At the end of 2023, having received a Wellbeing Boost grant from MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools), we signed up to partner with Real Schools for the coming three years.

Have you heard of their CEO Adam Voigt? Recently you may have seen him in the media talking about his passion for education, school culture and building strong relationships in schools, amongst many other things. He is the resident Education Expert for the The Project, is often heard speaking on 3AW and is a regular print columnist for the Herald Sun. 

Adam's company, Real Schools, works with staff and families to transform student lives and teacher practice by fostering school cultures that are strong, relational and based on stakeholder trust.

Daniel Vella will be the expert facilitator from Real Schools who will lead us in our work in this space.  Daniel, an ex principal, will facilitate our Professional Development day on Monday 26th February and then return at various times throughout the year to work with staff in classrooms, giving first hand advice and opportunities for discussion around relational practice.  

Our partnership will also give us access to many resources that we can share with families and opportunities to engage in discussions about the work we are doing. 

We are very much looking forward to beginning this partnership and seeing the results. Watch this space so that you can be part of the journey we are embarking on.

Regards
Marg, Steph and Cathy
Wellbeing Team

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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The School photos have been confirmed for Wednesday 6th March!

Class, individual and family photos will be taken as well as Student Leader and JSC photos.

All students are to come to school in their academic uniform.

If students have Phys Ed/Sport on the day, they can bring their runners to change into before their class if they wish. No PE/Sport polos and shorts are to be worn on this day.  

All students will be required to remove their 'jumpers/outwear' for the photos.

Click the link to read the School Photos Ordering Information

All ordering is done online.

If you have any questions about the ordering system, please contact the school office or email me (jhein@smaltona.catholic.edu.au)

Regards

John Hein

Deputy Principal

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St. Mary’s Primary School will host our 2024 Beginning of Year Mass on February 29th at 5 pm, and we warmly invite the school community to join us for this special occasion in the church. We extend a warm invitation to our parent community to mark the commencement of an exciting year ahead.

During the mass, we will also acknowledge the commitment of our student leaders as they receive their badges for the year ahead, recognising their dedication to leadership and service.

Following the Mass, we invite you to a picnic on the school oval. This offers an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Your presence enriches the school community, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating the beginning of the school year with you.

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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We are now accepting Easter donations.

Think chocolate but also books, crafting kits, fun socks and pre-loved baskets would be so welcomed. Deliver Easter donations to your classroom or front office.

Ticket bundles coming soon.

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Friendships are good for your child’s self-esteem. When your child has close friends, your child feels like they belong. Your child’s friends care about your child, and this helps your child feel good about themselves.

 

Friendships also help children develop important life skills like getting along with other people and sorting out conflicts and problems. Children with these skills are less likely to have social and emotional difficulties later in life.

The Raising Children website is a great resource for parents to use to help support their child to navigate friendships and offers advice and support. 

Learning how to make and keep friends is an important part of growing up for children. Having friends is good for children’s confidence, wellbeing and ability to get along with others. Click here to access responses to 10 frequently asked questions about children’s friendships, on the Australian Parenting Website, raisingchildren.net.au.
 

Regards

Stephanie 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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On Tuesday some of our teachers (Jen Hall, Bridie Kennedy and Maree Nanos) attended a SMART Spelling professional development session to learn how to implement the spelling program used at St Mary’s.

At St Mary's, we have been using this program for several years. Created by Michelle Hutchinson, it is a systematic approach to spelling using letter and sound patterns. 

Students from years 1 to 6 choose their words each week, taking their practice sheet home to complete each night to help consolidate their learning. It fits in perfectly with our Little Learners Love Literacy program and the teachers are excited to get it up and running with their students. 

You can read more about the program here: https://www.smartspelling.com.au/ 

Brenda Lycke

Literacy Leader

blycke@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 

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The annual Run for the Kids is happening on Sunday the 17th of March 2024. The Run for the Kids supports the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

 

We know that the Good Friday Appeal unites many and holds a special place in the hearts of many people in our community. We are reaching out to any families who may wish to join some of the St Mary’s staff to participate in the event.

There are multiple events that you and your family can be a part of, ranging from walking to running two distances of 4.8km or 14.4km. There is even an option to volunteer! We have a number of staff joining in both of the courses.

If you are interested in joining us, you can sign up using this link to join our team. Please note that you can only join the St Mary’s team by using the link below: 

https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=50163&G=188974

 

You can also help us reach our fundraising goal by donating to the appeal via this link:

https://runforthekids.gofundraise.com.au/page/STMARYSALTONA

 

Money raised will continue to support projects in the following areas of the Royal Children’s Hospital:

• state-of-the-art equipment and technology
• patient and family centered care programs
• ground-breaking research
• fostering staff excellence through education programs, scholarships and fellowships

If you have any questions or would like some more information, you can contact Miss Sottile asottile@smaltona.catholic.edu.au or visit the Run for the Kids website https://www.runforthekids.com.au/ 

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Last week Cathy Sims (Learning Diversity), Frances Fazio (Learning Support Officer) and Brenda Lycke (Literacy Leader) completed the training for MiniLit Sage.

MiniLit Sage is a literacy intervention program designed for young children in

early years who are struggling to learn to read. The program is designed to be delivered to small groups of up to 4 children. We will run the program for 4 sessions per day - targeting a total of 16 students. 

Frances has begun assessing students and is hoping to get the groups up and running as soon as possible. If your child has been chosen for the program, we will provide you with more information before commencing.

Brenda Lycke

Literacy Leader

blycke@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 

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This year we’re asking our Dads, Grandads, Special Men of St. Mary's to assist students shop our Mother’s Day stall. Volunteers wanted Friday the 10th of May in the School Hall.
Hours required are 9-11 am.

All volunteers need a valid WWC check.

If you can help out please email parentsfriends@smaltona.catholic.edu.au
A Working With Children Check is FREE apply at https://service.vic.gov.au/services/working-with-children

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Calling out for Mother’s Day gift creations and donations.
We're looking for donations of items to sell at our Mother's Day stall.
This way 100% of proceeds can go towards our fundraising goal this year
of purchasing new and maintaining recreational and sports equipment.

Creations include our students getting crafty making multiple bracelets, bookmarks, keychains, sugar scrubs and earrings Mum would love.

Donation ideas; Chocolate, lollies, cookies, candles, hand cream, bath bombs, lip gloss and nail polish. New comfy slippers, socks, eye masks, photo frames, drink bottles.

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