Dear families,

As we approach the end of first semester, it’s a good time to stop and reflect on the last 6 months. 

 

Schools are naturally cyclical places, and from my perspective, the first half of the year hits so many milestones in the lives of our families. At the same time as we are welcoming our new Prep students and many new families into our community, we are simultaneously meeting more new families who will potentially join us 6 months from now. 

Teachers prepare reports and reflect more deeply on the learning their students have undertaken and we set our sights on the next 6 months of learning and growing.

As a group of colleagues, we have experienced great growth ourselves. What started out as an uncertain journey into a new School Improvement Plan post-review, with Real Schools and MACS Flourishing Learners professional learning undertakings, it did at times feel overwhelming. I asked staff early on this year, to trust the process and trust that these processes would not only benefit our learning community but help us (dare I say) flourish. The learning has been great and I am looking forward to building on it in the second half of the year.

Staff news

In some sad news, Mrs Julie Russell has informed me that she will be resigning at the end of this term. Mrs Russell has had the most comebacks of any teacher I’ve known and each time she returned to fill a position with us, our community was thrilled. This time, I’ve been assured, the decision will be permanent, though Mrs Russell was quick to ask if she could come back in a volunteer role. Yes please!!

Ms Bek Pelar will take over Mrs Russell’s teaching day in 1/2NR. We have adjusted the schedule so that Ms Pelar will teach on a Monday and Mrs Nanos will teach on Tuesdays - Fridays. Mrs Sims will replace Mrs Russell in 1/2TR on Mondays, with Mrs Trovarelli also now working Tuesdays - Fridays.

It’s been great to see Mrs Hamilton back with us this week. Mrs Hamilton will teach 1/2L for the remainder of this term.

She has also informed me that she will need to undergo further extensive surgery which will unfortunately see her out of action until late into 4th term. Ms Pelar will continue to teach STEM classes for the remainder of the year. I know you will join me in wishing Mrs Hamilton all the best as she faces this next hurdle and we lok forward to her return in November. 

Community News

We have 2 new beautiful additions to our school community. 

Earlier this year, Mia in Prep TD became a big sister to baby Leo.

Last month, Lachlan in Prep B became a big brother to baby Eva. 

I am thrilled to hear that both Mia and Lachlan are amazing siblings.

   

Early Finishes and Closures

Please note the upcoming changes to our school times:

Monday 24th June: School finishes at 1pm (Interviews)

Friday 28th June: School finishes at 1:30pm (End of term)

Monday 15th July: No school for students (Time in Lieu day)

Camp Australia will run at these times. Please see Camp Australia's website for details.

Parents and Friends event

Our Parents and Friends are eager to run an adults-only event to give our parents, carers and friends the opportunity to enjoy an evening together.

We are at the stage of gathering interest to determine if we have the numbers to run the event.

The Bingo Party, that will feature interactive musical bingo, trivia and a DJ is earmarked for Friday 13th September and will take place at the Altona Sports Club.

Tickets will be $30 per person and the event is open to parents, carers and extended family and friends.

Stay tuned for the Operoo note next week to register your interest in this event.

Stay warm!

 

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 

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A reminder that our Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will take place on Monday 24th June (1:30 - 8pm) and Tuesday 25th June (3:45 - 5:15pm). Students will finish school at 1pm on Monday and at the regular time of 3:15pm on Tuesday. If you have not made an appointment to see your child's teacher please contact them via email to arrange a time.

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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Wow! This term has been another quick one it seems.  Friday 28th June will see the end of Term 2 and bring with it our two week holiday break.  Students will finish school at 1:30pm on Friday.  
We seemed to have packed so much in this term when we think back to our visit from Daniel Vella from Real Schools, who ran a very informative parent information session and also worked with staff in Week 1. Teachers have engaged with MACS in our Flourishing Learners project.  This has seen the introduction of Cues to Start and Exit and Entry Routines in each classroom as well as coaching for our teaching staff and school leaders.  

We have celebrated ANZAC Day and Mother's Day, had our School Photos taken and participated in three Interschool Sport programs. We have run our CASEA program with some Year 1/2 students and their parents. Our students have participated in many excursions and incursions to help immerse them in their learning which they have showcased in a variety of ways. 

No wonder everyone is a little tired. 

We hope you have a relaxing holiday break and look forward to seeing everyone again when school resumes on Tuesday 16th July for our power packed Term 3.

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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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Our Bunnings BBQ and Bake Sale is coming up soon and we still need some helpers on the day. 

If you are able to volunteer your time to help us out on the day of the stall, please complete this Google Form.
We also need baked good to sell and would appreciate any help in that area. See other eNews article.

Please use the QR code if you wish to donate towards BBQ expenses.

All donations gratefully accepted.



More information closer to the date.

Thanks for your support
The Parents and Friends Committee

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Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

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We have some exciting events coming up in Term 3.  Make sure you keep up with our calendar and add upcoming dates to your diary.  Here's a sneak peak...

Sat 20th July & 3rd Aug: Eucharist for Year 4

Friday 26th July: Grandparents Day

Tues 6th Aug: VCOP Cold Write 

Friday 9th Aug: National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence - Wear a splash of Orange

Tues 13th Aug: Book Week Incursion - "Maybe a miracle"

Sat 17th Aug: Confirmation for Year 6

Fri 23rd Aug: Book Week Dress Up Parade 

Fri 30th Aug: Father's Day celebrations

Wed 11th - Fri 13th Sept: Year 5/6 Camp in Anglesea

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Congratulations to our May Aussie of the Month students, Eva, Alyssa and Alyssa.  Click here to see their smiling faces and to find out why they are so wonderful.

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