Message from the Principal

Dear St Michael’s Community,

Term 3 is now well under way and the past two weeks have flown by!

Our staff began the term with two valuable Professional Development days focused on Curriculum Review and Staff Spirituality.

During our curriculum review, staff focused on continued planning for the 2027 implementation of the revised NSW syllabus documents across Creative Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts), HSIE (History and Geography), Science and PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education). These updated syllabus documents will set the minimum standard for mandatory learning for all K–12 students across New South Wales, including Catholic schools.

On our second day, we were privileged to spend time with Fr Damien, who guided us through a meaningful day focused on encountering Jesus. As part of our commitment in the Armidale Diocese, all schools dedicate one day each year to staff spirituality and faith renewal. We are incredibly grateful for Fr Damien’s time and guidance and our staff thoroughly enjoyed a day of deep discussion and reflection.

Following our development days, the St Michael’s community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week. It was a magnificent day of celebration! Among our many special guests, we were honoured to welcome Ms Regina Menz, Director of Schools for Armidale Catholic Schools. Below is her reflection on our celebration, which was featured in this week’s Armidale Catholic Schools eBulletin.

Last week, I attended St Michael’s, Manilla celebration and it was wonderful to see so many parents, families and community members present. The local preschool and long day care students and staff also attended which was lovely to see. Fr Damien, Parish Priest, blessed the community. The students participated proudly showcasing their culture through leading the liturgy and dancing. Bronwyn Underwood gave a great address to the community highlighting the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their culture to our country. Congratulations to Breanna Todd, Renae Catlett and Ashlen Rae, Aboriginal Education Assistants for planning and preparing such a wonderful celebration.

This week, our teaching staff had the pleasure of meeting with parents and carers to discuss Semester 1 Reports. These conversations are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate student achievements, address areas for growth and build strong home-school partnerships that keep our students thriving. As always, our doors are open—if you ever have concerns or queries regarding teaching and learning, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Next Wednesday, our athletes head to Tamworth to represent St Michael’s at the Armidale Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival! We are excited to have family members joining us, alongside staff members Leah Summerell, Amanda McNair, Kate Holden and Bronwyn Underwood, who will all be there to cheer on our talented students. We are looking forward to a fantastic day of competition and school spirit!

Enjoy a fabulous weekend,

Bronwyn