Learning and Teaching

SMCM Maths Learning
Over the last two weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating the great achievements of our SMCM mathematicians. A total of 73 students from Years 3 to 6 took part in the Australian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO), completing four problem-solving contests across Terms 2 and 3. Our Year 3 and 4 Explorer team worked collaboratively in small groups, while students in Years 5 and 6 participated in the Maths Games Junior and Olympiad divisions independently. A special highlight this year was the inclusion of two Year 4 students who joined the Maths Games Junior team, working alongside their Year 5 and 6 peers with great enthusiasm. Every participant received an APSMO certificate, with several students also earning special awards in recognition of their effort, improvement, teamwork and high achievements.
Maths Explorer Team (Year 3 and 4)
‘Maths Star’ and Encouragement Awards were presented to:
Joshua (Respect), Leyton (Respect), Ethan (Inspire), Domenic (Optimism) and Louis (Courage)
Maths Games Junior Team (Year 4, 5 and 6)
‘Maths Star’ and Encouragement Awards were presented to:
Meeya (Dalton), Elias (Glowery), Daniel (Tenison-Wood), Gracelle (Tenison-Wood), Ava (Disciples), Maryam (Tenison-Wood), Albert (Dalton), Milio (Disciples), Morris (Respect) and Noah (Respect)
Maths Olympiad Team (Year 5 and 6)
The Highest Individual Score Medal was awarded to Jack (Pilgrims) whose score was in the top 25% and achieved the highest score in our team.
Encouragement Award was presented to Alicia (Glowery).
We are so proud of all the SMCM mathematicians for their achievements!
Sawako
Year 3-6 Maths Coach and Maths Intervention Specialist
Sawako.Gannon@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
STEM Masters
Due to unforseen circumstances Mike will not be at school to finish the year. If your child has been working hard on their STEM Masters you can record a short video and email it to Mike at michael.caruana@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au before the end of this term. Mike will review these videos and award Masters and Golden Children at the beginning of next year. Congratulations to all our STEM Masters for your enthusiasm and deidcation this year!
Reports
End-of-year reports will be sent home tomorrow in an envelope, marking an important moment as we celebrate a wonderful year of learning and growth. It has been a year filled with success, new skills and strong connections across our school community. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our families and the dedication of our staff who work so passionately to support every learner.
Yesterday’s transition day was a fantastic opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with their 2026 teachers and peers. Our Foundation students are confident and ready for the exciting move into Year 1, and our Year 6 students are preparing for their graduation ceremony tomorrow. We wish them every success as they step into the next chapter of their schooling and continue to build on the strong foundations they have created here.
Even in our last few days of school, students are continuing to do wonderful work in their homegroups with many showcasing presentations. Year 6 students demonstrated creativity and entrepreneurial spirit during their Shark Tank presentations, convincing the sharks (a.k.a., Year 6 staff and Raf!) to invest in the products they designed in their Business and Economics unit. Additionally, Year 5 students shared persuasive speeches, presenting thoughtful ideas to address needs in our school community.
Preparing for 2026
To inform our learning and teaching programs we assess and collect data on a range of maths and literacy skills and knowledge for each student. To minimise disruption once the school year begins we will conduct small group assessment blocks for all students in Years 2 – 6 in the first week of school. Collecting this data at the very beginning of the term means analysis and targeted teaching can be a priority.
Assessment block times are as follows:
Block 1: 8.45am to 10.45am
Block 2: 11.15am to 1.30pm
Block 3: 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Students will remain at school for the duration of their assessment block. Parents are not required to stay for the duration of the session - please drop your children at their homegroup at their booked time and return at the conclusion of their session.
Please ensure students bring a snack, water bottle, any required medication such as asthma puffer and glasses if they are required for school work. Students are not required to wear school uniform.
Online bookings for these appointments are now open.
Please go to https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au and use the code below to book your child’s assessment appointment:
(YEAR 2-6) fbs4p
(YEAR 1 ONLY) 9ucsa
We are incredibly proud of all students for their enthusiasm, confidence and commitment to excellence throughout the year. Have a wonderful and safe holiday.
Rafael
Learning and Teaching & Digital Technologies Leader



