Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Term 4. Already, we are the end of Week 2. Our calendar is full and important dates are listed in the School Calendar section of this Newsletter. In particular, please take note of end of year activities, noting both dates and times. Some activities still need to be confirmed regarding venue, but we are not expecting any major changes.

Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying our Stage 3 students and teachers to Coffs Harbour, for their Adventure Camp. We enjoyed an action packed camp and all students thoroughly enjoyed their stay. A lack of sleep did little to impact the fun, but dinted the pride of a few when they realised the consequences of keeping fellow campers awake until the wee hours of the morning.

The second night, not surprisingly, resulted in a much earlier night of slumber and sweet dreams. Obviously the thought of further domestic duties outweighed the temptation to sleep deprive those around. The highlight of the camp for myself was witnessing students overcome their fears and giving all activities a red hot crack. For one of our students, the surfing lesson and body board activities we enjoyed at Sawtell on the way home, was a first visit to the beach. A very special time.

On Tuesday of this week, twelve of our Indigenous Students along with student leaders travelled to Myall Creek to take part in the Opening Ceremony of the Catholic Schools NSW Spirit on Country Conference. This year, the Armidale Diocese hosted the conference . Our students were involved in the Welcome to Country, singing and signing in AUSLAN as well as explaining the first plaque along the memorial pathway, in Kamilaroi Language and English. The day was very powerful, and one our students will remember for a very long time. Congratulations to Jet, Jed, Farrer, Oliver S, Tommy, Chelsea, Destiny, Molly, Pauline, Oliver H, Summer, Zandah, Nulla, Jedd, Aubree, Thea and Willow. We are very proud of you. Thankyou to staff members Leah Summerell, Jodie Herden, Kate Holden, Amanda McNair, Breanna Todd and Kimberly Miller for preparing the students.

At the commencement of Term, we welcomed two students who have relocated to Manilla. We welcome Jackson into Kindergarten and his brother Samuel into Year 2. We hope you enjoy your time at St Michael's. 

Transition dates for 2025 Kindergarten are November 15, 22 and 29 commencing at 9.00 a.m. through to midday. The parent information session will be held on Wednesday November 20 commencing at 5.30 p.m. in the Kindergarten room. Kindergarten Teacher Anna, Inclusion Teacher Amanda and myself look forward to meeting with you and answering any questions you have.

If your child will no longer be enrolled at St Michael's in 2025, can you please advise the Office. This information is crucial before classes are established for next year. I appreciate your attention to this matter if it applies to your family. 

A reminder that the next meeting of St Michael's P&F will be held in the staffroom on Wednesday November 13 commencing at 3.15 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there. Hopefully some decisions can be made on how your hard earned fund raising money can be spent to enhance the learning experience of every child at St Michael's.

Enjoy a fabulous weekend,

Bronwyn