Jump Fest

A huge thank you to everyone for your support on Sunday with our Jump Fest. As you would recall, we were raising money for our Global Partner School, Jariah Education Centre in Kenya, to purchase and install a water tank at their school. I am pleased to inform the community that we reached our target of $2500. The students at Jariah will now have access to fresh, clean water. 

Also thank you to our sponsors Premier Capital Properties, OwnIt Finance and McDonalds for supporting us to make this day a huge success!

Boorowa

Congratulations to all our teams who competed in the Boorowa Touch Football and Netball Carnival last Friday. It was a wild and windy day! All our students were exceptionally well-behaved and demonstrated great team work! Thank you to Erin Hardwicke for behind the scene organisation and to Damien Webb, Jessica Lewis, Bridgette McCann, Rachel Gannis, Esther Coghlan, Darren Houlihan, Kai Ryan and Gabriel Walsh who managed, coached or umpired a team.  

Kindergarten Orientation

Next week, we welcome 26 new students who will attend Kindergarten with us in 2020. Many of these students are from new families to the school. This will be a short orientation session in the morning. Please make our new students and families welcome to St Michael's. Let the fun begin!

2020 Dates - Carnivals

K-2 Water Fun Day & Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival - Tuesday 25 February

Cross Country -Thursday 2 April

Athletics Carnival - Tuesday 2 June

ACT Children's Week - Commissioner Award

Mischa received her awards for her passion, dedication and care for animals and sustainability. Mischa demonstrates that one person can make a difference to inspire and influence those around her. For several years now, she has volunteered tirelessly and raised awareness about animal rights and environmental issues through her advocacy. We congratulate Mischa on her achievements!

Mission Rosary Day - Catholic Mission

On Friday we will raise awareness with our students of Catholic Mission. This is a uniform free day and students are encouraged to wear the colours of green, red, white, blue and yellow to represent the Mission Rosary. All students will receive a set of Mission Rosary Beads.

All Saints and All Souls

Tomorrow we will reflect and remember and celebrate those in our lives who have passed away and pray to the Saints for guidance, protection and love. 

School Office Hours (8.20-3.30pm)

Just a reminder that our formal supervision is between the hours of 8.20-3.30pm. These are also our formal office hours. If you need to contact the office (by phone or in person), please do so between these hours. Outside of these hours the office will not always be staffed. Early before school care occurs from 8am, but our office is not open until 8.20am. Any further clarification you may need, please let me know. 

School Fees 2020

At last night's Community Council meeting, our proposed 2020 Budget and School Fee Allocation was unanimously approved. We continue to be in a healthy position regarding our finances, which allows us to continue to make improvements across the school whether that be professional development and training for staff, resourcing for classrooms, maintenance, grounds, technology and furnishing to name a few bigger ticket items. We thank the school community for continuing to keep on top of fee payments. We have an extremely good collection rate, so thank you!

We do our best to ensure our fees are as low as possible. In order to continue with our operating costs (electricity, water), providing staff and students with resources needs, meeting parent expectations and our own aspirations for a high quality education, it is important that school income keeps pace with increasing education costs and the changing funding environment. 

Our Fee Schedule for 2020 will come home on Friday. You will note that there has been a 5% increase in CE Tuition Fees and a 3% increase in local school levies. This results in approximately a $3.00 increase per week for a single child over a 52 week period.

Please contact the Front Office regarding increasing direct debit arrangements for 2020 to ensure fees are covered by the end of 2020.  

Bees

You may have heard a little story from Tuesday regarding a 'swarm of bees'. Do not be alarmed, all is fine. It is actually quite an interesting story. We discovered at the entrance of our staff carpark, a huge amount of bees on Monday afternoon. Upon further inspection we noticed a significant amount, so we called the 'Bee Man' to come. On Tuesday morning as I drove into school, I took a quick snap of the bees (as they were quiet). The Bee Man was to arrive later that day. At lunchtime, as the children were on the oval, these bees decided to fly across the oval. We closed the oval and I investigated further only to discover, what I thought was a hive in the tree was now gone. Once the Bee Man arrived (15 minutes later), retelling the story, he explained that it wasn't a hive, but a temporary post. Apparently there would've been thousands of bees huddled together. Apparently, those bees remain together until a drone bee comes back to communicate they have found a permanent home. So, off they went into the distance to this new permanent home (thankfully, not on school grounds). 

Interesting fact about bees - Over the last 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing. Referred to as ‘colony collapse disorder’, billions of Honey bees across the world are leaving their hives, never to return. In some regions, up to 90% of bees have disappeared! So whilst we would like to encourage the odd bee or two to visit our beautiful flowers around the school to help the environment, I am thankful the thousands of bees have found a better home somewhere. Never a dull moment!

Thursday and Friday this week, I will be off site (not because of the bees). Thursday I have Principal meetings to attend and Friday we have our annual Director's Day where CE staff present future directions etc for the year ahead. Please see Damien Webb or Meaghan Younger in my absence. 

Enjoy the week ahead. 

Kind regards, 

Pat Ellis

Principal

Reconciliation

Thank you to all the families who participated in last week’s parent/child formation evening. It was fabulous to hear how much the children had taken in during our retreat day and lovely to have meaningful discussions about reconciliation with you all.

If your child has not yet made their commitment at Mass please ensure you do this at one of this weekend’s parish masses. You must make sure you speak to the priest before Mass begins so they are prepared and can give you the card for use during the small ceremony.

All Saints Mass

1/2F have been busy preparing to lead us in Mass celebrating the Feast of All Saints and All Souls (just a little early). Families are invited to join us in St Michael’s Church from 9:30am tomorrow (Thursday 31^st October) for this special Mass.

Extraordinary Mission Month

Pope Francis has declared this October an Extraordinary Mission Month. Catholic Mission has missionaries working in countries all around the world helping with food, education, health services and evangelisation. Learn more about their great work on their website: https://youtu.be/NgqfiddU78s

At St Michael’s we will hold a special Missionary Rosary Day this Friday, 1^st November. There will be some special activities in each class exploring the importance of the Rosary in our faith tradition and the work of Catholic Mission around the world. Students are invited to come wearing plain clothes (uniform free) to celebrate and if possible, in the colours of the world as nominated below:

Blue (for the Pacific Islands)

Green (for Africa)

Yellow (for Asia)

Red (for the Americas)

White (for our Holy Father, Pope Francis)

Whole School Prayer Time

1/2W are very excited to lead us in a Whole School Prayer Time focusing on Mission this Friday 1^st November. All families are warmly invited to join us in St Michael’s Church from 2:25pm for this special celebration.

5/6FW are already busy preparing for Whole School Prayer Time in Week 4 to mark Remembrance Day. Whilst we will join the rest of Australia and pause as a school at 11:00am on 11^th November for a minute’s silence, 5/6FW will lead us in a special prayer service on Friday 8/11 in St Michael’s Church from 2:25pm reflecting on the service of all those who have served our country in wartime.

The app of the week is Duolingo. This is a

free app that assists people in learning a variety of languages. Indonesian is a subject taught at St Michael’s and this app could help to support student learning. Learn how to read, write, speak and listen through the use of intelligent chatbots.

Boorowa

We had a day to remember at the Boorowa Touch Football and Netball Day last Friday! Our players had a  great day, despite the challenging weather we encountered. It was a pleasure to take such a great group of students to represent our school. Thanks to the coaches, managers, umpires and to all the parents who made the trip.  Thanks also to Damian Webb, Bridgette McCann and Jessica Lewis for their 5:30am start!!

Save the date for 2020….. Friday 23^rd October 2020!

Participation certificates will be presented at morning assembly on Friday. Parents are most welcome to join us.

K-2 Swimming Clinics

On Monday, all students participating in the K-2 swimming program received a Student Enrolment Form. These forms need to be returned to classroom teachers by no later than next Friday 6^th November. Thanks to those families who have already returned their forms.

Netball Clinics

This week all classes will take part in the second week of our netball clinics. It has been great to see the students enjoying themselves and learning new games and skills to build their gross motor coordination. Thanks to ACT Netball for sending us terrific coaches!

Congratulations

Congratulations to Pearl (5/6B) and Liana (5/6FW) who have been selected to the ACT futsal team. We wish them luck for Nationals.

Chris Collin Author Visit

On Monday we welcomed author Chris Collin to our school. All students had a wonderful time learning about the writing process from a passionate and talented author who writes wacky stories to bring fun and laughter to the reader. Chris reminded the students about following their dreams, being creative and to visit the library to find a book that interests them.

Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge

Congratulations to all those students who completed this year’s challenge. Certificates will be presented at morning assembly on Friday. Parents are welcome to join us.

Borrowing in Term 4

The last week of borrowing from our library will be in Week 6. We ask that all library books be returned by Friday of Week 8.  This will greatly assist us with stocktaking in Weeks 9 & 10.  If you have misplaced any books, please contact erin.hardwicke@cg.catholic.edu.au so they can be deleted from student accounts.

This month’s Community Council meeting was dominated by enthusiasm for Sunday’s Jump Fest event. We reached our goal of $2500 raised for Jariah Education in Kenya which will go to buying a water tank for the school children. We were also happy to hear reports that it was a successful event enjoyed by all and well-stocked with eager volunteers. The water slide castle and cake stall were firm favourites and we are sure this won’t be the last time we host a family picnic-style event out on the oval.

We were also happy to hear that the newly expanded sustainability group, responsible for the Greenhouse, is enjoying the challenge and already implementing new processes to ensure its longterm success.

Our thoughts are now turning to Christmas, with planning underway for our annual Christmas Carols event, and even the new year with discussion of the best way to welcome new parents to the school in 2020. As always, volunteers are most welcome – whether they be parents, grandparents, uncles or aunts! Please let us know if you’re keen to be involved and we will find you a job! Also, feel free to catch one of us at drop off or pick up or email through to us at council.stmichaelsps@cg.catholic.edu.au. 

The school Community Council is an essential component of our school. Constitutional requirements for Council membership means there will be vacant positions on the Executive of the School Community Council from 2020.  Any parent in the School community is eligible to nominate.

What does the Community Council do?

The Constitution states that the council ‘provides opportunity for members of the community to support the mission of Catholic education in the school. Working with the Principal, Parish Priest and staff, the members of the council and its committees provide leadership to the wider school community’

The Community Council works with the Principal, Parish Priest and staff collaboratively to ensure the smooth operation of the school. The council takes a decision making role in areas such as developing capital and maintenance programs, promoting the school in the local community, approving school uniform, developing and monitoring school enterprises (eg hall hire) and fundraising to name a few items. The council also has an advisory role in areas such as curriculum, student welfare and educational policies for the school.  

Meetings are held twice a term and a commitment to attending these meetings is required.

How to nominate

Each nomination must be made on the Nomination Form available from the Front Office (emails will not be accepted as a formal nomination).  The nomination must be seconded and agreed to by the person being nominated. All nominations are confidential.  Please send nominations addressed to Patrick Ellis in a sealed envelope labelled ‘Community Council Nomination’ by 3pm on Wednesday, 13^th November 2019.  All nominations will be placed in a sealed box in my office and will be opened by Father Loi (or a parish representative) and the Principal after this date.

Points to note:

• There is 1 parent member position available with another 3 possible positions to be appointed for their expertise.
• If the required number of nominations are received, the nominees will be declared elected to the community.
• Only if there are more nominations than the possible 4 positions available, a parent community election will be held.
• Existing members wanting to serve another term of membership, can re-nominate.
• A term of membership shall be for a period of two (2) years.
• Members of the council may be elected for a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms.

The Student Wellbeing Hub is a great website that has been set up where you can find information and advice about important topics like online safety, child wellbeing and much more, to help you make your child’s learning journey a safe and positive one.

Check it out! https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/

We are often asked about the content we teach and the framework we follow. The Australian Curriculum guides us with our learning areas, content and what students should be achieving by the end of year levels. 

This parent guide may be useful to explain further and direct you to more resources to assist. At all times, please feel comfortable to talk to your child's teacher regarding curriculum. 

https://stmichaelskaleen.schoolzineplus.com/form/18 

Congratulations to the following children who have achieved a Harmony Award in Week 3 and will receive their award this Friday at morning gathering (weather permitting).

Special wishes to those children who celebrate their birthday this week:

Jarrah 5/6B, Joel 5/6B & Angelina 5/6B

We hope you have a great day!!

Lunch Orders are to be placed by MIDNIGHT on Wednesday nights. 

The canteen still require assistance on Fridays for Term 4 from approximately 12.30-1.45 to help pack lunch orders, if you can assist in anyway, please contact Lisa in the Front Office.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  

Please feel free to contact Empire Catering on 0408 200 481 for queries with lunch orders or any constructive feedback you have regarding menu items.  

DANCECORE -  Dance classes are held on Wednesday’s at recess in the school hall, forms are available at the Front Office. 
Contact Cassie 0417 442 750 (NO CLASSES FOR TERM 4)

CHESS -  Chess classes are held in C Block on Tuesday’s at recess, forms are available at the Front Office.  Contact Sydney Academy of Chess 9745 1170

GUITAR - Guitar lessons with Sam on Thursday's, please contact
Sam on 0408 196 855

PIANO - Piano Lessons with Mary-Liz on Mondays & Tuesdays,
please contact Mary-Liz on 0413 425 753

SPEECH & DRAMA  -  Drama classes are being held on Tuesday’s at lunchtime, please contact Elizabeth McIntosh if you are interested on 6255 9054

SCHOOL BANKING  -  Banking day is Thursday, please leave your books at the Front Office.

BOOKCLUB -  Scholastic Bookclub runs eight times a year, there will be two issues each Term.  If you have any queries, contact Mrs Monro or Mrs Arena. 

Playgroup is held on Wednesdays in Weeks 2 to 9 from 9am til 10.30am in the School Hall. It is for children aged 0-5 and their parents/carers.  Please contact Kylie Arena or Lisa Monro on 62414022 for any enquires. 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Youth Mass

We have our Youth Masses on the 3rd Sunday of every month at the 5.30 pm time slot at St Michael's, Kaleen. The Youth Mass dinner is done in a potluck style, where all parishioners have a fellowship. Students from the ages of 8 to 18 are welcomed to take part in the liturgy. This has greatly helped our parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help grow as a community. Our next Youth Mass falls on 17th November 2019, Sunday at 5.30 pm. All young people are invited to partake in this, including playing any instruments in the choir, reading, procession, etc.

Changes to School Sport ACT

From the commencement of this year there will no longer be Belconnen Region level trials for specific sports. To replace the regional level completion, many sports are holding gala days for schools to attend. We will enter teams in these gala days where there is student interest. The pathway for selection to an ACT sporting team is through trials offered in the same way as they have been previously. Please see the information below in relation to the process of registering your child for ACT trials on the School Sport ACT website.

SCHOOL SPORT ACT TRIALS 

Please keep an eye on the School Sport ACT website www.schoolsportact.asn.au for upcoming ACT trials.  The process for registering can be found below.  If you need any assistance registering your child please feel free to ask for assistance.

How to register your child with School Sport ACT

School Sport ACT now collects all registration information online – this is to prevent the movement to and fro of a paper note and have all information readily available to officials prior to the trial. As this process incurs a fee for data storage, system maintenance and admin, a small $5 fee payment via credit card will be required.

1. Go to the School Sport ACT website – schoolsportact.asn.au
2. Click Register (top right corner of homepage) for an Account – enter parent details and password
3. A confirmation email will be sent to your chosen email that will contain a link that you must click on to verify the email account.
4. Click Log In (top right hand corner of home page) enter password then click on top tab My Profile
5. You will see a ‘dashboard’ of your information, click green box to Add Student – enter student and medical details and save.
6. Go to the Sports Tab – choose your specific sport, click on Trial Information box then click on the Register to Trial link.
7. Select your child’s name from the dropdown box and then enter the optional fields for Playing History, Preferred Position (if applicable) and Representative Experience. If you are already in the system, ensure your child’s school is up to date in your profile – have they moved onto High School?
8. Make the $5 credit card payment then click to register.
9. An automated email will then be sent to your Principal/School Approver for their approval to trial (no need to take anything to school for the Principal to sign).
10. You will be able to see the process has been complete back in My Profile – once your Principal/School Approver has completed the approval process your child’s information will be collated onto a list for the Team Manager and Coach prior to trial.
11. Note the registration process closes two days before the first trial date to allow sufficient time for approval and sharing of collated information.

Looking forward to another big year of sporting participation,

Erin Hardwicke
erin.hardwicke@cg.catholic.edu.au