Dear families,

This week’s message is a departure from my usual. As we head into next week, when we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, I’ve been thinking back to my son’s educational journey.

The last time I shared a parenting story in this forum, it was very well received, so I hope you will indulge me once again.

Last Friday night, as my husband and I were driving home after watching our son Ryan and his band perform on a small stage in a bar on High Street Northcote, we passed by a group of shops, one of which was my music school growing up. I couldn’t help but think about my own parents, who, back in the day, speaking little to no English, decided to have me start organ lessons at the age of 7. What had compelled them to do such a thing? A couple who’d left Italy in their 20s, not made it past primary school, with no musical training (though very much into music themselves).

I decided to ask my mum that weekend. It turns out that my Year 2 teacher, Ms Cox, had met with my parents to tell them she thought I had an ear for music. I believe we were learning the recorder at the time. She encouraged them to enrol me to learn an instrument. My parents listened, obliged, and I commenced lessons later that month.

I can, quite literally, trace Ryan’s gig on Friday night, his musical interest and his uptake of several instruments, to Ms Cox planting this seed in a migrant couple who would not have known otherwise. Such is the power of an educator.

This World Teachers’ Day, I thank all who have chosen, or been chosen, to enter the vocation for the amazing contribution they have made to countless lives. There is a saying about teachers planting seeds they may never see grow. Ms Cox followed her instinct, and the fruits of that simple conversation, more than likely quickly forgotten by her, have had a lasting, positive impact on my family at least one generation later.

I am certain there are many similar stories out there. Share them far and wide and, if you have the chance next week, thank a teacher.

Thank you to the wonderful educators at St Mary’s. I am privileged to get to work alongside you each day.

Kind  Safe  Responsible

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 reminder that Pizza Day is this Friday 30th October, and the pizza's will be delivered to the school at normal lunch eating time. 

Reminder: Day for Daniel Friday 30 October 

A friendly reminder that Day for Daniel is happening next Friday, 30th of October!

We invite all students and staff to wear a splash of red to show their support for this important day and help raise awareness about child safety.

Day for Daniel encourages conversations about keeping children safe and empowers children to recognise when and how to seek help.

Thank you for supporting this important initiative and helping us continue to promote a safe and caring school community.

Remember to wear a splash of red next Friday! 

Over the last few weeks, our students have been getting creative in Art and drawing their very own faces to be included in a unique whole-school tea towel. Every child will have the opportunity to create their own masterpiece, which will then be brought together to celebrate our wonderful school community.

These tea towels will make a beautiful keepsake for families and a wonderful way to remember your child's time at St Mary’s. They would also make a fantastic Christmas gift for grandparents, family and friends - A special present featuring all of St Mary's little faces!

TO ORDER:

https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1650042
 

• Final date for orders is 30th October. 
• We expect delivery by first week of December. 

CASUAL CLOTHES WINNER

A huge congratulations to the 5/6KW, who took out our class prize today with $300 fundraised across the class for our school.

They will all enjoy a casual clothes day for their amazing fundraising efforts!

FUNDRAISING TALLY

We've currently raised an amazing $11,045 across the school - Incredible figures for Week 3 of our fundraiser!

Funds raised are going towards our Sahara Space in the Library.

WHO'S LEADING THE WAY?

The race is on for next Friday's class prize!

The class that raises the most money in Week 4 of our fundraiser will win a CLASSROOM DISCO for their entire class! We will announce our class winner on Friday. 

Remember, there will be a new class prize up for grabs every Friday, so every donation counts!
Each class will start at zero again for the weekly class prizes.

FYI - Students start winning prizes from Monty the Monstar from just $10 fundraised on their Profile.

SLIME A TEACHER!

Guess what!?

We are only $4,000 away from sliming our next teacher! 
Once again, the teacher's identity will remain a mystery until the day!

Who could it be? Someone from Leadership? One of the classroom teachers? Maybe even someone who has already been slimed!

You will have to dig deep St Mary's, to see who it will be!

LETS KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!

Share your child's profile page with family and friends to help the donations roll in!

Haven't created a profile page yet? It's not too late!

Make your profile page here:  

myprofilepage.com.au 


It's very quick and easy to sign up and get your profile fundraising ready!

If you need any help, please see Emily in the front office.

From, Monty the Monstar!

At St Mary’s, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to learn.

What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated and intentional behaviour that involves the misuse of power in a relationship and causes harm to another person. It can take many forms, including physical bullying, verbal bullying, social bullying (such as deliberately excluding someone or spreading rumours) and cyberbullying through online platforms or messaging.

It is important to recognise that not every disagreement, conflict or unkind behaviour is bullying. Children may experience friendship difficulties or isolated incidents of unkindness, which still need to be addressed and supported appropriately.

At St Mary’s, we encourage students to speak up if they are experiencing or witnessing bullying, seek support from a trusted adult and treat others with kindness and respect. We work in partnership with families to ensure concerns are taken seriously and students feel safe and supported.

Our Bullying Policy and Procedure

St Mary’s has updated the information available to families regarding bullying, with two separate documents now available on the school website:

• MACS Bullying Policy: Developed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), this policy outlines the overarching expectations and approach to preventing and responding to bullying across MACS schools.

• St Mary’s Bullying Procedure: This school specific document explains the processes St Mary’s follows when a bullying concern is raised, including how concerns are addressed and how students are supported.
  
  

We encourage all families to take the time to read both documents to better understand our approach and the processes in place to support our students.

By working together, we can help create a school environment where every child feels safe, included and respected.

Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a positive and caring school community.

If you would like to sell another box of the Cadbury Fundraising Chocolates, please see Emily or Katrina in the office. 

We are also currently selling them in the canteen for the remainder of the term for $1.50 each.

(Please give kids the correct change if you can!)

 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)

Kind  Safe  Responsible

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

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

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!

Kind  Safe  Responsible

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