St Mary's School 

Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

I have some very exciting news! St. Mary's is one of four schools ( St. Mary's Thornbury, Albion Primary School St. Albans, St Joseph's Mernda and Bruthen Primary School) in Victoria that has been chosen to work on the Victorian Learning Commission (VLC). The Learning Commission was started in the United Kingdom in 2008. 

The Commission wanted to bring about:

• Significant and lasting changes to teaching and learning

• A change in student engagement, motivation and learning

To achieve these changes the Commission established:

• an ambitious programme of enquiry into the most effective learning approaches in the UK and abroad.

•This enquiry has been co-led by students and staff who since 2008, have worked and learned together in powerful partnerships and teams.

•The Commission was designed to go beyond traditional ‘student voice’ work, helping students become leaders of their own and others’ learning

with a real stake in how education is organised and delivered. 

The Commission has been operating in the Northen Territory for the past 3 years and has increased student engagement and learning extensively.

Six children will be selected through an interview process,  to work with staff on monitoring a program in the school through the collection of data and observation. There findings will then be used to deliver learning and teaching specific to needs. They will also get an opportunity to pitch their findings to the Minister of Education. We are thrilled to have been selected and we look forward to the impact this study will have on our learning and teaching.

 

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL ATHLETICS SPORTS 2020

Our Twilight House Carnival is fast approaching (Friday 20 March) and there is much excitement in the air as House Captains meet with their teams with the intent of motivating children to be the best that they can be.

Please ensure you arrive by 4.45pm at the Collingwood Athletics Track (George

Knott Reserve) Heidelberg Rd Clifton Hill. Feel free to bring along a picnic as well as money to purchase a sausage and drink. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the company of old and new friends.

PLEASE NOTE: AFTERCARE WILL CLOSE AT 4.30PM SHARP. CHILDREN MUST BE PICKED UP BEFORE 4.30PM

Order of events:

5:00pm  Boys & Girls 800m race (open age)

 

5:10pm  Year Prep to 2 Sprints then tabloid activities (everyone)

               Year 3 to 6 Tabloid activities (everyone)

 

5:50pm  Change over and assemble for 100m sprints Middle and senior students

               Year 3 to 6 sprints (everyone)

              

5:55pm  Junior grades can purchase a sausage and drink.

 

6:00pm  Middle and senior grades purchase a sausage and drink after race is completed

 

6:20pm  200m invitation races

 

6:30pm-7:00pm Relay events Preps, 1/2, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

7:00pm Announcements & Closure.

Feel free to pick up children early on Friday if you feel they may need a rest before the school sports. School will finish at the normal time of 3.30pm.

 

With Easter  falling during the holidays, we will be celebrating the true meaning of Easter on the first day of Term 2 with a Mass at 11.45am and on the Thursday 16 April by dying eggs and some baking. Easter is the most important celebration of the Christian faith, whereby we recognise that Jesus is present and amongst us. He defeated death by rising and lives in our hearts. 

 

 

PARENT PROTOCOL POLICY

An important reminder. It is the responsibility of the school to notify a parent when a situation requires it. For example, an illness, head knock, a child's behaviour etc. Our policy states  'that no parent should  approach other parents to discuss other children'. It is unhelpful and may cause unnecessary anxiety. Please discourge this type of behaviour. Many thanks for your cooperation. 

 

Coronavirus Update

Dear Parents,

 

Our first priority at St Mary’s is the health and safety of our school community.

 

I want to reassure you that the school is well-prepared for the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

 

We are being provided the latest advice from the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd to ensure that our school practices are helping to keep our school community safe from the outbreak.

 

Any incidents that arise will be addressed in accordance with our Critical Incident and Emergency Management Plan. We will also have access to resources and support from Catholic Education Melbourne and the Department of Health and Human Services.

 

As parents, you have a critical role in helping the school manage this situation:

  • Exercise good judgment by keeping children home if they are feeling unwell for any reason
  • Talk to children about the situation, as they may be feeling anxious or stressed. You have a key role in helping students feel prepared and safe
  • Encourage children to be proactive and committed to their schoolwork, and to stay connected with the school and their teachers.

 

The Department of Health and Human Services has a number of resources on its website, which explain the virus, detail risk-reduction practices and behaviours, and answer frequently asked questions. These are available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

 

You can also find information about Catholic education’s response at http://www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/Coronavirus-information-for-parents.

 

This is an evolving situation, but we will keep you updated as things change.

 

Thank you for your support as we work to keep our students safe.

 

P&F UPDATE

A huge thanks Parents, your fundraising dollars has recently purchased a wonderful reading program as well as ipads for the juniors  and some fantastic robotics equipment. 

 

Have a good week , regards

Dino