St Mary's eNews

Term 1 Week 8


Community News

In this week’s community update, you’ll find information about Chess Club -  Term 2 -  Thursday after school clases in the Stem room. 3:15pm -4.10pm 

Church Bulletin - Our latest Bulletin


 We would also like to thank Mayde Homes for their continuous support to St Mary's Altona.




Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage



Harmony Day at St Mary’s

This Thursday, our school came alive with colour, pride, and celebration as we marked Harmony Day. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes our community so special

Students proudly shared their backgrounds by wearing traditional clothing, cultural colours, and orange, the official colour of Harmony Day, representing respect, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Classrooms were filled with engaging conversations, storytelling, and activities that highlighted the many cultures represented within our school.

A highlight of the day was our recess parade, where students joyfully walked together while listening to national anthems from around the world. This special moment created a powerful sense of unity, as we celebrated both our differences and the connections we share as a global community.

Our school community also demonstrated generosity and compassion by contributing to our local charity, Joseph’s Corner. Thank you to all the families who supported this initiative and helped us extend the spirit of Harmony Day beyond our school and into the wider community.

Harmony Day reminds us that while we may come from many different places, we all belong here. It was inspiring to see our students embrace this message so wholeheartedly and celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping make this day such a meaningful and joyful celebration.

Everyone belongs.

          



 

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 



Xavier races to the finish line

On the 14th and 15th of March 2026 Xavier Tonna from 3/4HG, competed in the Australian mini Moto Cup 110cc class 7-10 year old.

He now leads the Australia Mini Moto Cup 110 Championship by 25 points, putting him in a strong position early in the season.

Round two heads to Newcastle from April 24th–26th, 2026.

Well done, Xavier, and best of luck for the next round — keep up the amazing work!

 


 

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

 



Easter Raffle

The Parents & Friends committee are once again hosting their annual Easter Raffle and are kindly asking for donations of:
  • Easter eggs
  • Easter themed crafts/activities.
  • Baskets, gift bags, cellophane or anything that will help us bundle our prizes together.
Raffle tickets have been sent home with the eldest child.

Donations can be given to your child's classroom or at the office.
Raffle tickets are $1 each or $10 for the book. Additional raffle books will be available at the School Office.
The raffle will be drawn after lunch on Thursday 2nd April. Family members are welcome to attend.
PLEASE return all ticket stubs, money & unsold tickets in an envelope to the school office by Wednesday 1st April. Your name, class & mobile number needs to be written on each ticket stub.

Thank you, Parents & Friends Committee




Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage



Bike Fest

Community Bike Hub is excited to present 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

 



End of Term 1- 1.30pm Finish

Term one is almost finished.

Students will finish  on Thursday 2nd April at 1.30pm 

School resume on Monday 20th April at 8.45am





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/events/landing/1550180

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



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



Calendar Events Changes for Mass and Assembly

Dear parents,
Due to changes in availability, we have needed to make alterations to the class mass and assembly dates. Listed here are the new dates for assembly and mass for the remainder of term one and the first month of term two. These are now updated on the School calendar which appears on the newsletter and the nforma app.

Week 9
Monday 23rd March: Assembly 1/2K
Friday 27th March Class mas: 1/S

Week 10
Monday 30th March 9am: Holy Week Liturgy 1
Thursday 2nd April 9am: Holy Week Liturgy 2

Term 2
Week 1 
Monday 20th April:  Assembly -School Captains
Friday 24th April: Class Mass 5/6KW

Week  2
Monday 27th April:  Assembly -Social Justice Leaders
Friday 1st May: Class Mass 5/6H
Week 1 
Monday 4th May:  Assembly -1/2S
Thursday 7th May: Mother's Day Mass