Newsletter Term 3, Week 7 2024

Written By Guest User
 
 

Monday 2 September- Prep Assembly

Monday 2-Friday 20- MACSSIS School Survey open

Dear SMM Families,

Hello Everyone and welcome to our week 7 newsletter.

We've had a busy and rewarding few weeks at our school, with plenty of events that highlight the strength and spirit of our community.

Father’s Day Prayer and Breakfast

A big thank you to all the Dads and Carers who joined us for our Father’s Day Breakfast. It was great to see so many of our students spending quality time with their fathers and grandfathers. The morning was filled with smiles and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our dedicated volunteer parents and teachers—your support is always appreciated.

Book Week Highlights

Last week’s Book Week was a fantastic success. The costume parade kicked off the celebrations, with many creative and fun designs on display. It was a great reminder of how much joy the “Magic of Reading” brings to our students and how it truly ignites their imaginations.

We were fortunate to have Anna Fienberg, a well-loved children’s author, visit us during Book Week, thanks to Ms Tilly for organising. Anna’s storytelling was engaging and inspiring. She shared how she nurtured ideas from real-life experiences and turned them into beautiful, creative stories. Many parents may recall reading her Tashi series of books. Her ability to connect with the students was lovely, and she left a lasting impression on everyone.

Our local MP, Melissa Horne, also visited and was delighted to meet Anna. Both Melissa and Anna commented on the excellent behaviour and thoughtful questions from our students—something we can all be proud of. Thank you to Melissa for popping in to say hello and your ongoing support of children’s education and our school.

Michael Mangan, the children’s hymns composer and musician, also put on a lively concert in our hall. The energy and enthusiasm from our students were contagious, and Michael was very impressed with their participation and joy.

A special thank you to Mrs. Jaksic, one of our mums and published author, who shared her writing journey with our Year 5/6 students. Hearing about her process and how she brings ideas to life was a valuable learning experience for our students. We’re grateful for her contribution to making Book Week so special.

First Communion Celebrations

Congratulations to our students who made their First Communion. This past fortnight we have witnessed a special moment for them and their families. I’d like to thank Mrs. Falcone and Mr. Devlin for their work in preparing the students and coordinating the Mass. Fr. Samuel’s words during the ceremony were both meaningful and uplifting, helping us all deepen our understanding of this important sacrament.

MACSSIS Survey

Please be on the lookout for the MACSSIS survey, which will be coming your way soon. This annual survey is a key way for Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools to gather feedback from our community, staff, and students. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify what’s working well and areas where we can continue to improve

Foundation 2025 Drop-In Morning

Just a quick reminder about our Foundation 2025 drop-in morning this Wednesday. The focus will be on outdoor play and routines. We look forward to welcoming our new and existing Foundation 2025 families and showing them what makes St Margaret Mary's such a wonderful place to learn.

Thank you all for your continued support of our school. It’s this strong community spirit that makes St Margaret Mary's a special place for our children to grow and learn.

Warm regards,

Colleen McCambridge
Principal
St Margaret Mary's Primary School

 
 

Thank You

Thank you to our generous local community for assisting with our Father’s Day breakfast. Ben from Vernon St Cellars helped with 150 eggs and Nirali the manager of Spotswood Woolworths donated vouchers to help with bacon and rolls. We couldn’t do it without you.

 

Congratulations Solly!

 
 
 

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

 
 
 

Around the Rooms

Wild Action Incursion!

The Prep students had an exciting and educational experience during their Wild Action incursion on Thursday. They were thrilled to meet a variety of special animal visitors and enjoyed a hands-on learning session that deepened their understanding of animals and the environment.

 

Western Bulldogs Player Visit

We were delighted to welcome some of the Western Bulldogs players to St Margaret Mary’s for a special visit. Caleb Daniel, Joel Freijah, Bailey Williams, and Liam Jones joined us for a Q&A session and a fun kick-to-kick. The students were excited to hear firsthand what it's like to play AFL football.

Book Parade

Author Visits

We were thrilled to welcome author Anna Feinberg and our very own Linda Jaksic to St Margaret Mary's for an inspiring session on the writing process. Anna expressed her appreciation, saying, 'Thank you so much—made my day! I very much enjoyed my visit to your school, and the creative questions and story-loving atmosphere of the children and staff.'

We were also honored to have MP Melissa Horne join us, and she even had a few of her Tashi books signed by Anna herself

Gala Sports Day

On the 28th August, our grade 5/6s represented St Margaret Mary’s at the summer inter school sports gala day. We sent 2 teams to compete in Volleyball and 1 team to T20 cricket. The sportsmanship, team work and maturity shown by all students was a pleasure to watch. Our Volleyball team won the mixed B league and our Cricket team missed out on the top spot by only 6 points. Congratulations to each and every one of you, you are a credit to our school. 

 

Father’s Day Breakfast

What a fantastic morning it was for our dads and special friends! It was wonderful to see so many dads come down to enjoy a bacon and egg roll (or two), a cup of coffee, and some good conversation with other dads. A big thank you to our FSG for making this event possible and for organizing all the fun games.

We hope you had a great Father’s Day on Sunday.

 

Maths Puzzles

This week we thought it would be fun to put some family maths games and puzzles into our newsletter for you to have a go at. Anne Ablinger our Mathematics Leader has selected a few games and activities to discuss and enjoy as a family. The answers are down below!

Concepts covered: Addition

Equipment: Deck of cards, paper, pen

Good questions to ask while playing:  “Is there another combination of cards you could use to make a ten?  Which do you think is the better option?  Why?”;  “What goes with __ to make ten?”

Concepts covered: Measurement (time)

Equipment: Set of days of the week cards (one more set than the number of players, i.e. 2 player game needs 3 sets)

Good questions to ask while playing:  “What card are you hoping to pick up?”;  “What day comes before/after Monday?”

“Why did you decide to get rid of that card/keep that card etc.?”;  “What would you do differently next time you played?”

 

Student Wellbeing & Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) at SMM

Parents often ask SMM staff how they can help their children at home. This newsletter focuses on some evidence-based practices to support children’s mental health and well-being to help them thrive mentally, physically, and academically.

  1. Foster Positive Parent-Child Relationships:
    Research consistently shows that strong, supportive relationships between parents and children are crucial for emotional development, resilience, and mental health. Positive interactions build a secure attachment, which helps children manage stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

    • Engage in Quality Time: Spend regular, dedicated time with your child, engaging in activities they enjoy to strengthen your bond.

    • Use Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and praise your child’s efforts and achievements to boost their self-esteem and encourage positive behaviors.

    • Active Listening: Listen attentively and empathically to your child’s thoughts and feelings, validating their experiences without judgment.

  2. Prioritize Sleep and Promote Healthy Sleep Habits:
    Adequate sleep is essential for children’s cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Research indicates consistent sleep routines improve mood, behavior, and academic performance.

  3. Encourage Regular School Attendance:
    Consistent school attendance is linked to better academic performance and social skills.

    • Communicate with Teachers: Address academic or social challenges. Studies show that parental involvement in education positively impacts student outcomes.

    • Read: Parenting Strategies Program (2022). Responding to school reluctance or refusal: Strategies for parents. Melbourne: Monash University.

  4. Promote Age-Appropriate Use of Technology:

    • Read: What's OK for Children? Choosing content to watch or play. The rating and consumer advice for a film or game can help you choose the right content for your child.

    • Read: This eSafety Parent Guide to Online Gaming Tip Sheet to understand the benefits and risks of gaming, how to manage gaming and time online.

    • Monitor Content: Research emphasizes the importance of monitoring children’s online activities to protect them from inappropriate content and cyberbullying. Use the eSafety Commissioner’s Parental Controls page (How to keep your child safe) and stay engaged with what your child is accessing online.

    • Want to Know About the Latest Apps, Games, and Social Media?: Read the eSafety Guide.

  5. Implement Consistent Daily Routines:
    Consistent routines build security and stability, which helps to reduce anxiety and improves their ability to manage daily tasks. Establish regular times for meals, homework, and bedtime.

    • Involve Your Child: Research suggests that involving children in setting their routines can enhance their sense of autonomy and responsibility, contributing to their self-esteem and compliance.

    • Consult: The parent website raisingchildren.net.au page: Routines and why they work as a positive behavior strategy.

By implementing these evidence-based practices, parents can significantly enhance their child’s mental health and well-being, creating a nurturing environment that supports their growth and development.

Thanks for working in partnership with us to support your children

Kath (Student Wellbeing Leader)

 
 
 
 

First Communion

It was a pleasure to celebrate the First Communion of our Year 4 students over the past couple of weeks. Our students did an amazing job preparing for this significant milestone, and we wish them continued success and growth in their spiritual journey. A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Samuel, Jenna Falcone, our wonderful families, and the choir for making these Masses such memorable and special occasions.

 
 
 

School Disco

Families who did not purchase tickets for the last disco and would like to attend, please send $20 in an envelope to school office with Name and Pizza order (margarita or Hawaiian / dietary requirements) by Friday 13th September.
For families unable to attend who had previously purchased a ticket and would like money refunded, please send Jodie Millar an email (jodie.millar40@gmail.com<mailto:jodie.millar40@gmail.com>) with your bank account details and it will be arranged.

 

Footy Tipping

Well, that’s a wrap for the 2024 footy tipping competition! Reed St dominated the competition, finishing 5 tips clear of the pack and taking home $200 in Bunnings vouchers. The battle for 2nd and 3rd place was intense, with Don’t Think Do securing second place by just 3 margin points—what a finish! Bomber Love rounded out the top three.

A big thank you to everyone who participated this year. We look forward to hosting the competition again next year. Best of luck if your team’s in the finals, and go Doggies!

 
 
 

MACSSIS Family Survey is now open

In the coming days, families will receive a link to the annual MACSSIS family survey. This 30 minute survey is your chance to help improve our school. Please keep an eye out in your inbox and help shape the future of SMM.

 

Camp Australia

 

Save The Date!

Join us as we commemorate 70 years of St Margaret Mary’s Primary School with a special celebration. All students will participate in a STOMP performance from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM, and we invite parents and carers to get involved. Come and be part of this memorable occasion as we celebrate the rich history and vibrant community of SMM.

 
 

Foundation Drop-in Dates

Just a reminder about our 2025 Foundation Drop-in dates! If you have a child starting in 2025, come along for a chance to meet other parents and familiarise yourself and your child with the school. We look forward to seeing you there!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Emmanuel College News

Latest News 28 Aug 2024

Science is an exciting subject at Emmanuel College with fascinating areas of study including biology, earth and space, environmental studies, physics, and chemistry. Science continues as an elective all the way through to Year 12.

Over the course of Term 2, our Year 8 students worked collaboratively in researching and planning a comprehensive scientific investigation of their choosing. Their scientific posters and materials were displayed at the recent Science Fair held at each campus. The Science Fair provided a platform for these young scientists to share their research with their peers, families, Science teachers, and the wider school community. We congratulate everyone involved in the Science Fair and our students for their enthusiasm for science and discovery.

Year 7 2026 – applications closed Friday 16 August

If your child is in Year 5, and you would like them to be considered for a place in Year 7, 2026, please contact the College Registrar, Donna Grech, as a matter of urgency: 8325 5100 or enrolments@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au.

Find out more about the innovative learning programs that we have here at Emmanuel and enjoy a campus tour led by student ambassadors by joining us at a College experience. Registration and details for each campus are available here:

https://www.ecmelb.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/tours

Yours sincerely,

Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer

 

Mount St. Joseph’s Girls College

APPLY NOW

As we approach the enrolment deadline for Year 7 in 2026 at Mount St. Joseph Girls' College, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to secure your child's place in our vibrant learning and faith community.

Students wishing to attend Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College for Year 7 in 2026 should apply in Grade 5 of their primary school education.

Apply online via the College website.

The closing date for applications is Friday 16 August 2024.

Why Choose Mount St. Joseph Girls' College?

·        Academic Excellence: Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students to achieve their full potential.

·        Faith-Based Learning: We aim to develop informed and compassionate women of faith who will strive to make a difference in the world.

·        Community Spirit: We are a supportive community where every student is valued, encouraged, and celebrated for their unique talents.

·        Modern Facilities: Our contemporary and dynamic facilities enhance the learning experience, providing students with the resources they need to thrive.

We understand that choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our College Registrar:

Sherri Collins: registrar@msj.vic.edu.au

133 Maidstone Street, Altona

(03) 8398 2000

www.msj.vic.edu.au

Thank you for considering Mount St. Joseph Girls' College. We look forward to welcoming your family into our community.

 
 

St Mary’s College

 

Maths Puzzle Answers

 
 
 
 
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