Newsletter Term 2, Week 7 2024
Monday 10 June- King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Wednesday 12 June- School Photos- Winter Uniform
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to our mid-term newsletter.
The reciprocal, supportive relationship between home and school is evident in the social gatherings we’ve had this year, which have successfully raised funds that directly benefit our students.
For instance, thanks to the FSG and the community’s efforts in the “Colour Run” fundraiser, 20 new iPads have been purchased and are on their way. They will be enrolled into our school network and programmed with a range of educational apps before we roll them out for students.
The Mother's Day stall and FSG funds have also enhanced our students' learning, playing, and well-being opportunities. We now have super-sized Connect 4s, Lego, Jenga, and quoits on water proof, beautiful outdoor rugs. These are being used in the quiet area of the yard; near the church and the undercover area, near the prep rooms.
We’re excited to announce that the critically needed building project, seven years in the planning, is finally set to start by the end of the term. As previously communicated, this project will address the structural issues of the administration building and relocate its entry to Arras Street. This will create an inclusive and OH&S-compliant office space and entrance for our school. Additionally, essential drainage work in the senior yard will improve the play area for our students.
The company, Exemplo has been appointed for the project following a robust tendering process. SMM leadership, alongside MACS personnel, have worked with architects HAW to pare down the original project plans, to essential works only. This ensures that the school can meet the costs of this critical safety project. Updated plans can be accessed on our website.
If you have visited the school recently, you will have noticed improvements to student facilities and comfort since the start of 2023. These enhancements are the result of the parents' building levy and school leadership’s responsible financial management.
Notable changes include:
Installation of air conditioners throughout the school.
Repair of the hall roof and girls’ toilet roofing.
Creation of more breakout spaces with the removal of bag boxes and installation of safety hooks, rugs, and new pinboards.
Purchase and distribution of soft, comfortable furniture to offer sensory-soothing workspace options.
Installation of pinboards for calming colours and improved sound absorption.
Introduction of room-saving, fit-for-purpose student book tubs in classrooms.
New couches and pedestal tables in the library for all students and staff.
This week we celebrate Reconciliation Week. During Reconciliation Week, we shared Dreaming stories to deepen our understanding of First Nations spirituality and connection to Country, drawing meaningful parallels with our own Catholic creation story. This celebration fostered a greater appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of our First Nations people and highlighted the shared values in our spiritual narratives.
Some special reminders:
Parish Census: Thank you to those who have submitted their completed surveys. The census closes on May 31st so please complete one of these at your earliest convenience. We will accept these in our office until and including Monday.
School Advisory Council: Expression of interest to become a member closes today. Thank you to everyone who has sent in their proposals. Fr. Binh and I will be in touch before the end of the term.
School Photos: Please check your child’s school winter uniform for the correct coloured socks, black school shoes, not runners and clean school jumpers. If you need assistance, please reach out to office@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au.
Family Mass: We have our termly family mass coming up on Friday the 14th of June. This mass will be held 5.30pm at Sacred Heart Church in Newport and will celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart, a special time for our community. There will be pizza in the hall after the mass. It would be lovely to see as many of our families in attendance.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.
Take care everyone,
Colleen McCambridge
Principal
Cash For Cans
St Margaret Mary’s is now registered in the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). When you donate to Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme, consider nominating SMM as the recipient for the funds from cans collected. Money raised will go towards FSG initiatives, including some new iPad for our preps!
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 6
Week 7
Bowerbird Blues
This week, SMM took place in the National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). NSS is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 24th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. This year the book is Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker and our preps and year 5/6 students worked together to create their responses.
National Reconciliation Week
This week our grade 3 students have commemorated National Reconciliation week by learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples spiritual connection to the land. Together we made a beautiful prayer cloth and during prayer we reflected and gave thanks to God for our amazing Indigenous culture.
Quiet Area
This week our Wellbeing and Environmental captains have been training to help manage the new quiet area resources. We have a selection of games, activities and picnic rugs available for students when they need a quiet place to play. Our captains are currently working on some signs to help everyone know how to use the space.
Supporting Your Child's Learning with Multi-Tiered Support at SMM
Dear Parents,
We are thrilled to introduce you to an effective approach that enhances your child's learning journey: the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is an inclusive framework tailored to support primary school students who may need extra assistance across academic, social and emotional, behavioural, and health and wellbeing domains.
MTSS is a structured system aimed at providing personalised support to students based on their individual learning needs. It operates like a toolbox filled with evidence-based strategies and interventions, empowering teachers to address diverse learning requirements effectively.
The key objectives of this framework include:
Identifying Learning Gaps: Through MTSS, educators can promptly identify any gaps in your child's learning journey. By pinpointing these areas early on, we can intervene swiftly and provide targeted support to ensure your child stays on track academically.
Implementing Effective Practices: MTSS emphasises the use of research-backed instructional methods tailored to meet your child's specific needs. From engaging activities to personalised exercises, we strive to deliver high-quality instruction that resonates with your child's learning style.
Monitoring Progress: With MTSS, continuous assessment and progress monitoring are integral components. By regularly evaluating your child's progress, we can gauge the effectiveness of our interventions and make necessary adjustments to optimise their learning experience.
MTSS offers a tiered approach to support, ensuring that every child receives the level of assistance they require:
Tier 1 (Universal) 100 percent (all): All students benefit from high-quality classroom instruction that aligns with the curriculum.
Features Include:
High-quality classroom instruction is provided to all students.
Instruction is aligned with the curriculum standards.
All students have access to the same level of instruction.
Universal strategies are implemented to meet the diverse needs of students.
Tier 1 interventions are preventive and proactive, targeting the entire student population.
Classroom environments are designed to support the learning of all students.
Tier 2 (Targeted) 5 – 15%(Some): Students who need additional support participate in small group sessions, within the classroom tailored to address specific learning challenges.
Features Include:
Small group sessions are conducted within the classroom setting.
These sessions target students who require additional support beyond Tier 1 instruction.
Instruction is tailored to address specific learning challenges identified for each student.
Tier 2 interventions are provided to a targeted group of students based on their needs.
Sessions are focused on remediation or reinforcement of essential skills.
Progress is monitored closely to assess the effectiveness of interventions and adjusted as needed.
Medical management and safety plans implemented.
Tier 3 (Intensive) 5% (few): For students requiring intensive intervention, personalised assistance is provided to address their unique learning needs comprehensively.
Features Include:
Tier 3 interventions are designed for students who require intensive support beyond Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions.
Personalised assistance is provided to address the unique learning needs of each student comprehensively.
Interventions are highly individualised and may include specialised instruction, accommodations, or modifications.
Progress is closely monitored, and interventions are adjusted as needed to ensure effectiveness.
Tier 3 interventions may involve collaboration with specialised professionals, such as special education teachers or therapists.
The focus is on addressing the root causes of learning difficulties and providing intensive support to promote academic success.
Medical management and safety plans implemented.
Our Classroom Teaching Supports Structure Includes:
As valued partners in your child's education, your involvement is vital to the success of MTSS. By reinforcing classroom strategies at home and engaging in open communication with teachers, you can actively support your child's learning journey and foster a collaborative learning environment.
MTSS serves as a powerful tool for nurturing your child's academic growth and ensuring their success in primary school and beyond. By leveraging evidence-based practices and fostering strong partnerships between educators and parents, we are committed to providing a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.
For additional information and resources on MTSS, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Paul Smith
Learning Diversity & Learning and Teaching Leader
Student Wellbeing & Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) at SMM
School Reminders:
Please be mindful of the following:
Bag Identifiers:
Please attach only one item to your child’s bag for easy identification as this is easier for them to quickly identify their own bag among others. This reduces confusion and minimises the time spent searching for belongings. Having more than one item hanging from the bag becomes a distraction and its purpose diminished.
Personal Toys at School:
The rule prohibiting toys brought from home serves several important purposes within the school environment:
Minimising Distractions: Personal toys can divert students' attention away from learning tasks and classroom activities. By eliminating toys brought from home, we create a focused environment conducive to learning.
Preventing Disruptions: Toys can lead to conflicts among students, whether through disagreements over ownership or disputes during play. By removing personal toys, we reduce the potential for disruptions and maintain a harmonious atmosphere.
Promoting Inclusivity: Personal toys can inadvertently create social hierarchies or exclusions among students, as some may possess coveted or trendy items while others do not. By standardising the absence of personal toys, we foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Enhancing Safety: Some toys brought from home may pose safety risks or distractions, detracting from students' well-being and academic focus. By enforcing the rule against personal toys, we prioritise the safety and welfare of all students.
Engagement Options at SMM:
Gaga pit with a set roster
Table tennis table
Cubby house (Prep to Year 2)
Sandpit
Playground equipment from fundraising
Development of a quiet area (in progress)
Chess club on Mondays
Basketball/netball/soccer goals
Various equipment for independent or group games.
Fidgets and Sensory Tools:
Fidgets and sensory tools are beneficial supports for students struggling with focus, executive functioning, sensory processing, or self-regulation skills. These tools, recommended by allied health professionals, enhance focus and attention while helping students regulate their emotions. Some students have a personalised learning plan (PLP) for using fidget toys to support their learning needs. These supports will continue to be in use in alignment with their PLP.
Kath (Student Wellbeing Leader)
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass
Family Mass
School Disco- 28 June
Get ready to boogie at St Margaret Mary’s Spotswood School Disco Party - it's going to be a night full of music, dancing, and fun!
The details of the school disco have been finalised and tickets are now available now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/st-margaret-marys-spotswood-school-disco-party-tickets-893577613697?aff=oddtdtcreator
Book now to avoid disappointment!
Footy Tipping
There’s been a few changes to the top end with TeamHuds pulling the pin on his joker and rocketing into top place. BomberLove has moved into 3rd and RetsgoBombers steady at 4th.
With Collingwood’s injuries the dogs may get a look in and there are a few other games that could go the other way. Who can believe we are in round 12 already! Best of luck.
We are still looking for a few more donations so if you know of any businesses that are able to help out please ask them or contact Simon at sdevlin@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au
We have 36 members this year which is amazing. Please remember to pay your $25 entry fee and stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks.
Click the link below:
https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/2024_SMM_Footy_Tipping?p=stmm3015
Parent, Teacher and Student Interviews
Our Learning Conversations are taking place in the final week of term. These are a chance to celebrate the achievements of our students with their teachers and families. Appointments are 15 minutes and will take place on Tuesday the 25th and Thursday the 27th of June from 2.15-6pm.
Please note, school will finish at the normal time of 3.15pm, with school leaders supervising students for the afternoon.
To book, click the link: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/nyb6p
Last Chance!
School Photos
2025 Prep Enrolments Closing Soon
If you know of anyone looking for an amazing school, please let them know about our little hidden gem. Tours can be arranged by appointment via our website. Current families, please remember to enrol siblings too!
Emmanuel College News
This week we celebrate one of our Year 12 students being awarded the People’s Choice Award at the ACC Art & Tech Exhibition. With 250 student entries this is a fantastic achievement, and I am pleased to share the beautiful artwork with you. We congratulate our Intermediate Futsal teams in winning the final at the SACCSS competition last week. Well done to everyone involved and for participating in the Emmanuel spirit.
We understand that moving from primary to secondary school is a big step and as a part of the College transition program, some of our Year 7 students go back to their primary school and talk to students about College life. Last week we visited Annunciation and Stella Maris Primary Schools and our Year 7s spoke confidently and answered lots of questions from their audience.
Year 12 students have received their class of 2024 tops and we look forward to seeing them wear them with pride in their final year with us.
Year 7 2026
A friendly reminder that if you have a child in year 5 and would like to apply for Year 7 2026,
applications will close on Friday 16 August. Applications are now to be submitted online via
the College website: Submit your application here.
I hope to see you at a College event soon.
Jenny Hendricks
VISIT US
Visiting our college is a great way to explore our dynamic learning spaces and
experience learning in action.
You will meet our Principal, students and staff and see why Mount St. Joseph
Girls College is the best choice for your child. Tours of the College are led by
our student ambassadors. This gives visiting families the unique opportunity to
ask questions and gain an honest insight into our programs and what it is like to
be a student at Mount St. Joseph Girls College. Please register HERE for our
Open Day (Sunday 26 May) or one of our various Open Mornings.
We have created a very special newsletter which features the Year 7 story so
far in 2024. Read about all the activities our current Year 7 cohort has enjoyed
in Term One HERE.
APPLY NOW
Students wishing to attend Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College for Year 7 in 2026
should apply in Grade 5 of their primary school education.
Applications for Year 7 in 2026 are now open. Apply online via the College website. The closing date for applications is Friday 16 August 2024.
There is no application closing date for years 8-12. Vacancies are based on availability and waiting lists may apply.
For all enquiries, please contact:
Sherri Collins: registrar@msj.vic.edu.au
133 Maidstone Street, Altona
(03)8398 2000