Community and Family Engagement
Community News
ANZAC Day Dawn Service
On ANZAC Day, Saturday 25th April, the members of our Active Citizenship team attended the Dawn Service at Epping RSL. We are grateful to their families who took the time to escort them to the event, so very early in the morning.
The AC Team represented our school so beautifully and many RSL members commented on the respect they showed at the service. We are looking forward to attending again in November for the Remembrance Day Service as well. The AC team shared this about their experiences at the Dawn Service:
As the Active Citizens of year 6, we had the privilege to attend and pay our respects at the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Throughout the service, our hearts have deeply reflected on all of the soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for our nation and peace. When we were there, our team of Year 6s gave it their all to represent our school and our students by thinking about all the families who lost their loved ones in battle. As Antonio put it “Our respect counts for all” quotes Antonio. Something we noticed was the reverence of all the people attending the service. Some individuals had actually fought in war and some were there to represent those who have. The experience overall was sad but heartwarming. We all recommend going to this historical event.
Antonio, Jonaz and Elliott
When we went to the ANZAC Day dawn service we enjoyed our time representing SMCM. When we got there we all grouped up. There were many people there like war veterans and their families. We got to stand right at the front near the firefighters. We stood still the whole time respecting all the soldiers that died fighting for our country and all those that served in the war and successfully came back. Although we have no ANZACS left, we acknowledged what they all went through for the safety and well being of our country now. Although we didn’t lay a wreath on the cenotaph, we had a good time. We are looking forward to doing that next time. We would gladly have this experience again and we were all honoured to be part of this event.
Sienna, Adrian, Agatha and Eleni
On Saturday the 25th of April 2026, the Active Citizenship team attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in the Epping RSL. It marks the day of the Gallipoli Landing. This day is important for all Australians and New Zealanders because on this day we remember the soldiers that fought in World War 1 and 2 and other conflicts. We all met together standing and representing our school, being as reverent as we could. We were instructed to stand behind the CFA fire fighters while watching the ceremony. Some things that we learnt were that the soldiers couldn’t even make it 1,000 yards before more than half of them had been shot. Also an interesting fact was that two soldiers, George Kaven and Eric Chinner, were both found with a heart locket in their pockets which included a photo of their family and a lock of hair of someone who they loved. After the ceremony was over, we went to help pack up the chairs and spoke to some of the people.
Gabby, Giulia, Elianah, Colin and Marcus
Mother's Day
We look forward to seeing everyone for the Mother's Day morning at 8.45am on Friday 8th May. Visitors are asked to attend their youngest child's class and older siblings will join them there.
We are also still looking for more volunteers for our Mother's Day Stall. Helpers are particularly needed:
Setting up stall and allocating tokens
Wednesday 6th May 8.45 am to 10.55am -
Thursday 7th May 2026 - Serving students at the gift tables and replenishing stock.
Session 1 - 8.15 to 10.00am
Session 3 - 11.30 to 1.00pm
Session 4 - 12.45 - 2.15pm
Please note that due to changes to MACS regulations, all volunteers must have a valid Working With Children's Check (WWCC). These are free for volunteers and can be applied for https://service.vic.gov.au/find-services/work-and-volunteering/working-with-children-check
If you can assist at any of these times, please email kristie.hocking@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
We are also looking for prizes for the Treasure Hunt at our Mother's Day morning. If you know a business who is able to donate something suitable, please email kristie.hocking@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au and let us know.
Shop for Your School is back!
Shop for your SMCM at Pacific Epping! Starting Tuesday 5th May, every dollar you spend earns points towards our school winning a share of $50,000!
Start off strong with double points for Mother's Day from 5th - 10th May! Download the app and be ready to upload your receipts. We want to beat last year's winnings of $10,000!
Community News
Kristie
New Arrivals & Community & Family Engagement Leader kristie.hocking@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au