St Mary's eNews
Week 1 Term 2
CyberSafety Project Partnership
Principal's Message: 24 April 2025
Dear families,
I trust the Easter holidays were a time for rejuvenation and reconnection.
A three-day week has been a lovely way to ease back into a new term of learning.
This week, we returned to the sad news of Pope Francis's passing. Pope Francis’ leadership and ministry over the last 12 years were an incredible example of love, joy, humility and inclusion for our Catholic Church.
We acknowledged his leadership as a school on Tuesday before our Easter celebrations in the church.
We pray for his eternal repose and for the Cardinals who will decide on our next Pope in the coming weeks. We pray that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will guide them in this important decision.
This week, we embarked on the first steps to appoint a new architect to develop a new Masterplan and offer new opportunities for our first building project. We shortlisted 3 firms who will each visit over the next fortnight to tour the school before developing and presenting their proposals to us next month. I will continue to keep you all updated on this exciting process.
Tomorrow our school captains along with John, myself, and other staff, will attend the dawn service at the civic centre. The captains will represent St Mary’s and lay our beautiful, handmade wreath.
Fr Michael will represent Hobson’s Bay’s religious leaders and lead prayer.
Staff news
Congratulations to our wonderful learning support officer, Belinda, who recently took out not one but two prizes in the Hobsons Bay Arts Society competition, “5X7 Art Prize”. The competition is in its 11th year, features postcard-sized artworks by artists of any ability and age from Melbourne’s Western Region and Hobson’s Bay schools. It’s held at the Louis Joel Gallery in Altona. The 2025 theme was “Patterns”.
Belinda’s 2nd Prize Piece (with the dog) is titled “Patterns of Destruction”, medium: graphite pencil.
Her Third Prize Piece is a bit more abstract, titled: “Hobson’s Freight Trail Lines”, medium: Paper collage
What an achievement and what a talent we have in our midst! These pieces are magnificent.
Wishing you a lovely weekend,
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Anzac Day Dawn Service
We welcome all members of our school community to join with the local community on this occasion.
Lest we forget.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Community News
MSJ Open Day - Sunday 18th May 2025.
Creative Music - Term 2 Newsletter
Emmanuel College News
Church Bulletin
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Parent Workshop: Understanding Anxiety
Practical strategies for supporting children in managing their emotions will be shared. The workshop will be presented by Elaine O'Connor, OT and Play Therapist and mum of Ronan in Year 3/4.
The session will cover how to recognize the early signs of anxiety, what causes it, and how simple tools can be used to help children feel calm and confident. Whether your child struggles with school stress, social anxiety, or other challenges, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to support them effectively.
Details:
Date: Tuesday, 29th April
Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Location: Upstairs in the TriCentre
This presentation is FREE for St. Mary's parents. Child minding will also be available for St. Mary's students, making it easier for parents to attend.
Don’t forget to register your interest via the Operoo note sent out at the end of Term 1 or email me directly, noting how many adults will attend and whether you require child minding services.
We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!
Regards
Marg Masseni
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader
mmasseni@smaltona.catholic.edu.au
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Mother's Day Celebrations
Start the morning with us at 8:45am for morning tea in the school hall, where you can relax and enjoy delicious treats with fellow parents and carers. Afterward, you’ll be invited to move into classrooms to engage in exciting activities with the children—making memories and enjoying time together.
At 10:00am, we’ll celebrate Mass in the church, and students are welcome to sit with their families during this beautiful service.
Our Mother’s Day Stall will be open from 11:30am to 1:30pm, where children can pick up a special gift for the special women in their life. Dads, please remember to send along some money and a carry bag with your children!
For those interested in contributing to the Mother's Day Slide Presentation for Mass, check out Seesaw for more details. Please submit your slides by Sunday, 4th May.
We look forward to celebrating with you and creating lasting memories!
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Sacrament Dates 2025
Confirmation is on Saturday 2nd August at 11am.
Reconciliations on October, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th, at 11:30 am and 3:30pm. This year, Confirmation will be confired by Bishop Martin Ash, the Auxillary Bishop for the Western Region, on Saturday 2nd August at 11am.
Reconciliations have been booked with Fr Michael for Wednesdays in October, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th, at 11:30am and 3:30pm.
Booking forms will be sent out via Operoo to the students registered as baptised Catholic.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
2025 Trivia Night
Save this Date in your Diary
Doors will open at 7pm
Location will be Altona Sports Club
We have SOLD half of the Trivia Night tickets and we haven't even told you about our epic raffle and auction prizes available on the night. You must attend the evening to enter raffles and auction items.
Calling out for raffle prize donations for our Trivia Night.
To purchase your tickets click here.
THANK YOU to the following businesses who have kindly donated PRIZES to our TRIVIA NIGHT
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Auskick is coming...
See the attached flyers which have links and QR codes you can go to for further information.
All Girls Group
Mixed Group