Assistant Principal

The Season of Lent

As Catholics, Lent is one of the most important seasons of our liturgical calendar. It is a time of fasting, prayer and giving to others. Lent lasts for 40 days, just like Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. It begins on Ash Wednesday where we receive ashes on our foreheads and ends at the Easter Vigil Mass. Lent is a time for preparation and penance and at our Ash Wednesday Liturgy we have been given the challenge this year to Fast, Give Alms and Prayer for others and not ourselves. This Lent, how can we through word and deed put the needs of others before ourselves? Perhaps instead of treats money can be donated to Caritas? Perhaps you could attend Mass one weekend? Perhaps now is a good time to go through the wardrobes and donate unwanted clothes and toys to a local charity. As Catholics we are called to service this Lent. For a quick 3 minute summary, click here.

Crunch n Sip

As you would be aware, our school participates in Crunch&Sip so what is it exactly?

Crunch&Sip is a designated time in primary schools for students to "refuel" with fruits, vegetables, and salads, and to "rehydrate" with water. 

And why are we doing this at STMM?

Students who are well-nourished and hydrated tend to perform better in the classroom, experience improved concentration, and are less likely to be irritable or disruptive. Many students struggle to consume enough vegetables and fruit or stay adequately hydrated so this is an easy way to boost vegetable intake.

When do we do this at STMM?

At STMM each class has Crunch&Sip at approximately 10 am each day. Some days we sit together for group discussion while at other times we eat while working, or create a specific activity dedicated to this time, either inside or outside the classroom.

A Focus on Learning - Homework

As we roll into Week 7, we are more than halfway through the first term of learning. Summer sports are winding down and homework habits are forming. As parents, we are often unsure how much or how little we should be helping our children at home. If you are unsure, the research now clearly shows that Parental involvement in homework positively impacts students!

Firstly, parental involvement with homework reduces stress and anxiety when students face challenges with specific skills or topics. Parents bring their own experience and expertise and are able to make tasks more understandable. This involvement also boosts skill retention and deepens students' understanding of subjects.

Additionally, parents' participation in homework leads to better academic performance, social skills, behavior, and self-confidence. By spending time on homework together, parents can expand on classroom learning, especially in today's fast-paced curricula. Homework allows for more focused, in-depth exploration of topics, enhancing retention and application of knowledge.

Finally, parental engagement fosters creativity and critical thinking and allows parents to understand not only what is being taught in the classroom but areas of strength and improvement for their children.

Some Tips for Homework

If you and your child are not already in a good routine, these tips may help.

1.  Clear space - Clear mind: 

Make sure the place where homework is being done is free from distractions and clutter.

2.  Plan for the Week

Together with your child, plan out the tasks for your week. Do you have afternoons/evenings where little or no homework can be completed? What nights can you do more? Plan out the home so that your child knows what activities they are completing on what day.

3.  Independence

Where possible have your children start homework on their own. They can answer the questions that they know and circle the ones that they need help with. This fosters independence and saves you time sitting with them for tasks that they can complete themselves.

“The best inheritance a parent can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day..”

• O.A. Battista