Thank you for all the emails, messages and phone calls regarding the recent announcement of me finishing up at the end of the term to move into CE as Education Lead for Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn. 

I understand the timing is not great during COVID and can appreciate people feeling like this will create instability. Please know that we have considered it all and are continuing to consider every possible issue, concern, question etc. We are confident the stability of the leadership will continue moving forward. 

I would hope after working at St Michael's for the last few years, that there is trust between you and I, where you can be at ease that I am working with staff and CE staff to ensure a smooth transition. Being at CE will also mean that I will still be connected with St Michael's and will assist the team behind the scene throughout Term 4 and even in the new year. 

Damien Webb, Meaghan Younger, Bridgette McCann and myself will be doing extensive work throughout the second half of the term (along with CE staff) to set Term 4 up and do initial planning for 2021. This will ensure stability. 

Please know that regardless of staff changes at a school, that you all will still be part of the community. The making of a great school doesn't come down to 'one person'. The community is what makes a school. Yes, the Principal has significant influence over the direction and vision of a school, but the executive, teaching staff, support staff, Community Council, Parish members, parents/carers and community members, along with the students themselves have more of a collective influence to shape a school to be a great one! 

When accepting the position of Principal at St Michael's, I had never intended to leave this year. However, we can't predict what is going to happen in our lives, and this move is the best for me, not only professionally but personally with my young family. 

I really appreciate everyone understanding this decision, and whilst out of left field, please know that St Michael's will continue to shine, even during COVID, throughout Term 4 and into 2021. The school is now well placed to attract some amazing applicants for the Principal position for 2021. I will support wherever and whenever I can behind the scene to ensure continued success for the whole school community. 

Boorowa Annual Touch Football/Netball Carnival 2020 Cancelled

It is with great sadness that the organisers have had to cancel the 2020 Boorowa Touch Football/Netball Carnival. With the ongoing uncertainty and potential health risks associated with such a big carnival, it was felt that this is the safest course of action following the guidelines and advice from our various Educational Organisations – Department of Education NSW and Catholic Education Office, Canberra & Goulburn. We had predicted this might have happened. We were surprised that they were pushing ahead with the planning and remained hopeful, however, this is the best decision for all involved. Save the Date - 15October 2021

Science Week

Next week is Science Week. The school theme of National Science Week 2020 is Deep Blue: Innovations for the future of our oceans. 

With this in mind, the theme embraces the innovative technologies, capabilities and skills needed to achieve economic, environmental and social sustainability of our oceans. It features insights and inquiries into workable solutions that generate healthy oceans, healthy economies and healthy communities.

We will be celebrating Science Week throughout the week, particularly on Monday where all students will participate in an incursion 'Jolly Bops Science' and fun experiments throughout the day. We will also participate in an additional Science incursion 'Fizzics Education' the following week. Lots of fun Science ahead!

Feast of the Assumption

This week we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Mother Mary (Feast Day on 15 August). The Feast of the Assumption celebrates that the body and soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary were taken into heaven after the end of her earthly life. Mary’s assumption into heaven is seen by us as a fulfilment of Jesus’ promise to all faithful servants; that they too will be received into the Kingdom of God. We pray that our School and Parish may know the continual support and love of our Mother Mary.

 

Enjoy the week ahead. 

Kind regards, 

Pat Ellis

Principal

Religious Education Curriculum

5/6 have been investigating the history of the Catholic Church in Australia and the role it has had in shaping our world today. Many families at St Michael’s have a long connection to the Parish and School. We’d love to hear your stories. Please get in touch with Miss Kapantais, Ms Figura or Ms Younger if you would like to share some special memories of the history of our Parish.

1/2 were amazed the other day when Mr Webb

received a phone call from God! They are looking at how we communicate with God. How is your communication with God going? Is it time to try out a new prayer ritual for yourself?

Religious Life of St Michael’s School Community

Feast of St Mary MacKillop of the Cross

Thank you to 1/2 for your beautiful prayer service celebrating the Feast of St Mary MacKillop of the Cross last Friday. It was lovely to all be celebrating prayer together, even when we were in our own classrooms.

WSPT for Feast of the Assumption

We look forward to be led by 5/6 this Friday 14August in reflecting on the importance of Mary, Mother of God, in our lives. Classes will simultaneously pray together from 9:00am on Friday morning. Families you will be in our hearts as we pray together on Friday and look forward to when we can safely gather in larger numbers again soon.

Family Prayer

The Diocese of Brisbane have some fabulous resources that we love to use for education and prayer. One that has been created for families to use for prayer at home. I encourage you to access this wonderful resource to enliven your family home prayer practices.

https://litedliturgybrisbane.weebly.com/family-prayer-week-by-week.html/

Congratulations!

Parish News

Reconciliation Preparation

Home preparation – Week 3 'Being Sorry for Sin'

Children: Why do we need to say sorry?

Parents: What was the most challenging element of the learning about sin this week? Do you have questions for Father Loi about this concept? Maybe make a note of them for discussion at our Parent/Child Formation evening on Thursday.

Feast of the Assumption

A reminder that the Feast of the Assumption is one of only two Holy Days of Obligation observed in the Australian Catholic Church and as such all Catholics are asked to attend Mass on 15August each year. Special masses are being held at St Michael’s Church this Friday (6:00pm) and Saturday (9:00am) for the Feast of the Assumption. Father Loi reminded us at Masses this past weekend that attendance at the Saturday evening (6:00pm) Mass does not fulfill the obligation as this is a Vigil Mass for Sunday 16 August.

If you are planning on attending Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help please book in on the Parish website to assist with COVID Safe restrictions http://cg.org.au/belconnennorth 

 

Boorowa

Please be advised that regrettably the Boorowa Carnival has been cancelled for this year.  We look forward to participating in 2021.

Golf Clinics

Commencing next week and continuing until the end of term we will have golf lessons on Tuesdays for all classes from K-6. We look forward to trying something new as we have not previously had golf clinics at St Michael's.

Fun and Fitness Week

Week 10 is going to be a super exciting week filled with all things sport. Each day we will come together to be active and have some fun. More information to come but in the meantime find some funky socks and sunglasses, your favourite sports jersey and a white T-shirt!

SunSmart in August

A reminder that the beginning of August marks the time to start wearing hats again. No hat means play in the shade only. 

Hats are available for sale at the Front Office for $12.  Please remember also to label your child's hat.

 

Library 

Thank you to the many families who have returned overdue library books. If there are books that have been misplaced, lost or are showing up incorrectly on you account, please return the overdue notice to let us know so we can then update our records. You can also email Mrs Hardwicke erin.hardwicke@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Term 4 Book Fair

Indigenous Literacy Foundation

This year during Book Week  (Term 4, Week 2) we will hold another Great Book Swap. After the wonderful support the event received last year we would like to show our support to the Indigenous Literacy foundation (ILF) again. The Giant Book Swap will take place on Thursday 22nd October. In order for the event to be a success we are asking each student to donate a pre-loved book, that is in good condition, and can be enjoyed by someone else. On the day of the book swap students will then be able to choose a new book to take home for a gold coin donation. The money we raise is used by the ILF to purchase books that are then sent to regional and remote Indigenous communities. 

We ask that all donations of books be made prior to the 19th October. Books can be left at the Front Office or with Mrs Hardwicke in the Library. Thank you in advance for your support of this important initiative. 

Sacramental Program – First Reconciliation 2020

Home Preparation books are to be completed by the week ending 23 August, ready for discussion at the Parent/Child Formation evening on Thursday 27th August, in which attendance at this evening is compulsory.

Parents are asked to set aside some special time each week with their child to work through the activities in the book. Please note there are parent and child elements to be completed.

In the home preparation books, the children are gaining an understanding of what is right and wrong, and learning how to make the right choices and not the wrong choices. They are also learning to be sorry for their sin when they have done something that is wrong on purpose.

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Tuesday 8 September in St Michael’s Church
Wednesday 9 September in St Monica’s Church
Thursday 10 September in St Monica’s Church

Families have indicated in the registration form the preferred date for the Sacrament of Reconciliation – you now need to book a time on that date by:

Go to website:   http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au

Click - MAKE A BOOKING

Enter event code: s7g23 (upper or lower case, doesn’t matter)

You will then be required to enter your details (email, name, phone, child’s name), then go on to select their time.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not available in 2020 for the School of Religion due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Harmony Award in Week 4.  Awards will be presented at Friday morning's assembly (weather permitting).

Well done!!   

KL	Lawson R
1/2B	Aanya S
1/2W	Lydia W
3/4A	Oscar W
3/4F	Arietta N
3/4FR	Avi T
5/6F	Phillip B
5/6K	Jayden S

 

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

Jack KL, Trinayani 1/2W, Lucy 1/2B and Finley 3/4FR

and a big Happy Birthday to Mr Ellis!!!

We hope you have a great day!!

The Commonwealth Bank school banking program has started back up again, banking days will be on a Thursday. Could we please ask that all books be left at the Front Office and if possible we ask that you don't bring in large quantities of small coins (ie. 5 and 10 cent pieces).

We are still seeking another volunteer to join the team, you will not be required every week and training will be provided.  If you are keen, could you please let Lisa at the Front Office know of your availability.

Information to open accounts is available from the Front Office.

Dear Parents,

We are participating in the Redgum Book Club virtual catalogue this term. Every order will earn resources and books for our school. To view the current catalogue open link Redgum Term 3 Catalogue

New release titles in the current catalogue include:

• Peter Rabbit I Love You Daddy – This heart-warming book is the perfect way to tell Daddy “I love you” on Father’s Day, or any other day of the year. Peter Rabbit I Love You Daddy
• Lego Batman Sticker Super Heroes and Super Villains - Who is the coolest Super hero? Who is the craziest Super Villain? With this book you decide! Lego Batman
• Edge: I HERO: Monster Hunter: Yeti – Exciting, monster based, choose your own destiny adventure story, in which you are the hero! Monster Hunter: Yeti
• Number Puzzles & Games - Test your number skills with this fun-filled book. Contains counting challenges, sudoku, number mazes and so much more! Number Puzzles & Games
• Ronaldo Rules – This book is full of everything a young fan wants to know about Cristiano Ronaldo. Includes lots of quizzes and facts. Ronaldo Rules
• The World’s Worst Parents – These tales of the most spectacularly silly mums and deliriously daft dads will leave you rocking with laughter. The World's Worst Parents
• The Schoolmaster’s Daughter – A story from Jackie French about education in colonial Australia and how women once had to fight for their right to it. The Schoolmaster's Daughter
• The Impossible Boy – Believe in the impossible…A magical adventure that celebrates friendship, the power of imagination and ice cream! The Impossible Boy
• IQ XOXO Smart Games – Award winning Smart Games is the leader in multi-level games. Featuring 120 challenges for endless, brain-teasing fun! IQ XOXO Smart Games

Free shipping on all orders over $40. A small delivery fee applies for orders under $40.

All books in the current catalogue will arrive in the Redgum warehouse the week commencing Monday 10^th August.

If you have any questions, email Lesley on schools@redgumbookclub.com.au