Staff began working on lesson plans to support the teaching of our expectations. Our next step in early Term 3, will be to set up structures to begin rewarding students for demonstrating these expected behaviours. 

Big Freeze

A huge thank you to Sue, our LSO, for organising our first-ever Big Freeze campaign. What a way to kick it off, seeing so many staff brave the cold in support of such a meaningful cause was truly heartwarming.

The fact that so many of our staff were willing to step up says everything about the kind of community we have here at St Mary's. Your generosity, your spirit, and your willingness to get involved in something bigger than yourselves is something I never take for granted.

I'm proud of every one of you, and grateful every day to be part of this community.

We raised over $400 for the cause. Thanks to all for your generosity.

Staffing update

Emily Cross joins us this week as our new Administration Officer, stepping into the role independently following Kristy's departure last Friday. She has hit the ground running and is already making a wonderful impression. Please take a moment to introduce yourself when you're next passing through the office.

You'll also notice some fresh content appearing on our school socials as Emily takes the reins in that space. Keep an eye out for our Big Freeze reel coming soon. We think it's pretty cool. (See what I did there?!)

We are also pleased to welcome Ms Casey Achterberg, who will be joining our teaching team from Term 3. Casey recently completed her teaching rounds with us and will take up a three-day teaching position in 5/6A. Welcome aboard, Casey. We're thrilled to have you with us.

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.

 PUPIL FREE DAYS

Friday 18th September - All Students 1:30pm Finish time (End of Term)



KEY SCHOOL DATES

 Monday 17th August - Wear a splash of purple for 'Bully No Way' Week

Friday 28th August - Book Week Dress Up

Friday 4th September - Fathers Day Afternoon Tea & Fathers Day Stall

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• 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

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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!

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How can you help?

There are two simple ways to support our school through the scheme:

Option 1: Donate Your Refund at Collection Points

• When you visit a CDS Vic return point, you’ll be asked if you want to donate your refund.
  
  
• Simply download the app and enter our donation code (2000063591) or search for our school name on the app.
  
  
• All your refunds will be transferred directly to our school account!
  
  

Our donation code is: C2000063591

You can find your nearest return point at: https://cdsvic.org.au/locations 

Option 2: Send Eligible Containers to School

• We will be setting up a collection bin at school next to 3/4W so students and families can bring in eligible containers.
  
  
• Please make sure containers are:
  
  
• Empty and not crushed
  
  
• Have the 10c eligible label
  
  
• Not broken or overly dirty
  
  

We’ll return them in bulk, and the refunds will go straight to our school for our ‘Recycle and Grow’ fundraiser. All funds raised through container deposits will go directly towards keeping our outdoor environment thriving.

Thank you for supporting our school and the environment. Let’s turn trash into treasure and make this initiative a big success!

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On Tuesday, St Mary’s held it’s inaugural Ice Bucket Challenge in support of FightMND and the Big Freeze campaign.
A special thank you to Sue for organising this fantastic event and helping to bring our school community together for such an important cause.
Thanks to the generosity of our students, families & staff, we raised over $400 for FightMND which will go towards research into Motor Neuron Disease.

The event was very exciting! We all gathered outside and watched those staff members who were brave enough to take on the icy challenge. There was lots of laughs, chanting & shivering, and we sincerely hope the staff had a hot bath to go home to! The students chanted very loud for Mr Hein to take on the challenge, but unfortunately they couldn't get him over the line.. This time!

Thank you to everyone who donated & supported the event. We are very proud of the difference our community has made.

Head to our Instagram page to see footage from the event!

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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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BOOK WEEK IS IN 2 WEEKS! Are you ready?!

Friday 28th August: Dress up day!
We will have a costume parade at 9:00 am.

There will be lots of other exciting activities planned for Book Week, from Monday 24th - Friday 28th August.

The theme for this year's Book Week is Symphony of Stories!

Bookweek theme and artist, Briony Stewart's (Author & Illustrator of 'Gymnastica Fantastica') introduction to 2026 Book Week & Theme:
https://youtu.be/wz-psnQnUmQ?si=_BfrV-bY7yyJ88aH

On Friday 28th August, students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.

Home made costumes are encouraged! 
They're fun, creative, sustainable, and a great way to keep costs down! 

We will have a costume parade at 9am.

We can’t wait to see our school filled with students favourite book characters, colourful costumes and a whole lot of storybook magic! 

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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!

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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


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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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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!

 

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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


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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

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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

 

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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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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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