Dear families,

This week, I am proud to present our most recent work on PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning).

As you may remember, in previous newsletters we explained that our main body of work this year would focus on implementing a new behaviour expectation framework.

Our first order of work was to revisit our existing expectations (Respect, Responsibility, Courage, and Resilience) to determine whether they still reflect the kind of school we aspire to be each day. After consultation with staff, students and parents, our new expectations are Kindness, Safety and Responsibility. There was healthy and extensive discussion and debate amongst staff before landing on these final three.

We also began creating our behaviour matrix, an agreed-upon list of behaviour expectations that will be explicitly taught through weekly lessons. It will also become the list of visible expectations that will be regularly rewarded through a school-wide system that is yet to be established (more to come on that one in the coming months).

We are pleased to share with you today, our first draft of this matrix for your feedback. We encourage you to take some time to review the listed expectations and provide feedback on anything you think we may have missed or what you are pleased about.  The matrix will be finalised by the end of this term, so you are encouraged to send your feedback to pbl@smaltona.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible.

Staff news

Mrs Krstevski and her husband welcomed baby Luka into the world on 24 May at 4:16am, weighing 2.9kg. Mum and baby are doing really well and we are loving their little bubble as a family of three.

Mr Anderson has informed us of his intention not to return to St Mary’s after his long service leave. He is looking forward to his family holiday and getting stuck into major renovations upon his return.
I know many of you will want to pass on your best wishes to Mr Anderson. He will be checking his email for the remainder of the term, so feel free to reach out if you wish. If you'd prefer to drop something off at the office, we will ensure he receives your messages. 

Disco

Our annual disco takes place this evening.

I would once again like to thank the P&F for organising this exciting event. Our students have been buzzing about it for weeks and it could not go ahead without our dedicated parents who organise the event and our volunteer parents and staff who supervise on the night, including supporting our neurodivergent students with a breakout room for some downtime. 

MACSEYE update

Please refer to the separate article in today’s newsletter that will direct you to fees and enrolment information for the new service commencing next term. You are encouraged to enrol early to ensure your child’s details are entered and ready for commencement from Day One of Term Three.

Our website has been updated to reflect our new provider and will also direct you to the new MACSEYE portal. 

Closure days

Please note our school closure day on 9 June, the day after the King’s Birthday long weekend. Camp Australia will not operate on this day. 



Australia's Best Teacher Campaign

 

MACS is once again running its Best Teacher Campaign. I receive so much positive feedback from parents and students about how wonderful our teachers are. It would be fantastic to see their contribution to your child's education be acknowledged beyond our community.

 

I strongly encourage you to nomintate one or more of our amazing staff via this campaign. You can do so here.

Have a great weekend,

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Kind  Safe  Responsible

 

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In celebration of our beloved patron saint, Mary Help of Christians, the whole school community gathered together for a special Mass filled with faith, reflection, and gratitude. 

Following the Mass, students and staff enjoyed a day of fun and excitement led by the energetic Kaboom Sports team. Laughter, teamwork, and school spirit were evident throughout the day as everyone enthusiastically participated in the festivities.

The Kaboom Sports team organised a wide range of engaging activities that catered to a variety of interests, ensuring all students had the opportunity to be involved and have fun.

As the afternoon continued, the school community gathered once again to share a delicious meal provided by the school, creating another special moment of connection and celebration together.

The success of our Feast Day was a wonderful reflection of the strong sense of community and dedication shared by students, staff, and families. Through our shared devotion to St Mary, we continue to strive to live out the values she so beautifully represents — kindness, generosity, compassion, and unity.

May St Mary continue to guide and watch over our school community with her love and grace.

John Hein

Deputy Principal

 

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St. Mary’s Primary School is thrilled to announce our upcoming Ride and Walk to School Day on Friday, 5th June! We’re inviting all students to kickstart their morning by walking, riding, or scootering to school.

 

This event is a fantastic way to build healthy habits, care for our environment, and get active. To add a bit of friendly competition, every participating student will score valuable House points for their team! 

How families can get involved:

• Join the journey: We’d love for parents and guardians to walk or cycle alongside their kids. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy some fresh air and quality family time before the school bell rings.
• Try "Part-Way is Okay": If living too far makes the whole trip impossible, try parking a few blocks away and walking the final stretch. 

Let’s team up to make this day a massive success. Encourage your kids to lace up their sneakers, grab their helmets, and help their House win. We can't wait to see a sea of active travelers on Friday, 5th June!

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Kind  Safe  Responsible

 

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This week is Food Allergy Week!

Food Allergy Week was created by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia to raise awareness of food allergy in Australia.

 

Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergies in the world, with almost 2 million Australians living with a food allergy. 

Did you know 1 in 10 babies are born with allergies?

Allergies have an impact on many lives, weather you suffer from an allergy or are a carer or friend of someone who suffers from allergies.

Please click the link to find free useful materials including posters, bookmarks and child friendly ways of how to help a mate who might be suffering from an allergy.

Published by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.


https://allergyfacts.org.au/get-involved/food-allergy-week/

 

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St Mary's Big Freeze is happening on Tuesday 16th June 2026 @ 3pm. 

Gold Coin Donation to wear BLUE!

 

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This article includes an introduction to MACSEYE, information about enrolling via our website and our Customer Service contact information.
Introducing MACSEYE: your new before and after school care provider
Families in our school community now have access to a new Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service, MACSEYE, designed to support children and families.
MACSEYE is a subsidiary of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and provides a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where children aged 5 to 12 can relax, explore their interests and spend time with friends before and after school.
With supportive educators, enriching activities, cozy quiet zones, and healthy snacks,MACSEYE nurtures your child’s well-being and development, giving you peace of mind.

How to enrol
To enrol and book your OSHC sessions, visit our dedicated MACSEYE OSHC webpage:
https://macseye.vic.edu.au/oshc/oshc-locations/st-marys-oshc-altona/

This web page contains all the key information needed to get started, including:
• Session times
• Fees
• Enrolment information
• Enrolment form link
We encourage all families to complete their enrolment as early as possible, even if you
are still thinking about when you might need care. That way you can book as soon as
you are ready.
More information
For more information, you can also please refer to the attached MACSEYE brochure.

Contact MACSEYE
If you need support with enrolment or have any questions, the Customer Service Team
is available to assist, Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm (AEST):
1300 501 029
enrolments@macseye.vic.edu.au

 

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To celebrate the last day of Term 2, students are invited to wear their pyjamas to school on Friday, June 26th! 

We ask that students please bring a gold coin donation 

 

Just a friendly reminder that school will finish early at 1:30pm 

We look forward to a fun and cosy way to finish the term! 

 

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Dad’s Drinks 

Our next Dad’s Drinks is on Friday 12 June at Mog Brew 22/36 Aberdeen Road Altona 

7pm ‘til late.

 

More than 20 dads came along to the last catch-up, and we’d love to see even more join us this time. These socials run once a quarter and are a relaxed way to meet other school dads over a drink.

Come for one or stay for a few — just turn up on the night. No RSVP or organising needed.

 

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Live Your Best Life in Love...

A gift for every married couple

Every married couple deserves this very special weekend.Time-out for the two of you to focus on your most precious relationship.

You will come away feeling more deeply connected and with tools to help keep your renewed intimacy alive. No group sharing is required.  

The weekend is based on Catholic values and couples of all faiths are very welcome.

We are offering a live-out weekend experience at St Dominic's parish and school on June 26-28th.

Starts at 7pm on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm.

 

Please check our website for more details and to book your special weekend:

 

Information/Bookings: Please phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or

Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au    Website: wwme.org.au

 

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We know families are likely to have questions during this period of change from Camp Australia to MACSEYE.  MACSEYE will be hosting online information sessions where families can meet our team, learn more about MACSEYE OSHC, and ask any questions they may have.

 

There will be two online sessions:

• Tuesday 19 May, 6.30pm – 7.00pm
• Wednesday 10 June, 6.30pm – 7.00pm

 

The sessions will also be recorded and shared with you, so families unable to attend can access the information.

 

Please note these sessions are open to all schools transitioning to MACSEYE in Term 3.

For more infromation click here 

 

 

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Term 2 has kicked off brilliantly, and as the weather  starts to change we have some changes to the canteen.

Our senior student leaders will be selling icy poles & bags of chips for $1 each lunchtime from Monday to Friday. 

 

 

All proceeds will go towards supporting the development of our exciting new ninja playground.

Thank you for your support in helping us make this fundraiser a success and for giving our students a fun way to stay cool this term!

 

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