School News

Dear parents, families and friends,

We have come to the end of Week 6, just over half way through Term 1 and time is passing by very quickly.

On the staff first day back this year the day began with prayer and reflection. For the past two years our start of year prayer and reflection have been centred on the life and charism of St Mary MacKillop. This year our focus is 'Courage'. As a school community we are encouraged to show courage in our daily lives. Courage to do the right thing. Courage to stand up for others. Courage to speak out against the majority. Courage to take risks in our learning. Courage to try something new.

Please take the time to read the newsletter carefully as each page contains important information and insights. You will see that there is a new page for Digital Technology News and Kids Corner coming soon, which has been initiated by our Year 6 student leaders. The next issue will contain another new page as well!!

Year 6 School Leaders 2026

On Friday 20th February at School Assembly we announced our Year 6 Leaders for 2026 and presented them with their badges of office.

We look forward to what hey can bring to these roles this year, leading the student body in word and action

 School Captains

                                                       Rosie                        Yorke

Vice School Captains

                                                        Esther                    James

Wellbeing Captains

                     Gemima                  Sophia                     Charlie                    Alastair

 Arts Captains

                                                        Stella                       James

Red House Captains

                                                       Heidi                         Hugo

Yellow House Captains

                                                       Greta                        Xavier

Green House Captains

                                                         Aria                          Michael

Blue House Captains

                                                         Daisy                      Gus

Student Representative Council (SRC) Leaders

Caellum                        Vedder                    Lachlan                  Alexander                Ollie

We also announced our Class Captains from Prep to Year 5 for Semester 1. Congratulations to all these students.

Capital Building Works Update

There was a delay to the start date of building works due to the Maribyrnong Council taking too long to approve the building plans, in particular traffic management along Avoca Street. Council has now approved the plans and the permit has gone to a building surveyor for final approval. We are hoping to have the permit granted by the end of next week.

Below are some updated images of what the finished refurbishment will look like.

Library Community Outreach Program

Our library community outreach program lead by Kat is continuing to develop. The Friday morning storytimes have been really popular with growing attendance numbers. Today the first of the Story Time visits to our local Early Learning Centres began. These sessions provide the children with a story and the opportunity to borrow books from our library. In the future we will welcome excursion groups from the local centres to our school library.

In Term 2 we will begin afternoon Playgroup sessions on Fridays for toddlers of our school and local community. Kat will be supported by our students, with each class being rostered to a session over the term.

St. Patrick's Day

Tuesday 17th March is St. Patrick's Day. All students are encouraged to dress in green or wear a splash of green to help celebrate this day. This is free for students with no donation required (even though the leprechauns would love to see some gold coins!!).

Casual Clothes Day to Support Joseph's Corner

We will be holding a casual clothes day on Thursday 19th March, St. Joseph's Feast Day. There will be a gold coin donation to go to Joseph's Corner to support them in the valuable work that they do in the community. Many other Catholic primary schools will be participating in this fundraising effort, especially any school that was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph (St. Mary MacKillop).

Avoca & Birmingham Streets Traffic Conditions

Alana King, one of our School Advisory Council Representatives initiated a conversation with Maribyrnong Council to explore solutions to improve road safety at the intersection of Avoca and Birmingham Streets and along Avoca Street. The main goal is to ensure that crossing points are clearly and safely defined for our students and families. We will keep you informed as updates become available.

School Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

We had our first School Advisory  Council meeting on Wednesday 4th March. The minutes for the meeting can be accessed via the link below.

Parent Information Forum Online

On Wednesday 18th March at 6.30pm we will hold an online parent inforamtion forum. There have been a number of changes in curriculum and pedagogy over the past 12 to 18 months. We would like to unpack these with parents so that everyone can understand the changes, what they mean and how they will support our students in their learning. A link will be distributed closer to the date.

OSHClub

For those families that utilise the before school program, it will continue to be offered for 5 days a week during Term 2. The school has reduced the monthly rental paid by OSHClub to cover the cost of having 2 educators for each session. I have always told OSHClub that even if there is only child, that family really needs the service.

You may or may not have heard that eventually OSHClub will be replaced by MACSEYE (Melboure Archdiocese Catholic Schools Early Years Learning). Our contract with OSHClub will expire in June, however, until MACSEYE is ready to take over ther before and after school service, OSHClub will continue service as per normal as part of a bridging contract or contract extension.

I will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

NCCD

Please read the letter attached below containing information about NCCD 2026.

We’re excited to announce that Teeth On Wheels will be visiting our School on April 27th 2026!

Teeth On Wheels is all about making dental care fun and stress-free while teaching children the importance of oral health. They specialise in working with children, offering services such as check-ups, cleans, and more—right here at the School! The team is specially trained to provide compassionate and tailored care for neurodiverse patients, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience for everyone.

If eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), your child may even receive FREE dental care. 

To participate, simply complete the E-form by the cut-off date April 20th 2026.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE YOUR FORM!  

Don’t miss this opportunity for your child to receive high-quality, educational dental care. Submit your form today, and the Teeth On Wheels team will be in touch to schedule your child’s appointment! 

Upcoming Events:

Monday 9th March - Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 10th March - School Closure - 3 Parish Schools Staff Faith Formation

Wednesday 11th March - School Photos

Tuesday 17th March - St. Patrick's Day - Wear Green or a Splash of Green

Wednesday 18th March, 6.30pm - Parent Information Forum Online

Thursday 19th March - Casual Clothes Day Fundraiser

Thursday 19th March, 6pm - Sacrament of 1st Reconciliation

Saturday 28th March, 11.30am to 2.30pm - School Open Day

Enjoy the long weekend!

Matthew Stead

Principal

“Have courage no matter what your crosses are.” - St Mary MacKillop