Principals Announcments
St Mel's is a proud Catholic Education Community, striving, learning and achieving together through Christ our light.
Principals Announcments
St Mel's is a proud Catholic Education Community, striving, learning and achieving together through Christ our light.
Newsletter Address ~ Term 1, Week 2, 10th February 2023
Prayer to Begin a School Year
God of wisdom and might,we praise you for the wonder of our being,for mind, body and spirit.Be with our children as they begina new school year.Bless them and their teachers and staff.Give the strength and grace as their bodies grow;wisdom and knowledge to their mindsas they search for understanding;and peace and zeal to their hearts.We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.
Payer for StudentsLord our God,in your wisdom and loveyou surround us with the mysteries of the universe.Send your spirit upon these studentsand fill them with your wisdom and blessings.Grant that they may devote themselves to their studiesand draw ever closer to you,the source of all knowledge.We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.
Prayer for TeachersLord God, your spirit of wisdom fills the earthand teaches us in your ways.Look upon these teachers.Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patienceand endeavour always to bring the truth to eager minds.Grant that we may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life,forever and ever.Amen
Dear Parents, Friends and Families of St Mel’s
Dear Parents and Friends of St Mel’s
On behalf of our teaching staff, I warmly welcome you all to St Mel’s for the commencement of our school year for 2023.
I welcome our new families, in particular our new ‘foundation’ families to our school community. Having experienced this four times with my own children, I can relate to the overwhelming feeling of letting your ‘babies’ go. It’s not easy no matter how many children you have had to say goodbye to at the school gates. Children at this age are amazingly resilient, much better than adults at times. With the love and support of our incredibly talented staff, your child’s wellbeing, education needs, and any special requirement will be well and truly catered for. Be assured your children are in very good care.
Welcome to all foundation students:
Foundation ~ Elley Drummond and Anita Damianopolous Algazali, Ruqayya Austen, Evie Bawa, Yuvi Brown, Finlay Collier, Stella Deng, Santo Gacus, Geo Kazhila, Chad Madarang, Xandro Matthews, Audrey Patel, Kiaansh Saldua, Clinton Sharma, Ishnoor Verdijo, Zion Tyrone Viagedore
| Foundation ~ Rachael Howard and Julia Barnes Aleedany, Mohommed Alramahi, Somaiya Armstrong, Eli Banning, Colin Bowman, Charlotte Bulamba, Faith Campi, Marco Dicketts, John Dodd, Wyatt Engledow, Mason Ghiggioli, Grace McMurtrie, Hunter Mohammad, Mukallari, Ledjana Muscara, Maria Sandhu, Viraj |
Not only was it beautiful to see our new ‘preppies’ begin their educational journey on Wednesday, it was also great to see our new “non prep” families joining us and our returning students return to school refreshed, busily catching up with friends, getting to know their teachers, sharing wonderful holiday highlights and getting back into the swing of school routines.
We also welcome several new staff members to our community and wish them every success for the year ahead.
Chris Dainton ~ Senior Leader Wellbeing & Learning Diversity
Jane Shattock ~ Grade 1/2
Nanette Micallef ~ Grade 5/6
Anita Damianopolous ~ Foundation
Joe Worrall ~ Grade 1/2
Staffing list 2023
Leadership Group
Chris Summers ~ Principal
Danae Napier ~ Senior Leader ~ Catholic Identity / DP
Chris Dainton ~ Senior Leader ~ Wellbeing & Learning Diversity
Staff 2023
Prep ~ Rachael Howard /Julia Barnes
Prep ~ Elley Drummond / Anita Damianopolous
1/2 ~ Laura Emanuelli (Area Leader / Curriculum Leader)
1/2 ~ Joe Worrall / Bridie Cooke
1/2 ~ Jane Shattock
3/4 ~ Hannah Chasemore ~ Area Leader & ICT
3/4 ~ Cathy Anderson
3/4 ~ Tanya Brand
5/6 ~ Carmel Hutchison
5/6 ~ Jodi Cox
5/6 ~ Nanette Micallef (Area Leader)
5/6 ~ Cyndilee Watson
Specialist Staff
Art ~ Robyn Banfield
Music / Sport ~ Katie Nicholson
STEM ~ Emma McNamara
Japanese ~ Demi Wood
Sport P-2 ~ Allison Durling
Learning Support Staff
Cindy Lombardozzi
Cassie Waack
Luisa Cassise
Sunny Alessi
Katie Ferrari
Lilly Keck
Ayva Cirillo
Tammy Alexander
MaryJo DeRose
Student Support / Response to Intervention (RTI)
Cara Sofi
English Additional Language (EAL)
Catherine Whitford
Wellbeing
Elizabeth Rodrigues
Administration
Maria Makin ~ Admin / Library Technician
Jen Amadei
Karen Myers
Maintenance / Cleaning
Dean Simpson
I look forward to each school year with a great sense of anticipation and joy and I especially look forward to working with you all to continue to make our school a happy, vibrant, welcoming and supportive place to be; attributes St Mel’s is renowned for.
As the children settle into their class routines, each classroom is abuzz with new learning. I would like to thank our staff for the hours of preparation spent before the commencement of the year. Their passion and enthusiasm have ensured that fun and creative learning spaces have been created and that our students will achieve the best education possible. The positive vibe around the school is very exciting.
Best Wishes for the coming week and best wishes for the year ahead,
What a beautiful day celebrating with our School Community. The smiles on the children's faces showed the joy that was had throughout the day. See some photos of our day or celebtrating in our Catholic Identity page.
2023 Term Dates
Term 1: 27 January to 6 April
Term 2: 24 April to 23 June
Term 3: 10 July to 15 September
Term 4: 2 October to 20 December
Month
| Dates / Events |
January | 26th Australia Day 27th Staff Commence ~ First Aid Training 30th ~ Staff ( PD Day) 31st ~ Staff Planning Day |
February | 1st Students Start School 6th St Mel’s Feast Day 8th Prep rest day 13th National Apology Anniversary 14th Community Welcome Night 15th Prep rest day 16th - Opening School Mass 21st School Council Meeting 21st Shrove Tuesday 22nd Ash Wednesday 22nd Prep Rest Day 26th First Sunday of Lent 27th - Parent/Teacher/Student conversations 28th - Parent/Teacher/Student conversations
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March | 2nd Prep Rest Day 3rd March MAI Testing Day 3rd World Day of Prayer 3rd MAI testing day 10th MAI testing day 13th Labour Day Holiday 14th School Photo Day 15th Preps at School on Wednesdays from now on 15th – 27th Naplan sitting dates 21st Harmony Day 24th Sandhurst Switches Off 28th School Council Meeting |
April | 6th End of Term 1 7th Good Friday 8th Easter Saturday 9th Easter Sunday 24th Start of Term 2 25th Anzac Day Holiday 28th Colour Fun Run 30th Catholic Education Week Sandhurst begins |
May | 1st- Register for Write a book in a day comp?? 1st - 5th Catholic Education Week - Sandhurst 3rd May Interschool Cross Country 5th World Labyrinth Day in Schools 6th World Labyrinth Day 9th School Council Meeting 11th Mother’s Day Stall 12th Mother’s Day High Tea 14th Mother’s Day 19th District Sports 22nd - 26th School Swimming Program Aquamoves 22nd - 26th Catholic Education Week 24th School Open Day 26th National Sorry Day 27th May - 3rd June National Reconciliation Week 28th Pentecost Sunday ~ Sacraments of First Eucharist & Confirmation |
June | 2nd Reconciliation Mass 9th Pupil Free Day ~(TBC) 12th Kings Birthday Holiday 14th Festival of the Sacred 16th Feast of the Sacred Heart ~ School Mass 19th - 23rd Refugee Week 20th School Council Meeting 22nd Reports Home 23rd ~ End of Term 2 |
July | 2nd - 8th NAIDOC WEEK 10th Start Term 3 17th & 18th Parent / teacher conversations 21st - Japanese Day 25th School Council Meeting 26th Feast of St Anne |
August | 1st - Principal Reading Challenge th School Council Meeting 19nd -25th Book Week ~ Read, Grow, Inspire 31st Father’s Day Stall |
September | 1st World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 1st Big Blokes Breakfast 3rd Father’s day 5th School Council Meeting 8th School Aths Day 15th Term 3 Ends / Footy Colours Day AFL Grand Final Day |
October | 2nd Start Term 4 3rd Year 6 District Athletics 4th Year 5 District Athletics 5th Year 4 District Athletics 6th Year 3 District Athletics 9 - 11th ~ Upper Years Camp 17th School Council Meeting 20th School Fun Fair |
November | 2nd November Grade1/2 Sleepover 6th Report Writing Day ~ pupil free 7st Melbourne Cup Prep Transition Day 11th Remembrance Day Prep Transition Day Prep Transition Day Prep Transition Day 28th School Council Meeting 29th Prep Information Night |
December | 1st Staff Planning Day ~ pupil free 4th Year 6 Reflection Day & Year 5 Leadership Day 12th Statewide Transition Day 12th Reports Home 12th End of year Graduation Mass 13th Aquamoves Fun day 14th Last Day for Students 15th Staff Reflection day ~ no students |
Students commence school ~ Tuesday 30th Jan 2024 | |
Before School Drop Off ~ Students are not to be dropped off no earlier than 8:20am in the morning. Supervision starts at 8:20am.
School Uniform and Hats: Students will be required to wear their Summer Uniform and hats are compulsory for the first term. It is important that particularly during these warmer months, that the students stay well hydrated so please ensure each student has a water bottle with them each day. Please ensure all clothing and drink bottles are clearly named.
URGENT REMINDER!!! Medical Update ~ Asthma Plans & Anaphylaxis Plans
If your child suffers from Asthma or Anaphylaxis, please remember to send in an updated Asthma Plan or Anaphylaxis Plan. These MUST BE arranged through your family GP. Without an updated plan your children will not be able to participate in school funtions.
Kiss and Go Reminder…
Our new families may not be aware that our ‘kiss and go’ zone simply means you: don’t stop and wait for a space to become free. You must always allow traffic to move freely and not congest Hamilton Street. Some people are not obeying the road laws and as a consequence are making it unsafe for all, including morning drop off. Last year, for some people the lack of consideration for fellow drivers, by stopping when they should not, has resulted in fines being issued. Hopefully this doesn’t become a major issue this year. From what I am witnessing it’s about being patient with another and being safe.
A detailed explanation of the ‘Kiss and Go’ zone in operation has been included in this weeks newsletter.
Kiss and Go dashboard and visor sign ~ For those all who pick their children up from Hamilton St.
I have noticed some people have already adopted this as a way for us to quickly identify families and children. Let me say this is a brilliant idea ~ thank you.
To help staff (especially our new staff) quickly identify families picking up children in the Kiss and Go zone could you please fill in the attached form so we can create your very own, personalised Dashboard & Visor sign. Once created, please place these on the left-hand side of your vehicle. Completed signs will be sent home with your child. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.
Meetings with Staff…some reminders to help you
Staff generally attend meetings at school on Tuesdays 3:45-5:00pm and Wednesday from 3:45-5:00pm. We certainly encourage parents to catch up casually with staff as the need arises, but please be aware that we will need to excuse ourselves for these compulsory meetings. Parents are encouraged to make a meeting time with us to hold longer discussions, as this will also ensure we can give you our full attention. Please be aware meetings with staff are encouraged to be online or vis phone calls.
St Mel’s OSHC is accepting enrolments & bookings for 2023
Welcome to St Mel’s OSHC. We understand that placing your child in childcare is an important decision and as such, we feel privileged to play an integral role in your child’s learning and development.
Our aim is to function as an extended family in order to provide your child with the security, warmth and love which are essential to their development and growth.
Our professional and dedicated educators provide a program that enables children to learn through exploration and stimulating experiences. We aspire to create an environment that provides enjoyable and creative learning. This is achieved through activities designed to support your child in all areas of growth. Please call us on 0438213163 or visit our section of the schools web site for further information.
School Uniforms
Thank you to the way families have ensured your child has returned to school wearing the correct uniform. Wearing the correct uniform expresses pride and value in our school and of our expectations.
TERM 1 ~ Summer Uniform
TERM 2 ~ Winter Uniform
TERM 3 ~ Winter Uniform
TERM 4 ~ Summer Uniform
Student Absences
Please ensure you inform the office if your child is away or will be away from school. Resulting changes to the attendance guidelines implemented last year now state…
‘Schools must advise parents/guardians of unexplained absences, on the same day, as soon as practicable, including for post-compulsory aged students’.
If your child has been away through illness, holidays or for any reason please contact the school / child’s teacher via a phone call, note or personal visit. Thank you in your anticipated adherence to this important information. St Mel’s endeavours to keep all children safe at all times.
A few house keeping items…Lost Property
~ Please name all school items. Hats, jumpers, drink bottles are the usual things that go missing. A lost property box is located out the front of the main building if you’re on the hunt for lost items.
Happy Birthday to everyone that has celebrated their birthdays this week and during the holidays:
Sunny Walker, Alessio Natalizio, Annelyse Johnson, Charlie Campbell, Stella Campi, Audrey Gacus, Livinia Lay, Dilpreet Pannu, Kristen Feata, Aami Patel, Jen Amadei, Maria Makin and Anita Damianopolous.
Maths Assessment Interviews ~ Friday March 3rd and Friday March 10th (Pupil Free Days)
Math’s Assessment Interview ~ Summary
Background (the Early Numeracy Research Project)
The Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI) was developed as part of the Early Numeracy Research Project (1999-2001). The interview consists of hands-on assessment tasks where students demonstrate Mathematical understanding and preferred strategies for solving increasingly complex tasks.
What
Why
Volunteering at St Mel’s
A school volunteer is anyone who helps at school supervise, assist student learning or attends camps / excursions. As part of our commitment to keeping all students safe, all volunteers MUST have a current Working with Children’s Check (WWC), have signed a parent code of conduct and volunteer’s application form. These documents can be downloaded from our school website or collected from the school office ~ as attached to this week’s newsletter.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at St Mel’s please take the time to read our Volunteer’s Policy and complete the required documentation.
To apply for an online WWC please visit:
www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au
Kiss and go ~ A detailed explanation…
Kiss and Go. What is that you may ask? Simply it is a quick, efficient and safe way to drop off and pick up your children. The zone from the school library to the hall in Hamilton Street has been zoned as the ‘kiss and go’. There are few steps we need to follow to make this work:
We ask parents and drivers to consider the following:
Do’s | Don’ts |
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When in the ‘Kiss and Go’ drop off zone DO:
Helping Others Succeed
What does this mean? How can you help?
Congratulations to all of our students who for a great start to Term 1. It has been so good to see you settling in to new routines and eager to learn. Thank you for doing your best, respecting our school and helping others succeed.
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School Calendar for 2023
School Fees Updates - February Statement
School Fee Statements will be sent out to families from next week beginning Monday 13th Feb 2023.
All families have or will be emailed their 2023 school fees and individual payment plans . The majority of these have already been sent, but there are a few to go. If you have not received an email by 10/2/2023 please get in touch with Karen or Jen at our office.
It is important that you respond to our fees email so that we are aware of your payment plans for this year. Thankyou so much to all those who have already done so.
It is important to establish and set up your payment plans early, to allow you to stretch payments over the year and avoid the financial pressure of late commencement. At a minimum, we expect fees to be paid on a term by term basis. We also have a wide range of regular payment options available. Please feel free to call us if you want to discuss this further.
Thank you to the families who have contacted the school office or who have responded positively when our office has called to discuss payment of fees or organise payment plans.
Fee statements will continue to be sent out Monthly by email ensuring that all families are aware of the balances of outstanding school fees. If you have not received any correspondence by email then please contact the school office to confirm we have the correct email address.
Please check your statements next week. Should you be experiencing financal hardship we strongly urge you to contact the school office to discuss your situation and a possible payment plan.