Newsletter Term 4, Week 6 2024
Saturday 16 November- Trivia Night!
Monday 18th November- Year 5/6 Lifesaving Training at Altona Beach
Dear SMM Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the warmer days of November.
On Monday, we joined together in solemn remembrance, pausing for a minute’s silence to honour all Australians who have served and sacrificed in war and peacekeeping operations. Lest we forget.
Our second transition-to-school session for our Foundation 2025 students was truly heartwarming for educators and families alike. This week, the children met their 2025 senior school buddies, forming connections that are so important for a sense of belonging and social safety. These relationships also offer our senior students a genuine opportunity to develop their leadership skills. .
We believe that parents and carers will also echo our ongoing message that we are all leaders. How we treat others and lead by our actions is beautifully summed up in the command: "Love your neighbour as you love yourself" (Mk 12:31). For our students, as with ourselves, this message comes to life as a simple but powerful call: treat others with kindness and respect, and be the example you’d want to see and experience in the world.
We are also delighted to share that interest in enrolling new students across several year levels at SMM remains strong. As a result, we now have waiting lists for some classes. If your family will not be returning in 2025, please help us by notifying the office as soon as possible. Simply email Ruth at: office@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au.
Thank you to everyone who has paid or is making contributions towards school fees. If you still have outstanding fees, please address them promptly or contact the office to arrange a payment plan or seek assistance.
At the end of this year, we will bid a fond farewell to Sophie Tucker, who will be off to travel and teach in Europe. Sophie will be back at SMM for some CRT work early in 2025 before starting a new position in the UK. Sophie has been a fantastic addition to our school community, demonstrating integrity, a strong commitment to her students, and a vibrant presence on staff. Thank you, Sophie, for everything!
In 2025, SMM will be expanding from seven to eight classes. With Sophie heading off on her adventure, we are thrilled to welcome two new teachers: Maddi Prskawetz and Brooke Hutchins. They will be joining our exceptional teaching team, and we are excited to have them on board!
November brings a sense of joy and anticipation as the weather warms up. A huge thank you to all parents and carers who are helping to organise and support the upcoming Trivia Night. It’s always a fantastic evening, and we encourage everyone to come along for the fun! Funds raised will go directly into enhancing our student playground and garden areas.
Take care,
Warm regards,
Colleen McCambridge
Principal
St Margaret Mary's Primary School
Congratulations!
A big congratulations to our junior school teachers, Kate and Laura, on their recent engagements! There must be something in the water in the junior levels! We’re delighted for them both and wish them every happiness in this exciting new chapter.
Trivia Night - Sat Nov 16
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. These awards will be handed out at the first of our Advent assemblies beginning on Monday the 25th of November at 2.45pm in the hall.
The students who earned an award in the past weeks are:
Week 5
Week 6
Around the School
Emmanuel College Soccer Fun Day
Our Year 4 and 5 students had a fantastic time at the Soccer Fun Day at Emmanuel College, St Paul’s Campus! Despite a bit of rain, the event was filled with energy, teamwork, and lots of smiles. Students enjoyed friendly matches, made new friends, and even had a BBQ lunch. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day a success!
2025 Preps and Buddies
It was wonderful to welcome our new prep students for another transition session as they continue to get comfortable with their new school environment. This time, our Year 4 and 5 students joined in the session to meet their future buddies. It was heartwarming to see the first connections forming, as these older students will be there to guide and support the preps throughout their first year. We’re all excited for the start of a new chapter and can't wait to see these friendships blossom in 2025!
Lunchtime Minecraft Club
Our Minecraft Club is off to a fantastic start this term! It’s been wonderful to see the enthusiasm from our Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 students as they explore the world of Minecraft and learn how it all works. With a mix of beginners and experts, it’s been inspiring to watch our more experienced players step up to guide the newcomers. Together, they’re building, problem-solving, and collaborating—learning tech skills in a fun and engaging way. We can’t wait to see all the incredible projects and teamwork that emerge from this creative group!
Money!
Our Grade 1 students have been diving into the world of money this week, exploring different ways to make combinations of coins. From 10c to 20c to 50c, they’ve been learning to add up coins in various ways to reach the same total. It’s been exciting to watch them develop practical skills in a hands-on way, discovering just how versatile money can be!
Maths Puzzles
The answers are down below!
Answers down below.
Answers down below
Student Wellbeing & Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) at SMM
Student Wellbeing & Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) at SMM.
At SMM, many things happen within the school to support our students' mental health and well-being. Our staff continuously observe, interact, assess, and monitor groups of students over time. They are well-placed to identify whether students are on the well-being continuum of ‘good,’ ‘coping,’ ‘struggling,’ or ‘overwhelmed.’ Students in the ‘struggling’ or ‘overwhelmed’ areas for an extended period often find it challenging to thrive socially and academically.
Teachers identify when students may need assessment and support beyond what can be offered at school. They assess if students would benefit from additional support from specialists, such as paediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, or occupational therapists. Addressing these needs promotes social-emotional and academic growth.
External Professional Services and Support
General Practitioner (GP)
First point of contact if you’re worried about your child’s health or development.
Provides health advice and checks.
Offers referrals to specialized health professionals and supports ongoing care management.
More information: Raising Children Network, Royal Children's Hospital.
Paediatrician
Requires a referral from a GP.
Specializes in treating various health and developmental issues, including asthma, ADHD, autism, developmental delay, and more.
More information: Raising Children Network.
Private Psychologist
Referral needed from a GP or paediatrician (with a mental health plan for up to 10 sessions per calendar year, with potential out-of-pocket costs).
Focuses on areas such as cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development, trauma, grief, and individual therapy.
More information: Raising Children Network.
Speech Pathologist
Works with parents and teachers to address communication needs, including speech, language, literacy, social skills, and stuttering.
More information: Speech Pathology Australia.
Occupational Therapist
Supports areas such as sensory processing, social interactions, play, gross motor skills, and fine motor skills.
More information: Royal Children's Hospital.
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health or behavior, get immediate professional support. Contact your GP or reach out to Lifeline at 131 114, Kids Helpline at 1800 551 800, or Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636. For emergencies, visit your nearest hospital.
Partnering to Support Your Child
We encourage you to contact the school, your GP, or local services if you have any concerns about your child. Learn more about the importance of early intervention by reading the Early Intervention Foundation article and watching the video: Why is it good for children and families?.
Thanks for working in partnership with us to support your children
Kath (Student Wellbeing Leader)
Get Ready for Trivia Night Tomorrow!
Join us tomorrow night for an exciting Trivia Night filled with fun, prizes, and community spirit! We have over $4,000 in prizes generously donated by local vendors and organizations—plus, don't miss the chance to win our major prize: a wheelbarrow packed full of amazing goodies! It’s not too late to purchase your ticket, so grab yours now and be part of the excitement! Take a look below to see just some of the wonderful suppliers who have contributed to make this an amazing event.
We need your help!
The FSG is currently looking at organising a delivery of tan bark for the garden and the play ground. If you are able to help put it onto the garden for a day, please contact Simon at sdevlin@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au
Chromebook Information
Below is important information for our Year 2 families regarding the Chromebook program, which will begin next year as the students move into Year 3.
Foundation Transition Dates
We’ve now enjoyed two wonderful sessions for our 2025 Foundation transition! If your child is starting in 2025, the final session on November 26th at 9:30 am is a fantastic opportunity for them to settle in and get ready for their primary school journey. We can’t wait to see you there for this important last step in their transition!
AUSKICK Sign Up
Join the fun with Auskick 2025! Perfect for boys and girls aged 5-12, this 10-week program kicks off in May at Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood. A great way to learn footy skills, make friends, and have a blast!
Message from the Parish Council
Dear Parishioners,
In preparation for the upcoming Annual Parish Forum on November 24, please find attached the following documentation (which has been included with church bulletins at this weekend's Masses):
The 2024 Annual Parish Forum will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, November 24 at 11 am. It will be immediately followed by our end of year luncheon that is open to all parishioners, where we will be able to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions so many people have made to the life of our parish this year.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Kind regards,
Katherine Wong
On behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council
2025 Confirmation at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Next year, the Church celebrates a Jubilee year, marking a special occasion for our faith community. In honor of this, the Confirmation Mass for our Year 6 students will take place at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Bishop Martin Ashe will preside over this meaningful event, promising a memorable experience for all. The Mass is scheduled for May 9th at 6:30 pm. Please save the date and join us for this special celebration.
End of Year Mass and Christmas Concert
Save the Date! Our End-of-Year Mass and Christmas Concert will be held on Wednesday, December 11th, starting at 6:00 pm. Join us for our final Mass of the year, followed by a festive picnic on the grass with each class performing Christmas songs. It’s a special evening to celebrate together—don’t miss it!
Emmanuel College News
Another week that was filled with exams, competitions in debating, soccer, cricket, art, volleyball, and tennis, professional learning for staff, a casual dress day with donations to Corazon, an instrumental music concert, students pursuing their personal best in activities outside of school, 300 primary school students enjoying a soccer fun day and lots, lots more.
Through following the characteristics of Marianist education, Emmanuel College students are encouraged and supported to achieve their personal best. We value everyone in the College community and recognize and thank those students who are student ambassadors; those who enjoy and take pride in volunteering their time on weekends and after school, to support the many events that are held throughout the year. Greeting prospective families, hosting campus tours, running activities with primary school students, refereeing sport days, speaking at College Mass, and volunteering in outreach and community programs – all wonderful ways of building public speaking skills and supporting the wider community.
College tours and experiences are almost complete for this year, and we thank everyone that came along to hear about the innovative learning programs and enjoy a campus tour. Information on and registration for 2025 events will be available via the College website later this year: https://www.ecmelb.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/tours
Yours sincerely,
Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer
Maths Puzzle Answers
Gardening Question
Given Information:
It takes 15 minutes to plant 3 trees.
A full row of trees takes 2 hours (120 minutes) to plant.
Calculate the Number of Trees in the First Row:
If 15 minutes = 3 trees, then for 120 minutes:
12015=8 intervals of 15 minutes\frac{120}{15} = 8 \text{ intervals of 15 minutes}15120=8 intervals of 15 minutes
So, 8 intervals of 3 trees = 8×3=248 \times 3 = 248×3=24 trees.
Second Row Information:
The second row already has 9 trees.
To match the first row (24 trees), the gardener needs to plant 24−9=1524 - 9 = 1524−9=15 more trees.
Calculate Time Needed:
Since it takes 15 minutes to plant 3 trees, we need:
153=5 minutes per tree\frac{15}{3} = 5 \text{ minutes per tree}315=5 minutes per tree
For 15 trees, it will take 15×5=7515 \times 5 = 7515×5=75 minutes.
Answer: 75 minutes
Matchstick Pattern Question
Observing the Pattern:
Term 1: 6 matchsticks
Term 2: 11 matchsticks
Term 3: 16 matchsticks
Finding the Pattern Rule:
The difference between terms is 5 matchsticks.
This suggests a linear pattern, with each term adding 5 more matchsticks.
Calculate Term 8:
Term 1 has 6 matchsticks.
For each subsequent term, add 5 matchsticks:
Term 8=6+(8−1)×5=6+35=41 matchsticks\text{Term 8} = 6 + (8 - 1) \times 5 = 6 + 35 = 41 \text{ matchsticks}Term 8=6+(8−1)×5=6+35=41 matchsticks
How Many More Matchsticks Are Needed?
You currently have 20 matchsticks.
To reach 41 matchsticks, you need 41−20=2141 - 20 = 2141−20=21 more matchsticks.
Answer: 21 more matchsticks