Principal's Message
REFLECTION
Last Sunday’s Second Reading was from 2 Timothy 4:6-8 16-18. The context of this passage is, that St Paul is sitting in prison in Rome knowing that he will probably soon be killed and writing to his young friend Timothy, whom he helped get started as a minister.
“6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
A comparison to this scriptural passage can be made to one of our students’ favourite stories “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White. Charlotte the spider, speaks shortly before her death, to Wilbur whom she mentored, very much like Paul, who spoke to Timothy in this scripture passage. She speaks about why such relationships are important.
Charlotte said “I’ve always been rather quiet.”
“Yes, but you seem ‘specially so today. Do you feel all right?” (Wilbur replied)
“A little tired, perhaps. But I feel peaceful. Your success in the ring this morning was, to a small degree, my success. Your future is assured. You will live, secure and safe, Wilbur. Nothing can harm you now.”….
“Why did you do this for me?” he asked. I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”
“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I like you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.”
Let us all be reminded of the special times friends can support each other, even when things feel helpless. Sometimes, what seems a sad time can actually bring out the best in all people.
VISIT FROM STATE MEMBER OF GOVERNMENT, MR NATHANIEL SMITH
Today we are eagerly anticipating a visit from the Member for Wollondilly, Mr Nathaniel Smith, who is visiting St Michael’s School, to talk with us about the concerns we have with overcrowding on bus routes in this area, especially the buses going to Colo Vale and Hilltop. We gratefully appreciate this opportunity, provided by Nathaniel Smith MP, for student and staff representatives to speak with him about this ongoing problem.
NORTH-WESTERN DIOCESAN PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Last Wednesday, it was my absolute pleasure to listen to, Charlise Ticchio and Dani Tarabay, present their speeches along with representatives of fifteen schools, at the North Western Public Speaking Competition at St Mary’s Eaglevale.
The girls did a fantastic presentation and should be very proud of their efforts.
Charlise spoke about “Sometimes you will never see the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” and Dani spoke about “What makes an Australian”
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY LAUNCH
This Friday Nov 1st, we will be holding a Diocesan Social Media Policy Launch for parents in the library. At this meeting, additional information about technology and the Diocesan Social Media Policy, will be explained further. All parents are welcome to attend this launch. To make this easier for parents, we have timetabled it whilst the School Disco is on. This meeting will commence at 5:45pm.
WORLD TEACHERS DAY
Last Friday St Michael's celebrated World Teachers Day by providing morning tea for our wonderful staff and to say thank you for all that you do.
ICEBLOCKS
Starting next week, the Year 6 Social Group will be selling ice blocks at the afternoon tea break on Mondays and Tuesdays for 30 cents each until the end of Term.
KINDER 2020 Playgroup and Orientation
Our new Kindergarten class for 2020 will begin their transition to school with the Kinder playgroup this Friday 1st November at 2.20pm. The children enrolled at St Michael's for next year and their families are invited to come along for a play and to make some new friends. I am sure that you will make the new families feel very welcome if you see them in the School.
Thank you to the current Kinder parents who have returned notes offering to provide something for Morning Tea on the 19th November. If you are able to donate or provide something for morning tea and have not yet returned your note, please contact the office.
We are need of parents to help with the setting up, serving and cleaning on the day. Please contact the school if you are able to assist.
Have a lovely week.
Mrs Katrina West
Acting Principal