Next weekend, a very special group of our St Mary's students will receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion for the very first time. We ask our school community to keep these children and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this important milestone in their faith journey.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Freeman, their teachers, and all the staff who have been involved in preparing our students for this special sacrament.

PBL update

We encourage you to share your feedback on our new values and the draft PBL matrix by emailing us at PBL@smaltona.catholic.edu.au. If you had previously attempted to do so, could we please ask you try again as the email address was not activated at the time of our previous request.

The PBL team is excited to commence working with staff on lesson plans to support our teaching of the included expectations, as well as set up structures to begin rewarding students for demonstrating these expected behaviours. 

Staff news

Nicole Singleton, one of our wonderful LSOs, will be taking an extended leave to try out her skills at MSJ until early December. While we will miss her, we are certain the girls at MSL will benefit from her extensive experience.

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. 

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 nominate one or more of our amazing staff via this campaign. You can do so here.


Fee payment

Have a great weekend,

Kind  Safe  Responsible

Kind  Safe  Responsible

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.

Kind  Safe  Responsible

Friday, June 26th! 

We ask that students please bring a gold coin donation, as well as $1 if they wish to make a purchase at the Pop-up Store.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

On the last day of Term 2, we will be celebrating PJ Day! Students are invited to come to school dressed in their favourite pyjamas for a fun and relaxed finish to the term. Students are asked to bring a Gold Coin Donation.

To make the day even more exciting, our School Captains will be selling leftover merchandise from the school disco at recess. All items will be available for just $1 each, so students may like to bring along some coins if they wish to make a purchase.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled day and a fantastic finish to Term 2!

Kind  Safe  Responsible

• Link to the online family information session
• How to enrol
• Customer Service contact information

Introducing MACSEYE: Your new before and after school care provider.


Online information session:
https://youtu.be/jg0C4kgrHW4


How to enrol:

1. 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 your enrolment by the end of this term, even if you are still thinking about when you might need care. That way you can book as soon as you are ready.
All children must be enrolled with MACSEYE to attend.

For more information, you can also please refer to the attached MACSEYE brochure.


2. Click the green 'Enrol Now' button and complete the online enrolment form.


Contact MACSEYE - Customer Service
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

Kind  Safe  Responsible

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

Ticket sales are closed.

 


Thank you to our gold sponsor xynergy

Thank you to our silver sponsor Loaram Constructions

TICKET SALES HAVE NOW CLOSED.



When: Friday, 14th August.
Venue: Altona Sports Club- Waterfront Room
Arrive: 6.30 pm for a 7 pm trivia start. DJ from 10 pm - 11 pm
Tickets: $30 pp [Adults only] or $55 for 2 pp.

Please note:
ALL Drinks are purchased at the bar.
NO KIDS event.
NO BYO FOOD (You can order meals at the Bistro and bring them into the event space).



Dress to impress IDEAS: Embrace the glitz & the glamour!
Sequins, High roller suits, Showgirl, Dealer, Granny Gamblers, Old Vegas/Rat Pack, Elvis, Artists in residence, Queen of Hearts/Card Suits, Vegas bride, Movie characters in Vegas and more or smart casual. 

Prizes for best dressed!

Kind  Safe  Responsible

Would you like to know more about ADHD?

This coming Tuesday August 18 from 6:30 - 8pm we have psychologist, Stewart D’Silva, running a workshop for parents to explore ADHD and how this can present in people.

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Whether you are seeking clarity, practical strategies, or simply a supportive community, you won't want to miss our upcoming ADHD Information Night!

We are thrilled to host Stewart D'Silva, a psychologist with a wealth of knowledge in child development and neurodiversity. Earlier in the day, Stewart will be running specialized professional development sessions with our teachers and Learning Support Officers (LSOs)—and in the evening, he is opening the floor to our parent community.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, August 18
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: Tri Centre, St Mary's Primary School
• Guest Speaker: Stewart D'Silva (Psychologist)
• Babysitting available
  
  

What We’ll Cover

• How ADHD uniquely presents in children (and what to look out for)
• Practical, compassionate ways to support your child both at home and at school

Over 35 parents have already signed up, but it’s not too late to join us! Whether you’re at the start of your journey or looking to add new tools to your parenting toolkit, you are warmly invited.

We look forward to seeing you there for an insightful and engaging evening!

Warm regards,

Cathy Sims 

Learning Diversity Leader

Kind  Safe  Responsible

Our Learning Support Officer's are selling icy poles & bags of chips in Term 3 for $1 each.

Every lunchtime from Monday to Friday. 

All profits are going towards our school.

Thank you for your support in helping us make this fundraiser a success and for giving our students an exciting winter snack this term.

Kind  Safe  Responsible

This week in Community News:

• Church Bulletin
• MSJ Applications closing today (14th August)
• First Aid for parents through Hobsons Bay City Council (This Thursday)

CHURCH BULLETIN

https://www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au/source/Church%20Bulletin.pdf


------------------------------------------


MOUNT ST JOSEPH GIRLS COLLEGE - APPLICATIONS CLOSING



This is a friendly reminder that applications for Year 7 2028 at Mount St Joseph Girls' College are closing on Friday, 14 August 2026.

Families can submit their application directly via our online enrolment portal:
https://msjgc-au-vic-393.app.digistorm.com/forms/enrolment-application/start

------------------------------------------


FREE FIRST AID SESSIONS FOR PARENTS & CARERS

 

 

Hobsons Bay City Council Early Years, in partnership with Ambulance Victoria, is offering 2 free first aid sessions for parents and carers of children aged 0 – 6 years.

To make it easier to attend, the sessions have been scheduled to follow our regular library programs, running alongside Storytime and Babytime at Altona Meadows Library & Learning Centre.

Please see attached flyer for full details and register here: https://events.humanitix.com/learn-first-aid-for-parents-and-carers-of-young-children

------------------------------------------


SHOTO KARATE

Guardians of the Sisterhood – FREE Open Day

Wed 26th Aug from 6.30-8pm.

Open to all women aged 14+

Curious about what Guardians of the Sisterhood is all about? Join us for a FREE Open Day and experience it for yourself!

On the night, you'll take part in practical, hands-on learning and discover how our program empowers women with effective self-defence skills, increased awareness, and the confidence to feel safer in everyday situations.

Whether you're completely new to self-defence or looking to build your confidence, everyone is welcome. Bring your mum, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, friends, etc and give it a go!

Come along, learn new skills, meet like-minded women, and see how Guardians of the Sisterhood can help you feel stronger, safer, and more confident.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

------------------------------------------


MELBOURNE SCHOOL DOWNBALL COMPETITION



The Term 3 Tournament is on Sunday 23rd August, at State Netball & Hockey Centre - 10 Brens Drive, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

Melbourne School Downball Competition
Sunday 23rd August
150+ Schools invited
50+ Trophies, medals, hats and balls
$33 +GST

www.handballaustralia.com.au


------------------------------------------


WESTERN BULLDOGS AFLW ALL GIRLS AUSKICK AND SUPERKICK PRE-GAME CLINICS

 

Calling all future Bulldogs!

 

Girls aged 4–12 are invited to join our AFLW All Girls Pre-Game Clinics at Mission Whitten Oval. Each clinic will take place two hours before every Western Bulldogs AFLW home game.

 

 Perfect for girls of all skill levels!

 

•  Auskick (Ages 4–7) – Learn the basics through fun games and activities.
•  Superkick (Ages 7–12) – Build skills and confidence in a game-based environment.

 Location: Mission Whitten Oval

 Clinic Dates:

• Saturday 22 August vs Richmond
• Saturday 5 September vs Sydney
• Saturday 3 October vs St Kilda
• Friday 9 October vs Essendon

 Only $55 for the program

 

 

 Special Offer: Use promo code FCB008C6 at checkout to receive $20 off registration.

 

 Register now:

 Auskick (Ages 4–7): https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/9dd463

 Superkick (Ages 7–12): https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/251cd8

------------------------------------------

HOCKEY VICTORIA - HOLIDAY CLINICS

 

School Holiday Hockey Clinics (Ages 6–15)

Looking for active school holiday programs? Hockey Victoria is running full-day holiday clinics across our region these upcoming school holidays! Suitable for all experience levels—from absolute beginners to existing players.

 Find your nearest location and register here: https://www.hockeyvictoria.org.au/programs/holiday-huddle-programs

 

------------------------------------------


ALTONA BEACH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

 

This is our twelfth year of showcasing short films by filmmakers from Altona and around the world.

 

We welcome participants of all ages and abilities to use their cameras, phones or tablets to create a short film no longer than 7 minutes in keeping with this year's theme "Home". Entrants' short films will then be shown at our Festival Gala Screening & Awards Night and go in the running to win cash prizes in the following categories:

 

Best In Festival
Special Recognition
President's Encouragement Award
Best Pre-Teen
Best Young Adult
People's Choice

 

Awards 1 - 5 will be decided by a panel of esteemed judges from the community. The People's Choice Award, however, will be decided by the audience on the night, so make sure your students bring as many of their friends and family as they can to ensure a higher chance of winning!

In past editions of our festival our junior entrants have truly had their moments to shine, with children taking away wins in many of our non-age-related categories several times.

 

Entries into this year's festival are currently open from now until 31 August 2026 at www.altonabeachfilmfestival.com.au

We will be contacting all participants to confirm their place in the lineup by no later than 01 September 2026.

 

This year's ABFF Film Screening & Gala Awards Night will be held on Saturday 19 September 2026 at the Altona Sports Club - 11 Altona Road, Altona VIC 3018.

Tickets are available at reception at the club for $5 per child, $10 per adult, or $20 per family (2x adults + 2 children).

 

We can't wait to see you there!

------------------------------------------


AN INITIATIVE BY 'BUILT LIKE ME OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST'

 

Small moments matter —

Small things that make us smile, the little things that make us feel connected, calm, and part of something bigger.

That’s why #WinterGlimmers is happening from June 21.
Pop up some fairy lights, step outside, and share a tiny spark of joy with your neighbourhood.

Don’t forget to tag @builtlikemeot so your glimmer shines with the rest 

 

Kind  Safe  Responsible