The PCA – Fostering connections

The Parent Community Association (PCA) continued with its mission to build a constructive and positive relationship between families and the School by fostering a vibrant St Michael’s community, despite the ongoing challenges that were faced. This was evidenced by the activities that continued throughout Semester 2, and the many end of year events organised by the Year Level Representatives to re-connect families as we emerged from a lengthy period of lockdown. The PCA Virtual ‘Chill and Chat’ sessions held on 15 October, provided a wonderful opportunity for new and current parents to connect during Melbourne’s lockdown utilising the successful format of virtual chat rooms held online. Five simultaneous virtual chat rooms were arranged (Kindergarten, Prep-2, Years 3-6, Years 7-9 and Years 10-12) for a Friday afternoon 30-minute timeslot. Many parents joined each of the rooms and there was a real buzz and genuine connection felt by all. Whilst events such as the Father’s Day lunch and the Trivia Night were unable to go ahead despite the many efforts to reschedule, The PCA proceeded with its annual ‘Staff and Teachers Thank You’ morning tea held in gratitude for all staff and their tireless dedication, creativity and enthusiasm shown throughout the year. Although the event was held to mark World Teachers’ Day (scheduled in Australia for 29 October), it was held over until 8 November to celebrate the return of all staff and teachers back to on campus learning. The theme for the event was “Thank you for giving us the zest of learning” with citrus themed decorations and morning tea picnic boxes gifted to the staff. Over 1000 lemons were squeezed by the PCA volunteer team to make lemon cordial which was also gifted in individual bottles along with a voucher for a hot drink at Dolly’s Cafe. The Kitchen Garden Working Bee was also unable to go ahead, instead a mini newsletter for garden enthusiasts was launched. Please contact Mary Wood on pcavpevents@stmichaels.vic.edu.au if you would like to be included on the distribution list. The PCA has continued throughout the year with its Grant process and was very pleased to announce the approval of two grants. A major grant for an outdoor chess set for the Junior School was approved as well as an ad hoc grant for matched funding by the PCA for the next Giving Day to be held in 2022. This grant will help to build the Scholarship fund to

provide opportunities for students who otherwise may not be able to start, or continue, their St Michael’s journey. Anouk Hulme and her team of volunteers worked tirelessly to re-establish the Second-Hand Uniform service with the first sale post-lockdown, being held outdoors to minimise the spread of COVID-19. Many new families were assisted to fulfill their uniform requirements prior to starting on campus and old uniforms were donated to the Year 12s for the creation of their Valedictory Day celebration costumes. The Second-Hand Uniform Service continues to provide high quality uniforms at a price much lower than retail and supports the School’s commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Senior students were also able to make purchases on Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons at the new SHU Pod located behind Hewison House. We farewell Anouk Hulme with immense gratitude for the years of tireless effort and passion she has put into her role as the PCA Leader of Second-Hand Uniforms. Anouk is handing the reins over to Amy Rose and we thank Amy for taking on this very important role to serve the School Community. If you are interested in volunteering with the dedicated SHU team to assist during the week with the processing of uniforms to prepare them for sale, please email secondhanduniforms@stmichaels.vic.edu.au. To show support for the challenging two years that the Class of 2021 Valedictorians have faced, the School assembled a gift box for each graduating student, as it did in 2020. This gift box comprised many elements from the School, the Old Michaelian Association, a design from a Year 12 student (printed onto a tote bag), and a gift from the student body. The PCA contributed a delicious Hot Chocolate Bomb for every student. At the PCA Annual General Meeting (AGM), the PCA Executive Team members all provided an annual summary of their areas of responsibility and expressed their gratitude to all PCA Volunteers and School staff who had supported the efforts of the PCA throughout 2021. PCA Committee members Liz Chandler, Jacquie Astill, Bindya Bedi and PCA Executive Team member Kate Kloss were farewelled with gratitude expressed for their unwavering support, passion and time devoted to the PCA. The PCA Treasurer reported a net profit of $22.5K as at 31 October and also reported on the outcome of the grant process. Terrie Jones, Head of the School provided a School update and warmly thanked all of the PCA volunteers for their service to the School Community. Farai Mufuka, Director of Business provided an update on the Japanese Garden which is to be partly funded by a PCA grant and Ros Casey, Director of Enrolments, Engagement, Communications & Advancement provided an engaging update on Philanthropy at St Michael’s including the St George's redevelopment project, Giving Day and the Seven Sisters Society. The PCA concluded the year by hosting a Q&A room at the Parent Information Evening held online. The evening was specifically designed for the benefit of parents of Prep, Year 7, and all new students (K-12), commencing in 2022. The PCA hosts were very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with many new parents and provide information relating to PCA events and the role the PCA plays in supporting home-school partnerships. Planning is underway for 2022 and the PCA is looking forward to a wonderful year of Community Events and Activities. It is with great excitement that the PCA looks forward to the biennial Community Festival, which was unable to go ahead in 2020. There are many opportunities to get involved and volunteer with the PCA as a Year Level Representative, a PCA Committee member or just for a particular event. Parents are encouraged to explore all opportunities on SchoL and to register interest by emailing Tamsin Jowett, PCA President pcapresident@stmichaels.vic.edu.au.