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St. Mary's eNews

Week 1 Term 3


Grandparents Day Mass and celebrations

We hope that you will be able to join us to celebrate Grandparent's Day next Friday 26th July. We will begin our celebrations with Mass at 9:15am in the church.  Children will be able to sit with their grandparents and other special visitors.
Following mass, visitors are invited to join the children and staff in the classroms for some fun activities.  A morning tea will be held in the hall from 10:50am.  We will be serving our legendary scones, jam and cream! 
Don't miss out on the fun.

We are looking forward to seeing you all.

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Principal's Message: 19 July 2024

Dear families,


Welcome back to Term 3!

It’s been a positive week and it has been great to see students settling beautifully and excitedly into their learning routines.


This weekend we commence our celebrations of First Eucharist; our first of two celebrations. This is such a momentous Sacrament for us as we have the opportunity to regularly receive the nourishment of our Lord through the consecrated host. 

We pray for our candidates and ask God to bless them and their families during this special time:

Congratulations to Christian, Orlando, Iris, Thomas, Alice, Alyssa, Felicity, Isaac William, Sofia, Leonardo, Freya, Jeremiah, Shiloh, Elsie, Thomas, Olivia, Alfie and Mila.



Staffing and Staff News


This term we welcome Kristy Talty to the front office and Sophie Griffin to our Learning Support team. Both Kristy and Sophie have settled in so well, it feels like they’ve been with us forever (in a good way!)


We welcome back Miss A who together with Mrs Masseni, will teach the students of 1/2L for the remainder of the year.


We wish Mrs Hamilton all the best for her surgery next week. Mrs Hamilton will take most of the year off to recover. We look forward to seeing her again in November.


One the 15th June, Mrs Leone gave birth to beautiful Adeline. Allegra was excited to become a big sister and the whole family is overjoyed with their new addition.

  


Whilst on the topic of babies, Mrs Masseni became a grandmother over the holidays. 

Charlie Francis Masseni was born to Michael and Laura Masseni. Everyone is truly smitten.

  
  

Today, we received news that Stella Solarino, a member of our learning support team, is now officially cancer-free. She will undergo immunotherapy and radiation over the next month. Thank you for your kind words and prayers. 

 


Tram update


Painting commenced on the tram over the holidays. Works will now commence on getting the inside ready for use.



P&F update


We had a productive P&F meeting earlier this week.


Our upcoming Bunnings BBQ and cake stall is coming up on the 4th August. Please see the separate article in this week’s eNews as well as the Operoo note that was shared earlier this week for information on how you can help support this very successful fundraiser.


We have also locked in our Adults’ Night Out for the 13th September. This will now be a trivia night. Check out this video for a glimpse of what’s to come.

Tickets will be $30 each or 2 for $50.

Stay tuned for further information on how to book.



Seesaw


Earlier this year, in response to parent feedback, we made some changes to our use of the platform. We have received some early feedback about these changes but would love to cast the net more widely to make sure the platform is hitting its audience.


If you can spare a few minutes and would like to offer your opinion, you can do so here. If you have more than one child, we ask that you fill in the survey for each year level so this data can be fed back to teams.



Have a warm and cosy weekend,

 

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Bake Sale: 4th August

Do you have a cookie, slice, cake or treat you would be proud to donate?


Our past Bunnings Bake Sales were a HUGE success thanks to our amazing school community. Please help us raise some much-needed funds for our little loves & our school.


If you are able to donate, please complete this Google Form.

Further details;

  • Gluten-free & Vegan treats options would be fantastic
  • Your own special made treat, please let us know the name 

Hints & tips

We all know it’s the taste that counts but having treats that are nicely presented sell very well.

Please do not use Tupperware you wish to keep, we’d hate to misplace it - Disposable packaging only, please. Such items can be purchased from $2 shops, Lombards & other party supply shops such as Borgs, Miss Biscuit or Let’s Celebrate Parties. If you find it too difficult or don’t have the time to package yourself, please don’t stress! Drop your item off at school by Thursday 1st August & we can do this for you.

Home-made goods can be given to the school office during the week & at the latest Friday 2nd August.

Too busy the week leading up to our bake sale? Click on the link for a few tips on freezing & defrosting.

Unfortunately, Bunnings does not allow the sale of fresh custard or cream

Please get in touch if you would like any recipe ideas ?

Anything you could make would be greatly appreciated. Homemade treats are the very best treats & we would appreciate anything you could whip up to help support our little school.

Regards
The Parents & Friends Committee

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Jump Back Up July

We can't change what happens, but we can choose our response. Happiness isn't about everything going well; it's about responding constructively, even in difficult times. RESILIENCE is one of our school values. The Jump Back July calendar actions are a great way of jump starting conversations with the family about RESILIENCE and what it means; a great way to find ways of being a little more resilient when challenges come your way.

You can also download the Action for Happiness app to receive daily nudges and be part of a supportive community putting these ideas into action.



Stephanie Murdoch
Wellbeing Leader


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Childhood Anxiety: Parent Support Program

Do you have a primary school-aged child experiencing symptoms of
anxiety? Does your child experience any of the following? 
  • Difficulties sleeping at night due to worries
  • Fears and phobias
  • Difficulty separating from you or worrying about parental safety 
or other other fears or worries you are concerned about?

Clinicians at Swinburne University have developed a program to help parents manage childhood anxiety in children aged 6-11 years.

The One Step at a Time Program involves assessments and counselling sessions, strategies for parents and a website with resources.  

Click here to find out more.

If you would like to chat about your child's fears and anxiety, please don't hesitate to come in for a chat.

Regards
Cathy Sims
Learning Diversity Leader

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Community News

In this week's Community News you will find information about the Parish in the Church bulletin, upcoming Open Days at MSJ, Creative Music Lesson and more.  We hope you enjoy the read.
Church Bulletin

Music Lessons
Creative Music will run lessons in Term 3.
There are limited places but contact them to explore options.

Upcoming MSJ Open Mornings
1st August
5th September

Bayside Netball Club
are looking for players.



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


             

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Literacy: Book Week Dress Up

We have many exciting activites planned for Book Week next term from August 19th to August 23rd.

One activity will be a dress up day on Friday August 23rd. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. Home made costumes are cheaper, more sustainable and encouraged! 

Take a look at some examples for inspiration.

     

                        




Brenda Lycke
Literacy Leader
blycke@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Father's Day: Gifts and Creations

Father’s Day is approaching.
We're calling out for our Father’s Day STALL donations & creations.
Keep an eye out for deals at the Supermarket, local stores or get
crafty with the kids. There will be a container at the front office to drop donations off.

All fundraising is going towards recreational & sports equipment.
Thank you for your generosity and support.

Regards
The Parents & Friends Committee

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


Bunnings Fundraiser: 4th August

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

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage


What's coming up in Term 3?

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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