Dear families,

It has been a crazy couple of weeks at STM and the fun continues...

We are currently in the midst of swimming week, the students have been doing a great job and seem to be enjoying the experience which is awesome. Last week we held our first ever STEAM family night. It was well attended and everyone I have spoken to has said what a great night it was, thanks to Mrs Saville for all her work and preparation it is much appreciated.

Unfortunately I could not make it as my wife was in hospital with some diabetes related issues with her pregnancy. All is ok and she is back home, still no baby news. I am sure the bundle of joy will be here in no time. As mentioned in a School Stream, I will take leave once the baby arrives. Danielle George will be Acting Principal in my absence, Belinda Saville will support Danielle with Leadership duties. Marcia Janky is currently on leave and we keep her in our thoughts and prayers. This week we welcomed Mrs Anderton back from personal leave. It was great to have Mrs A back around the school, she was missed by staff and students.

We have a number of students receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist in coming weeks. These students and families have had a busy year after celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation earlier this year. The Sacrament will be celebrated at a mass at 1pm on Sunday the 27th. A reminder to those families Father Cruz has asked that you attend a commitment mass this Sunday (20th of August at 9:00am).

As I am now in the process of starting to plan for 2024 (I know... already!), it would be great if you could please let myself or the office know if your child will not be returning to STM in 2024. This will help me organise class numbers and staff for next year. Year 6 families do not need to let me know.

Please pay close attention to the Learning and Teaching section of this newsletter, Mrs George has provided all the information needed relating to Book Week!

Here are some photos from STEAM night!! Mrs Saville has also added more information about STEAM night and Science Week later in the newsletter.

Mary Mackillop Feast Day:

On Tuesday 8th of August, the Catholic Church in Australia celebrated Mary Mackillop.

Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues to today. A Saint for and of Australia!

MACSSIS survey:

About Real Life - Sexuality Education Program

The online session for Parents only will take place at 6:30pm on the 22nd of August. I will share the zoom link a few days before the event.

The Parent/Child workshops will run in the following way on the 29th of August:

Year 3 and 4: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Year 5 and 6: 7:15pm - 8:15pm

The parent/child sessions will take place in the Library.

Outside therapies:

As most of you are aware we are fine with families engaging NDIS and other therapies (OT and speech therapists) to come to school and work with students during school times. We are also more than happy for students being taken by parents to therapies off site during school hours. I just need to re-iterate it is not our responsibility to contact outside therapists and inform them of events happening at school (i.e. swimming, book week). It is hard enough to coordinate school timetabling with regular school staff. This is also the case with our intervention programs. We have part time staff employed to conduct these programs and unfortunately our timetables can sometimes be a little bit inflexible.

Large Toys!

Dear families,

Over the last Term or so we have noticed a large increase in the amount of students bringing large toys/teddy bear/squish mellows to school. It is starting to become a problem as the students are now taking these outside and a number of them have become damaged or lost.

I have made the decision to ban these from coming to school. Students who require fidget toys or aids to help them will be permitted to bring those to school.

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

Take care

Declan

A message from our Environmental Leader: NUDE FOOD IS BACK!

Dear students and families

The Nude Food Challenge is back and will run from Monday 21 August to Friday 8 September. All students are encouraged to bring food without excess packaging. The class with the least amount of packaging wins an extra 30 MINUTES PLAY!!

Thank you for your support

Nate

Student Environmental Leader

Book Week!

Please have a look at the "Learning and Teaching" tab for more information about the fun and exciting events we have planned for Book Week 2023.

Students Diaries 2024!

We have a winner!!! Students and Staff voted and the design for our 2024 School Diaries is:

Thanks to Lorelei from Year 6 for her commitment to this project.

Teeth on Wheels:

Dear Families,

Just a reminder that we have Teeth on Wheels visiting our school for 6 monthly reviews and oral health education starting on the 30/08/2023.

Please click on the link below to complete your child’s consent form.

https://teethonwheels.com.au/consent-forms/consent-eform/

Please note: if you have already completed a form for 2023 this does not need to be done again, unless your contact information or child’s medical history has changed.

Complete your form today and the Teeth On Wheels team will be in contact to schedule your child’s appointment and notify you on your eligibility. If you are not eligible, Teeth On Wheels will offer you a special deal of $99 for the full check-up, oral cancer screening, clean, fluoride treatment and any x-rays if required (this can be claimed back through your private health insurance).

For any further questions, please contact the Teeth On Wheels team on (03) 9338 1191.

PLEASE NOTE, THE CUT OFF DATE FOR COMPLETING YOUR CHILD’S FORM IS 29/08/2023.

School Closure Days:

Please add the following dates to your diary.

Friday 3rd of November: Curriculum Day

Monday 6th of November: Report Writing Day

Tuesday 7th of November: Melbourne Cup

Monday 4th of December: 2024 Planning day for staff

End of School Year Dates:

End of Year dates are as follows:

Year 6 Graduation Day/Year 6 last day: Thursday 14th of December (Lunch from 12pm-3pm, Mass from 6:30pm-8:30pm)

Prep/Year 5 last day: Friday 15th of December at 3:10pm

Commitment to Child Safety:

Please see attached the CECV's (Catholic Education Commission of Victoria) commitment to Child Safety in schools. Each school must have a range of measures in place to meet the 11 Child Safety Standards.

Thank you, take care and God Bless

Declan

Parent Support -ICT