Dear Parents and Carers,

Last week I attended the Catholic Leaders Day and Retreat in Bowral. It was great to meet the current Executive Director, Pam Betts and participate in workshops designed for Principal voice and reflection during a time of transition. On the second evening, Mr David de Carvahlo, the new Executive Director of Catholic Education and his wife Andrea attended and were warmly greeted. Originally from Sydney, David is a very experienced and well-regarded leader in the education sector, with a deep knowledge of, and commitment to, our Catholic faith. Andrea and David have both lived and worked previously in Canberra and are excited about returning to our system.

On the second day following Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Christopher Prowse, sessions were held for the Principal Retreat Day. Sessions on Charisms and Leadership were facilitated by Clara Geoghegan, the Executive Secretary for the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we were provided with opportunities for stillness, silence and discernment of how we can utilise the charisms gifted to each of us.       

The 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope” is now underway and will conclude on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2026. The Holy Father’s prayer for the Jubilee Year invites us to renew our hope in Christ. Today we will send home copies of the prayer card to all families to serve as a guide for prayer. Each class and the front office also have a Guide and Calendar for the Jubilee year in the Archdiocese of Canberra/Goulburn. You are most welcome to access these.

NAPLAN

Today we wish our very best to Yr. 3 and Yr. 5 students who commence NAPLAN testing. We ask that students arrive to school on time and that appointments are scheduled outside test sittings. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

HARMONY DAY

• On Friday 21^st March we will celebrate Harmony Day at St Michael’s. The theme for Harmony Day 2025 is "Harmony- we all have a role to play!". It's a time to recognise and celebrate the different backgrounds and cultures that make up Australia. 
• The colour orange is associated with Harmony Week, and is a symbol of unity, respect, and meaningful conversations. We invite students and staff to wear an item of orange, this could be a ribbon, a t-shirt, scarf etc. in recognition of respect
• Students will be completing some enjoyable activities to reflect the ‘Harmony’ theme.   

Finally, a special congratulations to Connor Howland and his partner Ashley who were married last week, we wish them a long and happy life together.

Thank you for your continued support.

Many Blessings,