Newsletter, Week 10, Term 3, #5

Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Students,

As we conclude another successful term at St Mary’s, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to all members of our school community. Term 3 has been a period of growth, achievement, and collaboration. We are, and we are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work displayed by our staff, students, and parents.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our parents for their continuous support and engagement in our school activities. Your involvement is a cornerstone of our school's success, and we appreciate the trust and partnership you extend to us.

This term, we had some remarkable events and achievements that deserve recognition. Congratulations to all our junior students who participated in MiniAthletics and are now preparing to compete in Bendigo and our secondary students who competed in the Athletics and now preparing for the next level. Your hard work and determination have paid off, and we wish you the best of luck in your upcoming competitions.

Our Year 7 and 8 students had a fascinating introduction to the medical field through the MiniMAD program, while our Year 1 and 2 students enjoyed the enlightening experience of the Teddy Bear's Hospital. We are grateful to Monash University for providing these enriching opportunities. This week we were able to have Catholic Care come and speak to all of the students. CatholicCare is an inclusive organisation committed to helping everyone in need across the community regardless of religion, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or disability. Being responsive to local needs is at the heart of what they do.

Additionally, our school was proudly represented at the Early Year's Expo, where Miss Zappia, Mrs. Baldock, and our School Captains, Carla and Chanel, showcased the excellence of our school. 

As we look forward to Term 4, please be aware of some important changes related to gate entry and exit points. Our major building project has reached completion, and we will be returning to our original bus stop location on Nicholls Street. Access to the side gate on Watkins Street will be reopened, and students will be expected to use the designated crossing at all times for their safety.

Additionally, a reminder that our hat policy will be strictly enforced in Term 4. All students must wear their hats when outdoors. If you need to purchase another hat, please do not hesitate to contact our uniform shop for assistance.

Also do not forget about Daylight savings when school resumes on Monday 2nd of October.

Once again, thank you to our exceptional school community for your hard work, dedication, and support throughout Term 3. We look forward to an exciting and productive Term 4 ahead.

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break.

Warm regards,

Maryanne Leslie

Religion

Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson

On Tuesday 5th September students participated in Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson online. In 2023, the theme for these lessons was consent! Children will learn how to seek, give and deny permission via age appropriate online lessons and resources.

Catholic Care Victoria

On Tuesday September 12th, we welcomed a guest speaker Kalma Rathouski from Catholic Care Victoria to speak to students about Human Dignity and Catholic Social Teachings through the use of scripture and examples of how their organisation assists and helps people in the community.

SWPBS

The SWPBS focus for this week is to respect everyone’s personal space.

Primary

Foundation

We finished off another term by celebrating our Prep Tea last Thursday. Although we didn't get to walk to the park for a play, everyone still had a great time playing at school, planting seeds before we enjoyed our dinner together and finished off the night with a few rounds of BINGO with our parents. 

We hope everyone has a enjoyable holiday break and we look forward to seeing you all next term. 

Year 1/2

What a busy and exciting term it has been! Last Friday the Year 1/2 students thoroughly enjoyed the Teddy Bears Hospital session run by the Monash Medical students. 

Next term, we are looking forward to our Year 1/2 Sleepover on Thursday October 19th. More information will be shared earlier in Term 4.

We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday break and we look forward to finishing off the year with lots more learning and fun to be had in Term 4. 

Year 3/4

What a full Term three it has been! We are finishing off with examples of excellent writing of Information reports. The students have written about their role model and have just completed a report about an interesting or favorite animal. We are impressed with the efforts and willingness to try and improve their work.

Many thanks to those students who donated items that they no longer needed or wanted. Our second hand stall was very successful raising $75.00 to go to the local St Vincent de Pauls.

We are very proud of our Year 3/4’s for coming together and developing rules around playing touch football at St Mary’s. As a group we discussed how the game could be played so that it is fair and keeps everyone safe. Well done!

Just a reminder that it is still an expectation that our students read at home every night. They have been given a reading diary to be filled to be signed each time they read. Reading is like any other skill that improves with practice.

Year 5/6

What a busy term we have had. We kicked the term off with NAIDOC celebrations learning about our First Nations People and the importance of connection to country. 

Lightening Prems were held in Red Cliff and students participated in soccer, netball and football. Our students and staff enjoyed our Melbourne camp visiting Science Works, Aquarium, MCG, The Zoo as well as many other many interesting places. Later in the term we celebrated Science week and enoyed the science fair.

A friendly reminder that student are required to wear their school hats next term. School hats can be purchased from the uniform shop.

Secondary

Here we are at the end of another term - it's hard to believe that we only have more term to go. This term has been busy with lots of learning, excursions and whole school events. We hope all Year 7/8 students enjoy the holidays and come back refreshed for Term 4 and our Warrnambool Camp in Week 3.