Dear families,

How lovely it was to see so many visitors celebrating Father’s Day with us today.  Our Preps led a wonderful, heartfelt Paraliturgy and of course stole the show. Our dads and grandads, not to mention the children, loved their classroom visits.  

We cannot underestimate the importance of influence that you all have in the lives of the children and are so glad that you were able to join us and them today.

As Sonia mentioned in last week’s eNews, we have begun talks with Tash from Package Landscapes Australia about our sensory garden. We will begin the process of consulting with our students next week but would also love to hear from the adults in our community.  If you have any ideas about what the space could look like, perhaps photos from other Sensory Gardens you’ve seen or simply from doing a Google search, we’d love to hear from you.  Please email your ideas to me (mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au) or arrange a time for a catch up. We have earmarked the ‘mound’ surrounded by the paths to the oval, between the senior playground and bike shed. The space is already empty, we can utilise the trees already there and it provides enough space to be able to create distinct areas our students can use.

Next Friday 8th September, we will celebrate Footy Fun Day. Students are encouraged to wear their footy colours and bring a gold coin donation. We will have face painting on the netball court before school from 8.15am for 50 cents per child or $1 for a family.  Please note that while our face paints are labelled as being safe for use on children, in the past a couple of students have had a mild reaction to them. (a red mark was left on their skin for a couple of days) If your child has sensitive skin or you are concerned that they may react to the face paint, please do not allow them to be painted. If you are concerned that your child may present for face painting without your knowledge and you do not want them painted, please email me by the end of Thursday.

Representatives from the Western Bulldogs and students from MSJ will come and run activities with our students under the supervision of their teachers and ours and we will begin the day with our Club Song singing and trivia in the hall. 

Lunch will be served to those who have ordered. Remember Monday 4th September is the last day for orders. Students not ordering should provide their own lunch. There will be NO CANTEEN on this day. 

Our video footage, put together by Ryan Riccardi, capturing the journey of our tram to our school last month, is now available for viewing on the school website. If you haven’t taken a look already, do yourself a favour! It can be viewed on the homepage.  

You would have received your email from us regarding the School Improvement Survey. Thank you to the five families who have already given us their feedback.  We would love to see many more responses so that we can hear your voice and include your feedback in our future planning.  

It is not long now to the school holidays and excitement is starting to build (and that’s just the teachers).  Of course we have lots of learning and teaching to do in the next two weeks and need the focus of the children.  Please have a chat with your kids about how they will live out our values of RESPECT, RESILIENCE, RESPONSIBILITY and COURAGE in the coming weeks especially, as while we have some special events on the calendar and excitement will run high, our main focus is on their learning.

On the last day of school the JSC will be hosting a Casual Clothes Day / Pyjama Day.  No donation is required. It’s just a fun day to celebrate the hard work that the children and staff have put in this term.  

As of Monday 4th September and through to the end of April 2024, students are required to wear a School Hat when outside.  Please ensure that your child has a hat to wear. They can be purchased from Noone’s Uniform suppliers.

To finish I would like to wish all the dads and grandads as well as the significant male role models in the lives of our children, a very Happy Father’s Day.  You are so important in their lives and deserve to be celebrated and spoiled. Enjoy your special day. 

Have a great weekend.

Regards

Marg Masseni

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Just a reminder that hats must be worn through until the end of April 2024.

Hats should be school legionnaire style or broad brimmed in keeping with our sun smart policy.

 Please ensure that your children have the correct hat to wear.....NO HAT, NO PLAY.

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In recent weeks we have sent articles about the upcoming School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS).  The survey portal will open on Monday 28th August and remain open until the 15th September.
You will receive a letter via email which will include a pin number unique to you and instructions about how to access the survey. All reponses are anonymous.


Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school. 

We hope that as many of you as possible will complete the survey.

If you have questions about the survey, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Regards
Marg Masseni

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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The final CyberSafety Project webinar for 2024 is on Tues 17th Oct 7.30 - 8.30pm.  It is titled Digital Balance and Wellbeing.  Digital wellbeing is mindful and authentic engagement with the digital environment that balances the physical, mental, and social well-being of yourself and others.

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Do you show yourself the same kindness as others? Many of us find this hard. Yet when we treat ourselves as deserving of love, everything goes better. For us and those around us too. The Action for Happiness Self-Care September calendar is full of great ideas around caring for ourselves. Please share it with others.
I'm sure everyone needs it at times.

For further information, please also check out the Action for Happiness website

Start straight away...What will you do to take care of yourself this weekend?

Regards
Marg Masseni
Wellbeing Leader

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                  Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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On Monday, our Environmental Leaders Isobel and Leila along with some staff, 3-6 students and parents participated in our tree planting day as part of the 'More Trees for a Cooler Greener West' initiative by Environment Victoria. We had perfect weather for the occasion and would like to thank everyone who helped out, including Tony Grima, staff at Environment Education Victoria for donating the seedlings and equipment, as well as, Hobsons Bay City Council for donating the mulch. 

We can't wait to see them grow.

Check out our photo gallery below.


Brenda Lycke
blycke@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

                    

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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This year the Walkathon will take place Friday the 27th October
The P&F team are seeking major sponsoship this year, should families, workplaces or local businesses wish to donate big-ticket items or monetary donations towards our event. 

Email enquiries to parentsfriends@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

Many thanks in advance,
St. Mary's P&F Commitee

 

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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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