A message from Denis

Dear Parents and Carers,

A warm welcome back to everyone for Term 2.  It has been a great start back for all of our students and hasn’t the Melbourne weather been kind to us? I hope you all had a restful and quality family time filled Easter and you were renewed with the hope that Easter brings. 

It was both a busy and low key holiday break in the Johnstone household. Most of the first week was spent building the frame for a pergola in our backyard.  It was a welcome change and break from my day to day routine at St Mary’s and it was really nice to build something from scratch.  Hendrix and Zadie were put to work as apprentices and did a pretty decent job sanding the wood and prepping it for painting.  That was Jess’ job! 

As we settle back into school life, we do so knowing that it will be a busy and productive term of learning and growing.  Footy season starts (Hendrix’s first season), basketball and other sports are back on and there is always much to do.  Term 2 is always a great term of learning, as the groundwork has been completed in Term 1 and Term 2 is where we see great growth from our students.  There is a strong sense of routine re-establishing across the school, and it has been pleasing to see students quickly reconnect with their learning.

Understanding How Learning Works in Our Classrooms

Understanding how learning takes place in the classroom is just as important as knowing what is being learnt.

In our classroom, lessons are carefully structured to support all students to succeed. We use an explicit way of teaching and modelling new skills, before students move into guided practice and, ultimately, independent application. We call this “I Do, We Do, You Do,” in line with MACS Vision for Instruction.  This gradual process allows students to build both confidence and understanding.

At times, students may describe their learning as “challenging”. This is a positive and expected part of the learning process. It is through challenge, practice and persistence that students develop deeper understanding and confidence.

As always, we value your input into your child’s learning.  When school and home are working in partnership, students are best supported to embrace this process and continue to grow as learners.

Grade 6 Camp and Gala Day

I had the pleasure of taking our Grade 6 students to our nation’s capital Canberra on camp.  This experience always brings a great depth of learning opportunities that follow along beautifully from the Civics Inquiry unit that the students undertake prior to camp.  I was blown away by the knowledge the students shared to the staff at the various institutions we visited.  Their knowledge and understanding of the Australian political system, democratic and voting process and general history of Australia's formation was fantastic.  The students and their teachers Lisa Aspros and Alastair Ingham are to be commended for their efforts in learning in this area.

It was a busy week for the Grade 6s as upon their return to Melbourne, on Friday, they had their 2nd Summer Gala Day.  All students represented St Mary’s admirably showing great sportsmanship, competitiveness and support for their teammates.  I always try and ensure I get down to support them on these days and it is always a pleasure to see the way they represent the St Mary’s colours.  No trophies on this occasion, but they are all winners in my book.

Sacrament of Confirmation

In a few weeks time our Grade 6s will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.  This is the final Sacrament of their primary school years and the culmination of their learning about our Catholic faith during their time at St Mary’s.  It is where they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, along with the challenge of going out and doing good in our world.  This Sacrament is a special one for me, as I spent the majority of my classroom teaching career as a grade 6 teacher.  It is special seeing our students stand up and reavow their baptismal promises in front of our school community as young adults.  

We wish them all the best as they embark on their Confirmation journeys.

ANZAC Day

On Friday before ANZAC Day our SRC as led by Gen Trevaskis, held a reverent and poignant ANZAC Day liturgy in our school hall.  It served as a great educational opportunity for our students, teaching them about the sacrifices our soldiers have made in days gone by and also more recent.  We thank all who have served our country and we remember them.

Foundation 2027 Enrolments

Over the next month or so I will be meeting with families who are hoping to have their children enrolled at St Mary’s.  This year we have seen increased interest in enrollments which is testament to the hard work of our staff and the positive sentiment put out into our community from our parents.  I am very appreciative of both!  This means St Mary’s has healthy enrolment numbers into the future to sustain and improve the educational experience that we are able to provide.

Never See a Need Without Trying to do Something About it

My "Never See a Need" spotlight for this week recognises the great efforts of staff on our Grade 6 Camp.  It is no easy task, despite the great behaviour of the students, taking forty plus 11 and 12 year olds interstate, through airports and on planes and through a jam packed 3 day itinerary.  Our staff:  Alastair, Lisa, Brigid, Julia and Eamonn all worked energetically throughout the 3 days to ensure our Grade 6 students had a great time on their final camp.  When a student needed a break, they were there.  When someone needed to take the lead on a walk, they stepped up.  When a student was a bit teary at night time, they comforted.  I thank them for their efforts for our students.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay connected,

Denis Johnstone

Principal