St Michael’s Parent Community Association – Fostering a vibrant community As Victoria entered its second lockdown, the Parent Community Association (PCA) continued to demonstrate its adaptability and strong resolve to ensure the whole St Michael’s community was nurtured and felt a sense of belonging at a time when this was more crucial than ever before. The Second-hand Uniform Service re-launched with new COVIDsafe protocols, however it was required to close in Melbourne’s second lockdown in line with the operating guidelines for Schools. In positive news, the construction of the brand new ‘pod’ which will house the Second-hand Uniform Service is underway, thanks to the generous donation made by the PCA of over $76,000, classified as a special grant under the PCA Grant Policy. The pod is to be located on the northern side of Hewison House and is scheduled to be ready for the beginning of the school year in 2021. The brand-new building has been custom designed to accommodate stock levels and will provide a functional and comfortable environment for volunteers, as well as parent and student customers. Whilst events such as the Mother’s and Father’s Day lunches were unable to go ahead, the PCA were able to proceed with its annual ‘Thank you to St Michael’s Staff’ morning tea. The event coincided with World Teachers’ Day on 30 October, and all of St Michael’s staff were treated to individually boxed 26
|
The Crest Issue 4 2020
goodies for collection at Dolly’s Café. A note from the PCA Executive expressing gratitude on behalf of the parents was placed inside each box. The staff were delighted with the thoughtful gesture. “Thank you to the PCA for the wonderful initiative. It came at the most opportune time and the many staff I spoke to were so grateful. The set up in Dolly’s, and the box itself, were very thoughtfully constructed and presented.” – Mr Murray Phyland, Head of Community Services The PCA Trivia Night with Brian Nankervis has long been a highlight of the PCA social calendar. This year it was reimagined as a virtual event. Over 100 families participated, and in his usual style, Brian ensured that much fun was had by all. The benefit of the online format was that the whole family could get involved - even pets got in on the action! Congratulations to the winning team, TLC. Everyone was delighted when Brian announced on the night that although his youngest son, Henry Joe, will be graduating from St Michael’s in 2020, Brian is committed to coming back next year to do one last Trivia Night in person. The outgoing PCA President, Mark McGahan, has also committed to managing the event, as it is his last year as a parent at the School.
