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.

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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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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 DRESS UP DAY: Friday, August 28th.

We will have a costume parade at 9:00 am.

There will be lots of other exciting activities planned for Book Week next term, from August 20th to August 28th.

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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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This week in Community News:

- An initiative from Built Like Me OT
- All Girls AFL Holiday Program
- Little Nature Detectives Holiday Activity
- Western Bulldogs Holiday Clinic
- Rocket Academy School Holiday Camps
- Joan Kirner House, Newsletter

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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ALL GIRLS AFL HOLIDAY PROGRAM, ALTONA

LITTLE NATURE DETECTIVES 

Date: Tuesday 7 July
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
Location: Brooklyn Community Hall, 35 Nolan Avenue, Brooklyn

Designed for children aged 0–6 years and their families, this engaging session includes:

 

• Be a Bug Explorer – search for hidden critters
• Step inside the Butterfly Gazebo – meet butterflies and spiny leaf insects
• Build a Bug City using natural and recycled materials
• Creative nature and sensory play with Kieran from My Smart Garden
• Nature craft activities inspired by bugs and the natural world

 

This is a free event, and bookings are required. Families can reserve their spot via the booking link/QR code on the flyer.

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 TRAIN LIKE A BULLDOG THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! 

Looking for a fun and active way to keep the kids entertained these holidays? Join the Western Bulldogs for our July School Holiday Clinics in Melbourne!

 Braybrook – Wednesday 1 July | 9:00am – 3:00pm | Kindersmith Reserve
 Yarraville – Monday 6 July | 9:00am – 3:00pm | McIvor Reserve

 Register now:
https://play.afl/club-finder-map?formats=holiday_programs&orgId=0ca3ed80-4d11-40bf-b4c4-4b9b740f8a14

 SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN WITH ROCKET ACADEMY  

These July school holidays, Rocket Academy is running hands-on coding, LEGO® robotics, AI and Minecraft camps for kids aged 6 and up, from Monday 29 June to Friday 10 July. Across venues around Melbourne, kids build and code their own robots and projects, with all kits and iPads provided. Camps run 9:30am to 3:30pm, with 1 to 5 day options.

Find your nearest venue and book at www.rocketacademy.com.au/holiday-camps.



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JOAN KIRNER HOUSE, NEWSLETTER

https://www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au/source/6-Newsletter-July-2026-1.pdf



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