Dear Families,

I would sincerely like to thank all our families for the support they have given to their children while learning at home over the past two weeks, you have simply been amazing! All of the children have continued to engage in their learning and have done so with enthusiasm, flexibility and resilience. These are some of the skills we know will help them grow into excellent life long learners, ones that are able to face every challenge with positivity and an 'I can do' attitude.

I must also thank and acknowledge our wonderful, dedicated staff, many who also faced the challenge of working at home while looking after their own children and families. They continue to step up to plate, put our children first and continue to provide purposeful and engaging learning opportunities for all. We are truly blessed to be in a community that continues to work together and support each other. A special thank you to the families who have expressed gratitude to their child's teachers during this time, it is certainly appreciated.

I very much look forward to seeing you all back at school today!

Staff News

Both Andrea Kirby (Yr 2AS) and Kate Johnston (Yr 3/4K) have begun their break from teaching to begin their maternity leave, both are expecting their first child in the next few weeks. Although we will miss them greatly, we wish them every happiness as we all know the blessings and joy a new baby brings. May God bless them at this time!

This week we welcomed Nathaniel (Nathan) Fitzgerald to St Michael's to replace Andrea in Yr 2. He has already established great relationships with the children and is a great addition to our community.

Next week we welcome Angela Flint as our new Yr 3/4 teacher, replacing Kate. Angela comes to us highly recommended from St John's in Footscray. Angela has already met the families via zoom and is excited to be joining our community.

I know you all will welcome them into our community.

Paul O'Donoghue joined us at the beginning of 2021 as our Performing Arts teacher, Prep-Yr 2. Paul has decided that for personal reasons he will finish his time here at St Michael's at the end of this term. We wish him well and thank him for all he has contributed to our community. We are now in the process of searching for his replacement.

Reports & Parent / Teacher / Child Chats

Teachers are currently in the process of finalising each child's Semester 1 report which families will receive on Friday 18th June. It is important that you sit and share this report with your child as it gives you a clear and evidenced based picture of all they have achieved so far this year. If you require a second report for each parent please inform our office early next week.

Our Parent, Teacher & Child Chats will take place on Thursday 24th June so please look out for the notification with advice of how to book an appointment with your child's teacher. School will finish at 1pm on this day and after school care will be available from then so please make a booking.

End of Term 2

Term 2 ends on Friday 25th June at 3:30pm for a two week break and Term 3 begins on Monday 12th July. At the beginning of Term 3, I will be taking some Long Service Leave to have a break with my husband and hopefully get away for a holiday. I leave you in the very capable hands of Steven Hubbard as Acting Principal during this time, I know you will give him your full support.

Building News

Unfortunately due to the COVID lockdown, I was unable to meet with our contractors, Lloyd Group and our Architect, Alan Cubbin to discuss the timeline for our new building. I have been assured that contracts have been signed and the preparation for our building has already begun. As the construction includes modular builds, I am told they will be started during Term 3, offsite at the factory site in preparation to be inserted into the frame in Term 4. I am also advised that works will not begin here onsite until the Term 3 school holidays, September-October, therefore minimising disruption to our school as much as possible. I hope to meet with Lloyd Group and Alan as soon as possible to gain more detail and information, which I will share with the School Advisory Council and pass onto the community.

Sharing the St Michael's Story

Lastly, I recently read a post on a local social media site that asked for advice about the best local schools. It was lovely to read a positive response from a St Michael's parent saying that our school is a wonderful place for their child to learn, grow and make friends. As you all know the best form of marketing is 'word of mouth', so I encourage you to share your goods news about St Michael's with those in your community. Positive feedback from our families to friends and others is worth a thousand posters, flyers and advertisements!

Have great week of learning!

Denise Hussey

(Principal)

'The most simple thing I can do is to be good today but better tomorrow'

Catherine McAuley - Mercy Sisters Foundress

All students attending St Michael's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.

Denise's I Spy Great Learners