St Mary's eNews
Term 3 Week 8
Principal's Message: 12 September 2025
Dear families,
I hope that all of our dads and special male role models in our lives were blessed with a lovely day last Sunday.
On Monday and Tuesday this week, our school leadership team had the privilege of attending the MACS Flourishing Learners Conference. In the first of its kind, the 2 days brought together leaders in the learning and teaching field from around Australia and the world. For our team, it solidified the wonderful work our teachers have undertaken over the last 18 months. It allowed us to take stock of our current goals and continue to pursue our annual action goals in the remaining months of this year.
Yesterday, I had the honour of enacting the role of Governor General in the senior classes, as the students experienced the thrill of parliament by trying to pass a Bill. Their Bill outlined their intention to run certain activities during next month’s Daniel Morcombe Day (Red Day). What a great way for the students to experience what it’s like to be a member of parliament.
As you will have read via Operoo, we have locked in the dates for our 2-day conference for the first 2 days of next term, Monday and Tuesday, 6th and 7th October. I am currently waiting to hear from Camp Australia’s regional manager to see if they will be able to offer their services on these days.
Commencing next term, we will be offering Subway lunches, directly from Subway Altona, via an online ordering system, every Monday. We will share the ordering details with you at the commencement of next term.
We were recently notified that as of the commencement of next year, Operoo will cease to operate outside of the United States. Mr Freeman is currently exploring the use of our existing attendance and reporting package, nForma, to take over the role of whole school notifications, excursion permissions and first aid notifications. We will be sending families instructions and conducting trial notices throughout next term. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we transition to a new system.
We were recently approached by a company offering Chess as an after-school activity from Term 4. The cost of this program is $145 per term. To gauge interest, please complete the survey here by Wednesday 17th September.
We love celebrating news from our community in our newsletter, especially when one of our students becomes a new big brother or sister. If you would like us to share this news with our community, please send me a photo and we will share this lovely news with our community. We will only ever share first names in our publications. Eg The family of Ryan in 1/2S welcomed baby Ella into their family last week.
A reminder that we have a school closure day on Thursday next week. On this day, staff will be engaging with MACS, who will be providing Team Teach training. You can learn more about this program here.
The children will also finish at 1:30 on Friday, the last day of Term 3. What a whirlwind this short term has been!
Have a great weekend,
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Community News
Altona Junior Cricket Female Players
Creative Music - Small group classes to learn an instrument.
Newport Calisthenics - Free Come and Try Calisthenics in October for all age groups.
Emmanuel College News
Church Bulletin
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Footy Fun Day
Wearing 'Footy Colours' does not mean that students must wear AFL approved gear. eg. Bulldogs supporters could come along in red, white and blue clothes. Non football supporters can wear casual clothes.
We would appreciate it if students who wear their footy colours bring a gold coin donation.
There will be face painting before school on the netball court for 50 cents per child. While our face paints are child friendly, if your child has sensitive skin we recommend that they don't have their face painted.
Regards
Maree Ryan & John Hein
FFD Organisers
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
End of Term 3
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Cadbury Fundraising
- The eldest student will receive the box on behalf of their family.
- Chocolates are to be sold at $1 per unit, totaling $60 for the box.
- Money and/or unsold chocolates are to be returned to the office by no later than October 17th. The office will be ticking family names off on their return.
- If families would like more chocolates to sell, please let the office know and this can be arranged.
- We are excited to announce that we will be using the money from this fundraiser to go towards our ninja warrior playground, that is in its planning phases.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
MACSSIS - Family Survey
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Ladies Spring Soiree
Come for a chat, a Mocktail, a cocktail or 2 this spring afternoon.
All-weather venue.
From 3 pm until late
Location: Peachy Keen
A hideaway container bar in the lanes of Williamstown
Link to Google RSVP form
https://forms.gle/
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Book Fair
Our upcoming Book Fair will be held from
Tuesday 14th October until Friday 17th October.
Students will do a walk through on Tuesday 7th October through to view available books
Times for books purchasing are as follows
Tuesday 14th October | - | 3:15pm - 3:45pm |
Wednesday 15th October | 8:30am - 9:00am | 3:15pm - 3:45pm |
Thursday 16th October | 8:30am - 9:00am | 3:15pm - 3:45pm |
Friday 17th October | 8:30am - 9:00am | 3:15pm - 3:45pm |
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
School Closure Day
Camp Australia WILL NOT be providing care this day.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Hats On!!!
Please make sure your child has their school sun smart hat (legionnaire or wide brim) each day, at least until the end of April.
Thank you for your cooperation!
