St. Mary's eNews

Week 8 Term 2


Principal's Message: 7th June 2024

Dear families,


The weather is certainly getting colder. With this weather comes cold and flu season. We continue to have many students absent and unwell.

I ask once again, that if your child is unwell, please arrange for them to remain home until they are well.

 


Flourishing Learners


On Wednesday our staff undertook observations and coaching following the professional learning we began last term with other schools in the Western Region. The Flourishing Learners Professional Learning commenced with the establishment of routines to gain student attention (Cue to Start) as well as Entry and Exit routines. These routines help establish expectations for learning in the classroom, as well as help students move safely to and from different areas of the school. Be sure to ask your child about their class’ Cue to Start, Entry and Exit routines. 

Our coach from Mastery Schools Australia was impressed with the routines our staff and students have implemented in this short time. As well as observing teachers, our Curriculum Team simultaneously underwent coaching in observing and giving feedback so we can continue this cycle with staff after the formal coaching ceases. 


P&F 


This week we received the exciting news that our P&F Grants officer has secured a $10,000 grant from the Westgate tunnel project. This grant now ensures we have the complete funds needed to complete our tram’s renovations. Our contractor has purchased paint, and this week, the broken and missing window panes have been replaced. The old paint will be removed in the coming holidays.

You may have also noticed our new 'What's the time Mr Wolf' has been installed. Our students have been enjoying playing together. The squeals of delight are wonderful to hear.

Next Wednesday our P&F will host their yearly AGM and information night. Interested parents are encouraged to attend. Dinner will be supplied and child minding provided. Please refer to the Operoo note that was sent earlier this week. We look forward to welcoming new members.


Noone’s Uniforms


Our uniform provider has informed us that school deliveries are now available for our families. To place an order, go to their website and when creating your order, select School Delivery.

Orders will be delivered to school on Fridays. Please ensure you place orders by Wednesday each week to ensure same week delivery.


Before school supervision


Please note that staff are not responsible for students until the school gates open at 8:30am. We understand that there may sometimes be circumstances that make this difficult for families. If you need to drop your child off before 8:30am, Camp Australia is available for supervision. In the event of a one-off situations, please contact me to make arrangements.


Staff news


It’s a mixed bag of news this week.


I am sad to announce that Fiona Sorrell, our administration officer, will be moving on to another position at Melbourne University as of the end of next week.

Fiona has been an amazing support in her role to leaders, staff, students and families over the last 3 years. I know you will join me in wishing her all the best in her next endeavour.


We announced last week to the families of 1/2L that Mrs Marg Masseni and Ms Randa Assaad will be their new teachers in Semester 2. It was a tricky time as we held out for the best solution for our students and I know that the children and families are as thrilled as I am with the outcome.


Miss Ala Sottile announced her engagement to partner Daniel this week. We look forward to hearing all about the wedding plans and wish the happy couple all the best for their next exciting chapter.


Mrs Hamilton has become a grandmother for the second time this week. Aston Rome Clarke was born on Tuesday. The family are smitten! How could you not be!


Extra school closure day


MACS had approved schools to use the day after ANZAC day as a day to acquit Time in Lieu for outside hours events. As this day was a professional learning day for us, we have selected July 15th as the make-up day. This would have been the first day back. 

Term 3 will now commence on Tuesday 16th July.



Enjoy the perfectly-timed long weekend.

 


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 



Real Schools: The Human Brain

When we talk about behaviour, we often separate it into 'kids' and 'adults' however, when we understand our brain a little more we begin to understand that behaviour is behaviour for everyone - there is no age distinction! By understanding the brain we can begin to regulate our own behaviours so that we can help our young people manage theirs. 

Take a look at this video from Daniel at Real Schools.  In it he explains about the brain and how it functions as well as offering strategies for us to use when we have a child who is highly emotional or when we ourselves are feeling disregulated and a little out of control. 

You may also like to read back over last week's CASEA article about Giving Effective Instructions and the Escalation Trap.  It has some great tips for you as well.

If you have questions or would like to discuss anything you read, please don't hesitate to contact me or email Daniel at Daniel@realschools.com.au

Regards
Marg Masseni (mmasseni@@smaltona.catholic.edu.au)
Mental Health Leader 


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage



School Disco Volunteers

As you would be aware, St Mary's P&F will be running our School Disco Night on Friday 14th JUNE.
Yes...it's that time of year to get those disco clothes and dance shoes ready.  
In order for the disco to run smoothly and safely for everyone, we do require help from parents for the Senior Disco.  Thanks to everyone who has volunteered their time so far.  If you can spare an hour or two, please indicate this on the Operoo note sent on Thursday 5th June. 

You can purchase tickets for the disco by clicking here

Sessions;
Grades - Prep, 1, 2 & 3 FROM 6 - 7 pm
Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6 FROM 7.15 - 8.30 pm

Looking forward to a great night!

St Mary's Parents and Friends Committee


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage



CASEA: Problem Solving & Assertiveness

We are so pleased with the work that is happening in the CASEA program both with parents and students. We have been delving into problem-solving, using the STOP, THINK and DO strategy.  

In using this strategy there is a particular focus on helping students generate a range of solutions for problems they face, and to evaluate the potential consequences of various actions.  It is also of importance that there is an understanding their own and other people’s feelings when deciding on the best solution.  

In the coming week we will move onto learning about a
ssertiveness. Students will be assisted in learning the differences between being assertive, passive, and aggressive.  They will participate in classroom activities that focus on understanding and applying assertive communication, compared to passive or aggressive behaviour. Children are encouraged to practice and consider using assertive solutions as alternatives to passive and aggressive solutions.  

Linked here is a worksheet which explains the difference between the three communication styles as well as giving you some scenarios where you can test your knowledge and practice some responses to situations that may come your way.

We'd love to hear your feedback on our articles and what your children are saying about their work in this space.  Send us an email or catch us around the school.
Cathy - csims@smaltona.catholic.edu.au
Marg - mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

Regards
Cathy Sims & Marg Masseni
CASEA Program Facilitators


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage




 

 



West Gate Neighbourhood Fund Grant

We are excited to have received a West Gate Neighbourhood Fund Grant for our Tram Restoration Project that will support our local community.   The $10,000 in funding will go towards further works on the tram that will be staged over the remainder of the year.  

 

 

The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund is a Victorian Government initiative that is helping not-for-profit organisations in Melbourne’s inner west to support their communities while the West Gate Tunnel Project is being built. 

You can read more about the fund here.

We look forward to completing our tram restoration and seeing the children enjoying it.

Thank you to Katarina Persic (Katija in Year 1/2) who completed the application for us.







Buddy Day - Purple Day

Thursday 13th June is Buddy Day!

We are asking everyone to wear a splash of Purple on the day to show that they care about being a good buddy to everyone.

 

All classes will have discussions about 'What it means to be a good buddy" and will make a Buddy Bear to display outside the staff room.

We are hoping to run our Buddy Day photo booth at recess and our Friendship Bracelet club at lunch.

What will you do to make Buddy day special?
How can you show that your are a good buddy?

Regards;
Stephanie Murdoch 
Wellbeing Leader 

 


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 



School Photos

Our new School Photos were sent home last week.  If you'd like to order more photos including family or Student Leader photos, you will need to go to the Elite Photography website. Use the code ESPEXTRAS to order.


Please be specific with the title of the photo. 
Orders will close 7th June, 2024

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Elite Schools Photography directly via their website. 


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 



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.


             




Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage