Principal's Page
Dear Families,
Vision for Engagement Launch
Last Wednesday evening I attended the launch of MACS' Vision for Engagement with MACS Executive Director, Dr Edward Simons, Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll and other MASCS staff, including principals. This document works in conjunction with MACS' Vision for Instruction, which was launched early last year. I found the evening incredibly affirming as we have been focusing on student engagement and have been making pleasing gains with our learning spaces being settled and calm. The six engagement strategies which we will be closely examining and working on are:
- Teaching respectful behaviour
- Fostering belonging
- Focusing on attendance
- Promoting mental health and wellbeing
- Enabling motivation
- Targeting individual learning needs
We want learning environments that will allow teachers to focus on what they do best, and ensure our students are making the most of their time in the classroom. Our hope is that high standards, learnt in our classrooms, transcend into everyday life and reflect community expectations of our next generation, whether that’s on school grounds, the footy field or out with friends.
The Vision for Engagement can be viewed at the following site: https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/Our-Schools/Curriculum-Learning-Programs/Vision-for-Instruction.aspx#wufoo-form
Bike Education
Thank you to Bicycle Network and the Mornington Peninsula Shire for sponsoring our Bike Ed day last Friday. Students benefited from the specialised tuition on:
– Correct helmet fitting
– Basic bike safety checks
– Balance skills for beginners
– Straight-line riding, weaving, and turning
– Head checks and signalling
School Closure Day
I am aware that School Closure Days can be difficult for many families, particularly those were all parents work. Thank you for enabling us to gather as a staff and learn about the Team Teach Program. A program which develops a shared understanding of positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. There is only one School Closure day next term which is on Monday 25th August.
NED is coming!
NED's Resiliency Ride, is a character education program that centres around three important messages that have lifelong relevance: Never give up, Encourage others and Do your best. During the assembly, students will learn about the importance of these three life skills while also enjoying storytelling, magic, humour and yo-yo tricks. The whole school performance will take place this coming Wednesday.
MND Day
With members of our school community having a close connection to MND, the School Captains and Student Action Team are keen to raise some money for the cause as well. This coming Friday has been in the calendar for a few weeks now. Students are asked to wear free dress to school for a gold coin donation. If students would like to dress as an iconic Australian, they are welcome to. Selected students and staff will participate in an ice bucket challenge after lunchtime. Don't forget to wear your beanies if you have one!
Fun Food Fridays
Thank you to our SWAT (Student Wellbeing Action Team) for organising FunFood Fridays. Our last one for the term is this Friday. The food has been changed to chicken nuggets. Students will need to bring their money in a named envelope this Wednesday please.
Rock Through the Ages
Our 2025 Whole School Production will take place on Wednesday 30 July 2025, 6pm
in the George Jenkins Theatre, Frankston.
Please be advised that the webpage is now live, and tickets will go on sale online on
Monday 23 June 2025, 930am
Please click on the following link for tickets:
https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/rock-through-the-ages/
Student Semester Reports
Student Semester Reports will be live on the nForma App Wednesday 25th June. An Operoo will be sent home a few days earlier to explain how to access the reports. Please contact your child's teacher if you would like to clarify any aspect of the report and myself with any feedback on the reporting process. Although our next Learning Conferences are scheduled for the end of Term Three, you are most welcome to make an appointment to speak to your child's teacher at any time throughout the year.
EScooters
Somerville Highway Patrol has asked us to share some information on escooters as a way to help address this growing concern, Victoria Police has developed a community information flyer that outlines the legal requirements, safety risks and responsible use of these vehicles. Please find the flyers later in our newsletter.
Next Fortnight @ St Joseph's
Wed 18. School Advisory Council
NED's Resiliency Ride incursion
Fri 20. MND Day
Fun Food Friday
Mon 23 Assembly
Wed 25 Student Reports are live
Fri 27. Sacred Heart Mass
Canteen
SWAT Meeting
Mon 30. Open Door Afternoon 2:40
Have an enjoyable week. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.
Monica