Filter Content
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,
Just a reminder that the Parents and Friends committee are holding their Annual General meeting on Wednesday 23rd March at 5pm in the staffroom. So come and make yourself a cuppa and join us. You will be warmly welcomed and will meet some terrific parents. After the past two years it will be lovely to have the opportunity for social activities with the school community as well as fundraise for the school. Previous years fundraising have supported the building on the new 3/4 playground, the Foundation landscaping and sandpit as well as bought technology for the school.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AROUND THE SCHOOL
The start and end of the school day are busy times on the roads around the school. The reduction in the speed limit to 40 kmh is helping but we still all need to be mindful that the children are still learning how to navigate crossing roads safely and need the adults to be alert and obeying the road rules at all times.
The best way for children to learn to be safe on the roads is under your guidance, in real traffic, in everyday situations. Until children are about 10 or 11 years of age they do not have the necessary skills and physical abilities to be safe on their own so providing supervised practice is important. Some points to consider:
Supervision: Children need to have their hand held in any traffic situation until they are at least 9 years. It is also recommended that children are both dropped off and collected within the school boundaries, rather than you waiting in the car for them to meet you.
Stop, Look, Listen, Think (SLLT) procedure:
- Hold an adult’s hand (for younger children).
- Choose a safe place to cross – where you have a good clear view of traffic in all directions and where drivers can see you
- STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath
- LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic
- LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions
- THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped
- Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.
School Pedestrian Crossings: To promote a safe environment for all – parents and children are requested to use the School Pedestrian Crossings or the Intersection Traffic Islands as these are the safest places to cross the road.
Parking Restrictions: Please obey all parking restrictions (no double parking or parking in driveways) and note that there are No Parking areas in Kay Street. With the increased volume of traffic that your young child will experience, it is important that children are picked up from a pre-determined position, rather than finding a different position every day.
Parked Cars: Teach your child the dangers – i.e. reversing cars, moving cars, people looking for a spot to park and not concentrating on the presence of young children. It is much safer to use the pedestrian exit points of the school.
HARMONY WEEK
This week (21st Monday - 27th Sunday) is Harmony Week, which celebrates Australian multiculturalism and our amazing diversity.
Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians,regardless of cultural or linguistic background. We are so lucky to have so many rich cultures within our school community.
Make time to unite with Pope Francis in prayer
Catholics around the world are being encouraged to join their prayers with those of Pope Francis on March 25 when he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The act of consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary, the Mother of Christ, trusting in the power of her intercession. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.
“Acting as the Universal Pastor of the Church, Pope Francis will renew the consecration urged at Fatima more than 100 years ago,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said. “The bishops of Australia are united with the Holy Father as he leads the faithful around the world in this act of consecration and we invite all people to join us in praying for peace in Ukraine.”
Pope Francis will perform the act of consecration in Rome at 5pm, which will be the middle of the night in Australia.
“We urge people to spend part of their day on March 25 in prayer – attending Mass, praying with family or friends, in silent prayer at a local parish or chapel or in whatever way you can,” Archbishop Coleridge said.
Archbishop Coleridge said the feast of the Annunciation, when the Church celebrates Mary’s “yes” to the call of God, is a good day for the consecration, a day when the world says “yes” to the call of peace.
“Next Friday we stop and turn to Jesus the Prince of Peace, who tells us that peace is possible in a world so badly wounded by war in Ukraine and elsewhere,” he said.
“Thousands have died, millions have fled and millions more are living in fear. We raise our hearts, our minds and our voices to God for an end to this horrific violence and destruction.”
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently issued a prayer for peace in Ukraine.
Kind regards,
Jodie
Just a reminder that School Photos are next Monday 28th March. Summer uniform is to be worn. Envelopes were sent home yesterday. Family photo envelopes are available at the office.
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,
The St Michael’s Parents & Friends Association meets monthly to coordinate fundraising activities and social gatherings like the Walkathon, Mothers and Fathers day stalls, school disco and social nights.
It is an important part of the school as it generates much needed funds for the school. These funds are used to enhance and beautify the grounds, to purchase equipment, furniture and educational programs. P&F offer lots of opportunities to be involved – no matter what your interest is, how much time you have to spare or what skills you can offer. Please take the time to think about what you can do to support your school community and show your children that their school is important to you as well. All of our children benefit from our fundraising activities and without more parental support our ability to raise funds will diminish.
The meetings are quite informal and are a good opportunity to hear about developments within the school as Jodie (Principal) or Lia (Deputy Principal) attend each meeting. If you would like to know more about P&F please contact: myself, Jodie, Lia or the school office.
We really need more parent help to keep the committee going. Your consideration of taking on a position on the P&F committee or being a general member or someone who helps out when needed would be greatly appreciated. Some roles will be vacated at the AGM and it is vital that passionate people fill them.
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 23rd March at 5pm in the staffroom. So come and make yourself a cuppa and join us. You will be warmly welcomed and will meet some terrific parents.
Some positions will be declared vacant. The following positions are to be filled on the core committee - President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. Or you may be interested in Publicity Officer or General Committee Member. If you are considering returning to a position or self nominating for one of these core positions, you will need to attend the AGM and submit a written nomination via the form below.
Roles within P&F Committee
President
The President’s position carries a task of trust and responsibility and requires skill and time. The President should exercise authority with tact, be impartial and open to other points of view. The main role of the President is to:
- Be the main representative/spokesperson for the P&F
- Liaise with the Committee members and set the agenda for meetings
- Be the main contact for agenda items
- Open the meetings punctually and ensure the agenda is followed
- Ensure those present at the meeting have the opportunity to discuss each item on the agenda prior to a decision being made
- Make sure, particularly on contentious matters, as many points of view as possible are expressed
- Make sure everyone is given an opportunity to speak and encourage members to speak by addressing questions to them
- Work towards a collaborative approach with other members of school community
- Be mindful of timelines, keep discussions on track and keep meetings moving
- Be mindful of the role of the Education Board and refer any contentious issues the board for discussion
- Liaising with the school principal in relation to any issues or concerns
- Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association
Vice President
The Vice President plays an important role by assisting the President with P&F responsibilities such as:
- Replace and chair meetings in the absence of president.
- Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association
Secretary
The Secretary is very important to the efficient operation of the P&F. The Secretary will work with the President and Committee members. Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Taking minutes at P&F and Committee meetings
- Photocopying and distributing minutes to Committee members along with agenda approximately one week prior to the next meeting
- In consultation with the Principal and President providing a summary of the matters discussed at the meeting for display on a parents notice board and/or in the school newsletter
- Dealing with any incoming/outgoing correspondence
- Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association
Assistant Secretary
The Assistant Secretary plays an important role by assisting the Secretary with P&F responsibilities such as:
- Taking minutes at P&F and Committee meetings
- Photocopying and distributing minutes to Committee members along with agenda approximately one week prior to the next meeting
- In consultation with the Principal and President providing a summary of the matters discussed at the meeting for display on a parents notice board and/or in the school newsletter
- Dealing with any incoming/outgoing correspondence
- Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association
Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
The Treasurer carries a task of trust and responsibility. Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Taking charge of monies of the P&F
- Keeping accurate financial records of all receipts and expenditure
- Banking all money regularly
- Reporting monthly on the P&F’s financial position at meetings
- Preparing a financial report for the Annual General Meeting
- Is a core member of the Parents and Friends Association
Annual General Meeting Nomination Form
For any further information or questions please text or phone Deb on 0417 014 175
Yours sincerely,
Deb Rowley
P&F President
Each week students from each class are awarded Student of the Week certificates. These children are nominated for the example they have been within the school based on the School Wide Expectation focus for that week. The weekly focus will be from Wednesday until Tuesday the following week. Awards will be presented to students at assembly on Friday.
In Week 8 the School Wide Expectation focus was Respect:
I treat my peers, teachers and learning environment with respect.
I show appreciation for the efforts of others.
I speak kindly to others.
I show equal justice and fairness.
I listen carefully to others.
The award winners for Week 8 are:
| Amelia Wisewould | Riley O'Mara | Harry McMahon |
| Hattie MacPherson | Romi Colgan | Scarlett Lansdown |
| Christian Paolini | Isla DiDio | Grace Robinson |
| Huntah Martin | Blair Dunne | Lily Quinlen |
| Frankie Colgan | Reyne Winkler | Lily Ogg |
| Annabel Wight | Miles Blackford | Isabel Lavery |
| Jordan Blake | Ethan Pritchard | Ashton Pavich |
| Courtney Thomas | Evie Billam | Miah Moloney |
| Oliver Sutherland | Charlie Hopkins | Xavier Pettie |
| Evie Brand | Chad Di Dio | Harvey Di Dio |
| Nicole Zhou | Brock McInnes | Rowan Dunne |
| Riaan Sharma | Branson Flewin | Jack Peters-Mayne |
| Evie Boyington | Corey Moore | Jayme Davis |
| Tyler Celima | Yaazhini Arun Kumar |
Lk 13: 1 - 9
Sometimes when we are ready to give up, we decide to give something one more chance and then find that we finally succeed! In this week's gospel we read of the parable of the gardener and the fig tree. The owner of the vineyard wanted to remove a fig tree that had not produced fruit for 3 years. The gardener, however, convinced the owner to give the tree another chance. It is like this with God….. He is always willing to give us another chance. Just as the gardener was ready to care for the tree and help it to grow fruit, so Jesus will help us to be kind, loving, generous, and forgiving. Lent is a wonderful opportunity to put our lives in order and, just like the fig tree, bear fruit in our life.
Reconciliation:
Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be celebrated at St Michael’s Church on the 29th, 30th and 31st of March 2022, for Grade 3 students and above. Enrolment forms and further information can be collected from the parish office or by contacting Jen on 5174 2060 or via email at sacraments@smpt.org.au
