Dear SMCM Community, Wominjeka!

Welcome to Term 4, the final stage of our 2026 school year! This is always an exciting and busy time as we celebrate achievements, reflect on growth and prepare for 2027.

The longer days and warmer weather bring with them opportunities to finish the year with energy and joy.

Across this term we will:

Welcome our 2027 Prep students and families as they begin their transition into school life. We begin our 'Pathway to Prep' program with the Prep 2026 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 14th October at 7.00pm
Focus on student learning goals and share progress through Semester 2 Reports and Learning Conversation
Gather as a community for our Christmas Carols and end of year family picnic that highlight the spirit of SMCM
Celebrate our Year 6 students as they conclude their primary school journey.

2027 Planning

As we continue to plan our classes and staffing for next year, it is important that we have an accurate picture of our enrolments. If your family is not planning to return to SMCM in 2027, please let us know as soon as possible. This will allow us to offer available places to families who are eagerly waiting to join our SMCM community.

In the coming weeks staff will begin the complex task of preparing the 2027 class lists. If you have a request regarding your child’s class placement for wellbeing or academic reasons please email these to me by Friday 30th October. While requests will be carefully considered alongside staff recommendations they cannot be guaranteed.

Students will be asked to select five students they think make supportive learning partners for next year’s class. Please talk with your child about their selection of peers for 2026 and discuss what makes a good learning buddy.

Reassure your child that there is lots of time to play with their friends outside at break times, even if they may not be in the same homegroup next year.

The staff at SMCM appreciate the trust you place in us as we spend considerable time planning homegroups that will support your child in their learning and personal growth.

Introduction to MACSEYE Out of School Hours Care

MACSEYE will be our new Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) provider, commencing from Term 1 2027. MACSEYE was established by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) to provide a range of early childhood and school-aged care programs. Their approach is centred on supporting every child and family to flourish, with programs that nurture a strong sense of identity, health and wellbeing.

As a Catholic provider, MACSEYE will have strong links with our school and local parish, working together to build a vibrant community of support for children and families. MACSEYE is an approved provider and delivers high-quality programs aligned with the National Quality Standards.

An online information session will be held in the coming weeks where you can meet the MACSEYE team and ask any questions. Booking details will be shared through the newsletter and Compass.

In the meantime, you can learn more about MACSEYE, their program, and their approach to children’s safety, wellbeing and development by visiting their website: https://macseye.vic.edu.au/oshc/

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or you can email MACSEYE directly

at contact@macseye.vic.edu.au or call 1300 501 029.

Our thoughts and Prayers are with the following families:

Val, Joe, Aaliyah and Savannah (Eucalyptus Homegroup) on the sad passing of Val's mother and the girls grandmother.

Lear, Tony, Zane, Mia (Josephite Homegroup) and Mason (Respect Homegroup) on the passing of Lear's Grandmother.

Congratulations to Charity, Etuale, Journee (Walert Homegroup) and family on the arrival of their baby girl and sister Honey. We hope she brings you all the world of happiness.

Claire

Principal

claire.pitcher@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au

Admin News

Hats for Term 4

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: