St Mary's eNews
Term 3
Reminders ... Week 1 Term 3
PSG meetings will be held in Week 1 Term 3 on the 14th and 16th July. An Operoo note with information about booking was sent in the last week of term. Bookings close on Sunday 11th July at 5pm.
As the Prep HT assembly was cancelled during the last lockdown, Prep HT and Prep S will now run an assembly together on Monday 26th July.
This week's assembly will be run by the School Captains - Charlotte, Zara, Finian and Aidan. Parents are welcome to attend but will need to be seated outside at the back of the hall.
Class teachers will be engaged in Literacy testing (BAS) this week and next.
Students in Year 1/2 will need to wear their sports uniform on Fridays this term as their Physical Education lessons will now be held on Fridays.
Year 1/2s are going on an excursion to Scienceworks on Thursday 15th July. Please ensure you have completed the permission note via Operoo.
Jump Back Up July
This month's theme is all about resilience and understanding how we can build skills that will help us to bounce back.
We can't always predict or control what life throws at us, but we can build a range of skills and nurture our resources to help us respond flexibly, effectively deal with challenges, recover more quickly and even learn and grow as a result.
Here's how you can get involved and make a difference:
- Take daily actions using the Action for Happiness calendar and app
- Go deeper & learn more by joining a local group
- Spread the word on social media #JumpBackUpJuly
Community News
Church Bulletin ~ Weekend 10th & 11th July
Melbourne Young Writers Studio
~ An exciting opportunity to build creative writing skills, explore the craft of story and experience the expert guidance of professional writing mentors in an inspiring and supportive environment.
Groups for young writers from 7-11 years and 12- 17 years.
Tuck Shop
No over the counter purchases can be made at this stage.
Click here to access our Tuck shop menu.
Introducing ~ Niamh Bannon Yr 1/2
I have been Irish dancing since I was 4 years old. I was lucky enough to win the Victorian championships and go on and represent my school in the Australians where I came third.
In recent years I started an Irish dancing school in Malaysia where we performed in front of 1000 people at a St Patrick’s Ball.
I have been lucky enough to travel most of Asia while being able to teach. The main places I taught were Vietnam and Malaysia.
Regional Cross Country
Both boys will run the 3 km course in their age groups.
Fun and Fitness is back!
If it's overly windy or raining, sessions will be run in the hall.
Parents and siblings are also welcome to attend and join in the fun but there is no obligation to stay.
We engage in a variety of games and activities suitable for all ages levels. The more the merrier ~ so come along and try it out.
For more information, contact Mrs Masseni via the school office, email her (mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au) or catch her in the yard before or afterschool.
Tuning Into Kids ~ Free Online Course
Outcomes include improved parent confidence and positive changes in parent-child relationships.
Tuning in to KidsTM is a free program for parents and carers of primary school children, delivered by Hobsons Bay City Council, Hobsons Bay UP, and Communities That Care Hobsons Bay.
The program runs online (via zoom) from 26th July - 6th Sept, from 10am-12pm weekly (7 weeks).
To book visit: https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/TuningInToKids
Brainfood at St Mary's
If our diet lacks essential nutrients, it can hurt our ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with our focus. Students who are not hungry and are hydrated perform better in the classroom, are less disruptive and have higher levels of engagement and concentration.
Incorporating a healthy snack break into our daily classroom routine is a great way to reset students’ focus as well as increase their fruit and veg intake but what are good choices for brain foods?
• All fresh fruit such as bananas, apples, berries or watermelon. These can be whole or chopped up.
• All fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, some seeds and cherry tomatoes.
• Dried fruit in small amounts (due to its concentrated sugar than can increase tooth decay).
Many berries contain flavonoid antioxidants. Research suggests that these may make the berries good food for the brain. Antioxidant-rich berries that can boost brain health include: strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and mulberries.
What about pumpkin seeds? Richer in zinc than many other seeds, pumpkin seeds supply this valuable mineral which is vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills. They’re also full of stress-busting magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan, the precursor to the good mood chemical serotonin.
Why not prepare some dried fruit snacks the night before or even make up a small selection for each day of the week, this is something your kids can help you with. Since fruit is a natural source of sugars, such an option will definitely satisfy their cravings while remaining on the healthier side. Dried apple, pineapple, and mango are usually very common among students.
Whatever you decide to send to school for brainfood, it should be:
- fruit or vegetable
- clean and mess free
- cut small and ready to eat
- preferably in a reusable container that would fit unobtrusively on a student's desk
- Fruit products (eg fruit leather, fruit roll ups, fruit bars)
- Fruit canned in syrup or jelly with artificial sweetners
- Fruit jams, jellies, pies, cakes
- Chips, vegetable pastries, cakes, quiches, breads
- All processed/ packaged snacks
Camp Australia
Camp Australia provides this service at St. Mary's.
Click here if you would like to find out more.