Dear Families,

A very warm welcome back to Term 4!

I hope the holidays provided your families with an opportunity to rest, reconnect and enjoy some quality time together. It has been wonderful to welcome the children back to St Mary’s with plenty of energy, enthusiasm and smiles as we begin our final term of 2026.

Important Term Dates

There are many exciting events happening across the school this term. While all events can be found on the school calendar, the following school-wide dates are worth keeping in mind:

• Friday 9 October – Father Michael Farewell School Mass, 9:00am
• Sunday 11 October – Father Michael Farewell Community Mass, 10:30am
• Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 October – Senior Camp
• Friday 30 October – Daniel Morcombe Day
• Monday 2 November – School Closure Day
• Friday 20th November - Colour Fun Run
• Tuesday 3 November – Melbourne Cup Day
• Tuesday 24 November – St Mary’s Sports Day
• Thursday 3 December – St Mary’s Christmas Carols
• Friday 4 December – School Closure Day
• Wednesday 9 December – Year 6 Dig Day Out
• Thursday 10 December – Year 6 Graduation
• Friday 11 December – 2027 Step Up Day
• Tuesday 15 December – Students’ Final Day

A Quick Reminder

As we begin the new term, I would like to remind families that parents and carers are responsible for supervising their children after school, particularly when children are playing on the oval and in the playground areas. We ask that you remain close by and actively supervise your children while they are using these spaces.

Please also remember that the Ninja Playground is only available for students in Years 3–6, including before and after school. Children using the Ninja Playground must have a parent or carer nearby who is actively supervising them.

These expectations are in place to ensure the safety of all our students. If we are unable to maintain these requirements, we may need to consider closing access to these areas before and after school, which is something we would very much like to avoid.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation in helping us keep St Mary’s a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.


Fr Michael's Farewell Mass

We warmly invite all families to join us for Parish Mass this Sunday at 10:30am as we come together to farewell Father Michael and celebrate his many years of dedicated service to our parish and school community.

This will be a special opportunity to thank Father Michael for his kindness, guidance and the wonderful contribution he has made to St Mary’s.

We would love to see as many of our families there as possible to help give him the heartfelt farewell he deserves.

Kind regards,

John

 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

7-14th October - Book Fair (8:30-8:45am & 3:00-3:30pm)

Sunday 11th October - Fr Michael's Farewell Mass

Friday 30th October - Daniel Morcombe Day

Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd - Senior Camp

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)

Kind  Safe  Responsible

On Friday 30 October, our school will be supporting Day for Daniel, Australia’s largest day of action for child safety and awareness.

Day for Daniel is an opportunity for our school community to come together to promote child safety, encourage conversations and help children understand that they have the right to feel safe and supported.

To show our support, students are invited to wear red on Friday 30 October. This could be a red shirt, jumper, socks, hair accessories or simply a splash of red!

Throughout the day, students will participate in age appropriate activities and conversations focused on child safety, speaking up, seeking help and identifying trusted adults.

We encourage families to use Day for Daniel as an opportunity to have conversations at home about staying safe, listening to our feelings and knowing who we can turn to when we need help.

Let’s wear red and stand together for child safety! 


Thanks,

Nikita West
Wellbeing Leader & 5/6 Teacher

The Parents and Friends Committee have organised for the students to have Stella's pizza delivered to the school, a fun way to help support the school and a local community buisness!

Save the date to join us for this years Carols in the Park.

Our school choir will be performing!

Ms Bernie

We’re excited to introduce Pure Pops to our canteen menu this term!

Pure Pops are a delicious, all-natural frozen treat made with real ingredients, giving our families a healthier alternative for their children to purchase along side our usual zooper doopers and chip packets.

Pure Pops will be sold for $1 each, the same price as our zooper doopers and chips, at lunch time in the canteen.

We are currently trialing the mango and banana flavour - So far, the kids love them!

Our Parents & Friends (P&F) Committee is a great way to get involved, meet other families and make a really positive difference in our school community.

We organising fun events and bring families together to help fundraise for resources and opportunities that benefit our students.
The P&F plays an important role in making St Mary’s such a special place.

You don't need lots of spare time or any special skills!
If you can lend a hand at an event, share a fresh idea or simply come along to a meeting, every contribution is really valued.
It's a great way to make new friendships, feel connected to the school and have a little fun along the way!

As we all know - Many hands make light work.

Thanks, P&F

This week in Community News:

• Joan Kirner Newsletter
• Church Bulletin
• Chess 4 Schools Newsletter
• Sweeny's Swim School - Free Assessment
• Shoto Karate
• Bright Stars Academy
• Altona Rockets Little Athletics

JOAN KIRNER NEWSLETTER

https://www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au/source/Joan%20Kirner.pdf


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CHURCH BULLETIN

https://www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au/source/BULLETIN%2011-10-26%20with%20ad.pdf


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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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ALTONA ROCKETS LITTLE ATHLETICS


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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

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

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 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!

Kind  Safe  Responsible