Newsletter Address ~ Term 4, Week 3/4

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Friends of St Mel’s,

It’s been a very busy start to term 4!!

This week we welcomed Di Pekin, Trish Miller and Joan Caldwell to St Mel’s who conducted our National School Improvement Tool (NSIT) review. NSIT is an opportunity for schools to reflect on current practices and progress made towards improving the quality of teaching and learning and subsequently, student learning and wellbeing outcomes across the school. Originally our school wasn’t due to complete the review until 2025 but with a school pulling out in the late stages of last term, presented an opportunity for us to have our review now. The short timeframe had its challenges, and the review itself was an intensive 3 days. Whilst we are still working through the findings, we hope to use the recommendations to develop our strategic plans for the next four years. A positive I took from the process was how it is a ‘snapshot’ of our everyday practices and supports school-wide conversations – including with parents and families, school governing bodies, local communities, and students themselves – about aspects of current practice, areas for improvement and evidence that progress is being made. Like all schools or institutions, feedback, when used positively, is great for improvement and progress. Thank you to those in our community who gave up their time to meet with reviewers, your feedback was appreciated.

Last week our grade 5/6 students attended Log Cabin Camp Creswick. Students and staff had a wonderful time participating in outdoor activities including high and low rope courses, archery, flying fox, rope swings and initiative activities. A visit to Sovereign Hill also helped students relate what they have been learning in early Australian history and the Gold Rush. Some kids were lucky enough to find a few specks of gold but unfortunately not enough to set up a retirement plan! I always say the experiences students share on school camps and excursions; become the best memories they have of school. Our time at Camp Creswick certainly attests to this.

We are holding a community farewell mass for Fr Peter on Thursday 29th October at 10:30am with a shared morning tea afterwards. All community members and parishioners are welcome to attend.

Today (Friday 20th) we had a staff professional development day. Professor Katrina McFerran, (Melb. Uni) presented to us the benefits of music therapy used to help improve student wellbeing. Student wellbeing continues to be a significant area of focus for us, and we are starting to see the benefits of music in classrooms helping to assist students better regulate their emotions. It has been proven when students are better regulated their learning becomes easier and more focussed. Prof. Katrina has been working with us as part of a research project since the beginning of the year. We hope to continue this connection in 2024.

Best wishes to all year 12 students who begin exams next week. We hope the past 13 years of schooling have helped to shape the physical, academic, and social/ emotional capabilities of all those sitting their exams.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all in our community who are unwell or have loved ones who are unwell or have recently died. Please know you are not alone, and we are thinking of you and please reach out if you need support.

Enjoy a wonderful fortnight back everyone.

Do your best. Respect our school. Help others succeed.

School Closure Days Term 4

We have several scheduled school closure days this term. Please make note of the following days where students won't be at school.

Friday 20th October ~ Staff Professional Development Day

Monday 6th November ~ Report Writing Day

Tuesday 7th November ~ Melbourne Cup

Friday 1st December ~ Staff Planning Day 2024

Friday 15th December ~ Last Day for students (3:20pm finish)

Month	Dates / Events
October	2nd Start Term 4 3rd Year 6 District Athletics 4th Year 5 District Athletics 5th Year 4 District Athletics 6th Year 3 District Athletics 9 - 11th ~ Upper Years Camp 16th – 18th NSIT Review 24th School Council Meeting
November	2nd November Grade1/2 Sleepover 6th Report Writing Day ~ pupil free 7th Melbourne Cup Prep Transition Day 11th Remembrance Day Prep Transition Day Prep Transition Day Prep Transition Day 28th School Council Meeting 29th Prep Information Night
December	1st Staff Planning Day ~ pupil free 4th Year 6 Reflection Day & Year 5 Leadership Day 12th Statewide Transition Day 12th Reports Home 12th End of year Graduation Mass 14th Aquamoves Fun day 15th Students last day ~ Updated 18th Staff Reflection/PD day/ 2024 preparations
2024	Students commence school ~ Wednesday 31st Jan 2024

Congratulations to our ICAS participants 2023

Well done to the following students who participated in this years ICAS competition.

Arya Banning ~ Gr 3, Seeret Kaur ~ Gr 5, Jasmin Kaur ~ Gr 6, Daffodil Gandionko ~ Gr 5, Ridhaan Chaudhari~ Gr 6, Thomas Clarke ~ Gr 6 and Audrey Guacus.

ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies.

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Our students have received certificates and recognition for their achievements.

Farewell to Fr Peter ~ Farewell Mass Thursday 26th October 10:30am

We will be having a community Farewell mass for Fr Peter on Thursday 26th October at 10:30am at the church. Morning tea will be held afterwards back at school. All welcome to attend.

Sun Smart

Time to find those hats again! Please remember all students are required to wear their hats. Consequences for not wearing a hat will be: No Hat, No play.

A Message from the Sun Smart Team:

It's the start of spring and the start of October so it's time for those five SunSmart things to remember!

1. Slip on sun protective clothing

2. Slop on SPF 30+ or higher sunscreen

3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat

4. Seek shade

5. Slide on some wrap-around sunglasses

Reminder

The front administration area is not to be used as a throughway for students or families before or after school hours. Please use the side gates to enter and exit the school. Thank you

Prophet Amos cries out: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. As the people of God, we must work together on behalf of all Creation, as part of that mighty river of peace and justice.

September 1 in the church calendar marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, the theme this year is ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow.’ This season is an opportunity to focus on climate and ecological justice and our role in supporting and speaking out for communities most impacted by climate injustice and loss of biodiversity. “As people of God, we must work together on behalf of all Creation.” (Season of Creation, 2023)

What are the common treads in the following quotes from Pope Francis? Which quote resonates with you the most? Why? What can you do to work together on behalf of all creation?

“When nature is viewed solely as a source of profit and gain, this has serious consequences for society. This vision of 'might is right' has engendered immense inequality, injustice and acts of violence against the majority of humanity, since resources end up in the hands of the first comer or the most powerful: the winner takes all. Completely at odds with this model are the ideals of harmony, justice, fraternity and peace as proposed by Jesus.” (Pope Francis, The Joy of Love [Amoris Laetitia],no. 82)

"A true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. . . Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society." (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'],nos. 49, 91)"The notion of the common good also extends to future generations. The global economic crises have made painfully obvious the detrimental effects of disregarding our common destiny, which cannot exclude those who come after us. We can no longer speak of sustainable development apart from intergenerational solidarity. Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realize that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others. Since the world has been given to us, we can no longer view reality in a purely utilitarian way, in which efficiency and productivity are entirely geared to our individual benefit. Intergenerational solidarity is not optional, but rather a basic question of justice, since the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us." (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], no. 159)

"We human beings are not only the beneficiaries but also the stewards of other creatures. Thanks to our bodies, God has joined us so closely to the world around us that we can feel the desertification of the soil almost as a physical ailment, and the extinction of a species as a painful disfigurement. Let us not leave in our wake a swath of destruction and death which will affect our own lives and those of future generations." (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel [Evangelii Guadium], no. 215)Term 4 ~ School Hats are compulsory - St. Mel's is a Sun Smart School

GIRLS' WINTER UNIFORM

Winter Tartan Skirt (Grey/Green pinstripe) with bottle green tights.

Tartan slacks (Grey/Green pinstripe) with plain white socks or

Gold skivvy or Green/gold polo shirt, long or short-sleeved, with embroidered school logo.

School jumper or bomber jacket

GIRLS' SPORTS UNIFORM

Black sports skirt or black shorts/black tracksuit pants (Winter)

Green and Gold polo top [with the embroidered logo]

Plain white socks (micro socks not permitted)

BOYS' WINTER UNIFORM

Grey trousers or cords

Gold skivvy or green/gold long-sleeved polo top [with the embroidered logo]

School jumper or bomber jackets with embroidered school logo.

Plain grey socks (micro-short socks are not permitted).

BOYS' SPORTS UNIFORM

Plain black shorts/black tracksuit pants (Winter)

Green and Gold polo top [with the embroidered logo]

Plain white socks (micro socks are not permitted)

SCHOOL SHOES

Both boys and girls are to wear plain black shoes only

While plain, black leather runners are acceptable; ALL other sports shoes are acceptable only for sporting activities. Socks must be worn with shoes. "Blundstone" type work boots are not permitted.

WEARING OF HATS

During Terms 1 and 4 all children must wear a school hat. Hats are optional for Terms 2 & 3.

Community Group Expressions of Interest to Join

Each year it is expected our school will commit to raising additional funds. All Catholic Schools have an obligation to raise additional funds to meet the capacity to contribute factor.

These funds will be put towards improving the educational needs of our students through hardware or programs and/or improving school grounds or facilities.

Please Note: Our Parents and Friends group are on the recruitment drive. If you know of anyone especially new parents who might want to be involved please encourage them to do so by contacting the school.

As a school, we are extremely grateful for the hard work and time our community members put into making our school the best it can be. We are especially grateful for contributions and donations made when we hold school fundraisers or campaigns to help maintain and beautify St Mel’s.

Committee Recruitment

St Mel's relies on the support of our parents to make sure we can offer the best learning opportunities for our children. We are grateful for the commitment of those who are already on our Parish School Education Council and Social Committee and ask anyone who would like to be involved to please contact the school. All new or existing parents are welcome!

Attendance Requirements

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify the school as soon as possible on the day of absence, by phoning or emailing the school.

Notifying the school of your child’s absence either prior to, or on the day that they will be away, helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and will fulfil your legal responsibility.

All Victorian schools are required to contact parents/carers as soon as practicable on the same day of an unexplained student absence. If your child is absent on a particular day and you have not contacted the school to explain why, the absence will be marked as unexplained.

This system also promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education, they learn new things every day – missing school puts them behind.

URGENT REMINDER!!! Medical Update ~ Asthma Plans & Anaphylaxis Plans

If your child suffers from Asthma or Anaphylaxis, please remember to send in an updated Asthma Plan or Anaphylaxis Plan. These MUST BE arranged through your family GP. Without an updated plan your children will not be able to participate in school functions

SA Kitchen Garden