Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thankyou to our students and families who participated in the annual ANZAC Day March and Service. Our students looked wonderful and participated with reverence and pride. Thankyou to School Captain Nicholas Gallagher, for reading the opening prayer.

On Thursday April 27, we joined with our friends at Manilla Central School for the annual school's ANZAC ceremony. Congratulations to our choir for singing so beautifully and to School Captain, Ruby Kenafick, for speaking so eloquently. Well done everyone.

On Friday May 12, St Michael's will celebrate Mothers' Day with an assembly and afternoon tea. The Mothers' Day Assembly will commence at 1.30 p.m. and each class will present an item. The assembly will be followed by an afternoon tea in the Library. During this time the children will have their Recess break and an extended playtime. We look forward to many mothers, grandmothers, aunties and friends joining with us for this special celebration. Please RSVP to the school office before Tuesday May 9 for catering purposes.

The change over to Winter Uniform has commenced. We will formally be in Winter attire on Monday May 15. All uniform items are now available from the school. Please contact the school office if you require assistance with uniforms.

We have welcomed Susan Davidson to our school. Susie is in Year 5 and has settled quickly into the routine at St Michael's. Susie comes to us from Manilla Central.

Attendance at school is compulsory. Consistent attendance improves student outcomes, increases career options, and helps students build relationships and confidence. At St Michael's School, we aim to have a student attendance rate of 90% or above. Once your child's attendance falls below this percentage, the Catholic Schools Office Policy and Procedure for Student Attendance 2021 will be enacted. We understand that on occasion, students may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

* being sick or having an infectious disease;

* having an unavoidable medical appointment;

* exceptional or urgent family circumstances.

Please be reminded that following an absence, parents and carers must ensure that they explain the absence within 7 days, as per the NSW Education Act (1990). Your continued support in ensuring that your child/children attends school on every day that it is open, is appreciated.

A reminder that supervision commences at 8.30 a.m. Children are expected to sit and wait for the teacher assigned to duty. Children should not be arriving at school before 8.15 a.m.

We are very proud that our school is a calm learning space. Staff and students have worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to ensure that high expectations are set and met, both academically and socially. We believe that with hard work and dedication, our students can achieve great things. Our classrooms are a hive of great learning activity and this is reflected in the growing respect, care and concern that our students are showing for each other. We have a number of non-negotiables for both staff and students that are reflected in our learning spaces and teaching programs. Our non-negotiables are supported by the many skilled adults who are present in our classrooms to support the students with their learning and on the playground to enhance our students' social and emotional well-being. As a school community, we have much to be proud of. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Let's make this Term a great one!

Enjoy a fabulous weekend,

Bronwyn