Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

It was so lovely to see everyone back at school on Thursday and as a school we thank you for your support during the recent return to remote learning. The timing of the snap lockdown didn’t allow the school or you a lot of time to prepare for it and whilst it was only for a short period, we understand the challenges that this can have on you, your child and the rest of your family. Please know that the St Michael’s staff and school community are here to support you and your family. If there is anything that we can to do help, please let us know.

Athletics Day

Thank you for your patience with the transition to the online permission form for the Athletics carnival. It raised the importance of ensuring that the email address we have in the office is correct. If you are still having difficulties with this please contact the school office as they can assist you. All parents should ensure they have the school app. You can find this by searching for St Michael's School in your app store. Important reminders and updates are regularly sent via the app. 

We are very appreciative of all who offered to volunteer at the Athletics Day on Friday. Emails will be sent to those who have been allocated a role on the day. When you arrive at the venue please report to the scorer’s tent to sign in, fill in the COVID paperwork and receive your volunteers tag. Unfortunately, due to density restrictions spectators are unable to attend this year.

Lenten reflection

In next Sunday’s gospel reading of the Transfiguration, Peter, James and John have their eyes opened to Christ’s glory and are told that he is God’s beloved son.  

This encounter changes everything, as they now know for sure who Jesus really is.  

Encountering others changes us, whether they are friends, family, or people. Pope Francis has frequently called for a “culture of encounter”. Being starved of time with family and friends, family or colleagues during lockdown has shown us like never before how much we all need one another.  

In his latest encyclical, Pope Francis says, “To speak of a ‘culture of encounter’ means that we, as a people, should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone” (Fratelli Tutti, #216). 

He also reminds us that we all have something to learn from others, and especially from those who are on the margins of our society. 

So, in the coming weeks, let us try to see all those we encounter as they really are, precious and beloved by God. We pray that these encounters, whether in person or virtual, may inspire us to work together to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. 

Kind regards

Jodie

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. 

In Week 4 the School Wide Expectation focus was: Honesty

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.

  St Michael's Netball Committee AGM is on Wednesday 10th March at 7pm in the staffroom. All netball parents welcome.