Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Friday, Miss Summerell and myself had the privilege of attending the Armidale Catholic Schools swimming carnival in Gunnedah. Our school was represented by a strong squad of swimmers who displayed wonderful sportsmanship and team spirit throughout the day. Our team consisted of Georgia Abra, Malakai Cocking, Alice Coombes, Max Coombes, Kahlani Laird-Byrnes, Jasper Lendon, Poppy Long, Arthur O'Quigley, Alexander Pettit, Sienna Scott, Arianah Stark, Joseph Sullivan and Jack Sullivan. Many of the children improved on their individual times from our school carnival and some of our swimmers have made it through to Homebush to represent Armidale Catholic Schools at the Polding Carnival to be held on April 2 and 3. Congratulations to Georgia Abra, Malakai Cocking, Jack Sullivan, Joe Sullivan, Arthur O'Quigley and Alexander Pettit.

Staff were saddened to hear of the passing of Jane Martin, last Friday morning. Jane was a member of staff at St Michael's for several years, working as our Groundsperson. Jane was a strong advocate for our school and was present at many school events. Jane is the mother of Year 4 teacher Ms Emma Martin and grandmother to Georgia Abra. Jane's funeral service was held in Gunnedah yesterday afternoon. Jane will be missed by the St Michael's and wider Manilla community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad and challenging time.

Our Monday Mini Michael's is proving to be a big hit. I was in the Kindergarten classroom for much of the day on Monday, and enjoyed a wonderful time with our future students. Watching the children interact with each other through imaginary play is very special. Strong bonds are already forming and confidence is growing each week. Thankyou to Mrs McNair for sharing her skill, experience and expertise in this important area of early learning. I can't wait for Monday! How great do the shirts look?

In the last couple of weeks, Mrs Emily Gall and Ms Emily Maunder have commenced their maternity leave. Both ladies started leave earlier than anticipated. We currently have a teaching position advertised and hope to fill our vacant position very soon. Until this is finalised, I will be the Kindergarten teacher to ensure continuity of learning. Kindergarten are doing some great things and I look forward to working with them in the short term moving forward.

The AGM of St Michael's P&F will be held on Wednesday March 12 commencing at 3.30 p.m. in the Year 4 classroom. All positions will be declared vacant at this meeting. After the AGM, the general monthly meeting for March will be held. I look forward to seeing you there, if you are able to attend.

NAPLAN commences next week. Children in Years 3 and 5 will sit their first exam on Wednesday March 12, which will be Writing. Thursday March 13 will be Reading and the following week, Language Conventions will be on Tuesday March 18 and Mathematics on Wednesday March 19. If your child is in Year 3 or 5, it is important that they are at school on time on these days. We do have provision to hold catch up tests if necessary. If you have any questions regarding NAPLAN, please contact the school.

Enjoy a great weekend,

Bronwyn