Newsletter Term 3, Week 3 2023
Monday 31 July- 100 Days of Prep celebration and Y6 Assembly
Tuesday 1st August- FSG catch up Spotswood Hotel 7pm
Hello Parents and Carers,
We have enjoyed another fabulous fortnight at St. Margaret Mary’s so I hope you find this newsletter informative and a helpful way to plan ahead for your children and family.
The Year Five and Six students reported their Camp on Phillip Island was three days of awesome outdoor activities even though they “enjoyed” a mix of weather.
It was a fantastic opportunity for each child to challenge themselves, work together as a team and spend time with their classmates away from school.
I wish to acknowledge and thank Mrs Hodza, Mr Tasca, Ms Graham and our Deputy Principal, Mr Devlin who made this camp a reality by planning and attending for two nights away from their families. Thank you also to our amazing students whose excellent behaviour made the camp a huge success!
Last Tuesday was a special day as we celebrated the feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim. We invited grandparents and special friends to join us for mass and fun activities in the classrooms.
It was heart-warming to see the whole community come together to show the kids how loved and supported they are. We also got to enjoy morning tea in the library and many families took up the opportunity to buy books for our library.
This generosity means the children will now be able to borrow a broader selection of beautiful new books. Thank you to all grandparents, special friends and parents for being part of this fantastic event. A special mention to our volunteer Teacher Librarian Tilly and to SMM library parent helpers, Chris and Alison, for decorating the library with student work.
This week members of our junior school attended their fourth Walker Learning Professional Development opportunity so far this year.
This session was full of inspirational and practical ways to weave indigenous perspectives into our student learning opportunities. Thankfully, we have been able to re-invigorate our library’s collection of fiction and non-fiction books by indigenous authors.
This year, I'm thrilled to be a part of the MACS Principal Induction Professional Development program. One facet of my participation offers me the opportunity to utilise the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 360 Reflection tool.
It is intended that this will provide me with valuable feedback and insights into my leadership behaviours as a principal. During Term 3, members of the school community, including students, parents/carers, and staff, will be invited to contribute to this process via a survey.
The aim of this process is to foster my personal growth and enhance my leadership skills, thus with the vision of creating an even more vibrant and inclusive learning community for all of us.
Next Monday, our Foundation will celebrate "100 Days of School." It is always so much fun to see the Foundation students dressed up as “old” people and engaging in fun activities around the numbers to 100.
Also on Monday our year 6 children will be hosting the school assembly so please pop in for an earlier start at 2.40 pm if you can. We will also be awarding our new Student Representative Councillors their badges.
Our Trivia Night booking system is ready to go. See the FSG News below for more details on ordering your ticket. Please send in any donations you have for the Trivia Night.
Also, please don't forget our next FSG meeting at the Spotswood Hotel on Tuesday August 1st at 7 pm. (Can you believe it’s August already?) We'd love to see you there!
Thank you everyone for your continued support and partnership this term.
Stay warm, take care
Colleen McCambridge
Principal
Parking at Pick up and Drop Off
Please avoid parking across driveways and blocking footpaths.
Follow our socials for the latest learning posts from the classroom
St Margaret Mary’s students are independent life-long learners inspired by Gospel values and empowered with a sense of purpose and responsibility. They confidently engage with others and are equipped with skills to adapt to an ever changing world.
Each week, students who embody our values, apply the school mindsets to learning, work hard to improve or persevere to deliver on learning objectives are awarded a class award. The students who earned an award in the past weeks are:
Week 2
Week 3
Seniors Camp Recounts
Camp was the best! We had so much fun, from doing the go-karts to the zip line; all the activities were fun. We had a fun adventure to the pelicans and the gardens. Everyone can agree that camp was the best. - Jean
Camp was so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so fun! My favorite thing was the giant swing, which went 15 meters high! The cabins were built to perfection, and the food was like we were at a five-star restaurant. Overall, everything about camp was impeccably exquisite. - Jackson
I thought camp was fantastic for many reasons. My favorite part was the activities. We got to do tons of activities. My personal favorite was the giant swing. The giant swing is an activity where you get pulled up 15 meters by 12 people. Then you pull a small rope to send you flying backward and forwards. Another great part was the night activities. We got to do a quiz, watch a movie, play games, and watch the Matildas play Ireland in the women's World Cup. So I will definitely go back. - Harri
This year I believe camp was very unbelievably good and fun. We went to Phillip Island. The camp was called the Island Cyc. I enjoyed camp so much; we had so many great activities, and I made some great memories. Some of the activities were the giant swing with an epic 15-meter drop swinging back and forth. I enjoyed the Gaga pit. Gaga is a game where you try to hit the ball into other people's legs. The Gaga pit is shaped like an octagon and is a game loved by all of us. Did I mention that we had night activities? They were a great SMM quiz, and we watched the Lorax. Overall this camp was brilliant. - Nic
Last week, the 5/6s went to camp. I’ve always loved school camps, but this one was especially memorable. From the 15m Giant swing to the scenic flying fox, I think I could speak for all the students that came along that everyone had an absolute blast. The nature was gorgeous, the meals were delicious and homey. The days were packed with activities, Gaga, hilarious quizzes, movies, chilling in cabins, and watching the women’s World Cup. This was definitely a highlight of Year 6, 2023, and will always be one of my favorite memories. - Isabel
I loved camp. We went to Phillip Island and stayed at the Cyc Island Resort. We got to watch the Lorax and the last half of the Australia Vs Ireland World Cup match. My favorite activity was the giant swing; everyone had to pull you up with a rope to the top of the post on the swing. Then you pull a cord and you drop 15 meters on the swing. On the way back, we went to see the pelicans eat flathead fish, and the feeder told us the history of the pelicans. - Isaiah
Camp was the BEST! We did so many fun tasks and activities. Some activities we did were the giant swing, flying fox, the circuitron, pedal carts, and so much more. Every night we watched a movie, did a cool quiz, and had a Gordon Ramsay-style dinner.
The giant swing, my favorite activity, is where you are in a harness 15 meters up in the air. When you are instructed to pull a black rope dangling in front of you, you’ll get launched down and start swinging. It was the best and most fun camp EVER! - Noah
This week's camp was amazing!! I loved all of the activities and all of the free time. My favorite part of camp was all of the free time in our cabins because we got to chill, and then if we could, we would go outside and play ga-ga. How you play ga-ga is by trying not to get the ball touch below your knees. When you and another person are lifted, you have five taps, and when those end, you have to hit the ball. Normally with more people, you hit the ball on the wall to get another tap, but if you don't, you can't touch the ball. - Jacinta
The food was pretty good, and even the sweets like the cake and the apple pie. Even the fruits were nice and fresh and sweet, especially the oranges. They were nice and juicy and sweet. The best part of camp, though, was when we got to watch the Lorax and sing the songs in that movie. It was funny and it brought joy to my friend and me. These three days, two nights were the best camp out of all the school camps I've been to. - Jacinta
The ⅚ camp was really fun. We watched the Lorax, and then most of the boys and some of the girls watched the women's World Cup. We did a quiz, and my favorite thing was the giant swing because I got to do something out of my comfort zone. - Billie
Last week, the grade 5 and 6s went on camp to Phillip Island. So the best thing about camp was almost everything. But if I had to pick, it would be the giant swing because it was 15 meters! I loved it so much, and it was incredible. They also made sure I was 100% safe, and I felt safe. So last week at camp was amazing, and if I had the choice to go to camp again, I would definitely go back to camp at Phillip Island. - Claire
On Wednesday, the 19th of July, the year ⅚'s started off their camp at Phillip Island. When we arrived there, we did fun activities such as the giant swing, flying fox, and go-karts. After dinner, we did the one and only quiz night! The next day, we did 4 different activities, which were the circuitron, archery, mechanical wall, and abseiling. That night, we watched a movie and, thanks to the greatest teachers in the world, watched a World Cup match. After a good night's sleep, we finished our activities and went home. This was by far the best camp that I've ever been to! - Serena
Last week, the 5-6's went to camp in Phillip Island with an extreme list of activities, including the giant swing, go-karts, circuitron, flying fox, and many others! These activities put a bright smile on everyone's faces. On night 1, the teachers had organized an extremely fun quiz night, and everyone had a laugh. After one of the teams had won, they were able to pick the movie for night 2. After another long, fun day, all of us settled down and watched the Lorax. A long night's sleep later, it was time to go back, but first, we went to go see the pelicans. We saw them being fed and then went back to school exhausted. - Charlotte
Grandparents Day Photos
S is for Sleeping Soundly to Support Success in Learning & Mental Health
Adequate Sleep is crucial for children in primary school.
When your child sleeps well, this sets them up for success in learning at school by influencing their concentration, and retention of information & helps with better control of emotions & behaviour.
Good sleep supports your child’s health by strengthening their immune system lowering their chances of becoming ill & having to be absent from school.
It is recommended that children aged 5-11 years need 9-11 hours of sleep a night. This will also help you to determine an appropriate bedtime for your child.
Puberty can change children’s sleeping patterns for children around 12 years with a tendency to go to bed and wake up later. Unfortunately, school start time needs to be a determining factor. As the hormones kick in, pre-teens & teenagers require plenty of good-quality sleep if they are to function effectively, maintain a steadier mood and make optimum choices the following days.
Developing a bedtime routine is very important & assists with winding down from the day. Sometimes your child still might be processing events or worries from the day at bedtime. A bedtime routine can provide helpful cues to the mind and body to begin to relax & settle down.
Routines can include:
-putting on pyjamas
-brushing teeth
-going to the toilet
-reading/having story time (using a book) or
-engaging in quiet chat & reflecting on positive things about the day
-Goodnight and lights out
Building in relaxation before bed is extremely beneficial. Teach your child strategies for calming down, e.g. dimming the lights, having a bath, and playing/listening to calming/soothing music. The “Raising Children Network”, a parenting website funded by the Australian Government, recommends the following good daytime and night-time habits for better sleep:
Keep regular sleep and wake times, even on the weekend.
Turn computers, tablets and TV off an hour before bedtime.
Have a quiet and dimly lit place to sleep.
Get plenty of natural light during the day, especially in the morning.
Avoid caffeine in tea, coffee, sports drinks and chocolate, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
You can manage some sleep problems in children with good sleep habits. It’s a good idea to talk with your GP if you’ve been encouraging your child to try good sleep habits and this doesn’t seem to be helping. Sleep medicines usually aren’t the solution to children’s sleep problems.
Please work in partnership with us by investing time in building good sleep routines, habits & relaxation strategies. This help to set your child up for learning success, better emotional regulation, greater capacity to cope with challenges & contributes overall to better physical & mental health!
Children’s Liturgy
To the families of Sacred Heart and St Margaret Mary's of the Parish of St Joseph,
The parish is hoping to reinstate regular Children's Liturgy during the 10am Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart Church to encourage young families and their children to our weekend Masses.
We are looking to form a group of 3-5 adults/youth (16 years and older) who are interested in taking turns to lead these sessions and create opportunities for the children of our parish to learn more about the life of Jesus.
Resources and guidance would be provided.
If you are interested, please speak to Fr Binh after Mass or contact Ivana at the parish office on 9391 1201 or email to Newport.Spotswood@cam.org.au
Thanks and have a great weekend.
With every prayer and blessing,
Rev Binh Le
Upcoming School Masses and events
Tuesday 8th August- Whole School Mass- Feast of St Mary of the Cross, 9.15am
Calling All Kind Hearts! Join Our Ministry of Welcome!
Feedback from our community consultations indicated a need to ensure that all people coming to Mass feel welcome.
We are seeking compassionate volunteers to join our Welcoming Ministry! Be a beacon of warmth and love, ensuring every parishioner feels embraced in our faith community. Share a friendly smile, offer guidance, and extend a helping hand as we open our hearts to those seeking solace and spiritual connection.
Please consider joining this important team - your role could include coming to Mass 15 minutes earlier and greeting people as they arrive. You might be able to assist every week, or less frequently.
Together, let's create a vibrant atmosphere of belonging and hospitality. Join us in spreading God's love and make a lasting impact on the lives of all our members.
If you are interested in becoming a part of our Ministry of Welcome please speak to us or contact us at the presbytery, or via StJosephVicPPC@gmail.com. Your presence matters!
School Fees
Parenting ADHD Course
Click the image for more info
Raising a child with ADHD can feel confusing, chaotic and stressful. Life can feel like that for your ADHD child too.
To add to your struggle, everywhere you turn there are armchair experts offering unwanted advice. Pouring information overload onto an already exhausting day-to-day can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stuck in survival mode.
This twelve-module course will cut through the noise and zone in on the up-to-the-minute science on what ADHD really is, why it occurs and, most importantly, give you the tools to create a more balanced environment at home.
With the right tools you can:
Feel confident using science-supported strategies
Develop a deeper connection with your ADHD child (and experience less challenging behaviour as a result)
Make space for more golden moments and stronger connections within your family
NCCD Information Sheet
Chromebooks in 2024
In 2024, St Margaret Mary’s will be making some changes to it’s BYO program. Current year 2’s will not be required to purchase an ipad, but instead will use a Chromebook.
Our ordering portal is now live and you are able to make purchases for Chromebooks in 2024. Please note, once ordered, devices will be shipped in buk early December. Parents will be notified and devices can be picked up at the office.
Trivia Night
The trivia night is our school’s major fundraising event for the year. We need your help to make it a huge success. See the information below about how you can book tickets and help out through donations. Tickets are on sale NOW!
Footy Tipping
Well tipsters here we are at round 20 and it couldn’t get any closer. Shaqatak made the most of the last round to score a perfect 9 and grab the bonus point. This means they are now leader over Tigers September on margins. The Millar Boys, Devdoggies and Team Huds are fighting it out for 3rd place but there are still 4 rounds to go so it’s anyones game.
Please note this tipping comp finishes at the end of the regular season and does not include finals.
If you haven’t done so, please pay the $25 entry fee to the account below. We currently have only 16 of the 29 members who have paid. It would be a shame to win and not be eligible to claim your prize! Also Sarah Farrer please make contact with Simon in the office to clarify your payments.
Please pay now if you haven’t already done so!
$25 to join and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd to be announced soon.
Payments made via school FSG bank account. Please use your footy tipping alias as a reference.
Account SMM FSG
BSB: 083 347
Acc: 365426557
You can also send in $25 in an envelope, labelled with your alias and titled "2023 footy tipping"
Best of Luck!
Emmanuel College News
Good afternoon
We have another exciting transition event coming up in August, for our Year 7 2024 students and their families, to come along for a sausage sizzle and fun and games night. Along with the Amazing Race, Information Evening and Orientation Morning, this is a great way for Grade 6s to meet other students and staff and get to discover more things about their new school.
There has been an overwhelming response to the Liverpool International Academy ‘Come and Try Session’ on Saturday 19 August, which is an opportunity for all genders, all abilities from the age of 6 to 16, to come and have a free 30-minute skills session with LFC Academy Coaches.
Places are strictly limited and available here: https://lfcacademy.com.au/vic/emmanuels-taster-clinics/
For any enquiries, please contact Mr Michael Pichner, LFCIA Program Coordinator mpichner@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
Information Morning is on Saturday 5 August, and we welcome you to come along and hear from College Principal, Dr Janine Biggin and see the fantastic facilities that we have here at Emmanuel. Registration for all events is available here: Information Morning and Tour registration and times for each campus are below:
Saturday 5 August 2023
Notre Dame Campus Commencing at 9:00am with the Principal’s address, followed by tours and ending at 10:30am
St Paul’s Campus Commencing at 10:30am with the Principal’s address, followed by tours and ending at 12 noon
Year 7 2025 Applications
A friendly reminder that if you have a child in Grade 5, applications for Year 7 2025 close on Friday 18 August 2023. Even if your older child is already attending or joining us in Year 7 2024, it is a requirement for an application to be submitted for Year 7 2025. A Prospectus Pack containing an application form can be obtained by:
Attending Information Morning on Saturday 5 August
Following this link to the College website: Request a Prospectus here
Sending an email to enrolments@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
Calling our College Registrar, Ms Donna Grech on 8325 5119
Coming into either Campus Office between 8am and 4:15pm on weekdays.
I hope to see you at a College event soon.
Best wishes,
Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer
Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College
Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College Altona invites you to explore our faith and learning community at one of our Open Events in 2023
OPEN MORNINGS
Open Mornings provide an opportunity for families to witness learning in action on a regular school day. Our Year 9 student ambassadors will give you a personal tour of the College. Visiting families will have the unique opportunity to ask questions of our ambassadors and gain an honest insight into our programs and what it is like to be a student at Mount St. Joseph Girls' College.
Register to attend by visiting our website HERE.
Thursday 3 August - 9:15am – 10:30am
Thursday 7 Sept - 9:15am – 10:30am
ENROLMENT APPLICATIONS
A reminder that enrolment applications for Year 7 in 2025 close on 18 August 2023. Apply online HERE or contact the College Registrar, Mrs Sherri Collins for further information.
Contact details: registrar@msj.vic.edu.au or phone 8398 2007.
