Dear families,

Welcome back to Term 4.  The students have been very settled on their return to school and we have had a wonderful week.

 

Next week we welcome Sonia back from Long Service Leave. She had a lovely trip away and also spent some time at home with her family. I’m sure she is looking forward to seeing you all as much as we are looking forward to seeing her.

This term we welcome some new staff and some returning staff.

Louise Richards is back from Parental Leave and has resumed her role in AUSLAN.  Bek Pelar, who was teaching AUSLAN for the first three terms, is now working in an Intervention role with the Preps and Year 1/2s. 

Britt Densmore will be returning one day a week this term. Britt will teach in a number of classes to release staff for planning and other duties. 

Peter Fraser and Taylah Brennan will join our Learning Support Staff team. Peter will be working in Prep B and Taylah across the 3/4 level.

Welcome everyone. 

The Parents and Friends Committee will have their next meeting in the staff room on Wednesday 11th October at 7.30pm. They are always looking for new members so if you would like to join the meeting you would be more than welcome.  There are two eNews articles from the P & F: Walkathon 27th October and Photo Sessions, that are important for you to read.
Walkathon Sponsor booklets were sent home today. Please look out for them.

Please take some time to read through the other articles in this week’s eNews as well.  There is one in particular that lists various events that are happening in Term 4. It is an important read as there are school closure days listed as well as whole school events that will require your support.

I hope the term continues in the very peaceful way that it has started and that you enjoy engaging in your child’s learning journey with us.

Regards

Marg 

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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• Last chance to get some sponsors...The Walkathon is on next Friday 27th October.

WHAT TO DO:

• Check out the amazing prizes up for grabs!
• Every $20 raised = 1 x entry to win raffle prizes

• Ask friends and family to sponsor you per lap or give a flat donation.
• Get your walking shoes on and a splash of red Friday 27 Oct - Walkathon Day and complete as many laps as possible.
• Collect your pledge money after the walkathon.
• Return funds raised in a sealed envelope along with the form to the school office by Friday 17 Nov.
• Prizes are drawn at a special assembly on Thurs 23rd Nov

Children will receive a lap card to record the number of laps. 

We're seeking sponsorship for our biggest fundraiser of the year. Should families workplaces or local businesses wish to donate towards our event email parentsfriends@smaltona.catholic.edu.au Sponsorship inc. promotional recognition.

Regards
The Parents & Friends Committee

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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We have a number of important events/activities this term that you need to have in your calendar.  Be sure to regularly check the Quick View Calendar set as a widget on our Website Homepage and also on the bottom of each week's eNews.

To give you a helping hand, here are a few of the important ones you need to be aware of.

Tues 17th & Wed 18th Oct: Year 3/4 Camp
Fri 27th Oct: Red Day for Child Safety and School Walkathon
Fri 3rd Nov: School Closure Day 
Mon 6th Nov: School Closure Day
Tues 7th Nov: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Fri 10th Nov: School Sports Day at the Altona Athletics track
Wed 15th - Fri 17th Nov: Year 5/6 Camp
Mon 20th Nov: Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program begins
Fri 1st Dec: Year 6 Big Day Out
Thurs 14th Dec: Year 6 Graduation
Fri 15th Dec: End of Year Mass and final day of Term 4

We hope eveyone has a rewarding Term 4.

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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It's everybody's favourite time of the year... The Scholastic Book Fair! This year, the Book Fair will be held in the Tri Centre.

Sales will be held from 5th October to the 11th, from 8:30 - 9am and 3 - 4pm

See you there!

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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St Mary's P&F proudly presents family photo sessions by Christina Hardcastle.
This fantastic offer is exclusive to St Mary’s families.
A great Christmas present. Spots are limited. Use the QR code to access more information and secure your booking.
Dates: Saturday 28th of October and Sunday the 5th of November.
Times: 8 am - 5 pm for 15 min family photo sessions.
Location: Cherry Lake Park, Altona.
Cost $30 per family session.

CHRISTINAHARDCASTLE.COM

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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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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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Hope is possible, even in difficult times. You can be a 'realistic optimist' this month by taking small positive steps and helping others.  The Action for Happiness, Optimistic October calendar, is full of inspiring daily ideas. Please share it with others and spread some sunshine. When the world feels uncertain, it's helpful to stay hopeful. Let's keep taking small steps forward with a sense of purpose and optimism. 

Perhaps you could try this new finding hope meditation to give yourself a lift today.

I urge you to look for the good in people around you today and to encourage your children to do the same. 

Regards
Marg Masseni
Wellbeing Leader

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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