Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the new school year! We are excited to have everyone back and look forward to another fantastic year together. While many things will feel familiar, there are a few important changes to share with you. One of the most notable changes is that our language program is now shifting from Mandarin to Spanish. We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Spindel as our new face-to-face Spanish teacher, replacing the previous Zoom-based lessons.

Additionally, after careful research into the benefits of school break timing, we’ve adjusted our eating schedule so that students will now have the last 10 minutes of each break for eating. According to research this has been shown to help students calm down and refuel before re-entering the classroom for focused learning. So that students are not starving we have reintroduced the 10.00 am fruit break into every grade.

Last night, the school provided the opportunity to meet our new teachers, and I am pleased to say they are settling in well at STMM. We are grateful to have such a dedicated and talented team on board to guide our students. As we start this year, we look forward to seeing how these changes enhance our learning community.

Finally I would like to personally invite all families to join us at 5.30 pm on Saturday as we join the parish here at St Margaret Mary's for our first Family Mass of the year.

Here’s to a happy, successful 2025!

Warm regards,

Mrs O’Donnell

Five Proven Ways You Can Help Your Child Succeed at Primary School

This year I have subscribed to a parenting toolbox created by Michael Grose. I first came across Michael a few years back when a variety of his articles appeared in my Linked In profile. I always enjoyed reading his sound parenting advice so this year I thought I would share his wisdom each week in the newsletter.

Michael Grose is one of Australia's leading parenting and educational writers and speakers. He is the author of nine books for parents, including the best-selling Why First Borns Rule the World. Currently he supports over 1500 schools in Australia and internationally to build strong partnerships with their parent communities.

For more information and practical ideas on parenting visit his website: www.parentingideas.com.au.

This week Michael shares Five Proven Ways You Can Help Your Child Succeed at Primary School

As parents, we all want our children to succeed academically and develop a love for learning. While teachers play a vital role in a child's education, parents also significantly influence their child's academic success. Implementing a few proven strategies can help you create a supportive and enriching environment that nurtures your child's growth and development.

1. Establish a Consistent Routine

Set a Regular Bedtime

Create a Study Schedule

Include Breaks, Downtime and Short burst work

Expert tip: When setting routines, involve children in age-appropriate ways. When kids have input into a decision, they’re more likely to stick to it.

2. Foster a Love for Reading

Read Together

Create a Reading-Friendly Environment.

Model Reading - Dads too.

Expert tip: Go a little crazy when you read to your kids. Use different voices. Have fun. Make the words (and yourself) come alive to make your child sit up and listen.

3. Communicate with Teachers

A teacher can be a parent’s best friend. They see a side of your child that you don’t see. You may not always agree with everything your child’s teacher does, but it’s smart parenting to build a respectful relationship with them. Base the relationship on open and regular communication, and be mindful that your child's teacher has many students in their class, not just yours.

Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences

Stay Informed

Collaborate on Solutions

Expert tip: Avoid letting concerns go on too long before contacting your child’s teacher about a possible issue or problem your child has. When approaching your child’s teacher, choose the appropriate time, be specific about the situation and be open to collaboration.

4. Keep your expectations high and reasonable

Praise Effort, Not Just Results

Develop the Skills of Independence.

Encourage Self-Reflection and Goal-setting.

Expert tip: Encourage them to set goals and develop action plans to achieve them. This means breaking more significant tasks—e.g. a school project—into smaller chunks and planning work over a set period.

5. Create a Positive Learning Environment

Designate a Study Area

Provide Learning Resources

Encourage Curiosity and Exploration

Expert tip: Keep the learning space free from play and other activities so that children associate being in this space with learning.

Finally….

Parents play a vital role in their children's academic success. By establishing a consistent routine, fostering a love for reading, communicating with teachers, keeping expectations reasonable and high, and creating a positive learning environment, parents can provide the support and guidance their children need to thrive at school.

Your child can develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically and beyond with your support and encouragement.

If you would like to read Michael's elaboration on each of the five ways you can help your child succeed at primary school you will find it here - FULL ARTICLE LINK

Extracurricular Activities

Chess - Sydney Academy of Chess

Piano

Keyboard - VIP Music

Art - The Painted Child