As you would be aware, we are now accepting Easter raffle donations.

Chocolates and Easter eggs, books, crafting kits, fun socks and pre-loved baskets would all be so welcomed. You can deliver you Easter donations to your classroom or front office. Raffle books will be sent home with the eldest sibling in the family last week.  If you don't get yours, head to the office as Fiona and Katrina have spares for those who may have missed out as well as for those who would like extra books.

The raffle draw will take place on Thursday 28th March at 12:30pm.  This is the last day of school for Term 1 and students will be dismissed at 1:30pm.  Family members are welcome to come along to the raffle draw which will be held outside the hall. 

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Book Fair is back from the 7th to the 14th March! Classes will walkthrough together next week with their teachers, and parents are more than welcome to come along and look between 8:30 - 9am, and 3:00 - 4:00pm. Thank you!

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There have been a few items removed and a few price changes on our school tuck shop menu. Please see our updated menu here

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We are very aware that we have put quite a few requests out recently, but if you can see your way clear to read below and see if you can help us out that would be wonderful.
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 here



We are also 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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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Dress up Fun! Harmony Day is on Thursday the 21st of March. Students are invited to dress up in their culture's national dress or wear the colours of their countries flag. (eg. Italian - wear green, white and red.)

Harmony Day, which is held on the 21st of March every year, is widely celebrated in the community and at schools around the country. This significant day coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is a time to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusiveness, with its key message being ‘Everyone Belongs’.

On Harmony Day, students will engage their community in a variety of activities. These activities aim to teach an understanding of how all Australians equally belong to this country and enrich it, as well as promote cultural respect for all. 

We invite students to dress in the traditional dress of their family or your family's national flag colours (ie. Italian - green, white, and red) on the 21st of March. 

We look forward in learning how to appreciate our differences and similarities, promote inclusiveness and show mutual respect for everyone, regardless of race, colour, religion, or background. ‘Everyone belongs’,

 

Warm Regards;
Stephanie Murdoch
Wellbeing Leader 

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As we enter into March, please take some time to be fully present in the moment.

In light of recent events, we are reminded of the importance of spending time in the moment with our loved ones. Vanessa King from the Action of Happiness group has shared some ways we can be fully present. 

Here is a link to the Mindful March calendar.  You might like to share it with others.

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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Catholic Education Week

10–17 March 2024

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne from 10–17 March 2024.

This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day. 

The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘In the Light of Christ’.

 

Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and walk the way of the gospel to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing,
life-giving members of society.

 

There are 331 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne that educate around 114,000 students and employ more than 16,000 teachers and staff, and most will celebrate Catholic Education Week in some way.

Our school is being represented at the St Patrick's Day Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral on Friday 16th March. Mrs Riccardi and Mr Freeman will accompany the School Captains and Social Justice/Liturgy Leaders, Environmental Leaders, Choir Leaders and Wellbeing Leaders for the mass and celebrations which follow.

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You may have noticed that Camp Australia has a new face caring for our students before and after school. 
Have a read of the OHSC Newsletter and learn a bit about Connor, along with some booking info and upcoming activities. Click here to read the newsletter 

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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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