Principal's News

Dear Families,

It was really lovely to celebrate with our Year 3 students, who made their First Reconciliation on Wednesday evening last week. Fr Thang, Fr Huy and Fr Gerry made the children feel so very welcome and ensured everyone felt comfortable and included in this special milestone in their faith journey. Thanks to Mr Davies, the staff of St Mark's and all the parents and extended family members who helped to prepare the children so beautifully for this special occasion.

Don't forget we have our Confirmation Commitment Mass on Saturday 30th May at 5.00 p.m. at St Mark's church. All families with a child receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year are expected to attend.

Upcoming School Closure Days:

This is a reminder that we have the King's Birthday public holiday on Monday 8th June and the school will be closed. On Monday 15th June there is no school for students due to all staff undertaking a professional learning day with Dr Nathaniel Swain, to further enhance our work, implementing Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement at St Mark's. Team Kids will run a program on Monday 15th June for those families who require care for their children.  

Canteen News:

Due to staff shortages the canteen will not be open for over the counter sales at lunchtime on Mondays and Tuesdays for the rest of Term 2.  The canteen will still make lunch orders every day for those who order online and will be open at recess time every day.

Congratulations:

Enormous congratulations go to Max for placing 1st in the District Cross Country Competition. He will now represent St Mark's at the Division Cross Country Finals. Well done Max - what an amazing achievement! Sincerest apologies for not including you in the last newsletter.

Congratulations on first place!!!!

2nd installment:

Congratulations agai to Max, who placed 1st in his race at the divisional cross country competition. He will now go on to compete at the regional level. Amazing effort! We wish him all the very best for the next round.

Student Wellbeing Support Programs:

Please see the below message about some upcoming student support programs available to interested families through Playroom Therapy.

 NEW: Minecraft Therapy Groups For young people aged 9–17

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Minecraft Groups — small, therapist-led sessions that use Minecraft as a medium for therapeutic play. Through building, collaborating, and exploring together in-game, young people develop real-world skills including communication, teamwork, emotional regulation, and confidence. We know that for many pre-teens and teens, traditional talk-based support can feel uncomfortable or hard to access. Meeting them in a space they already enjoy — and understand — can make all the difference. We're offering two formats:

• Term Groups — regular weekly sessions across the school term, building genuine connection and consistency over time.

• Intensive Holiday Groups — concentrated sessions run during school holidays.

Groups are kept intentionally small to ensure every young person feels seen and supported. The flyer is here - Minecraft groups.pdf — we'd love for you to share it with anyone you think might benefit! Expressions of interest are now open. Please get in touch to find out more or to register your interest.

Group Play Therapy 

Holiday Intensive - All ages — Balwyn North Clinic

Our popular Group Play Therapy Holiday Program is also returning these July holidays! This small-group program offers children a fun and supportive space to strengthen emotional wellbeing, social skills, and confidence through play. 

Program Details:

Dates: Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2026

Duration: 1 hour per day for 5 days

Location: Balwyn North Clinic

Cost: $850 per child (5 × 1-hour sessions)

Group Size: Up to 6 children with 3 therapists (1 therapist per 2 children)

Using an integrative, play-based approach, our therapists create a nurturing environment where each child's individual needs are supported through child-led play and meaningful peer interactions. The program encourages self-expression, emotional growth, and connection in a safe and engaging setting. Spaces are limited for both programs! If you'd like to reserve a place or find out more about either group, simply reply to this email or give us a call — we'd love to hear from you.

Warmly,

Amy Silverwood

Practice contact number: 0478 389 793

Practice email: hello@playroomtherapy.com.au

Locations: 101 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North / 91 Waverley Road, Malvern East

Website: www.playroomtherapy.com.au

Playroom Therapy acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and their Elders in each of the communities where we work and play.

School Advisory Council

We are still looking for some new members for our School Advisory Council for 2026. The group will meet 5 more times this year on a Tuesday evening at 7.30 p.m. The role of the School Advisory Council, in keeping with the objectives of the MACS Constitution, is to provide a crucial point of connection between the wider school community, the parish and our school leaders. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Frances on 9262 2000 or email: principal@smdingley.catholic.edu.au 

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday 23rd June at 7.30 p.m. in the staffroom.