St Mary's eNews
Term 1,Week 7
Principal's Message: 13th March 2026
Dear families,
There is never a week when schools are not busy places, but this week has been a flurry of extra activities around the place.
The students from Emmanuel College were onsite on Tuesday and Friday this week, landscaping our brand new ninja playground. It will be ready for our Middle and Senior students from next week.
We celebrated our annual Buddy night, with our Preps and their Year 6 buddy families gathering for a shared dinner and some fun games, organised by our house captains. Plan B was executed when the wind and rain showed up just on time for commencement, so our picnic was moved to the hall. The place was abuzz with parents getting to know each other and children enjoying spending time together. The weather eventually allowed us to move outside for games. It was a lovely, social night.
Last night our Junior students had an extended session at school for their ‘camp’. They had the opportunity to participate in some great activities provided by an external company. The giggles certainly reflected the enjoyment of the evening. The night finished with individual pizzas for a shared dinner. Thanks to the Junior team for their organisation.
NAPLAN also started for our Year 3 and 5 students this week. You will have heard of the difficulties that were experienced Australia-wide on Tuesday. Thankfully, our students were able to complete their writing tasks on the day. NAPLAN, including any make-up sessions for students who were absent, will continue next week.
You may have read our recent updates regarding our uniform policy over the past few weeks. I understand that some students are disappointed to learn that the skort is not to be worn outside of their allocated sports days. While we all have our own preferences, I ask for your support in upholding the school’s uniform policy. To assist families, we will extend the transition period to allow parents time to purchase any replacement items during the Term 1 holidays. From the beginning of Term 2, we will expect all students to wear the uniform in line with the current policy.
It was heartening to see that so many parents have already voted for their preferred St Mary’s values. If you have not already done so, please find the voting link in your nForma notices. Voting closes Tuesday. After our new values have been finalised, the next body of work for staff is to identify the expected behaviours that embody each value. These behaviours will then be presented in a matrix and we will begin to devise lessons that teach each of these explicitly.
We are currently hosting school tours for Prep 2027. If you know anyone with a child starting Prep in 2027, please encourage them to book a school tour. If you have your own child starting prep next year, you can start the enrolment process now by completing their enrolment form here.
Have a great weekend,
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
JSC @ Hobson Bay Council
During the meeting, our students had the opportunity to share some positive news about our school with the local Mayor and council representatives. They also spoke about an important issue affecting our community – the safety concerns when crossing the road at Civic Parade.
The students confidently presented their ideas and suggestions, demonstrating great leadership and a strong commitment to improving the safety of our local area. It was a valuable experience for them to speak in a formal setting and contribute to discussions about issues that matter to our community.
The meeting also provided a great opportunity for our students to listen to and learn from students representing other schools across the Altona and Williamstown area.
We are very proud of the way our Junior School Council students represented our school. We look forward to continuing this partnership and meeting with the Mayor again in Term 2.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Community News
Williamstown Tigers Netball -NetSetGO in Term 2.
WCEC Newsletter
We would also like to thank Mayde Homes for their continuous support to St Mary's Altona.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Dads Night Out
We'll be watching a bit of footy, having a drink and a bite to eat if you want.
Food and drinks are available to purchase at the venue
Date: Friday 13th March
Time: 7pm
Location: Altona Sports Club (Workies)
The Google Form link is below to RSVP :
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Hope to see you there!
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Harmony Day
We are celebrating the rich diversity of our community and invite all students to join us in recognising and honouring the many cultures that make our school so special.
On Thursday 19th March, students are warmly encouraged to come dressed in their culture’s traditional clothing or to wear the colours of their family's heritage. We look forward to seeing our school filled with colour,pride and celebration as we acknowledge and appreciate the unique backgrounds and traditions that each family brings to our community.
We will have a little diversity parade around the netball court at recess if you want to join in!
They support local families with counselling for mental health and addiction in the western suburbs, one of the most culturally diverse areas of greater Melbourne. We feel that on Harmony Day we can help make a difference to families who struggle to live in harmony by supporting this charity.
We ask that you make a donation to the charity on this day that we celebrate Harmony by dressing in cultural clothing or colours of your heritage, the donation can be handed to their classroom teacher on the day.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Indulgent day out in the Yarra Valley
Date: Saturday the 30th May
Tickets will include visits to 3 wineries, tastings, a private bus, and a two-course gourmet lunch with a glass of Prosecco.
We finish with a cheese tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy.
Return transfers to Altona.
$190 per person (subject to numbers)
$170 per person for non-drinkers
Full details on the booking page www.trybooking.com/
This event is coordinated by the Parents and Friends Committee.
Funds raised go towards St Mary's Ninja Course.
Event hosted by local Altona Business Gauci and Co Wine Tours.
Follow Gauci and Co Wine Tours.
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Bike Fest
An epic FREE family fun day, all things Bikes. There will be games, kids bike circuit, bike packer talks, bike n blend, FREE bike checks, giveaways and more, bringing the community together. Save the date!
Saturday 21st March from 10am.
Located outside our 608 Barkly St shop in West Footscray.
Follow @communitybikehub for more information
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Easter Raffle
- Easter eggs
- Easter themed crafts/activities.
- Baskets, gift bags, cellophane or anything that will help us bundle our prizes together.
Donations can be given to your child's classroom or at the office.
Thank you, Parents & Friends Committee
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage
Mary Help of Christians Parish Renewal Program 2026
PARISH RENEWAL PROGRAM – we would love all our parish school families to be involved! The Program provides us with a wonderful opportunity as individuals and as a community- to reflect on the importance of our faith and to embrace the exciting opportunities ahead. The Program runs for three weeks, covering themes central to parish life – FAITH, ENGAGEMENT and COMMITMENT. You will have the opportunity to hear how we all have a role to play in building a vibrant parish community, that meets the challenges of today and ensures a sustainable future for our children to enjoy in the years to come.
A special Program brochure has been provided for each parish school family – taken home with your eldest child. The brochure details where the parish is now and importantly what are our key priorities in the times ahead – mission, pastoral care and financial. ‘Soft copies’ of the brochure are also available through the link here.
THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION:
“Why is our parish community important for my family?”
“Our parish school and our parish community have a special relationship – working together to provide the best Catholic education for our children. Providing an education underpinned by our shared faith and values. Laying strong faith foundations through the Sacramental Program and the celebration of our faith at school and class Masses. It is in the interests of
all our parish school families to ensure we have a vibrant, vital and viable parish community, so we can continue to support our children on their faith journey.”
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!
