on a parents notice board and/or in the school newsletter
• Dealing with any incoming/outgoing correspondence
• Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association

Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

The Treasurer carries a task of trust and responsibility. Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Taking charge of monies of the P&F
• Keeping accurate financial records of all receipts and expenditure
• Banking all money regularly
• Reporting monthly on the P&F’s financial position at meetings
• Preparing a financial report for the Annual General Meeting

Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association

Icy Poles

Zooper Doopers will be sold for 50 cents each from the sports storeroom by the Grade 5/6's at lunchtimes.

Each week students from each class are awarded Student of the Week certificates. These children are nominated for the example they have been within the school based on the School Wide Expectation focus for that week. The weekly focus will be from Wednesday until Tuesday the following week. Awards will be presented to students in class until assemblies can resume. We will publish this week's award winner in next week's Newsletter.