Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter. It’s crazy to think we’re already one-third of the way through Term 3! Time is flying, and there’s certainly a lot happening across the school.

It’s been a really settled and positive term so far, filled with rich learning and plenty of fun. A highlight has been the launch of our Peer Observation cycle. This initiative for 2025 places a strong focus on improving student writing, with teachers observing each other’s practice to grow and learn together.

At the heart of this work is a commitment to continuous growth, both for our students and our staff. We believe that learning is a shared journey, and it’s exciting to see such strong collaboration across classrooms.

100 Days of Prep Celebrations

Last Wednesday we celebrated a very special milestone - 100 Days of Prep! It was a fantastic celebration of all the learning, growth and joy our Prep students have experienced so far this year. The day was filled with fun classroom activities, themed around the number 100, and the students proudly hosted a whole-school assembly and parade.

A big congratulations to our amazing Prep students and staff - in particular, Ms Ashfield, Miss Georgie and Miss Michelle. More photos in the Junior School News page.

Sporting Success

Congratulations to our Year 5/6 Mixed Netball Team, who recently won the Dendy District Championship! The team played with great skill, determination and teamwork, and now move on to represent our school at the Regional Finals on 22nd August. A big thank you to Briony Wringe for her excellent coaching and to Sam Sullivan for coordinating the team. It's fantastic to see our trophy cabinet filling up—well done to everyone involved!

Cyber Safety

Following on from our recent Inform and Empower parent session, we’ll soon be sharing access to a follow-up cyber safety webinar via nForma.

In the meantime, I encourage all parents to listen to a powerful and thought-provoking podcast episode: Sarah’s Thoughts: The New Law That Won’t Save Your Kids (Unless You Do This) from A Life of Greatness.

In this episode, Sarah Grynberg explores Australia’s new social media age verification bill and why legislation alone isn’t enough to keep our children safe online. Rather than focusing on fear or blame, the podcast highlights the importance of parental awareness, connection, and collective action.

It’s a valuable listen for anyone navigating the digital world with their children.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

Book Week

We are excited to share that Book Week is just around the corner! In Week 5, we will be celebrating the joy of reading with a range of fun and engaging activities across the school.

To kick off the week, we will be holding our much-loved Book Week Parade on Monday 18th August at 2:30pm, on the oval (or hall if it rains). All students are invited to come dressed as their favourite book character, bring along their book and join in the celebration. Families are warmly welcome to attend and cheer on our creative and courageous readers as they showcase their costumes.

Then on Tuesday 19th August at 2:30pm, students will participate in our cosy “Stop, Drop and Read” session. Students are welcome to bring a soft toy and/or blanket to help create a relaxed and enjoyable reading atmosphere.

Throughout the week, students will also take part in various literacy activities in their classrooms, all aligned with this year’s Book Week theme: “Book an Adventure”.

We look forward to seeing you at the parade and thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of reading in our school community.

Battle of the Boots

The battle of the boots Dads footy match Vs Hampton Primary is fast approaching! Please lock this date in your calendars.

Alumni News

We are proud to share that 3 students from St Mary’s graduating class of 2021 have been selected into the Monash Scholars Program for 2025.

Currently in year 10 Mia Sax, Eva Marinelli and Ailish Kenny now attend 3 different high schools, (OLSH, Sandringham College and Star of the Sea) but have the opportunity to reunite at Monash Scholars events and mentoring sessions over their remaining high school years.

The Monash Scholars program is designed for high-achieving secondary school students, providing them with extraordinary opportunities to enhance their learning, explore career aspirations, define personal goals, and build connections with other accomplished students.

To be considered in the program the students must be in the top 10% academically of their school cohort, must demonstrate leadership ability and potential, must be university focussed and display a willingness to connect with like-minded students.

We love hearing stories about how former St Mary’s students are doing and the amazing things they’re achieving in life. If you know of any other success stories, please email me at: principal@smhampton.catholic.edu.au

School Closure Day

A quick reminder: The school will be closed next Friday, 15th August, as all staff will be participating in a professional development day. These days are a valuable opportunity for our team to engage in ongoing learning and strengthen the practices that support our students. We appreciate your understanding and support.

Thanks

Steele

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