Newsletter, W3, T3, 2025

Principal's Report

Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome to our first newsletter for term 3. We’ve had a very productive beginning to the term and have lots to share with you!

The school has now received the 2025 NAPLAN individual student reports. If you have a student in Year 3, 5 or 7 these are available from your child’s classroom teacher. Please be aware that the reports will not be mailed home, given to students or distributed by the office. To collect a NAPLAN report parents/carers should come to school and collect them from the classroom or homeroom teacher.

In week one we celebrated NAIDOC week. Being involved in a variety of activities celebrating Australian Aboriginal community and culture was a wonderful way to begin the term. A special mention goes to Matthew Chilly, who conducted traditional Aboriginal craft workshops with our students and shared some of his rich Aboriginal heritage with our students. Thanks to Maryanne Leslie for making arrangements for Matthew to come to our school and to the organising committee, Jess Baldock, Des Lowry, Will Lowry & Sophie Westland, for their work preparing for the celebrations to ensure the week was a success.

Over the past three weeks, our students have participated in a number of sporting events including the Regional Soccer finals in Eucha/Moama. This is the first time we have participated in this competition and we are very proud of our Year 7/8 team of boys who achieved two wins out of their four games. Well done boys! Thanks to Aiden Davies & Charlie Ford for their coaching prowess and to Ash Roper for supporting them on the day. This was followed by the Year 5/6 Sunraysia South Lightning Premierships in Red Cliffs. At this competition our students played netball, AFL and soccer. Our netball A and AFL teams both won their divisions, qualifying for the regional finals in Swan Hill in the coming weeks. Well done! Congratulations to everyone who participated on the day, you have done your school proud! Particular thanks to Jane Aikman and Chris Costantino for coaching the netball and AFL teams, respectively. Their time and effort is appreciated and it obviously paid off! Thanks also to the entire Year 5/6  team and Tehan Kelleher who supervised the day. Last week our Year 7/8 AFL team competed in the Regional finals in Swan Hill. The team also included students from Robinvale College and they won two of their four games. This was a great effort by all the boys! Thanks to Charlie Ford coaching the team and to Ash Roper for once again supporting our students. Special mention to Des Lowry, our PE Leader, who works hard behind the scenes to organise all these events, ensuring our students have every opportunity to participate in such a wide variety of sports and experiences. In addition to entering the events, organising them and teaching the skills needed during PE lessons he often puts in many additional hours driving the students to and from the various events.

Our annual whole school Athletics Carnival, scheduled for Wednesday 27th August, is fast approaching. For the Carnival to go ahead we need parent helpers. Please let Des know asap if you are available to assist, without your help the day cannot proceed!

This week we have celebrated Science Week. We had a fantastic time celebrating Science Week, kicking off with the Mad About Science Show. It was wonderful to host Euston Public School and Robinvale College for the event. A huge thank you to our Science Team, especially Lydia Kamau and Ash Roper, for coordinating the week and supporting the Year 7 & 8 students with their projects. Our students did a brilliant job explaining their investigations, and we’re so grateful to the families who came along to support them. Well done, everyone!

We have also had the Scholastic Book Fair onsite throughout the week. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to purchase books and other items while raising money for the school to use to buy resources and books for our school library. In total, a whopping $1600 worth of books will come straight back into our library! Thank you to Carly Sidorow for her dedication in organising this event and to the staff who chipped in to help her. A particular thanks to you, our families, who supported the Book Fair by allowing your children to purchase items.

In the midst of all this our amazing Prep children celebrated their first 100 Days of School. Please find the Prep report further down in this newsletter to read all the exciting details.

On Friday 1st August several of our Year 3 students celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to these students and their families on their preparation for and the celebration of this very special occasion and important step in their lifelong faith journey. 

Kind regards, 

Andrea Welsh

Parish News

School TV

In this edition of SchoolTV - Cyber Safety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access –– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Cyber Safety edition of SchoolTV
https://smrobinvale.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/cybersafety-au

SWPBS Awards

Primary News

Foundation

It’s been a busy and exciting start to Term 3 in the Prep rooms! Here’s a look at some of the wonderful learning and activities we’ve been enjoying:

• InitiaLit:
  We have now begun learning about digraphs – when two letters make one sound (like ck, ll, ss, ff). This is a big step in building both our reading and writing skills.
  
  
• Reading Reminders:
  A friendly reminder that reader swap days are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please also continue practising the Tricky Words at home – these are essential for helping students become confident in reading and writing.
  
  
• Mathematics:
  In Maths, we’ve been exploring subtraction and addition to 20 as well as learning about the importance of sequencing.
  
  
• Special Events & Activities:
  
  
• We attended our term Mass at church
  
  
• We had a fantastic time at the Science Show and loved visiting the Secondary Science Fair
  
  
• The Book Fair was a big hit! We enjoyed exploring the books available for purchase.
  
  
• 100 Days Smarter Celebration:
  Last Friday, we celebrated being '100 Days Smarter'! Students received a certificate and a little treat (a packet of Smarties!). During the day, we wrote about what we would and would not want 100 of, and reflected on everything we’ve learned, achieved, as well as what we felt proud of since starting school.

Teddy Bear Hospital 

Don’t forget to bring a teddy bear or soft toy on Monday for our Teddy Bear Hospital visit.

Year 1/2

It’s hard to believe how quickly the term is progressing already. We've had a very exciting and eventful week, with highlights including the Book Fair, Science Week, and a visit to the church for our term Mass.

In the classroom, students continue to build their literacy skills through the InitiaLit program. In Maths, we are learning to divide numbers and shapes into halves, quarters, and eighths, while in Humanities, our focus is on exploring family trees.

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind families of the importance of home reading. Please continue to encourage your child to read regularly and ensure their reader diaries are signed and returned as per your class teacher’s established routine.

Congratulations to 1/2SW for their amazing performance at assembly today!

Year 3/4

We have a busy and exciting term 3 planned for our Year 3/4 students.

In Writing, we’re focusing on information reports and are excited to be creating our very own Year 3/4 St Mary’s Newspaper, showcasing the history of Robinvale. In Humanities, we are exploring Geography—learning about the area around us and how to read and interpret maps. Our Science unit, Beneath Our Feet, has us investigating different types of soil and rocks.
In Religion, we’re exploring the theme of Respect, and in Health, we are learning about stress management and how to manage change.

So far this term we ahve enjoyed Science Week and Book Week and we're looking forward to Feast of Assumption, Athletics Day, Fathers Day, R U OK Day? and Languages Day.

A gentle reminder to please encourage your child to read for at least 10 minutes each night. Homework is sent home on Monday and is due back the following Monday. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of learning.

We are excited to continue our wonderful term of learning and growth!

Year 5/6

Welcome back for term 3! 

We have certainly hit the ground running in Year 5/6, with an action packed start to the term.  Here's a look back at some of the highlights from Weeks 1, 2, and 3:

Week 1

We began the term by travelling to Red Cliffs to compete in the Lightning Premierships, with students participating in either football, netball or soccer. A fantastic day all round and a huge congratulations to the football and netball teams, who were successful in making it through to the next stage of competition in Swan Hill later this term.

A huge thank you to all staff who attended, as well as our volunteer coaches Chris and Jane for their support and expertise!

Week 2 

Unfortunately, our Melbourne camp had to be postponed, which was understandably disappointing. However, we are incredibly proud of the way students conducted themselves throughout the week at school.

We’re now looking forward to attending camp later in the year, from Monday 27th to Thursday 30th October. Please keep an eye out for more information when it is sent home in the coming weeks.

Week 3

A jam-packed week in Year 5/6! Students attended the Book Fair, celebrated Science Week with the Mad About Science show and our very own Science Fair. We also enjoyed our term Mass at the church and there are still plenty of exciting activities to look forward to as Term 3 progresses!

In the classroom, students have begun learning about states of matter in Science, Geography and Humanities and we are exploring the concept of 'Promise" in Religion.

 There is certainly lots of excellent learning happening across all areas!

Please note that homework has again started with new tasks being sent home at the start of week 3. As always, homework is due back at school each Friday. Please ensure that your child is completing their nightly reading at home as well. 

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. We’re looking forward to a busy and fun-filled Term 3 ahead!

Secondary News

Year 7/8 Homeroom

Wow – what a fantastic and busy start to Term 3!

In just three weeks, our students have embraced a wide range of learning experiences and community events. We kicked off the term with the Soccer and Football competitions, where our Year 7 and 8 students displayed outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship—well done to all involved!

We were also excited to announce the winners of the 2025 St Mary’s Kitchen Rules:

• Year 7: Fiona Phakanham and Chloe-Lee Jackson

• Year 8: Jimmy Healy and Vincent Lamattina

Congratulations to these talented young chefs!

Our Student Leadership Team proudly represented St Mary’s during their visit to the Robinvale Hostel, where they shared a wonderful morning playing bingo with the residents—a beautiful act of service and connection that brought smiles to all involved.

This week, we launched our Science Week celebrations with the exciting Mad About Science show, welcoming students from Euston Public School and Robinvale College. It was a fantastic Prep–Year 8 event full of curiosity, laughter, and learning.

Thank you to all staff and students for your ongoing enthusiasm and involvement in your learning!

What we're learning in Year 7/8 

English

• Year 7: Students are developing their fiction reading and creative writing skills, with a focus on sentence structure, fragments, and subordinate clauses.
  
• Year 8:  Through the study of Frankenstein, students are analysing Gothic conventions and plot development as part of their exploration of Gothic Fiction.
  
  

Mathematics

• Year 7: Building on their algebra knowledge, students are now solving equations using symbols and flowcharts, and linking this to real-world careers.
  
• Year 8: Students are investigating statistics, with a focus on expected and experimental probability and complementary events.
  
  

Science

Students across both year levels spent the first weeks of the term busily preparing for the Science Fair, themed 'Decoding the Universe'.

• Year 7: Student's have been investigating mixtures and solutions
• Year 8: Student's have been exploring elements and compounds.
  
  

Religious Education

• Year 7: We have been reflecting on life’s big questions in the unit titled 'The Meaning of Life'.
  
• Year 8: Students have been learning how to build a better society through justice, compassion, and reconciliation.
  
  

Health & PE

Students across both  year levels are preparing for athletics, practising Discus and Shot Putt.

• Year 7:  Students have been focusing on respectful relationships, communication, and setting personal boundaries.
  
• Year 8: Studnts have been exploring digital footprints and staying safe online.
  
  

Humanities

• Year 7: We have been investigating what makes a place liveable across different Australian regions.
• Year 8: Students have been investigating urbanisation—its causes, benefits, and challenges.
  
  

Languages

• Year 7 French: We have been learning masculine and feminine nouns, intensifiers, and new adjectives.
  
• Year 8 Spanish: Studnts are studying food, ordering in restaurants, and expressing wants and compliments.
  
  

Design & Technologies

Students are exploring Asian design influences, focusing on Japanese Minimalism, Chinese Feng Shui, and Indian Handicrafts. Using CAD, they have created traditional Japanese houses—some even designing entire villages!

Teddy Bear’s Hospital & Health Careers Day 2025

Date: Friday 11th August 2025 from 9am to 11am
Venue: School Gymnasium (Prep - Year 2) and Year 7&8 (Room 11 & 12)

Rotary Award -T2

Saige consistently demonstrates strong leadership both in the classroom and on the playground. She leads by example with her positive attitude, responsible choices, and respectful behaviour. Saige shows a deep commitment to her learning, always striving for excellence in her academic work.

She is a role model for her peers and proudly embodies our school values.

Congratulations, Saige, on receiving this well-deserved award!

Fundraising

Help Us Fundraise for our Ninja Obstacle Course!

We’re excited to share two fantastic fundraising opportunities currently underway:

🍩 Donut Fundraiser with Banjo’s Bakery – Treat yourself and support a great cause!
🌸 Almond Blossom Festival BBQ – We’ll be firing up the grill at the festival to keep the fundraising momentum going!

All funds raised will go towards creating an exciting Ninja Obstacle Course for our students.

We’re calling on our amazing school community to lend a hand at the Almond Blossom Festival BBQ. Whether you can spare the whole day or just an hour or two, your help would be greatly appreciated. Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way to get involved, meet other families, and make a real difference.

If you’re able to help, please contact the school office to let us know your availability.

Thank you in advance for your time and support – we truly couldn’t do this without you!

Student of the Week Awards