Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week has been another wonderful week of teaching and learning at St Michael's Manilla. Staff and students are continuing to put their best efforts forward as we work towards the end of the 2022 school year.

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a visit from Mr Justin Matthews, School Performance Leader with the Catholic Schools Office in Armidale. Justin worked with staff on the recently launched Data Ecosystem, which is a great resource for the collation and analysis of system, school and student data. Justin took the opportunity to visit classrooms and chat with students regarding their learning while he was here. Justin does not usually work with Manilla, with his cluster of schools being in Armidale, Glen Innes, Narrabri, Walgett and Wee Waa. It's always great to hear what other schools are doing and to highlight the wonderful things about our own school to others.

On Wednesday evening, we hosted an information session for the parents/carers of our 2023 Kindergarten students. Anna Fraser and Emily Maunder our Kindergarten teachers, presented some very helpful information, particularly focusing on what to expect during the first term of Kindergarten. Parents and carers had the opportunity to also speak with Amanda McNair our Inclusion Support Teacher and myself regarding aspects of their child's upcoming start at St Michael's. The session was well attended and there were many questions answered. We look forward to welcoming our 2023 Kinders for their next transition morning on Friday November 11. 

Today, we hosted St Joseph's Barraba for a sport gala day. Barraba had 23 children attend who enjoyed a round robin of soccer, touch and netball with the Year 3- 6 children at Manilla. We enjoyed a sausage sizzle lunch and some wonderful time together. While our Primary students were enjoying the sunshine playing sport, our K-2 students were in Tamworth visiting the Reptile Park and enjoying the production of Edward the Emu at the TRECC. An exciting day for all staff and students at St Michael's Manilla.

Thankyou to families who have supported the Mango Fundraiser, organised by our P&F Association. We have exceeded all expectations with orders and look forward to the delivery of the delicious treats during the week commencing December 12 - just in time for Christmas!

St Michael's Playgroup is continuing to be a winner within the Manilla community. Playgroup is 9.15 - 10.15 every Thursday. This coming Thursday, November 10, we will host an information session on Perinatal Mental Health. Alli, The Child and Family Health Nurse based in Manilla will be in attendance, as well as representatives from HealthWise

and Tamworth Family Support. Morning tea will be provided and the children will participate in the playgroup activities while parents and carers enjoy the information session. Everyone with children aged 0-5 are very welcome to attend.

Our end of year activities have been added to the calendar - please check the calendar for important dates.

Enjoy a wonderful weekend,

Bronwyn