Thanks to the overwhelming support by our school community at our Bunnings BBQ and Cake Stall last weekend.

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Year 4 and 6 students from St Mary's participated in ACER’s Global Academic Challenge back in May this year. Our students achieved excellent results in this the second year of the Global Academic Challenge, performing remarkably well in a very high-achieving cohort.

Certificates were awarded for High Distinction with Honours, High Distinction, Distinction, Credit and Participation in the areas of Science, Mathematics and Reading. Our students managed 1 High Distinction, 1 Distinction and 2 Credits in Mathematics. In Reading, we had a Year 4 student recieve a High Distinction with Honors placing her in the top 2% of all students who sat the challenge. There were also 3 Distinctions and 1 Credit awarded to St Mary's students in this feild also. For Science, our students were awarded 1 Distinction and 2 Credit awards.

 

The Global Academic Challenge is a competition from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for students in year 4, 6 and 8 across Mathematics, Reading and Science.

 

The competition provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves with questions of an international standard, and to see how their results compare to both an international and Australian cohort.

 

ACER’s Manager of School and Early Childhood Education Services, Dr Jarrod Hingston, would like to congratulate everyone who participated.

 

‘Congratulations to every student who took part in the Global Academic Challenge in May! Students achieved excellent results and answered tough questions impressively.’

 

‘The competition was very close for each of the award levels and the top performer medallions.’ 

 

 

About ACER

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is globally renowned for its work in assessment and educational research.

ACER’s mission is to create and promote research-based knowledge, products and services that can be used to improve learning across the lifespan.

ACER has been involved in the development and administration of large-scale international surveys like PISA and brings this experience in international assessment to the Global Academic Challenge.


Once again, congratulations to all of the students who sat this most difficult and competitive challenge. Certificates will be given out at Monday 7th August 's assembly.

Yours in Education

Matthew Taylor

Learning & Teaching Leader

mtaylor@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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The P&F team proudly present the St. Mary's School Disco!

Friday 25th August
Funds raised will go towards the restoration of our tram, as well as other building upgrades throughout the school.

Dress in neon or white!

Times:
Prep to Grade 2: 5 - 6:15pm
Grade 3 to 6: 6:30 - 8pm
(Grade 3's can choose to come to either session.)

Tickets are sold at $10 each, which will include a set of glow wear for each child to collect on the day. More can also be purchased during the event.

Tickets can be purchased here 

 

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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We have many exciting activites planned for Book Week this term from August 17th to August 25th.

One activity will be a dress up day on Thursday August 24th. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. Home made costumes are cheaper, more sustainable and encouraged! 

Take a look at some examples for inspiration.

     

                        




Brenda Lycke
Literacy Leader
blycke@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

                     

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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On Tuesday our 5/6 studemts visited the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre to learn about how Mary demonstrated the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit through her words and actions. Here are a couple of reflections from students about the day:

"Mary started lots of schools and helped people find homes. She wanted to help others like Jesus did." - Charlotte 5/6C

"Mary helped women who had uncurable diseases. She started a school in Penola and showed kindness as she cared about kid's education." - Ava S 5/6LS

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Our 5/6 students had two sessions with Professor Bunsen on Thursday. The first one was about Solids, Liquids & Gases and the second about fun chemical reactions. Professor Bunsen burned and blew up lots of things. He even made “elephant toothpaste”.

Here is what some students had to say:

"Professor Bunsen said that every time we eat, we produce energy with makes heat which goes into the air, warming it up." -Thomas C

"Mr Bunsen put water on his hand which stopped his hand from burning when he lit the chemicals on fire." - Ivan 

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Our Environmental Leaders Isobel and Leila will be running a lunchtime craft session on Monday August 7th using recycled materials. See the attached flyer for materials they need. If you can help out, place your recycled items in the tub located at the front office.

Thanks for your support

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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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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