PUPIL FREE DAYS

Monday 2nd November - School Closure Day

Tuesday 3rd November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday (No school)

Friday 4th December - School Closure Day



KEY SCHOOL DATES

Friday 20th November - Colour Fun Run

Tuesday 24th November - St Mary's Sports Day

Thursday 3rd December - St Mary's Christmas Carols

Friday 11th December - Step Up Day

Tuesday 15th December - All Students 3:15pm Finish Time (End of Term)

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This week in Community News:

• Church Bulletin
• Joan Kirner House Newsletter
• Downball Competition

JOAN KIRNER NEWSLETTER

https://www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au/source/11-Newsletter-November-2026-1%20(1).pdf


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CHURCH BULLETIN

https://www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au/source/Bulletin%2025-10-26.pdf


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DOWNBALL COMPETITION

The Term 4 Tournament is on Sunday 29th November, at State Netball & Hockey Centre - 10 Brens Drive, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

Please find the attached brochure in PDF or text format below:

Melbourne School Downball Competition
Sunday 29th November
150+ Schools invited
50+ Trophies, medals, hats and balls
$36.30
www.handballaustralia.com.au




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ALTONA ROCKETS LITTLE ATHLETICS

Little Athletics is Back!

Altona Little Athletics is back for another exciting season!

Welcoming children aged 5–16 years, it's a fantastic way to make new friends, build confidence, stay active and have fun!

New to Little Athletics? Come along and enjoy 2 FREE trials! No experience needed.

When: Saturday mornings
Where: George Nevitt Athletics Track, Sugar Gum Drive, Altona

For more information or to register, visit www.lavic.com.au/centres/altona.

Come along and give it a go!

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ALTONA HOCKEY CLUB

Give Hockey a Go!

Our Year 5/6 students have been enjoying hockey clinics during their PE lessons, thanks to the wonderful team at Altona Hockey Club.

These sessions have been provided free of charge and have been a fantastic opportunity for students to develop new skills, stay active and experience the fun of hockey.

A big thank you to Altona Hockey Club for their generosity and support!

For families interested in getting involved in hockey outside of school, please see the flyer below for more information.

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NOVARA YOGA

 

A lovely local lady named Olga has opened a gorgeous new yoga studio, Nova Ra Yoga, at Millers Junction!

If you’ve been thinking about giving yoga a try, this is the perfect opportunity. Olga is offering a free trial class for anyone new to the studio.

She is also currently running free community classes at the following times:

• Mondays at 6:00pm

• Saturdays at 9:00am

A wonderful opportunity to take some time for yourself while supporting a lovely new local business!

To find out more, visit www.novarayoga.com

 

 

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SWEENY'S SWIM SCHOOL

Complimentary Swim Assessment & Level Recommendation

As part of St Mary’s ongoing relationship with Sweeney’s Swim School, families are being offered a complimentary Swim Assessment & Level Recommendation.

The assessment gives parents a clear picture of their child’s current swimming ability, water confidence, safety skills and stroke technique, along with guidance on the most suitable swimming level and what to work on next.

There is no obligation to enrol.

Please see the attached flyer or scan the QR code to book your complimentary assessment.

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CHESS 4 SCHOOLS




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NET SET GO

The Willi Tigers NetSetGO program is a fantastic introduction to netball, designed specifically for young players (5-10 years) to learn and have fun.

Here’s a quick overview of what NetSetGO offers: 

Skill Development: Focuses on fundamental netball skills including passing, catching, and shooting. 

Fun and Inclusive: Games and activities are tailored to be enjoyable and engaging for all skill levels. 

Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork and making new friends in a supportive environment. 

Physical Fitness: Helps children develop coordination, agility, and overall fitness. 

Experienced Head Coach and Junior coaches: Sessions are run by the NetSetGO Coordinator, Naomi McCurry who is experienced in working with young players. Naomi is supported by Junior coaches, who also play netball with Willi Tigers. 

Day: Commencing Saturday 10 October for 8 weeks (No session on the Melbourne Cup weekend) 

Time: 9.30am - 10.30am 

Where: Outdoor netball courts, Bayside Secondary College, Corner Bayview Street & Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown.

Cost: $150 - For new participants, this covers: 

• 8 NetSetGO sessions
• $99 Netball Victoria Registration Fee for NetSetGO participants (5 to 10 years) and $51 Willi Tigers Club fee 
• Participation Pack for NetSetGO-ers! 

NetSetGOer's returning from Term 3 will only pay $51.

You can register here.

If you have any questions, please email us at nsg@willitigers.com.au. 

Thank you for helping us promote the NetSetGO program.

Kind Regards,

 

Naomi McCurry

Willi Tigers NetSetGO Coordinator

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BRIGHT STARS ACADEMY

Soccer & basketball for kids — Term 4 kicks off mid-October!

Get ready for a term of fun, friendship and active play! Bright Stars Academy offers age-based soccer and basketball programs across Melbourne’s western suburbs, helping kids learn new skills, build confidence and make friends. See the attached flyer for locations and program details, or visit brightstarsacademy.com.au to learn more and enrol now.

Special offer for our school community: Save 40% on a uniform package — now just $45!

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DEBORAH BARRESE LIVE SHOW

Details below for Deborah's next live show.

Deborah is a parent of our school community.




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MAGIC BASKETBALL

 

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SHOTO KARATE

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The School Advisory Council has created a link on its page where parents can ask questions or share suggestions for discussion by its members.

If you have anything you’d like to share or ask, you can access the form here.

Many thanks.

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.

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Our colouring competition has been a wonderful opportunity for students to participate in the week, express their creativity and reflect on the importance of kindness, inclusion and looking out for others.

As of the today - The Competition Has Now Closed! 

A big thank you to everyone who submitted a colouring competition entry. We have loved seeing the creativity and positive messages from our students throughout the school.

With entries now closed, our TRAM team and Wellbeing Leaders will be voting on the winning entries next week. There will be one winner from each year level, with winners receiving a $5 Yo Mama voucher.

Winners will be announced at our Week 8 Assembly.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Yo Mama for generously sponsoring our colouring competition and providing the $5 vouchers for our winners.

We greatly appreciate their support in helping us make Bullying No Way Week a fun and meaningful experience for our students.

Thank you to all of our students for embracing this year's theme of “Small Acts, Big Impact” and for showing that even the smallest acts of kindness, inclusion and friendship can make a big difference.

Well done to everyone who entered, and good luck !

Thank you to our families for helping us spread the message:

SMALL ACTS BIG IMPACT!

At St. Mary's, we are committed to maintaining a strong culture of child safety. We implement strategies and practices that demonstrate our commitment to child safety through everyday life at the school, guided by the policies and documents listed below.

Our Child Safety Officer is Sonia Riccardi (Principal).

Our Child Safety Team

Our Child Safety Team consists of:

• Sonia Riccardi – Principal / Child Safety Officer

• John Hein – Deputy Principal & Learning and Teaching Leader

• Cathy Sims – Learning Diversity Leader

• Nikita West – Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

The Child Safety Team works together to promote a culture where children and young people feel safe, respected, listened to and empowered to speak up about anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Please contact John Hein or another member of the Child Safety Team if you would like to discuss any matters related to Child Safety.

Thank you for your understanding, and we apologise again for the earlier error. We hope this reprinted and corrected information provides families with the accurate details they need.

Child Safety Code of Conduct

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Child Safety and Wellbeing Procedure

Child Safety and Wellbeing Record Keeping Procedure

IMPORTANT REMINDER – nForma Connect App

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are receiving a number of calls from families who are unable to access their nForma account.

A small reminder that the old 'nForma for Parents' app was decommissioned at the end of August and is no longer in use, therefore it won't allow you to log in and will keep asking you to change the password.

All families must now use the 'nForma Connect' app to access school communications and information.

If you haven't already made the switch, download the new app as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss any important school updates. The new app may prompt you once to create a new password.

Please follow the link below for instructions on downloading and accessing the new app:

nForma Connect – Help & FAQs

Thank you, Emily (Administration)

A private speech pathologist works with some of our students on Tuesdays and has informed us she has some upcoming availability.

She is able to support with:

• Speech sounds and pronunciation
• Language and communication
• Reading, spelling and literacy

Sessions can be NDIS-funded or privately/self-funded and are provided conveniently during the school day.

If you are interested in speech pathology support for your child, please contact Kimberley Olive 0409849748 for further information.


Thanks,
Cathy Sims - Learning Diversity Leader

Our very first Family Book Club was a wonderful and memorable evening!

Families came together to celebrate the book Leo and Ralph, a story about friendship and embracing what makes everyone different, with a night full of activities including:

An out of this world game of Bounce the Moon with balloons
Dreaming up and naming our very own aliens and their planets
A sausage sizzle 
Sharing our best book reviews and favourite parts from the story
Gazing through a telescope and spotting the moon in the night sky

A huge thank you to all the families who joined us and to our amazing staff who helped make this such a special community event.

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BOOK WEEK IS IN 1 WEEK! 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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This Thursday 10th September - Wear a splash of yellow.

This Thursday 10 September, our students will be recognising R U OK? Day, a day that reminds us that a conversation can make a real difference to someone who may be struggling.

Students are invited to wear a splash of yellow to help brighten our school and show support for the message of the day:

“I’m here, let’s talk.”

R U OK? Day encourages us to check in with the people around us, not just on one day, but throughout the year. We want our students to know that it is okay to ask, “Are you OK?”, to listen without judgement, and to seek support when they or someone they know needs it.

We encourage families to continue the conversation at home by checking in with one another and reminding children that they are never alone and there are people who care and are ready to listen.

A splash of yellow, a simple question, and a caring conversation can make a difference.

If your child is registered, please ensure their reading progress is being recorded in the online portal. Meeting the book targets is essential for successfully completing the challenge:

• Prep to Grade 2: Read at least 30 books

• Grade 3 to Grade 6: Read at least 15 books

All students who complete the challenge will receive an official certificate signed by the Premier of Victoria. In addition, students who read the most books in each age category (Junior, Middle, and Senior) will receive a special prize!

Let’s continue to encourage and support our students to achieve their reading goals and celebrate their love of books!

If you have any questions or need help with the online portal, please feel free to contact me at blycke@smaltona.catholic.edu.au 

Happy reading!

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We are still collecting eligible containers to raise money for our environmental projects.

Our fundraising title is 'Recycle and Grow'

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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Our canteen is open every lunchtime from Monday to Friday. 

Zooper Doopers $1

Pure Pops (100% natural fruit juice icypoles) $1

Packet of chips $1

Freddo Frog / Caramelo Koala $1.50


All profits go directly towards our wonderful school!

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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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