Principal's News

Dear Families,

We have hit the ground running as we begin Term Two, with students and staff well rested following  the Easter holidays. 

Once again,  I thank all staff for working diligently behind the scenes to ensure Term 1 was a really enjoyable and productive term for our students; a special thanks to Martin Earl and the staff for leading the school in my absence and although I had a fantastic time reconnecting with my family and friends,  it’s great to be back!

The children settled beautifully into the classrooms and routines on Tuesday and we have enjoyed a very settled week across the school. Our Year 5s and 6s headed off to camp on Wednesday, and to say they were excited is an understatement! Although the weather was wet and windy, by all accounts they had a ball- and even enjoyed the food! I thank Kate, Siobhan, Briely, Liam and Martin for accompanying the students to camp and for giving freely of their time to ensure camp went ahead (remember- there’s no overtime for these ‘extras’!)

With the Year 6s away, our assembly this morning was led by the exceptionally capable Year 4s, who led us in prayer to commemorate ANZAC Day. Our students were most reverent as we came together as a community to mark this occasion. A sincere thank you to our Year 4 readers and singers and to the parents who joined us. 

Next Friday we celebrate our mums and special women in a gathering for Mother's Day. We will begin the day with breakfast from 8am in the hall, followed by a Mother’s Day assembly at 9.15am also in the hall. I’m sure it will be ‘cuteness overload’ as our Year 1s lead the Mother’s day assembly. 

We have a few dads who have volunteered to serve tea/ coffee/ treats to our mums, but we need more volunteers. If you’re able to assist please email Michael Hazell (P+F) secretary: mhazell97@gmail.com 

A reminder that family photographs need to be emailed to Amanda asap, for inclusion in the presentation during assembly: amanda.tamplin@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au

(Shhhhhhhh……excitement is building across the school as the children make a little gift for mum, I think it has become a little competitive between grades!)

Our Mother’s Day lunch is still open for bookings and thanks to Claire Yelland and Olivia Healy for organising the lunch: https://www.trybooking.com/BYTJB 

Bookings close this weekend.

Just in time for Mother's Day! Congratulations!

A HUGE congratulations to Charlie (1D) and mum Georgia on the birth of beautiful baby Scarlet, born on the 20th of April. By all accounts, Charlie is the best big brother and was so proud (wanting to show off baby Scarlet) that he insisted on mum and bubs coming in for a visit on the first day back (6 days old) ! What a delight and I look forward to plenty of baby cuddles in the coming months!

Reminders:

• Tuesday 3rd May: P+F meeting in the staff room @7pm. All welcome
• Wednesday 4th May: School Photograph Day-full winter uniform, including jumper. Information on ordering photographs is contained later in the newsletter
• Wednesday 8th June 6.30pm: Parent Cybersafety Information Night; we strongly advise all parents to attend and child minding will be available if you’re unable to get a sitter. More information to follow.
• Thursday 9th and Friday 10th June: Staff conference with Georgina Manning (Wellbeing for Kids). I will inform you asap as to the availability of Extend operations during this school closure.
• COVID Updates contained in this newsletter

State Swimming Championships: 

Congratulations to Alexis (Y4) who came third in the state in 50m backstroke. Brilliant effort Alexis, we are so very proud of you!

Prep-2 Excursion

We wish our Preps-2s a great day out on Tuesday as they visit Melbourne Museum to participate in activities linked to last term’s topic. The children will be introduced to Hannah, a storybook character, who unpacks a family trunk full of old toys that have been handed down through the generations. They will then identify with playthings from different historical periods.

Hannah’s story introduces students to the concept of change and continuity: how life was in the past and how it is different today. The story connects with families from different periods of Melbourne’s past and shows how every family is part of the broader historical narrative.

The session will culminate in a scavenger hunt trail of the Melbourne Story exhibition, how exciting!

Thanks to Marta Cummings (Junior School Leader) for organising the day for our students.

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend ahead and thank you for an exceptional first week of the term,

Michelle