Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

It has been lovely to see everyone back at school ready to start the new year. There has been a buzz around the school with excited children to see their friends and their teachers.

New Beginnings

This new year, like a new born child, is placed in our hands.
The days and weeks and months to come are pure gift.
They carry God's blessing and we welcome them. 
Our hope for the year that has been, 
is that all that was good in it, remains with us. 
and all that was harmful, is left behind.
Bless us, O God, as we journey together,
and bless the time and seasons yet to come.
As Scripture says: Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Fill this new year with your grace, your wisdom and loving kindness 
that we may reflect these gifts in our own spirit 
and share them with all who pass our way.
We ask you this in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

(Adapted Archdiocese Brisbane)

We enjoy having you being able to come on site, and whilst COVID restrictions have eased, just a friendly reminder that social distancing is still important especially when waiting for the gates to open at the start and the end of the day. If you are in attendance on the school site for more than fifteen minutes you are required to sign in using the QR code, COVID declaration form and vpass system.

First Communion

At the start of last year, students from grade 4 prepared for the reception of their first Communion. Unfortunately just before the sacrament was administered, the strict lockdown due to Covid-19 came into effect. We haven’t been able to celebrate this sacrament with these students and their families before now. This weekend these children from St Michael’s Parish will be able to celebrate this Sacrament. We congratulate these children and their families.

Safer Internet Day

On Tuesday 9th February 2021 students in grades 5 – 6 will be celebrating Safer Internet Day. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the safe and positive use of digital technology. It’s also a good time to explore the role we can all play in creating a better online community. This global campaign is celebrated by millions of people in 170 countries across the world. The students over the next few weeks will be participating in webinars and activities in class.

Parent webinars are also available and will look at how parents and carers can support young people to have safe and respectful online relationships and what to do if things go wrong.

 It will cover:

• starting conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships
• understanding the rights, laws and community expectations that govern social media use
• where to seek help if your child is involved in a cyberbullying incident.

The webinar will include case studies, research and targeted advice so you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

Dates for these are:

• Tuesday 9th February 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• Wednesday 10th February 12:30 to 1:30 pm
• Wednesday 10th February 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• Monday 15th February 12:30 to 1:30 pm
• Monday 22nd March 12:30 to 1:30 pm

You can register via the following link:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Kind regards

Jodie