Newsletter Term 3, Week 9 2023
Friday 15 September : Last day of Term 3- Students finish at 1pm
Hello Parents and Carers,
Welcome to our last newsletter for Term 3 2023.
Congratulations to the second group of Year Four children who made their First Communion on Saturday 26th August. It was a special occasion for Sienna, Milla, Sophie, Tuppence, Uma, Violetta and Leo. It was wonderful to see parents, families and parish members celebrate mass with these children. Thank you again to Kerry Brown, Grant Tasca and families for preparing the children so well.
Last week, the Science Fair organised by our brilliant Science teacher, Mrs Adele Garofalo was a hit! Our students' creativity and enthusiasm were on full display. Kudos to our budding scientists!
Congratulations to our volleyball team who won the volleyball zone gala day! Thank you to Kristine our PE teacher who goes above and beyond by organising these bonus opportunities for our children.
The Father's Day breakfast was a special time for kids, dads, and special guests to connect over a cuppa and bacon, egg roll. Thank you to Craig Walsh for sourcing the Father’s Day gifts that went home to each family. Thank you to Christine Rowe for sourcing and sealing the gift coasters. Thank you to Simon Devlin our DP, along with the teachers and parents who pitched in to help on the day. It was great to witness a wonderfully uplifting morning for our children and families.
In 2019, the Father of the Year Award introduced a canine category, which was won by Bandit Heeler the ABC cartoon character, for his exemplary role as a caring and dedicated father to Bluey and the Heeler family. Bandit actively engages with his children, playing with them, celebrating their achievements, and taking on various family responsibilities. Pope Francis, in his apostolic letter Patris Corde, (2020) emphasises the significance of fathers engaging with their children and the personal growth it brings. He highlights that fatherhood is not just about bringing a child into the world but also taking up the responsibility to nurture and care for them. Pope Francis also draws a connection between contemporary fatherhood and the role of St. Joseph, who in Catholic tradition, serves as a guardian figure and a role model for being of service and great faith, not only for fathers but for all of us.
The Trivia Night was terrific! It’s a bit risky to start naming people so a big note of gratitude to all in our community who contributed to the Trivia night in any way. Apologies if I skip you but…thanks to the FSG led by Kate, Claire, Naomi, Natalie, Siobhan, Elisa, Marie, Jodie, Craig, Larissa for organising this event. We had the pleasure of a guest appearance from Cecil our dynamic Master of Ceremonies (aka Sean) who kept us entertained for the evening. Thank you to families, friends and staff of SMM for coming along and joining in a super fun evening. In addition to the important opportunity for us all to connect, we raised funds of nearly $5,000 for the kids of SMM – double win!
After heartfelt consideration, Suliana has announced her decision to leave SMM at the end of this term so that she may focus on a call to care for an ill family member and focus on completing her teaching degree. Suliana's kindness and lessons have offered a positive experience of Spanish culture for our students. We extend our sincere thanks to Suliana for her various roles at SMM and wish her success, blessings, and good health for the future.
A couple of key reminders for parents and carers;
• CHANGE OF TIME AND MODE - Online SMM School Master Plan consultation session with Harrison White architects this coming Tuesday September 12th, 7pm. Link HERE
• Spring is here – Hats for all children at school please
• Our link for registering your interest and availability to become a parent helper is below.
• Cadbury chocolate drive boxes coming home – check emails for more information.
• MACSIS Survey is closing 15th September. Please complete to have your say.
• Term 3 wraps up on September 15th at 1pm.
Lastly, as we head into the holiday break, I wish all children, staff and families a restful, fun break so we all return to term four ready to enjoy the many exciting learning and community building opportunities planned!
Take care,
Colleen McCambridge
Principal
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:
Week 8
Week 9
Fathers Day Breakfast
PE and Sports News Term 3
by Kristine Messig
Football Australia Football Clinics (Soccer)
As part of our Sporting Schools Grant funding we were fortunate enough to invite some Football Australia coaches to come and teach football during our PE sessions earlier this term. Students were involved in fun games and activities to help improve their skills and understanding of the game. A highlight for many students was playing in the mini World Cup activity.
District Track and Field Carnival 2023
The Westgate District Track and Field Carnival was held on the 16th of August at Newport Athletics Track. St Margaret Mary’s sent a team of 45 students to compete on the day. Students had a great time competing against other Westgate district schools. I am very proud to report that our students showed excellence, resilience and great sportsmanship on the day. A big congratulations to all of the students that participated. A big thank you to Mrs Hodza and Mr Tasca who were track officials on the day and to Mrs Crawford and Amanda D’Rozario who assisted me on the day.
We have three students who have qualified to compete at the Maribyrnong, Keilor and Moonee Ponds Division Track and Field Carnival on the 5th of September at the Keilor Athletics Track. Congratulations to the following students were selected to represent our school and the Westgate district in their events:
Milla G (multiclass)- 100m and long jump
Noah F (12 year old boys)- 100m
Valentina F (11 year old girls)- Shot put
Summer Gala Day 2023
On Wednesday the 30th of August St Margaret Mary’s hosted the Westgate District Volleyball Gala day at RecWest stadium in Braybrook. We had two teams compete in the mixed B division. A big congratulations to the St Margaret Mary’s team #1 which came in first place and to St Margaret Mary’s team #2 which came in third place! A big thank you to the students from Mount St Joseph’s Secondary College and their teacher Tom Dicker who assisted us with umpiring on the day, the day would not have run so smoothly without their help. Also a big thank you to Mrs Hodza for coaching the volleyball teams, to Mr Tasca for coaching the cricket team and to Mr Dalton for running the volleyball scoring table on the day. Unfortunately due to heavy rain on the day, the cricketers were unable to compete in their events.
Congratulations Milla!
On Tuesday the 5th of September, Milla G represented our school and the Westgate District at the Maribyrnong, Keilor and Moonee Ponds Division Track and Field Carnival. Milla competed as a multiclass athlete and came first in both her events, the 100m sprint and long jump. Milla has now qualified for the Western Metropolitan Region Athletics event on the 17th of October. Congratulations Milla and we wish you all the best for the upcoming competition!
T is for Thanking
“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly & consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, & build strong relationships.” (Harvard Health)
Teaching students how to say ‘thankyou’ & be grateful is a valuable social & friendship skill. This sends a positive message to others that they have been recognised & are acknowledged & appreciated.
Harvard Health points out that, “People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways. They can apply it to the past (retrieving positive memories and being thankful for elements of childhood or past blessings), the present (not taking good fortune for granted as it comes), and the future (maintaining a hopeful and optimistic attitude).”
Developing and cultivating gratitude needs modelling, coaching & practice. Here are some ways to help your child develop gratitude and show appreciation:
1. Set an example
Children often copy what others do. Parents are powerful role models. Demonstrate & show your child how to express thanks in day to day interactions such as: thanking someone for a service, thanking a neighbour & thanking your child when they do helping things like putting things away. The latter helps to shape & reinforce positive behaviours & let’s them know their assistance is appreciated.
2. Direct attention to kindness and generosity
Point out when others (including your child!) do things that are thoughtful or help without being asked. Share the emotion this creates.
3. Talk about the feelings generated
Point out that being grateful & thanking others is a social skill that makes people feel good. Ask your child how they feel when people say thank you to them for doing something nice, and then how they feel when they don’t.
4. Explain there are different ways to say thanks
Generate many different ways & point out that ‘thanks’ is not only expressed through exchanging material objects or gifts. E.g. a thumbs up, writing a letter/card, giving a drawing, giving a hug, giving a high five
5. Point out people in the community who help others
Encourage your child to think of all the people who help them, e.g. from helping professions such as doctors, nurses, firemen to coaches, teachers & neighbors
6. Share a wider perspective
Talk about those who are less fortunate. Often children can only rely on their immediate experiences & understanding that not everyone has the same advantages will help them develop our school value of compassion for others & gratitude for their own benefits & privileges.
7. Action gratitude and appreciation
Provide opportunities for your child to practice saying thank you and to give back to others, e.g. fundraising for school, volunteering, a run for charity, donating items to the op shop, writing a letter/card of thanks.
8. Make gratitude part of a regular routine
At bedtime, help your child to focus on the blessings & positive things in their life by asking them to tell you three things they’re grateful for. This helps children from dwelling only on difficulties encountered during the day & helps to balance up that they have much to be grateful for.
Thankyou for working in partnership with us to help your child develop this important social skill & improve their friendship skills and mental health.
Upcoming School Masses and events
Saturday 14th of October 5.30 at SMM Church- The Feast of St Margaret Mary
Dates when Choir will sing at mass
St Margaret Mary's: Saturday 16/9
Sacred Heart: Sunday 1/10
St Margaret Mary's: Saturday 14/10
Sacred Heart: Sunday 5/11
St Margaret Mary's: Saturday 18/11
Sacred Heart: Sunday 3/12
St Margaret Mary's: Saturday 16/12
Calling All Kind Hearts! Join Our Ministry of Welcome!
Feedback from our community consultations indicated a need to ensure that all people coming to Mass feel welcome.
We are seeking compassionate volunteers to join our Welcoming Ministry! Be a beacon of warmth and love, ensuring every parishioner feels embraced in our faith community. Share a friendly smile, offer guidance, and extend a helping hand as we open our hearts to those seeking solace and spiritual connection.
Please consider joining this important team - your role could include coming to Mass 15 minutes earlier and greeting people as they arrive. You might be able to assist every week, or less frequently.
Together, let's create a vibrant atmosphere of belonging and hospitality. Join us in spreading God's love and make a lasting impact on the lives of all our members.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our Ministry of Welcome please speak to us or contact us at the presbytery, or via StJosephVicPPC@gmail.com. Your presence matters!
School Fees
Footy Colours Day
Next Tuesday the 12th of September we will be having a Footy Fun Day to raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital. Students are invited to bring a gold coin donation and come along in their favourite sports teams colours. The Mini Vinnies will be running some games on the day as well.
Chromebooks in 2024
In 2024, St Margaret Mary’s will be making some changes to it’s BYO program. Current year 2’s will not be required to purchase an ipad, but instead will use a Chromebook.
Our ordering portal is now live and you are able to make purchases for Chromebooks in 2024. Please note, once ordered, devices will be shipped in buk early December. Parents will be notified and devices can be picked up at the office.
Trivia Night Success!
It was a great night for the school last Saturday as SMM hosted its Trivia Night for 2023. Huge thank you to Kate Jackson and so many others for bringing the night together and making it such a success. As well as individuals, there were a lot of businesses that supported by offering prizes and donations. It was an amazing effort by the FSG team and we were able to raise over $4000 for the school.
Fathers Day Brekky
Thank you to our dads and special people in our lives for coming along to the Fathers day Brekky. A big thank you to parents Marie, David, Chris and Elaine for gathering the eggs and rolls as well as cooking a heap of bacon on the day. They were delicious. Big shout out to Eggs Delivery Melbourne who donated the eggs on the day.
“Free delivery of farm fresh eggs to local areas”
Cadbury Fundraising boxes coming home next week
The Cadbury fundraising boxes will be coming home with students next week. Each box we sell will raise $20 for the school. If you would like to opt out, please complete this form by Monday 11th of September.
If you would like more boxes or are having trouble selling them, pop into the office and we can help.
Footy Tipping
Well that’s it for another year tipsters. Shaqatak has taken the prize for a second year in a row, followed by devdoggies and MPANTAZ in close 2nd and 3rd. There was a bit of shifting in the final week with many of the games being very close or going other than predicted. Special mention to the MillarBoys, Disey and Michael Mehan who put up a good fight at the end and had me pretty worried until the last. All in all it was another good year and we were able to raise $400 for the FSG. Remember to pay if you haven’t already and I will be sending some reminders if you don’t!
Enjoy the finals and best of luck if your teams still in it. Looking forward to next year. Over and out!
Please pay now if you haven’t already done so!
$25 to join and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd to be announced soon.
Payments made via school FSG bank account. Please use your footy tipping alias as a reference.
Account SMM FSG
BSB: 083 347
Acc: 365426557
You can also send in $25 in an envelope, labelled with your alias and titled "2023 footy tipping"
Emmanuel College News
It was wonderful to celebrate Father’s Day last Friday with students, their fathers and those father figures in their lives. Sharing Mass and breakfast together was a terrific way to start the day. We thank Fr Paul and Fr Samuel for conducting an inspiring Eucharistic Mass at each campus.
The College Annual Arts Showcase was an amazing display of student’s artwork, musical and dramatical performances and a great opportunity for parents and friends to come along and enjoy a highly entertaining evening. Congratulations to everyone involved.
The countdown has commenced for students and staff who are heading to America soon, to attend Space Camp in Alabama, visit the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando. We can’t wait to hear all about the amazing experiences and stories they will have to share when they land back home. Year 7 2025 Applications – Applications closed on Friday 18 August.
If you have a child in Grade 5 and have missed this closure date and would like to submit an application, it is essential that you are in contact with the College Registrar as a matter of urgency. Even if you have an older child that already attends the College, or a child that is commencing Year 7 2024, it is a requirement that you submit an application for your Grade 5 child.
To obtain a Prospectus Pack including an application form, please select one of the following:
Call our College Registrar, Ms Donna Grech on 8325 5119
Visit the College website or use this link: Request a Prospectus here
Collect one from either campus office between 8:00am and 4:15pm weekdays
Send an email request to enrolments@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
Best wishes,
Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer