Principal's News

Dear SMCM Community, Wominjeka!

We are excited to celebrate Walk Safely to School Day at SMCM this Friday 15th May. This national event encourages students, families, and communities to enjoy the benefits of walking, while learning the importance of road safety.

Whether your child walks every day or just for this special event, pedestrian and driver safety is everyone's responsibility. Here are some important reminders to help keep all our students safe around our school:

🚸 Pedestrian Safety Tips for Students and Families:

Always use the pedestrian crossing: It’s the safest way to cross the road. Encourage your child to wait for the whistle and look both ways before stepping onto the crossing.
Never cross between parked cars: Visibility is greatly reduced between vehicles, making it hard for drivers to see children stepping out unexpectedly.
Stop, Look, Listen, Think: Teach children to stop at the curb, look both ways, listen for oncoming traffic, and think before crossing.
Stay alert – no distractions: Avoid using phones or headphones while walking near roads. Eyes up and ears open!

🚗 Driver Safety Tips:

Slow down near school zones: Always observe posted speed limits, especially during pick-up and drop-off times.
Be extra cautious at pedestrian crossings: Stop for anyone waiting to cross and avoid blocking the crossing when traffic is heavy.
Watch for children between cars or on footpaths: Kids can be unpredictable, especially in busy school areas.
Never double park or stop in no-stopping zones: This creates hazards and reduces visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.

🚲 E-Scooters & E-Bikes safety tips & reminders:

E-scooters can only be ridden by people aged 16 years and over.
Helmets are mandatory for both e-scooter and e-bike riders.
E-scooters must be used on footpaths or shared paths, not on roads (unless specified).
Speed limits apply (generally 20km/h maximum, and slower in shared areas).
Only one rider per device – passengers are not permitted.
E-bikes must meet legal power and speed limits to be used without registration.
No students should be travelling to or from school on an e-scooter or e-bike.

By walking safely, riding responsibly and driving cautiously, we create a safer school environment for everyone. We encourage you to walk with your children if possible, use designated crossings and model safe behavior.

To find out more about Walk Safely to School Day check out the Community section of today's newsletter.

This term we welcome the following new staff to SMCM in various teaching and learning support roles:

Vikky Orfanos - Homegroup Teacher, joining us from St Kevin's in Templestowe
Emily Barnes - Homegroup Teacher, joining us from St Breandan's in Flemington
Anthony - PE Teacher - La Trobe University Graduate Teacher
Mikayla Pennacchia - Learning Support Officer - LaTrobe University Bachelor of Education Graduate
Elvina Pilatti - Learning Support Officer, joining us from Holy Spirit in Thornbury

Congratulations to Kirsten (Pilgrims Homegroup) on becoming an Australian Citizen this month.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter, Cath, Emily, Ava (Josephites Homegroup) and Joseph (Peace Homegroup) following the passing of Peter's father on Good Friday.

Claire

Principal

claire.pitcher@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au