Newsletter Term 1, Week 10 2025
Tuesday 22 April- Students return for Term 2
Tuesday 22-Thursday 24 April- Senior Camp to Phillip Island
Dear Families,
It has been a very busy and exciting fortnight as we wrap up what has been a wonderful Term 1 at St Margaret Mary’s.
A huge congratulations to our Prep students for successfully completing their first term of school! Starting school is a big transition, but our Preps—beautifully supported by their amazing teachers Miss Kelly and Miss Ciara—have settled in so well. We’re incredibly proud of them!
We also celebrate a wonderful achievement in the Hobsons Bay 5x7 Art Competition, where St Margaret Mary’s was awarded 3rd place! Congratulations to Mrs McGuirk, our talented art teacher, and to all the students who submitted entries. 24 pieces were selected for judging, and it was great to see students dedicating their lunchtime to add finishing touches to their artworks. Well done to all involved!
Last Friday, we held one of our most successful Colour Fun Runs to date! It was the perfect day down at Edwards Reserve, where students had a blast running, getting messy with colour, and even sliming a few of our brave teachers. A huge thank you to our FSG team for organising the event, and to all our families for your incredible fundraising efforts—nearly $15,000 was raised, which will go directly toward student-based initiatives.
On Monday, we were lucky to be visited by three players from the Western Bulldogs—Ryley Sanders, Bailey Dale, and new recruit Sam Davidson. The students had the chance to ask questions and enjoy a kick-to-kick session. The players were full of praise for our school and said how much they love visiting.
On Thursday, we gathered for our Easter Liturgies, a reflective and meaningful time where each class presented part of the Holy Week story. This tradition helps our students understand the importance of Easter and reflect on the life and message of Jesus.
We also had a joyful celebration today with our Easter Bonnet Parade. It was wonderful to see all the creativity and colour on display, and the students looked fabulous in their handmade creations.
A very special thank you to our FSG once again for all the work they’ve done throughout the term, including the Colour Fun Run, the Easter Raffle, and so much more. Their commitment and energy make a huge difference for our students.
We also say farewell to Narelle Monteleone, who finishes up at St Margaret Mary’s to begin a new role at the Royal Children’s Hospital. We thank Narelle for her care and contributions to our school community and wish her every success in this important work supporting children and families.
As we head into the holidays, As we move into the Easter season—a time of hope, renewal, and compassion—we ask that you keep one of our school parents, Simone Laurie, in your thoughts and prayers. Simone, one of our Prep mums, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. We send our love and support to Simone and her family, and we wish her strength, healing, and Godspeed in her recovery
Just a few reminders for Term 2:
Students return on Tuesday 22 April
ANZAC Day public holiday – Friday 25 April
School Closure Day – Monday 28 April
School Photos – Tuesday 29 April
Please check the school calendar for all upcoming dates.
We hope you all have a safe, restful break and a very special Easter celebrating with loved ones.
Simon Devlin
Acting Principal
Farewell Narelle
Today we farewell Narelle Monteleone, who has accepted a position at the Royal Children's Hospital. We thank her for her dedication and wish her all the very best in this new role, caring for some of our most vulnerable children.
Taekwondo Champions Update 🥋
Zoe, Grace, and Maddisen have had an incredible start to the year, representing Australia and gaining valuable experience on the international Taekwondo circuit.
Zoe competed at the World Cadet Selections, advancing to the final and earning a silver medal. While she won’t be heading to Dubai at this stage, she has been selected for an Australian training camp at the AIS in Canberra and is on standby as an alternate for the World Team.
In Europe, both Zoe and Grace competed at the Belgium Open, reaching the Quarter Finals while taking on some of the world’s top fighters. They also had the opportunity to train with national teams and meet Olympic and World Champions—an unforgettable experience.
At the British Taekwondo Open in Manchester, Zoe defeated Great Britain in the Quarter Finals and narrowly lost to the World No. 7 from France in the Semi Final, earning a Bronze medal for Australia. Grace also performed exceptionally, defeating opponents from Scotland and Great Britain to face Spain in the final, where she earned a Silver medal.
Back home, all three girls are returning to training to prepare for the State Selections, National Championships, Presidents Cup, and Australian Opens later this year. Maddisen, inspired by her sisters’ success, is eager to work hard and one day represent her state and country too.
🌭Election Sausage Sizzle🌭
Hello everyone, SMM will be hosting an election day BBQ on Saturday May 3rd!
Volunteer opportunities for "Election BBQ 2025" are now open.
Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet:
To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.
Thank you for volunteering!
Simon Devlin
sdevlin@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au
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. Awards will be handed out at our next assembly in week 3 of term 2. The students who earned an award in the past week are:
Week 9
Celebrating Creativity at the 5x7 Art Prize!
We’re thrilled to share that St Margaret Mary’s Primary School has been awarded 3rd Place in this year’s 5x7 Art Prize!
The judges were once again blown away by the imagination, creativity and skill displayed in all student entries. A huge thank you to our talented art teacher, Emma McGuirk, for her dedication in guiding and inspiring our young artists.
This year’s prize was judged by Gaye Pereira-Jackson (HBAS tutor and former school art teacher) and LJAC team member Hannah Cheevers, who had the very tough task of selecting winners from such a strong field.
Congratulations to all participating schools, especially our fellow winners:
🥇 1st Place – Seaholme Primary School
🥈 2nd Place – Williamstown Primary School
🥉 3rd Place – St Margaret Mary’s Primary School Spotswood
A special thank you to Hobsons Bay City Council for sponsoring the School Section, and Atelier Art Supplies in Williamstown for generously donating the prizes.
Well done to all involved – what a wonderful celebration of student creativity!
Colour Fun Run
What an amazing day we had last Friday as the whole school made their way to Edwards Reserve for our annual Colour Fun Run!
The students had an absolute blast getting colourful, racing through the course, and even sliming a few brave teachers along the way.
Thanks to the incredible support of our families and wider community, we raised just under $15,000 – an outstanding effort that will go a long way in supporting our school.
A special shout out to Chase the Cat for his heroic efforts braving the warm weather, and of course to our amazing FSG organisers who made the day such a huge success.
Thank you to everyone who contributed – what a celebration of community, colour, and fun!
Western Bulldogs Visit St Margaret Mary’s!
We were thrilled to welcome players from the Western Bulldogs to our school on Monday afternoon!
It was a fantastic experience for our students, with some lucky ones getting the chance to enjoy a kick-to-kick session with the players. The whole school also had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about life as an AFL footballer.
A big thank you to Ryley Sanders, Bailey Dale, and new recruit Sam Davidson for taking the time to visit and inspire our students. It was a memorable afternoon for all!
Easter Bonnet Parade and Raffle
Maths Fun at SMM – Term 1 Recap!
What an amazing first term of maths learning we’ve had at SMM! A big well done to everyone for starting each morning with enthusiasm during our Number Blast sessions. Keep up the great work!
Remember, making mistakes in maths helps us learn and grow. Every time you give it a go, you strengthen your brain like a muscle!
We also have an exciting opportunity to try Maths Online, a fantastic program that helps reinforce learning by building on what students already know. If you’d like to support your child’s maths learning at home, this could be a great option. We have access to a free trial.
Everything Parents Need to Know: Info Centre | MathsOnline
Keep up the great maths learning, everyone!
Anne Ablinger
Around the Rooms
Foundation
In the past two weeks, our Prep class has been busy with lots of exciting learning! In Religion, we have been exploring the Easter story and practicing for our special liturgy on Palm Sunday. We’ve also been working hard on our math skills, focusing on writing out the numbers 7, 8, 9, and 10, and learning how to create these numbers. We’ve also practiced double numbers to help build our understanding. In reading and writing, we’ve focused on the letters m, s, t, a, and p, and have been reading and writing words independently using these sounds. We’ve also been learning all about what makes a full sentence, ensuring that we know what’s needed to make our writing complete!
On top of all our learning, we had a blast at the Colour Run excursion! The students had so much fun running around and getting covered in bright colours—it was a highlight of the week! We also had the exciting opportunity to meet and greet some of the Western Bulldogs players. The students were absolutely thrilled to meet them and even got a few things signed, making it a day to remember! It’s been a busy and fun couple of weeks in Prep!
Exciting Learning in Year 1 Green!
It has been a jam-packed fortnight in 1 Green! We had an amazing time at the Colour Run last week, where we ran, laughed, and got covered in vibrant colours. This week we met three players from the Western Bulldogs AFL team, and we also came together for the Easter Liturgy, reflecting on the true meaning of Easter. Our role in the Liturgy was sharing the story of Jesus’ resurrection, it was so much fun!
In the classroom, we’ve been busy learning about number bonds in maths, exploring nouns in literacy, and creating a ‘Healthy Living’ booklet to teach our families how to stay fit and well. What a fantastic way to end the term!
Year 2
In Grade 2, we’ve been reflecting on the themes of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. Students have explored how Jesus teaches us about kindness and positive relationships, creating ‘Kindness Suns’ for our SEL display as a reminder to spread kindness.
In Number blast sessions, we’ve been practicing forward number sequences with three-digit numbers. The students are growing more confident as they count forwards with larger numbers.
Finally, our junior classes prepared for their part in the Easter Liturgy, where they will retell the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Students have created candles, and practiced “Alleluia He is Risen” to celebrate this joyful moment.
We are proud of the students' hard work and reflections this Lenten season!
Year 3 and 4
In Faith Life Inquiry, we have been researching and creating slideshows for our Meals Around the World project, learning about different cultural foods. In Literacy, we have continued diving into Matilda, studying characters and writing descriptive paragraphs to bring them to life. In Maths, our focus has been on time, particularly learning how to read calendars and understand elapsed time.
5/6
The Year Five and Six students had the pleasure of partaking in a Leadership incursion from Unleashing Personal Potential. Aspire Higher was a full-day workshop that involved high energy, high impact training that asked all students to contribute to identifying their influences, strengths teamwork and actions. Throughout the day the students investigated the power of influence, who influences them and how they can be an influence. They set a personal goal on how they can positively influence others with their words and actions.
In the team building session, they worked in teams focusing on synergy and communication. Students had opportunities to work collaboratively to build creative towers as well as build their knowledge and capacity of A.S.P.I.R.E. to complete team challenges.
They finished the day with a battle challenge against both classes.
“ When we worked together and communicated our teams did a better job”- Sophie
“Collaborating with everyone means you get the job done.”- Xavier. S
“ Leadership is not just about being the oldest. You have to show up and show everyone the way.” Alex F
“ We learnt about leadership and how to be responsible and mature”. - Emmarose
“A good leader influences people to follow his/her by setting an example and leading by it”. - Alex S
Gratitude
Term 1 is over! This is a great time to reflect with our children/students about what we are grateful for, the support we have been given, and the learning and growth achieved so far! Encouraging and helping students to express their gratitude is an easy way to build positive connections and relationships with people in the school community. Students benefit from seeing their parents and carers model this. Students could express this verbally or spend some time to make a card over the holidays for someone who has helped them.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Term 2
Next term, our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons will support our Behaviour Curriculum and make explicit links to our Civics and Citizenship focus. Students will explore the importance of rules and how people with shared beliefs and values work together to achieve their goals, focusing on their roles, rights, and responsibilities.
Emphasis will be placed on understanding the school rules and the expected behaviours for each one. There will also be a focus on Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day, where students will explore the skill of apologising to repair relationships and reflect on the significance of these awareness days in our community. Through these lessons, students will recognise that all SMM community members have rights and responsibilities that must be respected. This is a practical way to link to our Gospel values of forgiveness, acceptance, justice, care, compassion, and inclusion when interacting with others.
Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing over the School Holidays
This linked guide provides tips and resources for parents, carers and families to support young people's mental health and wellbeing during the school holidays. This includes services to reach out to if more support is needed.
For parents and carers: Wellbeing support for students during the school holidays
The Education Department has developed well-being activities and conversation starters for parents of primary school-aged children based on the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) Program (taught through SEL last year). These are designed to help build and maintain children’s well-being. Most of them are short and require very few materials.
Kids Helpline - Counselling Service for Young People Aged 5 to 25
What it is: Kids Helpline is a national service accessible by phone (1800 55 1800) and online (web chat, email).
Free: The service is free to call, even from a mobile phone.
What it offers:
Counselling: Trained counsellors provide support and guidance on various issues.
Confidentiality: All interactions are private and confidential.
Accessibility: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in Australia.
Changes to Student’s School Routine and School Holidays!
As the school holidays approach, consider how the change in routine might affect your child. While some children embrace the flexibility, others may struggle with the disruption to their regular school schedule. This article offers some helpful tips for maintaining a healthy balance during the holidays, ensuring that your child feels settled, engaged, well-rested and ready to return to school:
Do my kids need routine in the school holidays?
Holiday Movies, YouTube and Games
Raising Children Network (The Australian Parenting Website) has a great article informing parents and carers of primary school-aged children about how children see TV, social media videos, games and movies. The key points to consider are:
TV, online videos, games and movies can affect children depending on age.
Scary images can upset younger children and worry older children.
Children might copy violence or misunderstand media messages about violence.
Sexual imagery can affect how children of all ages see themselves and their sexual development.
Raising Children Network also has a movie review page, including movies released in 2025. It provides guidance on rating, age suitability, and things to watch out for, e.g. violence, coarse language, crude humour, scary scenes, etc.
Raising Children Network Movie Reviews and Classifications
SunSmart
In Term 2, students must wear hats until the end of April. Skin protection is necessary when the UV index reaches 3 or higher. Ultraviolet radiation cannot be seen or felt, can be reflected off surfaces such as buildings, asphalt, concrete, water, sand and snow, and can pass through light clouds. It varies in intensity across the day and the year (highest from mid-August to the end of April in Victoria) and is at its peak during school hours. (Education Vic.gov)
Take protective action for your family by:
Reading this family notice
Accessing the free SunSmart App
Being a SunSmart family
Hopefully, you will have time over the holidays and Easter to connect, rest and recharge. Thanks for partnering with us to support our students’ safety and well-being, and we look forward to a calm and happy start to Term 2!
Thanks for working in positive partnership with us to support the children in our care!
Kath Novak
Student Wellbeing / MHiPS
Easter Liturgies
It was wonderful to come together as a school community on Thursday to celebrate our Easter Liturgies.
This year, each class presented a part of the Easter story—beginning with Holy Thursday and the Last Supper, through to Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday.
Our students showed great reverence and reflection as they shared the story of Jesus' final days, reminding us all of the true meaning of Easter.
A big thank you to our teachers and students for their thoughtful preparations and meaningful presentations.
We Need You!
The parish is hosting a cup of tea after Mass on Saturday, 26th April at 5:30 PM, and we're looking for your help! We already have one volunteer, but we're seeking one more friendly helper to assist Vicki in serving tea and coffee to our parishioners. If you're able to lend a hand and make the evening special for everyone, please get in touch with Simon at sdevlin@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au. Your support will be greatly appreciated!
🏃♂️🌈 Colour Fun Run – Fundraising Update 🎉
Thank You for an Incredible Colour Fun Run!
A huge thank you to all our families for your amazing support and enthusiasm during our Colour Fun Run – what a fantastic day it was! The energy, smiles, and colourful outfits made it a memorable event for everyone involved.
We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generosity and involvement, we raised almost $15,000 for our school! This is a phenomenal achievement and will make a big difference in supporting projects and resources for our students.
A very special shoutout to our FSG (Fundraising Support Group) for their organisation and hard work in bringing the day together. We’re so grateful for the time and effort put in behind the scenes.
Thank you again for being such a vibrant and supportive school community!
🏉Footy Tipping🏉
After three rounds of tipping action, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape — but it’s still anyone’s game!
Hawkspursjnr continues to lead the pack with a solid 23 points, holding off grechster, who made a big move this week thanks to a perfect round bonus. Don't Think. DO! and StaceyPM are hot on their heels with 21 points, joined by Collingwood Cal, who rounds out the top five.
There’s a tight cluster forming in the midfield, with devdoggies, NicJBell, Disi, and Team G 22 all sitting just a few points behind. A single round could easily shake things up at the top.
Looking ahead to Round 4, there's plenty of opportunity for movement with a huge weekend of footy, kicking off Thursday night with Collingwood vs. Carlton at the MCG and wrapping up Sunday with Fremantle taking on the Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
Will Hawkspursjnr hold firm at the top, or will someone leapfrog into the lead with a perfect round? Get those tips in and let the games begin!
Click the link below:
https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/2025_SMM_Footy_Tipping?p=stmm3015
$25 to be paid by round 4. Payments made via school FSG bank account, are asked to 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 to the office, labeled with your alias and titled "2025 footy tipping".
Holiday Programs
AUSKICK
Camp Australia
CAMP Australia will open on our school closure day on April the 28th Please register early to ensure a place.
Emmanuel College Latest News – 4 March 2025
Dear Families,
A Celebration of Culture and Connection
Languages Week at Emmanuel College was a vibrant and exciting celebration of culture, diversity, and the joy of language learning. Students across the school embraced the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of cultural experiences, making the week both memorable and enriching.
Year 7 students enjoyed a dynamic Project Day packed with engaging activities. They were captivated by a powerful Taiko drumming performance, raised their voices in Italian song, tested their skills in a judo training session, and laughed along with a lively Commedia dell’Arte clowning show.
The cultural excitement spilled over into lunchtime, with gelati and churros trucks drawing eager crowds and adding a delicious touch to the festivities. The week was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a true passion for languages. It was a fantastic celebration of global cultures and the joy of learning, leaving lasting memories for everyone involved.
We’re excited to invite you to visit the College and experience our vibrant community firsthand. Join one of our upcoming College events for a student-led campus tour and the opportunity to meet our Principal.
St Paul’s Campus
Thursday 1 May — 9:15am to 10:30am – Meet the Principal and College Tour
Monday 23 June — 9:15am to 10:30am – College Tour
Notre Dame Campus
Thursday 8 May — 9:15am to 10:30am – Meet the Principal and College Tour
Tuesday 17 June — 9:15am to 10:30am – College Tour
👉 To learn more and register, please visit: College Tours
Now Open: Year 7 Enrolments for 2027
Do you have a child currently in Year 5? Applications for Year 7 in 2027 are now open and will close on Friday, 15 August 2025.
Please note: Even if you have another child already attending, or enrolled for 2026, a separate application is required for your child for 2027.
Apply now via our online Application Form
For any enrolment enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Donna Grech, College Registrar – 8325 5100
📧 enrolments@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
We hope to see you at a College event soon.
Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer
