St Mary's eNews

Week 3 Term 2


Our School's App: Updat-ed

After taking on board requests from members of the community, we have decided to increase our usage of our School App - Updat-ed.  It will become the medium we use for sending quick alerts & reminders about school events and to update you, if for example the bus coming home from camp is late.
When we send an alert, your phone will ping and the message will land in the ALERTS folder.
Another feature of the app is the EVENTS folder. In it you'll find all our calendar dates. Just click on an event to save it directly into your phone's calendar. Easy!

       

Click on the images below to download Updat-ed, or visit the App Store for iphones and Google Play for Androids. Search for Updat-ed.  

      

If you already have the current app there is no need to download it again. 



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

Regards
Marg Masseni - mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au
Website Curator



Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 



School Calendar Updates!

Are you keen to note upcoming school events such as school holidays, school closure days, excursions etc so that you can plan ahead?

  Then this is information you need to read!
You will find our calendar in two places:

1. Under the 'PARENTS' tab you will find a link to our calendar in the drop down.  This calendar is 'month to a page' and events can be easily added to your digital calendar by simply clicking on them.

  

2. The 'Event Quick View Calendar' is a widget at the very bottom of the home page.  Here you will find events for the next 30 days, that can be expanded. Once again, click on any of them and you can easily add them to your own calendar.

    

Please note the information in both calendars is the same....so you only have to decide which view you like the best! 

If you have any questions please contact me.

Regards
Marg Masseni (mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au
Website Curator



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Mother's Day Celebrations

We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to all Mother's, Grandmother's and significant women in our students' lives to join us for a special Mother's Day event at St Mary's Primary School on May 10th. It promises to be a memorable morning filled with love, appreciation, and cherished moments.

Event Schedule:

8:45 - 9:25 AM:
We invite all visitors to indulge in a delicious morning tea. It will be the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some quality time with others in the community.

9:25 - 9:55 AM:
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in a special activity with their children in their classroom.

10:00 - 11:00 AM:
Join us for our Mother's Day mass, where we come together to celebrate the love and dedication of all mothers.

11:30 AM Onwards:
Following the mass, students will have the chance to visit our Mother's Day stall, where they can select thoughtful gifts to surprise and delight their mothers. Children will need to bring their money in a small wallet or purse and also being a shopping bag.  The stall will run from 11:30 - 1:30pm. 

A reminder that addtions to the reflection slides need to be made by Monday 6th May.  Please email Marg Masseni if you are having difficulties. 

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you and your family. Your presence will undoubtedly make this event even more meaningful.

An Operoo form will be sent out shortly, asking if you would be able to attend our special Mother's Day morning tea.

Warm regards,

John Hein



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Volunteers/ Donations: Mother's Day

Earlier this week we sent an Operoo note asking for helpers for the Mother's Day stall.  If you can help out for even anhour it we would be most grateful and if you can complete the form by Monday 6th May, it would be much appreciated.



There is still time to donate creations and donations.
Creations include our students getting crafty making bracelets,
bookmarks, keychains and earrings Mum would love.

Donation ideas; Blocks of Chocolate.
All donations can be dropped off at the School Office.

For any local business that wishes to donate please contact a
Committee Member or parentsfriends@smaltona.catholic.edu.au Any
donation big or small is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your generosity and support.
Special mention to creations received from Staff and students. Check
out these gorgeous bracelets made by Ava & Chloe. Thank you so much.


 


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A Week of Inquiry

This week has been a whirlwind of discovery and excitement as our students delved into their respective inquiry units with excitement and curiosity. From the youngest learners to the seasoned seniors, each grade level has embarked on a unique journey of exploration and learning.

Our prep students have embarked on a voyage into the depths of the ocean with their captivating "Under the Sea'' inquiry unit. They engaged in activities ranging from water discovery to underwater art. What's more, the anticipation for their upcoming beach excursion next week has reached a fever pitch!

  

In the junior classrooms, curiosity knows no bounds as our students explore the intricate web of life with their inquiry into "All Living Things, Big and Small." Venturing through a range of environments, they have encountered the diversity of life firsthand. From the soft touch of petal to the rough texture of bark, every sensation has sparked wonder and inquiry in their young minds.

  


Our middle school students embarked on an unforgettable journey to the zoo as part of their "I'm a Survivor" unit. Immersed in the wonders of nature, they delved into the intricacies of different habitats, gaining a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of life on Earth.

Our senior scholars had the privilege of exploring sustainability firsthand with a visit to Ceres. From upcycling to renewable energy, they immersed themselves in a world of innovative ideas aimed at preserving our planet for future generations. The experience was not only educational but also deeply inspiring, igniting a passion for environmental stewardship within each student.

As we reflect on this week of inquiry and exploration, one thing is abundantly clear: the spirit of curiosity and discovery thrives within the walls of St. Mary's. 

Regards
John Hein
Learning and Teaching Leader


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 



Join Us for the 25th Annual National Walk Safely to School Day!

We're excited to announce the 25th Annual National Walk Safely to School Day, a special event where primary school children nationwide are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. 

Taking place on May 9th, this community initiative aims to promote road safety, health, public transport, and environmental awareness.

Walking to school is not only a fun and healthy way to start your day, but it also helps reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and promotes safer streets for everyone. It's an opportunity for us to come together as a school community and make a positive impact on our environment and our own well-being.

Here's why you should participate:

  1. Stay Active: Walking is an excellent form of exercise that keeps your body and mind healthy. It's a chance to get moving and energize yourself for the school day ahead.
  2. Learn Road Safety: Walking to school helps you practice important road safety skills, such as crossing roads safely and being aware of traffic.
  3. Have Fun: Walking with friends and classmates can make the journey to school enjoyable and memorable.

Let's make this year's National Walk Safely to School Day the best one yet! Lace up your shoes, grab your backpack, and join us on May 9th as we walk together for a safer, healthier, and greener future.

See you on the footpath!


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Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge

Once again, St Mary's will be taking part in the Premier's Reading Challenge! 

In the past, children had lots of fun reading and logging as many books as they could to meet the Challenge markers.

For Prep to Grade 2's, children have to read 30 books or more before the end of the year, and Grade 3's to 6's have to read 15 or more. 

At the end of the year, each successful Challenger receives an official PRC certificate signed by the Premier, and the children who read the most books in the Junior, Middle and Senior sections will win a prize!

To register your child, or for more info, please email me at blycke@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

I need your child’s name, year level and class 

 

Thanks 

Brenda lycke

Literacy Leader

 

Happy reading!




 

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What is the NCCD?

NCCD - The National Consistent Collection of Data


Each August all schools complete the National Consistent Collection Of Data (NCCD)


For Catholic schools in Victoria, this information is used to provide funding for students who have some form of disability that prevents them from accessing the curriculum in the same way as their peers. Some of these disabilities can include hearing loss, dyslexia, trauma, ASD, ADHD etc.


These students will have a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP)  and parents will regularly meet with parents to discuss their child’s progress. These meetings are called Program Support Group meetings (PSG)


PSG meetings for this term will occur on Thursday 30 May, Friday 31 May, Monday 6 June and Wednesday 5 June.

If you are required to attend you will receive an invitation via Operoo.

The linked infographic provides additional information regarding the NCCD.

If you would like any further information please feel free to contact me.


Cathy Sims

Learning Diversity Leader

csims@smaltona.catholic.edu.au


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P&F Event for Mums of St Mary's

Only a few tickets remain to our Mums of St Mary's Bellarine Wine Tour, Saturday 1st June. It will be an intimate group [MAX 17pp] and I don't want you to miss out on all the fun so Jump on and grab them here.
 
 
 
Wine Tour details:
  • Visit Terindah Estate wine tasting.
  • Visit Scotchman’s Hill wine tasting & a 2-course gourmet lunch + glass of wine.
  • Visit Bellarine Gin Distillery tasting (18yr + venue)
  • Private bus, return transfer to Altona.
  • Complimentary water on the bus.
Event Co-ordinated by local Altona Business Gauci and Co Wine Tours.


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Community News

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.

Mount St Josephs and Emmanuel College have Open Days and Information mornings coming up. 

Click the links below to find out more. 

Westgate July Vacation Care: Holiday Program
$10 per day with CCS Rebate

Church Bulletin

Bayside Netball Club

School Holiday Special Interest Groups

OSHC Newsletter

Emmanuel College News

MSJ Open Morning

Basketball Camp

Music Lessons
Creative Music will run lessons in Term 3 - sign up now.


We would also like to thank Mancini Real Estate for their continuous support to St Mary's Altona.


             




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Your child is a natural sponge ?

Children's brains are like sponges, absorbing everything going on around them. Every little thing they soak in builds connections in their brain. Alexandra Founder of Big Life Journal has put together a very informative article about how our children are watching us and soaking up everything we do. 

 

In our current place, there's a hallway rug that often slides out of place.
 
Typically, I'm the one who ends up straightening it, but something amazing happened recently—my 7-year-old fixed the rug all by himself, without any prompt from me!
 
It really made me stop and think…
 
Our kids are always watching us, soaking up everything like little sponges.
 
Even when it seems like they're not paying attention, they're actually noticing a lot more than we might realize.
 
This is exactly why it's so important for our words to match our actions.
 
For instance, if we tell our children to “be kind to others,” we need to make sure they see us being kind to everyone we interact with, whether it's a neighbor or a waiter at a restaurant.
 
This week, I encourage you to take a step back and reflect on whether your actions are reinforcing the lessons you want to teach your children.




Regards;
Stephanie Murdoch 
Wellbeing Leader 

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District Cross Country

Today, 29 of our most dedicated students in 3-6 represented our School at the SSV District Cross Country.


Students have been training before school twice a week since the middle of term 1 in the lead up to this event. A very big well done to all of our students who competed today and a special congratulations to the 16 students who received a ribbon and will run at the Division Cross Country which will be held on the 28th of May. 



 

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