Newsletter Term 3, Week 7 2022
Wed 31st August - Summer Gala Day (Seniors)
Monday 5th September- Middle B Assembly (2.45 in Hall)
Friday 9th September - Hooptime CANCELLED
Friday 16th September - End of Term 3 - 1.00pm finish
Dear Parents,
Over the past two weeks during the Saturday night Parish masses 13 of our Grade 4 and 5 students made their First Eucharist, the second sacrament in the Sacraments of Initiation.
Congratulations to Sophie A, Chloe L, Cruz V, Oliver M, Zoe S, Abdullah N, Valentina F, Pia T, George H, Callum S, Samuel M, Jye V, and Ellie C as well as their families. Thank you to the staff and members of the school and parish community for supporting our children.
Happy Book Week! This week the children have been taking part in a number of school activities celebrating the books and the love of reading.
On Tuesday we had author Vicki Milliken come and speak to the children about being an author and the process of writing as well as reading her children's picture storybooks, “Merck gets a Friend” and “Jobs for Paws” to the children.
On Wednesday the children took part in our annual Book Week Parade dressing up as characters from their favourite books. The children also took part in a 2nd hand book fair to raise money for the Story Dogs Association.
To finish off a fun book week the students have been doing book week related activities in art classes as well as our student leaders reading their favourite picture story book to the classes via ‘Google Meet’.
Coming home tomorrow via your contact emails is this year’s MACSSIS Surveys information and pin. This survey is crucial in identifying the strengths of the school and areas for future improvement.
Attached to the email is the unique family pin (code) to participate in the survey. The results from the MACSSIS Survey have great weight on school decisions for your child’s future so we would greatly appreciate your participation.
As of Monday 5th September till Monday 17th October, I will be on Long Service Leave. I will travelling overseas to the United States of America to tour the east coast (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC) then going to Toronto in Canada before heading back to Chicago and then to San Francisco before coming home.
During this time Simon Devlin will be Acting Principal, ably supported by the rest of the staff. If you have any queries please contact the office and ask for Simon.
I wish you all the best for the remainder of the term and hope that you all have a safe holiday. I look forward to sharing my trip with you all when I return.
Regards,
Andrea Richards
Principal
Reminder
The parking on Arras Street is the for school pick up and drop off zone, please refrain from parking for longer than 2 minutes. Also please do not park over driveways.
Follow our socials for the latest learning posts from the classroom
St Margaret Mary’s students are independent life-long learners inspired by Gospel values and empowered with a sense of purpose and responsibility. They confidently engage with others and are equipped with skills to adapt to an ever changing world.
Each week, students who embody our values, apply the school mindsets to learning, work hard to improve or persevere to deliver on learning objectives are awarded a class award. The students who earned an award in the past weeks are:
Term 3, Week 6
Term 3, Week 7
Book Week
Senior Short Stories
Cover Inspiration
Jumping off a jetty.
Me and my friends always jump off the jetty on a Saturday evening from 4 till 6. My friend Barry takes a big run up and makes a humongous splash, my friend Jim is scared of heights. So I had to build up his confidence by reminding him of some of the crazy and scary things he has done. Like bungee jumping and indoor skydiving.
“Ok” he said I made up a chant that goes like ”go big Jim you can do it, ”go big Jim you can do it.” He made a massive jump that made the biggest splash ever. Barry and I were so proud of him, The End.
By Noah
The boy and the elephant
Once in a far away land there lived a boy every day. He would walk to the forest . One day he slumped down onto a tree stump as a butterfly flow by he looked up he sore a tree that looked like a elephant.
Every day he would go and visit the elephant one day as he visited the elephant a man said were cutting down the trees he ran as fast as he could but the elephant was gone then the elephant picked him up and ran then ran out of the forest and the ran into the sunset Romero has it that they move from forest to forest. The end
By Jean
Amiras suitcase
Amira smiled as she put her favorite teddies. As she put more things in the suitcase. She looked around and saw a big suitcase with her name on it. With curiosity she pulled on the suitcase,but it was stuck! She tried and got flustered. ‘Why won't it open? I pulled as hard as I could. Only if there was a- She stopped mid sentence because she saw a lock. She looked at it and frowned in defeat. ‘It has 4 digets! I can’t even count to 20! It could be anything!’ she fell like rocks, but then she remered a number she used to know ‘1046! It must be that! She yelled in triumph and tried it and ripped it open and it was an I-pad! Then she played the old games she loved as a kid.
By Ryan
Jetty Jumping
As I drive to the boat ramp I see my mate James and his kids. He had a JetSki so he took me for a ride and I had a lot of fun then he took my kids next his kids. We went to the jetty and sat then we ate lunch we got the best fish and chips ever. After lunch we jumped off the jetty it was so fun we jumped for like an hour. After we forgot to get dry and said bye and headed home. But we forgot to dry our clothes so now the car is going to be wet.
By Jackson
Sentence Inspiration
It felt good to breathe. “Come on, do it with me. Breath in… Breath out.” I had to calm her down otherwise we wouldn't get out of this place alive. They were coming for us. All of them. I could feel it. I could hear footsteps in the distance. I knew what was about to happen but I wasn't ready for it. I couldn't leave her alone, I had to save her. I grabbed her arm and began sprinting as fast as I could. My heart was pounding out of my chest, but I had to keep going. A plump tear started to fall from the side of my face. I couldn't let her see my fear. I had to be brave. Shivers went down my spine. I felt cold yet there was no wind. Not even a breeze. “Are we going to make it?” she quietly asked. So many thoughts were flashing through my head. Were we going to make it? While holding back tears I whispered… “Yes, I promise.”
By Kayla
I felt happy. I felt like me. Ever since I took that job in Ohio, my life completely changed.Coming to Ohio as a future fashion designer,hoping to open my own fashion business gave me a spark of hope.But first let me tell you my story…
Hi I’m Aubrey,I’m 27 years old and I own the biggest fashion company in Ohio. I wasn’t always this successful. As a child I dreamed of being a fashion designer,my dad and brother always laughed at the idea and said I’d never make it and should just be a housewife or a maid.My mother believed me,she was always on my side.At the age of eight my mother got me my first sew kit,right before she passed away when I was nine.After my mother died I devoted myself to be a successful fashion designer.
At the age of 23,I moved to Ohio to pursue my dream as a fashion designer.After a few days I managed to get a job at a newly opened fashion company.When they saw my designs,it was like they’d never seen such a spectacular design.The ceo made me head of designs at their company.I was proud of the role,but still wanted to open up my own business. I knew there was no rush as I was 23 at the time.Fast forward four years I’m the ceo of the company and couldn't be happier.
By Jess
I felt happy. I felt like me. All I wanted to do was be happy. When I was sixteen my parents had another son. If you have a brother and you are sixteen or over it is compulsory for you to be in the army. My parents had always wanted me to be in the army. They said it would make me tougher and stronger, but most importantly they thought that being in the army would discipline me. I wasn’t a bad kid or anything, my parents just had high expectations of me. I didn’t know what to do, go to the army and make my parents proud, or run away making my parents disappointed and not being able to take care of my brother. It was a hard decision but I had decided. I was doing what was good for me. I didn’t run away or go to the army. I had decided to take care of my brother and run away. It was hard taking care of my brother along but the most important thing was that we were both happy.
By Erfan
I felt happy. I felt like me. I felt the wind gust onto my face. I smelt the salt on the ocean. I thought this was me but it was a dream. My life was filled with horror and destruction. I wish my dreams and prayers became a reality. But it was just a figment of my beloved imagination. If only I didn’t have to live in a war. This was the Vietnam war. Every night when I go to sleep I feel happy. I feel like me. The time of rolling in bright green grass was over.
About five years later. I snuck into a grocery store because I was desperate for food. All the food in my house was empty. I woke up again but I was in the hospital. I was so confused until the doctor said I was in a coma for five years. I was in shock. I felt like I had an extra life. My parents were there. I went home like nothing ever happened. I started to live a normal life. No horror, no war, no nothing. Everyday I continued to live a normal life. This was the best I’ve ever felt. I felt happy. I felt like me.
By Stephen
I felt happy. I felt like me. I finally felt free. The cool air pushing on my face was an extraordinary feeling. I knew I had felt it before but it felt new. The waves slowly and calmly moved closer to me. The amazing sunset, mixed colors of red pink yellow and orange blending with the clouds and the sky. I slowly but fiercely walked into the ocean. I felt the water, it was cold but not freezing. I walked out and heard someone call out my name. It was a whisper from behind me. I sharply turned around. There was nothing. I kept walking to the ice cream shop. The person serving me said “What would you like?” They whispered my name afterwards. I just ordered my ice cream and left. Soon I forgot about it. Once I was back I felt free again but I heard my name again! I turned around ready to hurt someone… nothing. I went home and on the way I heard my name three other times. I went home to sleep on it. I woke up in the hospital.
By Paige
I felt happy. I felt like me. Breathing deeply lying on the long wet grass growing on the top top the hill. The little white stars were resting in the sky staring back at me and smiling. I sigh. “I wish I wasn't alone,” I said. As I shut my eyes, I started to dream about all the things I'm grateful for. ‘Dear God, thank you for my family and your creations. It's inspiring to all of us’. The next morning I woke up to the sun shining and the birds singing softly to each other. I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling. I start to drift back off the sleep again but I stop myself and open my eyes. As I get up, I hear a loud roar. I immediately rushed outside. It's a bear! Oh no, I don't know what to do! I slam the door, as I push my back against it. Breathing heavily, this time i didn't feel happy but i still felt like me.
Mother Nature was calling me. She is a cruel mistress, but you can’t let that bring you down, for you must fight through disasters.Nature can get in the way of your life but you must DESTROY IT! (Just jokes) you just enjoy what you have and when you have it, otherwise life goes to pot, which is another way of saying wasted, don’t waste your life on useless things, spend your time outdoors get a dog, I just want you to experience your life. Just be happy and savor every moment like it’s your last then live your life to the fullest with no regrets, don’t quote me on that, please. Now what is life about? Well it’s about living,eating, drinking, loving and dying. You must be compassionate and respectful so you die remembered, then you can Rest In Peace and then you will look back at your life and be happy, confident, disappointed, embarrassed and sad. The end
By Oliver Douglas
Mother Nature Is Always Talking To Us
Mother nature is always talking to us. I can feel chills everytime, something is hiding in this deserted forest. I’ve nearly gone insane, it is lurking and I am its bait. Every time it comes closer and louder. I scream in anger so it can hear but still I am here. I walked down to the forest, the path was rumbling.
Still I felt something was watching me. I started to run because I started to feel a mysterious presence get closer and closer. I found a cabin that seemed abandoned, it barely had a roof but I couldn't explore further.
Mar
I felt happy I felt like me
I felt happy I felt like me as I sat in my jail cell I heard a guard talking I couldn't tell what he was saying but then I here my name then Chief Hopper gives me the best news ever I was free just like that and I start to think about my family and how I want to see them maybe I should give them a visit but I can't
Billie
I felt happy. I felt like me.
I felt happy. I felt like me. I was laying in the sun-kissed paddock of yellow flowers. The breeze felt beautiful and the trees were swaying softly from side to side. I felt safe, I felt relieved, like I was in a different world. My body felt relaxed like my soul had left my body. I look from side to side and all I see is yellow. Except for this one blue flower. It was a beautiful flower, a lonesome, frail and fragile flower. You could see the details and the blue, a dark sky blue, it was amazing. In this whole paddock that one blue flower. I thought how did it get blue and why is it the only one?'' Mother nature is beautiful. “It really is,” someone said. I was scared. I knew I wasn't alone. All the good feelings were gone now I felt stiff. I was home alone. I hoped up and looked around me and I saw a shadow.
By Ruby
I felt happy I felt like me
I felt happy I felt like me. The flowers were blooming like crazy the sun was shining bright. I finally escaped from jail! And the best thing is nobody can stop me. Unless i thought. I heard sirens from a police car! I ran as fast as I could the moment I finally felt free and a cop had to ruin it! I smiled as I ran and then I saw a huge tree I hid behind it as I lost the cops as I saw them go somewhere else “I’m glad I made it” i say as i sigh. I saw some kids and adults as I looked confused “It’s not Halloween?” then I released its book-week. I quickly ran to a costume shop as I dressed up as a superhero with a blue mask as I sighed
Jetty jumping
The sun was shining and it was a lovely day! Mum told me that we were going to the jetty with Louie and Amber “MAPLE PACK A BAG WITH YOUR SWIMMERS IN THE BAG”
Mum said we were taking buddy (our dog)
Buddy put his head out the window as I watched all of the buildings go past as we were driving when we got to the jetty. Louie and Amber were already there jumping off the jetty. My eyes widened. I had never jumped off a jetty before fear held onto my body as I closed my eyes and jumped the next thing I knew mum and Amber were cheering! I felt so happy.
Charlotte
First Eucharist
Footy Tipping
Well that’s the tipping season all done and dusted. There wasn’t much change in the end but we had some fine tipping throughout the year and I look forward to next years season. There were some close calls towards the end and no doubt some tears and jubilation at the final order of the 8. Congratulations to Farrer, MPANTAZ and our very own StaceyPM for their wins this season.
A big thank you to Bunnings West Footscray for being so generous with their vouchers.
See you next year.
Go Doggies!
We will be having our annual Fathers Day breakfast next Friday the 2nd of September. Come in and grab an egg and bacon roll anytime between 8 and 8.45.
Call for new members!
Can you spare some time to help out with the FSG? We are currently looking for new members. Contact Stacey to express your interest and find out more about how you can help out.
We always talk about Emmanuel College being a place for everyone, no matter where your talents lay. The next two weeks are a perfect example of that. This week at both campuses we are holding the Year 8 Science Fair, which provides the students with a chance to show off their learning and understanding of scientific concepts as well as demonstrating how to apply their knowledge.
This is a very exciting time for the students and staff who have all worked hard towards this event.
We are celebrating different talents next week with the annual ‘Showcase’. This event involves families coming along and viewing their children’s artwork in a gallery format before moving to our auditorium and watching a wonderful showcase of music, singing and dramatic performances.
There are always different and exciting ways for students to find their passion and engage with things they love at school here at Emmanuel.
Key enrolment dates for Year 5 students in 2023 starting Year 7 in 2025 at a Catholic School.
For those parents of students who will be beginning Year 7 in 2025 at a Catholic school, please be aware of the following critical dates.
27 January 2023 – Applications will open for Year 5 students commencing Year 7 in 2024.
18 August 2023 – Applications will close.
20 October 2023 – Offers to be posted to prospective Year 7 applicants.
10 November 2023 – Final date for parents/carers to accept an offer made by a school.
School Fees
School Fees
School fee payments are to be finalised by the end of term 3 unless otherwise discussed with the school. Thankyou to all the families who have made payments towards their family school fees and levy accounts. Without this support from you, our school would not be able to run.
If you have not started to make payments towards your account can we suggest you set up via your bank account, weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit payments. They are a great way to work towards settlement of your account.
We accept EFTPOS over the phone, or in person at the school office and you can make direct payments into our account. Please use your family name as the reference so we are able to allocate the payment correctly.
Our bank details are:
Account Name: St Margaret Mary’s School
BSB: 083-347
ACCOUNT: 463870010
Please speak to Andrea Richards or the Office ladies if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Rugby Jumper Update
Hi Families,
Just an update regarding the addition to our uniform to include a rugby jumper.
Noones, our uniform supplier has stated that there are a few things to consider regarding the rugby jumper, those being;
They take a long time to dry due to the heavy fabric
They are not able to be tumble dried
They are quite a slim-fit which isn’t everyone’s liking
We have also been told that they are a layering piece, so on their own, not very warm.
All things considered, and at an approximate cost of $88, we need to have a minimum order of 50 to go ahead so we would like again to gauge the interest.
Please complete the survey below:
Important Dates
Trying to find an important date? Check out our updated Term Dates page.
Community Survey
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): 29 August - 16 September 2022
Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices.
One of the more important formal ways we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools School Improvement Surveys.MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic Schools in Melbourne by Learning Services teams at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with Principals in our schools.
In 2022, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS using our brand new, secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where we will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys.
The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. The platform meets with the very high security and privacy standards for handling student and school data. Participating schools are in the process of updating their privacy policy to ensure school communities are fully informed and protected. Students at our school will be provided with supervised sessions where teachers are on hand to help and answer any questions.
Families and staff can complete the survey anytime over the three-week window via an emailed link and password.
Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school.
All participation is invited, welcomed and 100% voluntary. The surveys are not a test; they are an inclusive way to feed the work we are already doing to improve our school. Everyone has the right to refuse to participate, or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during, or after completion of the survey.
We welcome your feedback so if you have anything to contribute to the newsletter, questions about content or general feedback, please let us know.