Dear families,

It's been a hive of activity this week, culminating in our Year 3/4 Camp. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers, support staff and leaders who generously gave up time with their own families to make this wonderful opportunity possible for our students.

Camp is always a highlight of the year, full of new experiences, friendships and memories that last well beyond the bus ride home. I can't wait to hear all the stories and fun anecdotes when our campers return. Sleep well, kids (and adults!), and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday. 

You will have received an email yesterday regarding the recent report from the eCommissioner about AI and the use of photographs. If you haven’t done so already, please read it and should you wish to do so, contact Emily at the office to amend your photo permissions.

Unfortunately, we continue to notice students playing unsupervised on the playground equipment and oval after school. Please be reminded that children remain the responsibility of their parents and carers before and after school hours, and must be adequately supervised at all times. If your child is playing on the oval, we ask that you are also on the oval actively supervising them.

We also ask families to observe the age limits on our equipment. Students from Prep to Year 2 are permitted on the Area 1 playground (Sargood St), Years 1/2 on Area 2 playground (McBain St), and students in Years 3 to 6 are permitted on the Ninja playground.

We will continue to monitor how these areas are used before and after school. Regrettably, if students continue to be inadequately supervised, we will have no choice but to close all play areas during these times. These measures exist to keep every child safe, and we thank you in advance for your immediate attention and cooperation.

Last week, we were approached by a MACS Learning Consultant who congratulated us on our outstanding NAPLAN growth. As a result, Mr Hein, our Learning and Teaching Leader, has been invited to present our work in Literacy as part of a panel next Wednesday. It is a wonderful recognition of the effort our whole team has put in.

Here is a snapshot of what is creating a buzz: Our data shows remarkable growth over the past couple of years. Our Year 3 average has risen by more than 26 points since 2024, and our Year 5 average has climbed over 14 points in just the past twelve months.

The most striking result is in student growth. Looking at our current Year 5 students, 42 per cent achieved high relative growth from Year 3 to Year 5. This is exactly the kind of growth that reflects the strong, consistent explicit teaching we have been steadily implementing over the last 2 years.

This is a real testament to the dedication and quality teaching happening across our school. To our teachers and support staff, and to our students who work so hard, you should all be so proud.

Tomorrow we joyfully celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with our Year 6 students. This is a significant moment in their faith journey, as they affirm the promises made at their Baptism and open their hearts to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Please keep our candidates and their families in your prayers. May this special day deepen their relationship with God and may they always feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding them in their lives. 

Lastly, but definitely not least, today we also celebrated the Preps' first 100 days of school. They have learnt so much in these 100 days, we can't wait to see what the rest of this year brings for them.

Wishing you all a peace-filled weekend,

Kind  Safe  Responsible

 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

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


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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 

 

Kind  Safe  Responsible

We have some wonderful businesses run by the families within our school community.

Take a look and show your support!

We have some wonderful businesses run by the families within our school community. 
Take a look and show your support!

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Wilson & Co. Projects

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John Jones Electrical Services

Inner West & Surrounds

0412 547 060

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Altona Pines Dental

19 Harrington Square, Altona

03 8330 5999

www.altonapinesdental.com.au

10% discount on Comprehensive Check-Up and Clean for St Mary’s families

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Fudge & Coal Dog Grooming (Mobile)

Call Alistair- 0414 611 080

20% off first groom for St Mary’s families

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New Season Doula Care

Birth & postpartum doula & childbirth educator

0481 847 569

www.newseasondoulacare.com.au

10% discount on any standard package for St Mary's families

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New Season Doula Care

Birth & postpartum doula & childbirth educator

0481 847 569

www.newseasondoulacare.com.au

10% discount on any standard package for St Mary's families

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Pool Rescue

Swimming Pool and Spa Service

Call Tyson- 0407 272 758

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Fudge Gifts in Forest Hill

Call Sarah- 0432 481 259

www.fudgegifts.com.au

Get 15% off first order on full priced items for St Mary’s families when you sign up to our newsletter.

Free delivery to school for St Mary’s families – when you check out, choose ‘click and collect’ and write your child’s classroom as the location in the order notes.

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Jeongsin Taekwondo

www.jeongsintaekwondo.com.au

0400 103 122

7 day FREE trial for St Mary’s families

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Jim’s Specialised Kitchens and Cabinets

Call Joe- 0421 568 956

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Sundara Room

20 Sargood Street, Altona

www.sundararoom.com.au

10% discount code available to St Mary’s families

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Jim’s Mowing Group Altona Meadows West

Landscaping and Gardening Services

0481 948 669

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Laundry Chute

78 Railway Street, Altona

www.laundrychute.au

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Want to promote your business? Email ecross@smaltona.catholic.edu.au with your business name, location, contact number, website, and any discounts or promotions for the St Mary’s community.

Kind  Safe  Responsible

Kind  Safe  Responsible

100 Days of School!

Today, we celebrated our 100th Day of Prep in unforgettable style as our students arrived looking 100 years old! With grey hair, glasses, walking sticks, cardigans, slippers, wrinkles, and knitting sticks, our classroom was suddenly full of the cutest little grandparents you've ever seen!

Throughout the day, our senior citizens kept very busy with lots of fun 100-day themed activities, counting challenges, crafts, games and creative learning to celebrate reaching this exciting milestone.

Rumour has it there were a few requests for afternoon naps and complaints about "kids these days"! 

It was a day full of laughter, learning and wonderful memories.

Congratulations to our amazing Prep students on reaching 100 days of learning, growing and absolutely shining. We can't wait to see what the next 100 days bring!

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

Kind  Safe  Responsible

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! 

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

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

• 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

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!

Kind  Safe  Responsible

At St. Mary's we are committed to maintaining a culture of child safety. We implement strategies which demonstrate this through everyday life at the school, guided by the documents listed in the 'Read More' section.
Our Child Safety Officer is John Hein (DP & Learning & Teaching Leader).

Our Child Safety Team consists of John, Sonia Riccardi (Principal), Cathy Sims (Learning Diversity Leader) and Tony Freeman (RE, Maths & ICT Leader).

      

Please contact John (jhein@smaltona.catholic.edu.au) or another member of the team if you would like to discuss any matters related to Child Safety.

St. Mary's School Child Safety Code of Conduct

St. Mary's School Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

St. Mary's School Child Protection - Reporting Obligations Policy
Strategies for Empowerment of Students

Kind  Safe  Responsible