Newsletter Term 3, Week 8 2025
Last Day of Term 3 - 19th September
Pyjama Day - 19th September
School Disco - 19th September 6 - 8 pm
Dear Families
It has been a very positive fortnight at SMM. Thank you for the supportive feedback on our building project plans, which include four new classrooms, shared breakout spaces, new student toilets, and a covered outdoor learning and gathering space with soft surfacing and gardens. Tony Cotter and Bowen Jessup from Cotter Reid explained how the building will be managed with minimal disruption in 2026 to the community of SMM. The children will continue to enjoy the basketball court, four square, quiet areas, the adventure playground, and our “green,” natural garden and cubby play space.
Earlier this week our leadership team attended the Flourishing Learners Conference, which explored how best to support teacher development so students can thrive in their learning. Last Wednesday we welcomed Stephen Russell, who has begun guiding us through our school review, and I also joined Fr Samuel and parish council members at the Vibrant Parishes gathering, strengthening our shared commitment to Working Together in Mission.
Our Father’s Day sock sale was once again a success—thank you to Larissa for leading this much-loved tradition. Year 5/6 students also enjoyed a full day at Scienceworks, working with museum educators on innovation and design.
A new print now hangs in our office, portraying the Sacred Heart of Jesus surrounded by love. We chose this artwork to share with our children and community the inclusive and unconditional love of Christ, which calls us to live the Gospel values. Inspired by St Margaret Mary’s devotion to the Sacred Heart, this image invites us to experience and share Christ’s love, welcome and protection with one another, our families and our community.
This morning we welcomed our third group of Foundation 2026 children for a drop-in session. The children joined in with confidence and enthusiasm. From late October next term, our transition program will move into a more structured phase, helping the children and families feel even more prepared and connected as they begin their school journey with us
Looking ahead, school will finish at 1.00pm next Friday, 19 September. On the day, Mini Vinnies leaders invite students to wear pyjamas or tracksuits in exchange for a coin or cash donation to the St Vincent de Paul Society. That evening, we will finish the term with our children’s disco in the hall. Thank you to Siobhan and the FSG team for making this highlight possible once again.
Take Care,
Colleen McCambridge
Principal
Coming Up Soon…
School Disco
Please note, ticket sales close Tuesday, the 16th of September. Order now to avoid disappointment!
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. Awards will be handed out at our next assembly in week 9 at 2.45 pm. The students who earned an award in the past weeks are:
Week 8
Week 7
Father’s Day Breakfast
Seniors Gala Day Recounts
Cricket
On Thursday, the 28th of August, the senior boys had our annual cricket gala day, where we won the flag in the Boys' B Division. In the first game, we had won before we even started playing, thanks to our amazing bowling skills, and ended up winning easily.
In our second game, it was a bit closer against Yarraville West, but in the end, we still won convincingly thanks to our amazing teamwork and persistence. Our third game was where it started to get hard vs Kingsville, and this was a game that decided who was most likely to win the flag. We got off to a great start in our batting and looked like we might have been able to win. We even had a great start to our bowling with Leo and Xavier S getting 4 wickets in the first 2 overs, then Kingsville started to hit everything, and it looked like we were going to lose. But in the end, thanks to some great bowling by Alex S, we won by 12. 104 to 116.
In our last game, we smashed Footscray easily, and just as we were walking back to the bus, wondering if we had won or not, we got the flag, and the bus ride celebrating was a great end to a great day.
Finn
Volleyball Tournament
Girls B Team
On the 28th of August, the grades 5 and 6 went to the Gala Day for cricket and volleyball. I went to volleyball and had so much fun, we played 5 games, drew 2 of them, lost 2, and won 1! Our losses were 35 - 41, and 53 - 24, our ties were 34 - 34 and 19 - 19, and our win was 38 - 43. We played St. Augustine’s, Yarraville West, and Wembley. Even though we got 2 losses, my team and I enjoyed the day, spending time with each other and learning how to become better volleyball players. My team was full of fun, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Milla led the team as our captain and showed great leadership. We made it to the final, but unfortunately lost. We are still really proud of ourselves. After we found out that our team came 3rd in our competition. We are all so proud and excited to go to another gala day in the future.
Eva
Mixed B Team
Yesterday my team went to the Gala Day, the Gala Day is a sports day which means a group of people go to a sports centre and compete with other schools in a chosen sport. Yesterday we played volleyball, we managed to beat the first team with ease, next we won against another school. After three more matches, we won 2 and lost 1. Finally, it was time for the final. We were up against West Footscray; it was a tough match, and in the end, we sadly lost by 8.
Joel
Around the Rooms
Foundation
Over the past fortnight in Prep, the children have been very engaged in their learning across a range of areas. In Literacy, we have been reviewing the sounds m, s, t, a, r, d, o, h and c. The students have been practising recognising and writing words beginning with these sounds, as well as listening to simple CVC words, writing them down, and using them in sentences. In Writing, our focus has been on minibeasts. The children have enjoyed learning interesting facts about a variety of minibeasts and using this knowledge to write simple information reports, which has given them the opportunity to practise recording their ideas in an informative way.
In Faith Life, we have been exploring what living things need in order to grow and reflecting on God’s creation. Last week the children planted cress seeds, and this week they have been delighted to see their plants beginning to grow. We have been documenting this process together, and the students are showing great excitement and responsibility as they observe the changes in their seedlings.
In Mathematics, our Number Blast sessions have focused on practising forward number word sequences and identifying 2- and 3-digit numbers. During our main lessons, we have recently completed our unit on capacity, mass and length. This week, we have now moved into the concept of sharing, which the children are beginning to explore through hands-on activities and discussions.
Year 1
1 Green has been learning, creating, and growing in so many ways over the past two weeks! In Literacy, we have been exploring adverbs and contractions, building our skills as confident readers and writers. In Maths, we have been learning about arrays and practising grouping collections into columns and rows. Our SEL lessons have been focusing on personal boundaries, what makes a good friend, and how to check in with someone who looks upset as we celebrated RUOK Day on Thursday the 11th of September. In Faith Life, we have been reflecting on God’s creation by designing posters of our favourite zoo animals and began growing our very own beans. It has been a busy and exciting fortnight full of discovery!
Years 2
In Writing, students completed their unit on The Gentle Genius of Trees. This unit focused on writing paragraphs, including topic sentences, adding supporting details, and finishing with a concluding sentence. Along the way, students discovered some fascinating facts about trees, such as how they move and stretch toward sunlight, convert sunlight into glucose for energy, and even how “mother trees” protect their young by slowing their growth.
In Mathematics, students have been learning about 2D and 3D shapes. They explored the features of different shapes and objects, focusing on sides, vertices, edges, and faces. Students also learnt to identify polygons, as well as regular and irregular shapes.
Years 3 and 4
This week, our Year 3/4 students are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of The One and Only Ivan. They have been working hard to craft persuasive texts inspired by the novel. All our handwriting practice is starting to pay off as we presented some of our Grade 4 students with their pen licences! In Mathematics, the Year 3s are continuing to tackle rich word problems, while the Year 4s are developing their understanding of decimals. In Faith Life Inquiry, students have completed their research and are now beginning to draft their writing for informative posters.
Year 5/6
Scienceworks Excursion – STEMworks Transport Workshop
On Wednesday, 3rd September, our Grade 5/6 students visited Scienceworks to take part in the STEMworks workshop on the theme of Transport. This experience linked directly to our Faith Life Inquiry focus on Sustainability, as we explored how the choices we make can help us to be responsible stewards of the Earth.
We were one of five schools to attend the day. Students began by designing their own city and considering the different transport options people could use. This set the stage for big-picture thinking about how transport connects communities.
Next, we headed to the Lightning Theatre, where we learnt all about electricity—how it is generated, the ways it can be used, and how it powers transport. This encouraged us to reflect on the energy needs of different transport options.
After recess, guest speakers from Metro presented on the exciting Metro Tunnel project. They shared insights into the design process, the challenges of planning for Melbourne’s future transport needs, and the importance of considering the environment when making decisions.
The highlight of the day was the Design Sprint Challenge: to create a transport solution that would make it easier to get to Scienceworks. Students brainstormed ideas, thought carefully about the needs and wants of potential users, and then brought their concepts to life through prototypes.
This excursion provided a valuable opportunity for our students to connect classroom learning with real-world issues, sparking creativity and inspiring ideas for how Melbourne’s transport could become more sustainable and accessible in the future.
I
First Eucharist
On Saturday 30th August, we celebrated the final of our First Eucharist Masses. It was a truly special evening, and our Year 4 students did a wonderful job in their preparation and participation. Their reverence, confidence, and commitment shone through, making the occasion memorable for all.
We congratulate our Year 4s on this important step in their faith journey and wish them every blessing as they continue to grow in their relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist.
Mini Vinnies
Our Mini Vinnies group have been meeting together to explore ways they can make a positive difference in our community. After some thoughtful discussion, they have decided to host a Pyjama Day!
This will take place on the last day of term, Friday 19th September. Students are invited to wear their favourite pyjamas (shoes required) to school and bring along a gold coin donation. All proceeds will go towards supporting the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Father’s Day Breakfast
It was a fantastic morning as we welcomed our dads to our annual Father’s Day Breakfast. It was wonderful to see so many families sharing this special time together, with plenty of smiles, conversations, and quality moments.
A big thank you to our FSG organisers, especially Ainsley, for coordinating the morning and making it such a success. We hope all our dads, grandfathers, and father figures enjoyed a very Happy Father’s Day!
The FSG
STEM Purchase Update
Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of our community this term, we are excited to announce the purchase of a class set of Spheros! 🎉
This is a significant investment that will enhance learning in our STEM specialist classes and support our Term 4 focus on Digital Technologies.
A huge thank you to all our families and supporters who made this possible—we couldn’t have done it without you! 💙
Upcoming Events
Ticket sales close Tuesday, the 16th September. Purchase now to avoid disappointment!
Get ready to dance the night away at our groovy event happening at St Margaret Mary’s School. Join us for an evening of fun, music, and memories with all your friends. Don’t forget to wear your coolest outfit and show off your best dance moves on the dance floor—it’s going to be a night to remember!
Food & Drinks: Each child will receive 2 slices of pizza and a Zooper Dooper.
When purchasing tickets, please select your child’s preferred pizza option and let us know about any dietary requirements so we can cater accordingly.
Reminders:
Please send your child with a clearly labelled water bottle.
If your child may find the music too loud, you’re welcome to pack labelled headphones so they can enjoy the disco more comfortably.
Cost $15 per student.
🍾MACSSIS Family Survey🥂
Last Monday, each family should have received an email with a link to the annual MACSSIS family survey. This 30-minute survey is your chance to help improve our school. Please keep an eye out in your inbox and take the opportunity to help shape the future of SMM.
The survey window is open from Monday 1st September to Friday 19th September. We would love as many families as possible to participate.
As an incentive, one lucky respondent will win a bottle of champagne! Simply complete your survey to go into the draw—at the moment, you’d have a very good chance of winning.
The winner will be announced after the holidays.
New First Aid Reporting System
We are currently trialling a new digital system to record and report first aid incidents that occur at school. When a student receives first aid, an email notification will be sent to the primary parent email address. Please note, families will still receive a phone call if a student has a head knock. All email notifications will come from nForma.
Come and Try
Footy girls, this one's for you!
Whether you're just starting out or already play and want to take your game to the next level — the AFLW All Girls Superkick Centre at Whitten Oval is the place to be! Will take place 2 hours before each game!
Dates:
• Sat 16 August
• Sat 30 August
• Sun 21 September
• Fri 26 September
• Fri 10 October
$55 for the full program
Mission Whitten Oval
Girls aged 7–12
Run by the Western Bulldogs & AFL Victoria – all skill levels welcome.
Each session will go for one hour and coached by AFL Vic Female coaches
Scan the QR code on the flyer to register or register here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/df01ff
#GirlsPlayFooty #AFLW #Superkick #WesternBulldogs #FootySkills #GameOnGirls
#WFNL #WestIsBest #BulldogsAFLW
Lacrosse Come & Try Sessions – You Could Be Our Next Olympian!
We'd like to invite all students to our FREE Come & Try Lacrosse Clinics as we get ready for the 2026 season. Lacrosse is an exciting, fun game that everyone can enjoy – and with the sport included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Who knows… you might be the next Olympian! Find out more here: https://www.olympics.com/en/sports/lacrosse/
Details
All genders and skill levels welcome
No sign-up needed
Gear provided
Just turn up & play!
Where: Footscray Lacrosse Club – Angliss Reserve, Cnr Francis & Roberts Streets, Yarraville
2025 Sessions (Mondays): 17 Nov, 24 Nov, 1 Dec, 8 Dec
2026 Sessions (Mondays): 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 2 Feb, 9 Feb
Come along, bring a friend, and give lacrosse a go – we’d love to see you there!
Questions?
Contact: Bel Cliffe – 0406 320 987 | juniorboys@footscraylacrosseclub.com.au
Chess Club Term 4
BYO Chromebooks for 2026
Below is important information for our Year 2 families regarding the Chromebook program, which will begin next year as the students move into Year 3.
Guidelines for Keeping Your Child Home When They're Sick
We understand that deciding when to keep your child home from school can be challenging. Here are some guidelines to help ensure your child recovers fully and doesn't spread illness to others:
Fever
If your child has a fever, it's best to keep them at home. Ensure they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of medication before returning to school. At home, you can keep them hydrated and comfortable, which is crucial for their recovery.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can indicate a viral infection. It's important to keep your child at home and provide them with oral rehydrating solutions to prevent dehydration.
Vomiting
If your child has vomited, it's best to keep them at home until they have been vomit-free for 24 hours. This way, they can rest and recover without discomfort, and you can avoid the inconvenience of having to pick them up from school if they are still unwell.
Cough
A serious cough can spread infections and affect your child's sleep and energy levels. If your child has a wet cough, especially with breathing difficulties, please seek medical advice, possibly get a COVID-19 test, and keep them home until they are better.
Rashes
Some skin rashes can be contagious. Have any rash evaluated by a doctor before your child returns to school to ensure it is safe.
Conjunctivitis
This eye infection spreads easily among children. Keep your child home until a doctor confirms they are no longer contagious.
Stomach Ache
Stomach aches can be tricky. If there are no other symptoms like diarrhoea or constipation, and your child is otherwise active, they might be okay to attend school. However, if the pain persists, consider keeping them home and discussing any potential emotional stressors with them.
Ear Infection
Evaluate the severity of your child's symptoms. Mild ear pain might be manageable, but if they are uncomfortable or have a fever, it’s best to keep them at home. Monitor their overall behavior and energy levels to guide your decision.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure our children remain healthy and ready to learn. Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our school community well.
School Holiday Programs
Emmanuel College Latest News
Emmanuel’s Marianist ethos is expressed in a safe and secure Catholic environment, based on compassion, respect, justice and responsibility which fosters the development of the learning and faith community. We shared breakfast and celebrated Mass together on Friday, to thank Fathers, Stepfathers, Grandfathers, Uncles and male mentors for the contributions they make to students lives and we thank Fr Timothy Kenney and Fr Paul Tru for delivering uplifting and heartwarming services at each College campus.
College community - celebrating our Student Ambassadors
Many of you who have attended Emmanuel College events, such as information mornings, open evenings, College tours and Year 6 orientation events, will have met our amazing Student Ambassadors. These students generously volunteer their time to welcome prospective families and showcase what they love about being part of the Emmanuel College community. By sharing their experiences, our Student Ambassadors provide an authentic insight into College life and the values that make our school special. Beyond supporting the College, being a Student Ambassador builds on personal values in developing leadership and public speaking skills and forming friendships with peers from different year levels. We are extremely proud of our Student Ambassadors and the enthusiasm, kindness and school spirit they bring to our College.
This week we share images from the recent Year 6 Fun and Games Nights that were held at each campus, student ambassadors and the Father’s Day Mass.
60th Anniversary Reunion
We are excited to be turning 60 this year and welcome all former students and staff back to where it all began, St Paul’s Campus, on Friday 10 October to celebrate our 60th anniversary together. With food trucks, a display of artefacts and memorabilia (from St Paul’s and Notre Dame Campuses) this will be a great opportunity to reconnect with current and former staff members and school friends. As a free, family friendly event, we would love to see you there – please click on the link to register your attendance: https://www.trybooking.com/DESLJ
Year 7, 2027 – applications closed on Friday 15 August 2025
If your child is in Year 5, and you have not already applied for a place in Year 7, 2027, please contact our College Registrar, Donna Grech, 8325 5100 as a matter of urgency, thank you.
Yours sincerely
Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer
Emmanuel College Latest News 9 September 2025
Year 7, 2027 – Applications Closing Soon
St Mary’s College will be sending out offers for Year 7, 2027 in the coming weeks. Families who are considering St Mary’s for their child’s secondary education are encouraged to ensure their application has been submitted as soon as possible.
Places are filling quickly, and late applications may miss out on the opportunity to be considered in the first round of offers.
If you have not yet applied, we strongly encourage you to do so now. Applications can be completed via the College website, or by contacting our Enrolments Office at registrar@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au
