The theme of departure and return are important for last Sunday’s Gospel. Departing is not a negative move on the part of Jesus. He prepared his disciples for that moment and it was to be the fulfilment of his mission. Jesus had to return to his Father but the disciples needed to stay and continue the work Jesus had given them. The way they were to continue the work of Jesus during his absence was by observing the new commandment he had given them. The commandment that they must love one another. The criterion for this commandment is the way Jesus loved the disciples. He was the example for his followers. Part of the purpose of his washing of the feet was to demonstrate to the disciples the extent of his love for them. First of all he loved them as an equal and secondly this love was demonstrated in service. The ultimate service was his total self-giving on the cross. In other words, as God loved Jesus, and as Jesus loved his disciples, so the disciples were to love one another. This commandment was the key for the disciples to carry on the work of Jesus after he departed from the world and return to his Father. The disciples were then called upon to build the faith of others and we see how marvellous the living faith of the early Church was.                                                                      

Today Jesus calls us to a love like his, a love of service to carry on the Church just as the disciples did.

Confirmation
Congratulations to our Year 6 students and their families for the way they prepared and participated in the Confirmation program and ceremony on Saturday. A special thank you also to the students in the liturgy group and their parents who gave up so much time for practices and the ceremony, it is greatly appreciated. The Bishop was very impressed!

Priorities for 2019
We have finalized and are well into our School Review and Improvement Plans (SRI) for 2019. Below is a summary of the priorities we have set for this year.

• Continue Assessment Waterfall with focus on Descriptive Feedback, Peer & Self Assessment & Goal Setting.
• Continue InitiaLit into Year 1.
• Further develop the play based learning in Kindergarten and into the playground.
• Focus on Spelling.  Trial Soundwaves online for Years 3-6 and evaluate at the end of 2019.
• A specific role has been created for a staff member to collate and monitor data for specific students on the PP tool and ensure they are appropriately supported.
• Environment and sustainability - continue with SEMP implementation.
• Innovative ways to engage students in Parish life.
• Review Vision and Mission.
• Two year plan for how to deal with mental health needs of students.
• Learning walks and talks with colleagues - 5 questions.
• Continue to fundraise for Maubara.
• Staff development on the National Literacy and Numeracy Progressions in order for teachers to land students in four sub elements by the end of 2019.
• Professional development of staff to support student needs.
• Continue to implement aspects of Compass as they are made available to us.

Have a lovely week everyone,
Kayleen Petzer

Last Saturday afternoon, eight of our Year 6 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation and are now fully initiated into the Catholic Church. It was a truly lovely occasion and as a school community we congratulate Max A, Max G, Andelayne, Abigail, Anika, Jacinta, Charlise and Zechariah on their decision to confirm their faith. (Hugo was unwell and will be Confirmed later in the year). A special thank you to seventeen children from the Liturgy Group who helped lead the beautiful singing which Fr Sean and Bishop Brian commented on. We really appreciate the generosity of these children: Ajay, Arianna, Olivia, Claire, Abigail, Ava, Willow, Anika, Melinda, Isla, Jane, Andelayne, Dani, Sophie, Jacinta, Hunter and Daniel.

Thank you to Mrs Johnson and Mrs Hamilton for leading the music.  Thank you also to the parents who assisted with transport of the Liturgy Group to our practice last Thursday. Being a small school, our involvement in various events and occasions often requires help from parents and I appreciate how generous the parents of St Michael’s are.

Fr Sean will distribute certificates to the children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at any of the parish Masses this weekend.

This Thursday, Year 4 will hold a fundraiser for Maubara Orphanage (East Timor). The students are organising a wonderful array of busking items. Fun will be had by all and it would be appreciated if students across the school could bring in some coins to donate on the day. Thank you to Mr Nash and Year 4 for your preparation.

Next week in Australia is ‘Reconciliation Week’ and each class will spend some time devoted to the theme. The official website has a wealth of information, facts and suggestions for how our nation can move forwards to achieve reconciliation.  

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

Mr Richard Tuckwell, REC

Listed below are some important school dates.  The school calendar is updated regularly and can be accessed via the school website and Compass parent portal.

Don't forget our upcoming Pyjama Night Fundraiser - Friday 31st May

PJ_Movie_Night_STM_May_2019.pdf

PJ_Movie_Night_STM_May_2019 _pdf 217.57 KB

Dear Parents,

Part­­­­­ of the P&F fundraising efforts this year is a Cadbury fundraiser. We have ordered 30 boxes of goodies from Cadbury. Boxes are sent home to families who wish to participate. Once all chocolates/lollies are sold the money is then returned to the school usually within a 2–3 week time frame. Each full box sold will have raised $24-$30 profit towards our fundraising goals. For the 30 boxes sold, the profit would be approximately $790 towards this year’s fundraising efforts.

We have ordered 30 boxes of goodies from Cadbury. There are a variety of boxes available: 

• Freddo and friends,
• Goody box (Toblerone, Cherry Ripe, Time Out, Boost and Crunchie), and
• Natural Confectionary Company lollies.

We understand that not everyone is able to sell chocolates.  Families are given a choice to take home a box or 2 (or more) to sell. You may be able to sell them at work, to family, neighbours, friends or at a extra curricular or weekend sport. If you would like a box, they are available NOW from the school office. Alternatively, boxes will be available for collection at the P&F Pyjama Night.

The P&F does not recommend that children sell the products door to door. If children are involved in selling, please ensure that an adult is with them at all times.

Fundraising activities such as this drive will make a vital contribution towards improving facilities and resources for the benefit of the St Michael’s children.

Thank you for your support.
St Michael’s P&F

This week's canteen specials:-

Cheese burger (meat, cheese and sauce) $4.50
Snack Nacho Cup $1.00

CANTEEN CLOSED MONDAYS/TUESDAYS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY- SEEKING CANTEEN ASSISTANTS
Fresh Start Canteens is looking for honest, reliable and hardworking ladies to work in the Mittagong and Mossvale primary schools. If you think you would like an opportunity to work in a canteen environment, please send your details to freshstartcanteens@gmail.com. Training will be provided. WWC is essential to working in this environment.

Thank you. Karen John 

Happy birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week:

Harlen M, Skye A, Jasmine H and Brady S