St Mary's eNews

Term 2, week 8


Principal's Message: 12th June 2026

Dear families,

We hope you enjoyed the extra-long weekend.

 

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


A reminder for families opting to pay their fees in full that payment is due by the end of this term.
If you'd like to revise your initial payment method, please contact the office.



Have a great weekend,


Kind  Safe  Responsible

 



St Mary's Big Freeze

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

Gold Coin Donation to wear BLUE!

 


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Dads Drinks

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



PJ Day - Last Day of Term 2

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



MACSEYE OSHC

This article includes:

- Link to the online family information session (For those that missed it)
- 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

 


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St Mary’s P&F presents: Viva Las Vegas Trivia Night!



BOOK NOW!
 

We still have some tables available!

 

 


Thank you to our gold sponsor xynergy

 



Thank you to our silver sponsor Loaram Constructions



Book your babysitter and get ready for a dazzling evening of trivia, prizes, raffles, and games - All Las Vegas theme.
Gather your friends, plan your Vegas-inspired outfit, and enjoy a night of laughter, friendly competition and fun!

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.

You can book in groups by selecting a table name and advising everyone in your group.
Tables of 10-12 people. Don't worry if you don't have a group, book under 'parents trivia' and we will allocate. Friends and extended family of St Mary's are welcome.

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


Whether you channel casino glamour, Elvis, showgirl sparkle, or classic Vegas style, this is your chance to go all out. Book the babysitter, lock it into your calendar, and get ready for a night to remember! 


Dress to impress IDEAS; Embrace glitz, glamour, Sequined Dresses, High roller suits, Showgirl, Dealer, Granny Gamblers, Old Vegas/Rat Pack, Elvis, today's artists in residence, Queen of Hearts/Card Suits. Vegas Bride, movie characters in Vegas and more or smart casual. 

Prizes for best dressed!

BOOK NOW

https://www.trybooking.com/DNCGZ




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ADHD Workshop for Parents

SAVE THE DATE

Would you like to know more about ADHD?

On 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.

He will talk about the challenges that people can face and suggest strategies that can be used to support them.

Stewart is a passionate and dynamic speaker who has lots of valuable information and experiences to share.

Please feel free to bring along anyone you know who might find this information useful.

We will be able to provide babysitting if required. I will be sending more information regarding this via nForma where you can RSVP.


Cathy Sims

Learning Diversity Leader

 


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Canteen items


Our senior student leaders will be selling icy poles & bags of chips in Term 3 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 tasty winter snack this term.

 


Kind  Safe  Responsible



Community News

This week in Community News:

  • MSJ - Applications Closing
  • Free First Aid Sessions
  • Altona Beach Short Film Festival
  • Bluefit Swimming
  • Shoto Karate
  • Winter Glimmers
  • Church Bulletin
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




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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



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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!


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BLUEFIT SWIMMING

 
At BlueFit Swimming, we’re passionate about helping children stay safe and have fun in the water. That’s why we’re offering your first 2 lessons free to give your child a head start on their swimming journey!

More information:
https://www.bluefitswimming.com.au/bluefit-swimming-2-free-lessons?utm_source=2lf&utm_campaign=2_lessons_free&utm_content=card
 



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SHOTO KARATE
 



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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 ✨
 

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CHURCH BULLETIN

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