Dear families,

What a big first week back it has been. Our holidays almost seem a distant memory. Regardless, I hope the break was a source of rest and enjoyment.

 

Our tram update

You may have heard the buzz around Altona yesterday, as our tram was delivered. The children were able to witness this grand event and enjoyed watching as the skilled crane drivers manoeuvred around gates, trees and cars to finally land our tram in its spot on our oval.

Look out for a feature in the upcoming Star Weekly.

Our next step is restoration, with asbestos removal first on the cards. As part of our transfer of ownership, we received a comprehensive report that outlined the materials found in our tram, so this was no surprise. That said, all the asbestos is enclosed and untouched and therefore does not present a danger to our students. Despite this, we are still choosing to have it all removed before our students play in it.

P&F

Our fundraising efforts for the remainder of the year will centre around raising funds for the tram’s restoration. To that end, please see our separate article today on how you can support the upcoming Bunnings BBQ on 29 July.

Please check your inbox for the Operoo note listing the ways in which you can help with the BBQ.

This week, our P&F welcomed its new President, Adele. We thank Adele for her offering her time for this role and also thank Jen for her inspired leadership over the last few years. Jen will continue to attend as a member of our P&F for the remainder of the year. 

You will also notice we have a new P&F feature in this week’s eNews. Adele will provide a summary after each of our meetings, letting our community know what our P&F have been up to. You can read her first report this week.

Book Week

Historically we have held a book week dress up as part of the week-long celebration every 2 years. We are eager to hear your thoughts on this as we understand that book week costuming can be a source of exasperation for parents. 

Please let us know your opinion by filling in this quick form by the end of next week (21 July). 

We will let you know the outcome with enough notice to prepare a costume for your child if you wish to do so.

Feedback sessions

Earlier this year I mentioned I’d once again host some feedback sessions with interested parties to seek some general feedback about St Mary’s and provide families an opportunity to let us know what you feel is working well and what can be improved.

Given this term is shaping up to be a busy one administratively (we will be looking at finding our new Deputy Principal for the new year as well as having to finalise staffing and budgets for 2024), I will advertise dates and times for these feedback sessions early next term. This means our newer families will also be better positioned to have a say. Look out for further information early in Term 4.

Wishing you a most restful weekend,

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 

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We know that on the same night there is scheduled a CyberSafety presentation for parents, however you can register to receive a recording of that presentation to view at a later date if you wish.

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This week members of the P&F had our July meeting. A big focus was our upcoming Bunnings BBQ and Cake Stall Fundraiser happening on Saturday the 29th of July. Please have a read of the Operoo notification that lists all the details and the ways you can support our wonderful school community.

We are hoping families can let us know what donations they are able to make
by completing the form by Monday the 17th of July. All long-life items can be
donated to the office by Friday the 22 nd and perishable items dropped off on
Friday the 28th. Thank you to Vee and Katrina for organising such a great event and to all parents and friends who can support the day.

Our next P&F meeting will be held on the 9th of August in the staff room at
7.30pm, new parents are very welcome to attend.

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Our next big fundraiser will be a Bunnings BBQ and bake sale. Come along and support our fundraising efforts.

With your help, we'll have our children playing on our vintage tram in no time!

You may also like to help out with donations or running our stall. To do so, please let us know how you can help here.

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During Term 3 we will continue to trial the QKR! app on Wednesdays.

Remember if you order food on Wednesdays that needs to be eaten with cutlery, you will need to supply your own.

Onsite tuckshop is also back on Mondays & Fridays.

Students can place their orders as done previously by writing the order on a paper bag with money included & giving it to their classroom teacher on Monday and Friday mornings.

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Congratulations to Leo, Thomas and Michaela our June Aussie of the Month winners.  Click here to see their smiling faces and to find out why they are so wonderful.

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Bayside Netball Club are still looking for some new 9 years and under players and we have information included about a new holiday program.  You can sign up for Creative Music lessons in Term 3 and also read our Parish Bulletin.

We would also like to thank Mancini Real Estate for their continuous support to St Mary's Altona.


             

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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The next CyberSafety Project webinar will be held on Wednesday 26th July and is titled Gaming and your family.

Gaming today is social. It’s where young people go to play, connect and communicate with their friends.

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