We are delighted that so many families could join us last week for the Building Resilience at Home Webinar. If you would like to watch it again, or you missed it, here is the link to the recording. (Please note that this link will expire on the 13th June.)

You might have also noticed a board near pick-up in the afternoons. The aim of the board is to provide a prompt that you might like to use to start a GEM chat in the car on the way home. It would be wonderful to gain some family feedback on the last two webinars, how your family is implementing GEM at home or if you’ve been enjoying these GEM chat starters. Feel free to send any feedback or questions to: shianne.sahariv@cg.catholic.edu.au

Lastly, food for thought…

As featured in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald or Brisbane Times, a study found that, after six years, students at The Resilience Project schools saw: 

Hello, my name is Connor Howland and for the past year and a half I have been lucky enough to teach every child at St Michael’s. This year, I am joining in on the Push-up Challenge which will see me complete 3,214 push-ups between the 4^th & 26^th of June. Below is a link to my fundraising page if you feel inclined to support the incredible Headspace Canberra through a small donation.

I would also simply love you to chat to your kids about the event and its importance while encouraging them to join Mr. Howland in a couple of push-ups to support their physical and mental health.

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraiser/connorhowland

Special wishes to those children who will celebrate their birthdays in this week: Carol G, 3/4G, Stuti S, 3/4O, Xanthia B, 5/6P.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Harmony Award this week.

Well done!!   

First Eucharist

At St Michael’s, the sacraments are parish-based, family-centered, and school-supported. Over the past two weekends, some of our students were presented to the parish community during their Commitment Masses. We invite you to keep these children and their families in your prayers as they continue to prepare to receive Jesus’ body for the first time in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Upcoming Event – Eucharist Retreat Day

The next step in the students’ preparation is the Eucharist Retreat Day on Thursday, 12 June at St Michael’s School. All Year 4 students from St Michael’s and St Monica’s along with other candidates, will come together for a day of learning, reflection, and spiritual growth. Through Scripture, activities and discussion, the students will explore the meaning of the Eucharist and its significance in our lives.

We look forward to sharing this retreat experience with those preparing for their First Eucharist and all Year 4 students.

Key Dates to Remember:

Thursday, 12 June – Eucharist Retreat Day and Parent/Child Prayer Night

Sunday, 22 June – Celebration of the Sacrament of First Eucharist

Welcoming Pope Leo XIV

It is with great joy that we welcome our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, who celebrated his inauguration Mass last weekend.

In his first message to the world, Pope Leo called on all of us to be peacemakers—urging people everywhere to reject division and embrace a spirit of unity and compassion. “Let us walk together as friends of Jesus,” he said. His words remind us that the Church is a community rooted in love, hope, and the Good News of the Gospel.

As a school community, we pray for Pope Leo and ask the Holy Spirit to guide him with wisdom, compassion, and love as he leads the Church into this new chapter.

Sacrament of Eucharist

The Sacrament of Eucharist will take place at Masses on Saturday the 21^st and Sunday the 22^nd of June 2025.

If you have issues or questions please contact the Parish at sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au or speak to the school’s Religious Education Coordinator.

Belconnen Region Athletics

The team to represent St Michael's at the Belconnen Region Athletics Championships will be announced in the coming weeks. The championships will be held on 19 August at the AIS.  

AFL AusKick Afterschool Program Starts From Today!

We are excited to be hosting 4 weeks of after school AFL program! If your child is interested in participating, it's not too late to register for the remaining sessions. Please see the attached flyer for details on how to register.

Parent and Carer series: Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men

For boys and young men, the internet can be a place where they seek connection, validation and guidance as they explore what it means to be a man today. However, it also exposes them to risks like harmful content, online exploitation and the growing influence of misogynistic ideologies.

This 45-minute webinar will help parents understand:

• the social and cultural influences shaping boys and young men
• how boys engage online, build relationships and how they may be vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation
• the impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on their attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity.

This presentation will share practical strategies to build critical thinking, challenge harmful narratives, and create open conversations that empower boys and young men to navigate the online world safely and respectfully.

Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

• 27 May, 12.30pm
• 30 July, 12.30pm

REGISTER NOW

Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men  

We are pleased to announce that St Michael's Primary, Kaleen has recently introduced the BPoint Enterprise Solution to manage direct debit arrangements for the payment of school fees.

What is BPoint and What Do You Need to Do?

BPoint is a secure Commonwealth Bank payment processing platform designed to facilitate online payments, while ensuring the highest security standards. This system safeguards your financial information using industry-leading security measures.

Our new direct debit platform will allow you to pay school fees using either a bank account or a credit card (excluding AMEX). Please note that payments made via credit card will incur a 0.5% surcharge.

Establishing Direct Debits.

Families will receive an email outlining estimated weekly, fortnightly, and monthly repayment options to ensure all fees are paid by the end of the year. These amounts will also include any outstanding 2024 balances.

What next?

You will receive an email that will provide a start date for direct debits and options for selecting your preferred payment frequency. Once a payment frequency is selected, you will be directed to enter your bank/credit card details. Once the information is entered, you will receive an email from no-reply@bpoint.com.au . The email will contain two links,

1. The first link requires confirmation of the direct debit arrangement. Please note that the link will expire within 7 days.
2. The second link provides a copy of the eDDRSA for your records.

 While using the direct debit payment option is not compulsory, many families find it helpful in staying up to date with their financial obligations.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact us.