Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last week, the staff and students at St Michael's farewelled Mrs Gwenda Maxwell. Gwenda has been the Library Assistant at St Michael's in excess of 30 years. Although a paid position, Gwenda graciously donated much of her time to ensure that the Library space at St Michael's was organised and ready for the children to borrow their books every week. Gwenda was presented with a gift as a memento of her many years of service at St Michael's, was entertained by the school choir and enjoyed a beautiful lunch with staff. Congratulations on your retirement Gwenda and we wish you many happy times ahead with family, friends and travel.

Thank you to the many families who were represented at the June Meeting of the St Michael's P&F. We had another great roll up and noted several apologies. Our change of venue seems to have hit the spot. A reminder that the next meeting of the P&F will be held at Manilla Bowling Club on Tuesday August 8 commencing at 5.30 p.m. This week, the P&F called for expressions of interest to form a Uniform Committee to work through possible options as an addition to the girls' summer uniform. If you would like to be a part of the committee that will make recommendations to the P&F, please contact the school office before close of business Monday June 19.

End of Term 2 is fast approaching. Key dates for the remainder of the Term are:

Hot Chocolate and Cookie Fundraiser for 5/6 Camp: Wednesday June 21 and Thursday June 22; 

St Michael's Marketing Images: Monday June 26. Full school uniform please including plain black shoes. Only children with permission to be photographed will be part of this;

First Reconciliation: Wednesday June 28 @ 4.00 p.m. in St Michael's Church;

Semester One Reports: Friday June 30. (Parent/Teacher Interviews Wednesday July 19);

Last Day of Term 2: Friday June 30.

Term 3 commences on Monday July 17 and this day is pupil free. Staff from St Michael's will be travelling to St Xavier's Gunnedah to join with staff at St Xavier's and St Philomena's Moree for our annual Staff Spirituality day. We are fortunate to have Dr Dan White as guest speaker. Dr Dan White has recently retired as the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Sydney after ten years of leadership and service. Prior to his appointment Dan was the Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Hobart for six years. Dan is the author or co-author of eight educational resource books focusing particularly on the Sacred Scriptures and higher order learning and thinking strategies. His most recent publications include ‘Into the Desert’ and ‘’Ancient Words’. His current research project involves an exploration of the cultural context of 1st Century Palestine and its implications for understanding the Scriptures. Over the past 20 years Dan has served on a number of educational authorities including, amongst others, the NSW Board of Studies (now NESA), the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority, the National Catholic Education Commission and the Senate of the Australian Catholic University. We could not have afforded Dr White to visit Manilla, so have joined with other schools to share the cost and to hear this insightful presenter. We look forward to a wonderful day.

Winter is well and truly here. The children are looking terrific in their uniforms. Please ensure that school shoes are plain black. Joggers worn on Wednesday and Friday have no colour restriction. 

Enjoy a fabulous weekend,

Bronwyn