Newsletter Term 1, Week 2 2025
Tuesday 11th February- Whole School Mass 9.15am
Thursday 13th February - Opening School Picnic
Dear Families and Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 school year! It has been a wonderful beginning, filled with joy, connection, and a strong sense of community. Seeing our students and families walk through our vibrant new school entrance, ready for a fresh year of learning, growth, and discovery, has been am fantastic start.
A very warm welcome to the children and families joining St Margaret Mary’s for the first time. We are so pleased you have chosen to be part of our school, and we look forward to getting to know you and supporting your child on their learning journey. Our Tears and Tissues morning tea last Monday, was a beautiful reminder of the way our community embraces new families with open arms.
A Strong Start
There is such a positive energy in our classrooms, with students settling in and reconnecting with friends and teachers. In these early weeks, our focus is on building strong relationships—between students, staff, and families—so that every child feels known, safe, and ready to thrive.
Our Meet & Greet conversations with parents and carers have been a positive way to strengthen these connections, allowing teachers to gain valuable insights into each child’s needs, strengths, and aspirations. These conversations, alongside the transition meetings between 2024 and 2025 teachers held at the end of 2024, ensure that every student starts the year with a strong foundation of support.
2025 – A Jubilee Year for the Church & My LSL
This year is a special Jubilee Year for the global Church—a time of renewal and pilgrimage. The theme, Pilgrims of Hope, invites us to reflect on our faith and the journey we share as a community.
As part of this, I feel incredibly blessed to be embarking on a pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey later this term with fellow Western Zone MACS Principals. Over 16 days, we will follow in the footsteps of St Paul, visiting places of great historical and spiritual significance. This experience, shaped by 12 months of study on St Paul’s life and mission, will be something I look forward to sharing with our students, staff, and families upon my return.
Before this, I will be taking some long service leave from 24th February, and during this time, our school will be in the very capable hands of our Assistant Principals, Simon Devlin and Paul Smith, supported by our dedicated leadership team and staff. I will return at the start of Term 2.
2025 – SMM Commitment to Excellence in Learning
At St Margaret Mary’s, we are proud to build on of strong academic and social-emotional growth, guided by the Science of Learning. In 2025, we continue our partnership with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) through the Flourishing Learners 2030 initiative, providing expert coaching and professional development to ensure our teaching remains evidence-based and responsive to student needs.
By prioritising Literacy, Numeracy, and a rich Knowledge Curriculum in the morning, we ensure students engage with core learning when they are most focused and receptive. Our dynamic afternoon and specialist programs foster critical thinking, creativity, and essential skills, nurturing confident, lifelong learners.
SMM alongside MACS provision of a balanced, research-driven approach has led to increased student engagement, reduced school refusal, and a calmer, more predictable classroom environment. Most importantly, our students are thriving — in confidence, curiosity, and academic success.
Thank you to the families who attended our Literacy and Numeracy Information afternoon. A recording of the presentation will be shared with Parents and Guardians not able to attend. Stay tuned for the opportunity to see Middle Senior Literacy and Numeracy in action.
Literacy Leader: lmccarthy@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au
Mathematics Leader: aablinger@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Curriculum and , or Co-Deputy, Paul Smith, Teaching and Learning Leader, psmith@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au or myself.
Stay Connected
Strong partnerships between home and school make all the difference to a child’s learning journey. If you ever have questions, concerns, or simply want to chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My door is always open, and our team is here to support you.
Cheer’s to a fantastic 2025!
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 week are:
Week 1
Welcome Back!
Congratulations to our new School Captains
Our new school captains have been busy this week learning their new roles and responsibilities. We will hand out their new badges at our first school assembly, this Monday 10th at 2.45 pm.
Congratulations to our new SRC
We say congratulations to our new Student Representative Council (SRC) members. Two students are selected by their peers from each class for each semester. We look forward to working with them to include our student voice in decisions around the school. SRC badges will be presented this Monday 10th February at our flag-raising ceremony at 8.45am
Around the Rooms
Foundation
What an exciting and wonderful first week we’ve had in Prep! Our students settled in beautifully, making new friends and getting to know all the faces in the classroom and around the school. To kick off our big day, we created fun, colorful crowns to celebrate our very first day of school! We also learned some catchy new songs about the days of the week and our numbers, making learning so much fun! After learning about our numbers, we’ve been exploring patterns in Math using our bodies and colors. It’s been so much fun to create repeating patterns with clapping, stomping, and using colorful blocks to make tower patterns! Throughout the week, we’ve been exploring the school rules and practicing how to be kind, respectful, and responsible – all while having a blast! It’s been the best start to our school year, and we’re so excited for all the adventures and learning ahead!
Year 1 and 2
We’ve had a fantastic start to the year, and our students are quickly settling into their new classroom spaces. This year, we’ve created calm zones, cosy quiet reading areas, and dedicated spaces to support social-emotional learning. These areas are designed to help our students feel comfortable, engaged, and ready to grow both academically and personally. We’re excited for what’s ahead!
Our students have also revisited our school rules and values, reflecting on how they can demonstrate respect and responsibility in their actions. They’ve shared thoughtful ideas about what it looks like to follow the rules and treat one another with kindness. With such a positive start, it's shaping up to be a wonderful year ahead!
Year 3 and 4
Year 3/4s have had a smooth and positive start to the term! We began by revising expectations and establishing routines to set us up for success. Students got creative with an ‘About Me’ activity, designing app tiles on a phone template to showcase a bit about their interests. Everyone demonstrated their writing skills by completing a narrative writing sample using a prompt about the mystery of a missing trophy. The Year 3s were especially excited to set up and learn how to use their Chromebooks.
Year 5 and 6
Year 5 and 6 hit the ground running for their first week back! Students reviewed the schools routines and expectations ensuring they knew the correct way to line up, enter the classroom and how to follow their morning and afternoon routines. Students have been practicing and ensuring they model the correct actions for the younger grades. 5/6 Lime got straight to work reflecting on the school values (Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence). They nominated their own ‘word of the year’ and how they can live by this at school. We are excited for the year ahead!
Welcome to the 2025 School Year!
Foundation/Prep Students
Welcome to our Prep students! Starting school is a significant milestone, and we’ve worked to ensure our youngest learners feel supported and confident. Through close collaboration with local preschools and orientation sessions, students have had the opportunity to explore their new environment and ease into school life—especially in this hot weather.
Each Prep student has been paired with a Grade 5/6 buddy, and our senior students have done an outstanding job helping them settle in, build friendships, and navigate the playground. Research shows that transition strategies like pre-visits, gradual schedules, and buddy systems help reduce anxiety and foster a sense of belonging. Our preps are off to a fantastic start!
Senior Students
Our Grade 5/6 students are stepping into leadership roles, developing decision-making skills, and fostering teamwork. Being a ‘big buddy’ provides valuable opportunities to practice empathy, compassion, and responsibility while guiding younger students.
As they approach their final years of primary school, students are encouraged to take greater responsibility for their learning, seek help when needed, and become independent in their work habits—key skills for success in secondary school and beyond.
Student Wellbeing & Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)
As the Student Wellbeing Leader and MHiPS Program Leader, I work closely with parents and teachers to support students' emotional, social, and mental well-being. Research confirms that students thrive academically when they feel emotionally secure. At SMM, we focus on building resilience, emotional regulation, and positive connections—vital for academic success and life satisfaction.
If you have any concerns about your child’s well-being, please feel free to reach out.
Children’s Wellbeing Continuum
Source: 2022 Murdoch Children’s Research institute
The Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Melbourne University Graduate School of Education developed the MHiPS project to help schools support students’ mental health. Schools are an ideal setting to promote children’s mental well-being, identify early signs of concern, and facilitate referrals to community-based mental health services.
At SMM, we use the Children’s Wellbeing Continuum, an evidence-based tool that guides conversations about student well-being. This tool is incorporated into our ‘Meet and Greets’ and provides a snapshot of a child’s social and emotional development. A mid-year review will ensure that students continue to receive the support they need.
Partnership with Catholic Care & Welcome to Lisa!
Each year, we partner with Catholic Care to provide a provisional counsellor. This year, Lisa joins us one day per week. Due to high demand for allied health professionals, her caseload is currently at capacity.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
At SMM, SEL is an integral part of the curriculum, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum: Personal and Social Capabilities. Our lessons focus on:
Self-awareness & self-management
Social awareness & responsible decision-making
Emotional well-being & engagement in learning
Fostering a positive school environment
Our well-being approach is also embedded within the SMM Behaviour Curriculum to ensure consistency and a structured learning environment.
Health & Safety
SunSmart Practices
With the extreme summer heat, we remind families to discuss SunSmart behaviour with their children. Hats are required every day. Students without a hat will be directed to play under shaded areas. Check out the Be a SunSmart Family resource for tips on encouraging sun protection habits.
Safer Internet Day - 11 February
In today's digital world, online safety is crucial. The eSafety Commissioner provides excellent resources for parents to help children navigate the online space safely. This term, teachers will:
Review the SMM Technology Agreement with students
Reinforce responsible digital behaviour
Continue with the Inform and Empower program on cyber safety
Teaching Focus for the First Few Weeks
During the first few weeks, all classes will focus on:
Building positive relationships (parents & teachers, students & teachers, students & students)
Establishing a supportive learning culture
Reinforcing school values (Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence - RICE)
Teaching school routines and expectations
Understanding individual student strengths
Monitoring well-being through emotions & behaviours
Engaging parents as partners in their child's learning
Beginning academic assessments & tracking progress
Values Assembly
Our first weekly Values Assembly starts next Monday. Our 2025 Wellbeing Captains, Eva and Dylan, will present value awards to recognize students who demonstrate our school values in action.
Quiet Area Initiative
In 2025, we will continue developing our quiet areas in the schoolyard, providing alternative play options based on student feedback. Once our student leaders are trained, these areas will offer activities such as:
Colouring
Board games & card games
Building & creating with blocks
These spaces help students build social skills, including sharing, taking turns, and including others.
Colouring Book Initiative
If your child enjoys colouring during play sessions, they may bring a labelled colouring book to give to their teacher. Coloured pencils will be provided.
Staff Training
SMM staff undergo extensive training to ensure student safety and well-being. This includes:
Mandatory Reporting & Child Safe Standards
Disability Standards & First Aid
Mental health & well-being strategies
These policies ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment for all students.
Parenting Resources
We encourage families to explore these evidence-based parenting programs:
Triple P Positive Parenting
Child Parenting Courses - Relationships Australia
MacKillop Family Services Parenting Workshops
ParentWorks (online program for parents of children aged 2-17)
Tuning in to Kids (University of Melbourne research-based program)
Parent Helplines & Hotlines - Raising Children Network
Working in Partnership
A strong partnership between parents and the school is vital to student well-being and success. Research shows that home-school collaboration leads to:
Improved emotional resilience
Better academic performance
Higher self-esteem
By working together, we can provide the best support for our students’ academic and personal growth. We look forward to an amazing 2025 with you!
Kath Novak
Student Wellbeing / MHiPS
First FSG Meeting for 2025
Come along to our first FSG meeting for 2025. We will be holding it in the staffroom at St Margaret Mary’s Tuesday the 18th of February from 7pm. All parents are welcome to attend. All money raised by the FSG goes back into equipment and resources for the students.
Footy Tipping is Back!
Join the SMM Footy Tipping competition for 2024. $25 entry fee with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Prizes to be determined in coming weeks.
Click the link below:
https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/2024_SMM_Footy_Tipping?p=stmm3015
2025 Classroom Teacher Information
Chess Club is back for 2025!
COME AND TRY HOCKEY
Camp Australia
Tennis Lessons
Foundation 2026 Information Evening and Tours
Know anyone looking for a great little school? Let them know about our upcoming Information Evening and school tours.
Emmanuel College News
Welcome to Emmanuel College News for 2025.
Exciting News: College Experiences & Open Evening Dates Now Available!
We are delighted to invite you to our College Experiences and Tours, with the first event of the year being our Open Evening at each campus in March.
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from our College Principal, Dr. Janine Biggin, learn about our curriculum, meet our dedicated teaching staff, participate in engaging interactive activities, and enjoy a guided tour led by our student ambassadors.
Open Evening - St Paul’s Campus
📅 Monday 17 March | ⏰ 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Open Evening - Notre Dame Campus
📅 Monday 24 March | ⏰ 4:00pm – 7:30pm
📌 Registration is essential for all College Experiences and Tours.
🔗 Secure your spot here
Year 7 2027 Enrolments Now Open!
Is your child currently in Year 5? Applications for Year 7 2027 close on Friday, 15 August 2025.
✅ Important Reminder:
Even if you already have a child attending or enrolled for Year 7 2026, you must submit a new application for your child for Year 7 2027.
Applications are now submitted online via our College website.
🔗 Apply here: Year 7 2027 Application Form
For any enrolment enquiries, please contact:
📩 Ms. Donna Grech, College Registrar
📧 enrolments@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
📞 8325 5100
We look forward to welcoming you to our College.
Yours sincerely,
Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer
Mount St. Joseph
VISIT US
Visiting our College is a great way to explore our dynamic learning spaces and experience learning in action.
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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 for one of the following Open Events by visiting our website or scan the QR code.
Open Mornings – 9:15am – 10:30am
Thursday 20 February
Thursday 13 March
Thursday 19 June
Thursday 24 July
Thursday 07 August
Thursday 4 September
Open Day – 10am – 2pm
Sunday 18 May
APPLY NOW
Students wishing to attend Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College for Year 7 in 2027 should apply in Grade 5 of their primary school education.
Applications for Year 7 in 2027 are now open. Apply online via the College website. The closing date for applications is Friday 15 August 2025.
For application to Years 8-12, there is no application closing date, but vacancies are limited and waiting lists may apply.
For all enquiries, please contact:
Sherri Collins: registrar@msj.vic.edu.au
133 Maidstone Street, Altona
(03) 8398 2000
www.msj.vic.edu.au
CLASS OF 2024 VCE RESULTS
“We are incredibly proud to announce the results of our 2024 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Vocational Major (VM) students. Each student has worked incredibly hard throughout the past two years and these results are well deserved.”
Kate Dishon – Principal
