St Mary's eNews

Term 3 Week 2


Principal's Message: 26 July 2024

Dear families,


What a wonderful day we’ve had celebrating with our grandparents today.

The church was reduced to standing room only and the children had a ball showing their grandparents to their classrooms before leading them to morning tea in the hall, where our grandparents were regaled by our choir whilst enjoying some scones and a cuppa.


I had the pleasure of teaching 1/2l last week in preparation for today, when we watched a video titled “Jesus had grandparents too!”  We often think of Jesus as the perfect being to emulate, but every now and then we are reminded that he too, experienced everyday things as well.



Staffing and Staff News


In an example of perfect timing, we share the news that Mrs Maree Ryan became a granny last week. Orla Mae was born on July 17 to Maree's son and daughter-in-law. How gorgeous is she?


  


Tram update


I took a call earlier this week from the managing director of MMP Projects the company we’d hired to paint the tram. Matt called to inform me that the company will donate the whole job. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement.

The team from MMP will be back to paint the ceiling of the tram next week.  We will then invite the whole team who worked on the project, including Matt, for a photo opportunity on its completion.


Last week, we had the pleasure of showing Melissa Horne, our local MP, around our tram. Melissa came along to see the project, which is one of the recipients of the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. I loved showing her around our special school. We will invite Melissa back for our formal opening.



P&F update


Please check our separate articles and Operoo notes regarding our upcoming fundraisers.


We are still looking for volunteers for the Bunnings stall, especially the afternoon sessions. 


Tickets for our adults’ Trivia Night in September are now on sale. You can book a table or buy tickets and we will allocate one for you.



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 great weekend,

(Go Blues!)

 


Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage



Community News

This week's community news we have some information about the church Bulletin, Vida Tennis, Creative Music, Camp Australia and celebrating 60 years at Somers Parade Kinder. We also have news from our local secondary school Emmanuel College. Church Bulletin

Vida Tennis West would like to invite all Primary School kids and their families from the local area to try tennis at either Altona Tennis Club or Power St Tennis Club Williamstown in Term 3 2024 and beyond. Click the link below for more information.
Vida Tennis

Emmanuel College Newsletter

Creative Music

Camp Australia

Somers Parade Kindergarten is celebrating 60 years Click here for more information.
We would also like to thank Mancini Real Estate for their continuous support to St Mary's Altona.


             


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



Orange Day ~ Bullying No Way!

Friday 9th August, the National Day of Action against Bullying is an important day in our school calendar to join with other schools across Australia to say ‘Bullying. No Way!’. 

HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?


  • Get a SPLASH OF ORANGE for your child to wear with their school uniform


The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.

St Marys Primary School is participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action – 12 to 16 August 2024.

By working collaboratively within our community, we can collectively help reduce bullying.

Parents and carers play an important role in helping your child understand bullying, and know how to respond to it.

If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Questions you could ask:

  • What do you think bullying is?
  • Have you seen it? How did you feel?
  • Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
  • As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
  • Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong.

For more information, visit bullyingnoway.gov.au.


Warm Regards; 
Stephanie Murdoch
Wellbeing Leader


 

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage



QuizzaMe: Trivia Night

With over 114 tickets now sold we only have a few tickets available. We’re closing sales end of business Monday 9th September. 
 
To purchase tickets ?️ 
 
We’re super excited for next Friday 13th September parents trivia night finally arriving. Soon all those who purchased tickets will receive an email with a few details, recommendations and question's answered about the night. Please share with those you have purchased tickets for. 
 
Feel free to add accessories to your table colour and get into the spirit of the night. Prizes will be given out to good sports. We have a roving photographer at the start of our evening. 
 
Don’t be late! Doors open to waterfront room from 6.30pm. Trivia starts 7pm sharp. Allow for time to register at front desk at sports club. Remember you can book the courtesy bus!
 
More details outlined in email to follow. 
 
Yay to our community coming together! 

St Mary’s Parents and Friends Committee 

 


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