It’s been a fun and busy first full week back for our students and staff.

We continue to find our new rhythm and the children seem to be settling well into their new classrooms and routines.

 

It was great to see so many parents at our first assembly last Monday. For those who will join us in the future, please note that assemblies now begin at 2:45pm every Monday. 

To help with foot traffic, we will open the church gate early on Mondays at 2:40 so that parents attending assemblies can enter from this gate and not the school office. The office gets very crowded and becomes a potential OH&S issue when exits are not clear.

The other gates will continue to open at 3pm.

Last week, we also shared news that KingWill, the lunch providers we use on Wednesdays have updated their ordering system after difficulties with the previous app.

You can find out more on our website.

Mr Freeman is preparing to build our second gaga pit.  If any parent is available next Friday at 11:30am to help him, I know our students would be ever so grateful!

Our School Advisory Council is looking for new members to join us this year. We had 3 parents leave at the end f last year as their children finished their primary schooling. The Council’s role is to advise the principal on various matters including funding, fee setting, capital projects, fundraising and other things. You can read more about it here.

If you are interested or would like to chat about it, please contact me.

This year we have a student who would benefit from being able to park near the school gate to reduce his walk to and from the school yard each day. The school has applied to Hobsons Bay Council for a disabled parking spot to be added outside our school gates in Sargood St to help with this. As per the Hobsons Bay Council’s protocols, we need to ensure the community is aware of these proposed changes. We are sure our community will understand and be supportive of this measure. If you have any concerns about this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I’m excited to share some happy community news with you all.

Last weekend, baby Harlen, (Scarlet and Owen’s brother) underwent a successful liver transplant. He is already thriving and getting better every day.

Mrs Hamilton’s first-ever grandchild was born on Tuesday. Welcome to the world, baby Leila! May you always be a blessing to your family. 

On that adorable note, have a wonderful weekend,

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 

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Our students have returned for another exciting year, embracing the thrill of learning. As we settle back into the rhythm of school life, it is fantastic to witness the genuine enthusiasm radiating from each classroom.

 

St Mary’s is alive with pages turning and the contagious excitement of children exploring new books. Our new Preps and junior school have been actively engaged in new learning in the areas of reading and writing! 

               

Numbers have come to life as our students embark on new mathematical understandings. From basic operations to problem-solving, they are not only mastering concepts but also discovering the fascinating world of patterns and logic which has been demonstrated throughout the school.

                       

Our senior students have been actively engaged in deepening their understanding about the Catholic faith by creating prayers which they will share with their peers.

            

Finally, in the specialist space the students have been enjoying a range of fun activities which have included a strong focus on collaboration, communication, reflection and team building. 

I also extend our gratitude to our passionate teachers who are embracing their new students and fostering an environment where curiosity thrives and the joy of learning becomes a daily experience.

As we embark on this new year, we eagerly anticipate the growth, discovery, and achievements that will unfold throughout this school year.

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Our long standing tradition of running Fun and Fitness will continue in 2025!

Fun & Fitness sessions will be run by me every Wednesday morning from 8 - 8.30am on the basketball court beginning on Wednesday 12th February. Sessions are open to all children from Prep - Year 6.
Parents and siblings are also welcome to attend and join in the fun but there is no obligation to stay.

House points are given to those who attend.

During the sessions, 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 me via the school office, send me an email (mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au) or catch me in the yard before or afterschool on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

Regards
Marg
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Wellbeing leaders Gracie-Ella and Chloe have been especially busy this week preparing for our Kindness and Happiness Day celebrations. They have made sunflowers for each class and each student will write or draw how they grow kindness at St Marys.

Each family will also be given some sunflower seeds to take home and grow, to spread happiness and kindness at home.

Please have a chat with your children about how they can be kind to others and spread some happiness around.  Ask them what they did during the day to show kindness to others and also what kindness they received. 

We will celebrate on Friday 16th of February when students will be asked to wear a Splash of Yellow with their uniform and to share their acts of kindness with the school community.  

In the words of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop "Find happiness in making others happy."

We look forward to “Growing in Kindness and Happiness with you all”. 

Regards

Stephanie Murdoch

Wellbeing Leader

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Happiness isn't a solo pursuit, we need each other! So when our world feels more divided, let's spread more friendship and togetherness.

The Action for Happiness Friendly February calendar is full of great ways to connect with people and be a good friend. Please share it with others too.
Vanessa King has some great advice about being friendly.  Click here to view her short video.

On the 16th February we will be having our Happiness and Kindness Day (aka Yellow Day).  We will send some more information about that next week but in the meantime we ask that you chat with your children about ways that they can show kindness to others and engage in some of the Friendly February activities.

Have a great weekend
Steph Murdoch
Wellbeing Leader

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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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There are information sessions for our Before and After School care program on the 13th and 15th Feb - book now  Information Session link click here

For more information on Camp Australia click here

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As mentioned in an eNews notification at the end of 2023, our school has invited the CAMHS and Schools: Early Action (CASEA) Program to be part of the school community for 2024. 

 

This is an early intervention program for children (Prep to Grade 3) who present with challenging behaviours, including school refusal, emotional regulation and anxiety etc.

The CASEA Program offers a behavioural screen for all Prep to Grade 3 children.  All Prep to Grade 3 parents should now have received information and questionaires from the Royal Children’s Hospital regarding the CASEA program. 

We ask that you complete the short questionnaire and consent form and return both to your child’s class teacher by next Tuesday 6th February. 

A little more about the program...

The program will run at St Mary’s Primary School in Terms 1 and 2 on Tuesdays. Its aim is to promote: prosocial behaviour, positive self-esteem, social skills, problem-solving skills and assertiveness.

The CASEA Team will conduct small family groups and child groups on Tuesdays for approximately 8 students/families who would benefit from some extra assistance and social strategies. 

During Term 2, teachers will conduct CASEA classroom activities that focus on teaching students interpersonal, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. The CASEA Activities will be fun, practical, hands-on and child-focused. The children are taught in constructive and engaging ways to improve their capacity to regulate their behaviours and act appropriately, improve social relationships with others and develop their social problem-solving skills.

This program will be run by Declan Bourke and Aavi Desai (Psychologists), along with a Provisional Psychologist, all from the Royal Children’s Hospital. Two staff members from St. Mary’s will co-facilitate these sessions.  

We are very excited to be working with people with such great expertise in this area.

If you have any questions about the program or you have not received your paperwork, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Marg Masseni - mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au
or Cathy Sims - csims@smaltona.catholic.edu.au 

Thank you in advance for your support of this program.
Regards

Marg & Cathy

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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