Learning and Teaching
Mathematicians at SMCM
SMCM has been participating in the Australian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) programs for the last five years.
The Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) is a not-for-profit, professional organisation that is affiliated with MOEMS (Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools) in the United States, which offers one of the most influential maths competitions around the world.
Through APSMO, our students each year join over 100,000 peers across Australia and New Zealand in engaging maths problem-solving experiences. These programs support both mainstream and high-achieving students to build confidence, deepen their thinking and extend their mathematical skills.
Over the past two weeks, we held trials to form our 2026 APSMO teams for Years 3–6. We were thrilled with the response, with more than 120 students choosing to challenge themselves. It was wonderful to see so much courage, perseverance and enthusiasm as students worked through complex problems.
Teams were selected based on trial performance, classroom learning and students’ learning dispositions. Our teams are:
- Maths Explorer Team: Years 3 and 4
- Maths Games Junior Team: Years 5 and 6
- Olympiads Team: Years 5 and 6
We are very proud of all students who participated in trials and it was inspiring to see so many confident learners having a go.
We wish our 2026 teams all the best for the year ahead!
| If you are interested in having a go at sample problems from APSMO, please go to the APSMO website. |
Sawako & Aaron
Maths Coach Foundation - Year 2
Maths Coach Years 3-6
Sawako.Gannon@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Aaron.Dean@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
National eSmart Week
This week we recognise National eSmart Week, an initiative that promotes safe, smart and responsible use of technology. It is an opportunity for schools and families to work together in supporting children to navigate the online world with confidence, respect and awareness.
At SMCM, our Year 6 students partnered with their Prep buddies to take part in an engaging online story time activity, exploring what it means to stay safe online. It was wonderful to see our senior students modelling positive behaviours and guiding our youngest learners in such a supportive and age-appropriate way.
We encourage families to continue these important conversations at home. The following resources may be helpful:
- National eSmart Week: https://www.alannahandmadeline.org.au/what-we-do/prevention-programs/esmart/national-esmart-week
- eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
- Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
- Raising Children Network: https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/safety/online-safety
Working together, we can ensure our students grow as respectful, responsible and safe digital citizens.
Rafael
Learning and Teaching & Digital Technologies Leader