Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

On Friday, Ms Regina Menz, Director of Armidale Catholic Schools, visited St Michael's. Regina is new to the role of Director in 2024, replacing Mr Chris Smyth who retired at the end of January. The children made Regina feel very welcome in the classrooms and on the playground. Regina was impressed with the students' engagement in their learning and loved the spacious and colourful classroom spaces. We look forward to Regina visiting us again in the near future. 

Before Regina's visit on Friday, we farewelled former Principal at St Michael's, Mrs Geraldine Chapman, who has retired from her position as Employee Services Advisor - WHS  at the Armidale Catholic Schools' Office. Geraldine was Principal at St Michael's from 2006 - 2010. We will miss Geraldine's expertise in the area of WHS and wish her a long and happy retirement. Congratulations Geraldine.

Dear St Michael's beautiful Staff

So many thanks for the beautiful breakfast, gifts and flowers, It was so very special and so very kind of you to do this for me. 

St Michael's will always hold a special place in my heart.

 I was at my happiest there with the beautiful staff, wonderful students, Fr Melville and  the amazing School Community,  It is so lovely to know that St Michael's is flourishing with a continued dedicated staff and growing school community.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

May you always know that you are held securely within the palm of a loving God.

Geraldine Chapman

Employee Services Advisor - WHS 

This week, our students in Years 3 and 5 will begin completing the NAPLAN tests for 2024. Both grades will commence with the Writing task on Wednesday. Year 3 will hand write their response and Year 5 will complete their task online. The students will also complete tests in Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy. We wish our students all the best in the testing phase and look forward to our results being released later in the year.

Congratulations to our students who attended Winter Trials in Tamworth last week for Hockey, Soccer, Rugby League and Netball. Staff members present at the trials have commended all participants on their beautiful behaviour and sportsmanship. Congratulations to Josie Duff - Netball, Nulla Gillon - Hockey, Jack Kenafick - League and Thomas Taber - League who will represent St Michael's and the Armidale Diocese at the Polding trials to be held in upcoming weeks. Well done.

Since our last Newsletter, the Shade Sail has been installed over the existing sandpit and fixed equipment. The Shade Sail was made possible by a grant - Schools Upgrade Fund which became available to schools late in 2022 for application in early 2023. The next step, will be new fill for the sandpit and new soft fall for under the equipment. Landscaping of the surrounds will also take place. Sand, soft fall and landscaping will be completed at school expense.

A reminder that all children should be wearing navy blue socks which are available from the Office. Black school shoes are required on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. We had such a positive start to the year with uniform, but lately there has been a slight deviation from requirements from some students, who have been gently reminded of what is acceptable to wear at school. Your cooperation in ensuring your child leaves home dressed in correct uniform is very much appreciated.

At the commencement of Term 2, Monday April 29 and Tuesday April 30 will be PUPIL FREE DAYS at St Michael's. On both days, teaching staff will be present at St Xavier's Gunnedah to take part in the Diocesan Clarity Workshop. These dates have been on our school calendar since the beginning of the Term - this is simply a reminder. Students K-6 will commence classes for Term 2 on Wednesday May 1.

Enjoy a wonderful week,

Bronwyn