1. education
2. school

Welcome to our School Newsletter
Thursday 9th October 2014
Follow the links to your articles of interest
Principal’s Report
Deputy Principal
Religious Education
Student Wellbeing
Office
Year Prep
Years 1 & 2
Years 3 & 4
Years 5 & 6
Physical Education
Music
iLearning Centre
Grounds & Facilities
Canteen
Parish
FOMM
Wider Community
Dear Parents and Children,
Welcome to Term 4. Term 4 always promises to be an exciting time in school life. Our children are
faced with the challenge of continuing their full commitment to their learning over the period of the
term. This can be a challenge when we experience many distractions – graduation, long
weekends, assessments for reports, excursions and incursion and then the excitement of
Christmas and the school holiday period. Through working together we can ensure that our
children continue to commit to our high expectations.
MMPS Dates & Events (Web Link)
2015 Class Placements: Today in the newsletter I have provided a guideline that is an indication
of the process that is applied to the development of grade structures and student placement in
grades. If you have information that could impact on your child/children’s placement for the 2015
school year, please forward your information, in writing to myself, Principal, by no later than Friday
the 31st of October 2014. Parent letters should be based on individual student needs and not
requests for preferred teachers. These letters generally will be forwarded on to staff for
consideration when placing students. The class placement process for staff will begin next week
and will be finalised during November, approximately. Therefore letters received after this date will
not be considered.
As professionals, our staff use academic, behavioural and social issues, both past and present, to
ensure there is an effective balance within grades and across a level to provide the optimum
learning environment for your child and all students. Please be aware that your letters are not
guarantees, they inform a process. Staff then considers this information in light of all the
information they have regarding all students.
As stated in these guidelines “Parent letters regarding factors to be considered are based on
individual student needs and not requests for preferred teachers”. This guideline also states
“Student placement in classes will be formed on the basis of providing a balance between the
intellectual ability of children, their social development, gender, previous class and friendship
groupings and any other known factors that may have an impact on the class grouping. Individual
needs and a whole school perspective must be considered.” Staff will always consider that a
student needs to be placed with a child in which they have a positive relationship. This does not
always mean that it will be their best friend or friends. Staff have worked with your children for the
period of the school year and are aware of a child’s friendship groupings and the potential positive,
or negative, impact that placement with particular students may have.
Through this thorough process staff considers the needs of all the children and then provide for the
best learning environments. Ultimately for parents this is a process of trust and possibly an
opportunity to build your child’s resilience through how you choose to respond when notified of
your child’s 2015 placement.
Guidelines for Class Placement:
•
Children's learning is enhanced when classes are arranged with recognition of students
varying abilities and behaviours and to optimise staff skills. A clearly defined, collaborative
process for the placement of children into classes will lead to greater efficiency, increased
understanding, and improved opportunities for learning.
Aims:
•
To provide each child with the opportunity to be part of a class of children that will allow them
the optimum opportunity to learn
•
To form well balanced classes of children that take into account the social, emotional,
academic and physical characteristics of each child
•
To ensure that optimum use is made of the existing knowledge that teaching staff, as
learning professionals, have of each child prior to class placement
•
To support a culture of trust in the role, knowledge and professionalism of staff
•
To provide an opportunity for parents to communicate additional information for consideration
Implementation:
•
Expressions of interest will be sought from staff members via the Annual Review Meetings,
as to possible grade teaching placements they would like to be considered for
•
An ‘intention to return slip’ will be published in the school newsletter late Term 3, early Term
4 to inform enrolments for the following year
•
The Principal will formally seek input regarding factors to consider in relation to the
placement of a child within a grade via the newsletter at the beginning of term 4
•
All parent factors to be considered must be directed to the Principal and placed in writing by
the end of October/early November. The factors to be considered must be based on
individual student needs and not requests for preferred teachers. This written note indicating
factors for consideration will help inform the process – it does not guarantee student
placements
•
These letters of input will be considered for the following year only
•
The Principal will inform staff of parent input prior to the formation of classes
•
Parent letters after this time will not be considered
•
Under exceptional circumstances the Principal may re-organise classes throughout the year
•
The principal, in consultation with the Consultative Committee, and all staff; and after
considering the educational philosophies of the school, student numbers, and the effective
balance of social, emotional, academic and physical needs will determine the number of
classes, the type of class groupings and class sizes for the following year
•
Class groupings will be formed, depending upon the number of staff and school enrolments.
The school will maximise the use of available rooms and staff to form class groupings
•
These decisions will be based within Catholic Education Commission of Victoria awards and
agreements as well as allocated staffing and funding arrangements as provided through the
Catholic Education Office
•
Student placement in classes will be formed on the basis of providing a balance between the
intellectual ability of children, their social development, gender, previous class and friendship
•
•
•
•
groupings and any other known factors that may have an impact on the class grouping.
Individual needs and a whole school perspective must be considered
The allocation of children and class compositions are ultimately the responsibility of the
Principal and staff
Staff members will not disclose the composition of proposed grade structures prior to any
formal announcements
Staff members will not disclose student’s placement in classes prior to any formal
announcements
Children who enroll at the school during the year will be temporarily allocated to classes, with
the possible need to alter the placement once further information regarding the child is known
Intention to return Slip: Attached to this newsletter is also an intention to return slip. Student
numbers can impact significantly on staffing levels and grade structures for the following year. If
you are changing schools in 2015 please complete this intention to return slip or email
[email protected]
School Times: A reminder to all parents and children that the official start time for school is
8:55am. Children should all be in class ready to start their day by this time. Classrooms are
generally open from 8:45 allowing children an opportunity to come in and get organised for the
day. Teaching staff are in the room supervising children during this time. The children can then go
outside or remain in the room. Before school supervision on the yard begins at 8:30am and
finishes at 8:55. Music is played, just prior to the 8:55 bell as a reminder to the children to begin to
make their way to class.
Once staff is on duty, children can sit in the courtyards, play basketball on the basketball court and
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays all children are encouraged to walk or runs laps of the small
oval. In the near future we also have some grade 5 students who have asked to coordinate some
skipping before school in designated courtyard areas. We hope that this will start about week 2 of
term. Children cannot play on the adventure equipment. For pedestrian safety reasons we do not
allow any ball games in the court yards and on the small oval before school.
As a general rule, children should not be arriving before 8:30am, however if they do arrive early,
they are asked to sit in the central courtyard by the Year 1 and 2 classes and the school admin
block.
Staff members are on duty after school until 3:35pm. All children should be collected by this time.
We understand that there may be times where families may be slightly late, however if you are
consistently late collecting your child you will need to register them in the After School Care
Program (ph 0419 573 185).
After school children are to move directly to the pickup lane for supervision until collected by their
parents or carers. Children leaving through Lowry Court are also to wait with the supervising
teacher until collected by a parent or carers. Again for safety and supervision reasons no sporting
or playground equipment is to be used after school. Children collected by parents after school are
under the direct supervision of parents; however we also request that no sporting or playground
equipment is used at this time. This expectation also applies to those families using the Latter Day
Saints Car Park.
Our school timetable is as follows:
Sunsmart : A reminder that all students are to wear their school hat when outside in term 4.
Please ensure that they are CLEARLY NAMED. Children not wearing hats will be asked to move
into shaded areas of the school.
RESPONISIBILITY
Students
Bell Times

8:30 AM
Before school playground supervision
8:55 AM
School Starts - Learning time begins
10:55 - 11:05 AM
Recess – Staff supervised eating time
11:05 - 11:25 AM
1st Play Time
11:25 AM
Learning time
1:05 - 1:15 PM
Lunch - Staff supervised eating time
1:15 - 1:55 PM
2nd Play Time
1:55 PM
Learning time
3:15 PM
Dismissal
3:35 PM
After school pickup lane supervision finishes
Summer School Uniform Reminder: The MMPS Summer school uniform consists of the
following:







Girls
Boys
Summer - September to end of April
Summer - September to end of April
MMPS summer dress
MMPS navy windcheater
MMPS navy bomber jacket
Above ankle plain white socks
Black school shoes
MMPS bucket or broad rimed hat
MMPS school bag









MMPS polo shirt
MMPS Year 6 polo shirt
MMPS navy windcheater
MMPS navy bomber jacket
Navy tailored shorts
Above ankle plain navy socks
Black school shoes
MMPS bucket or broad rimed hat
MMPS school bag
Students are responsible for ensuring they are wearing the school uniform at all times.
Parents

Parents must ensure that children come to school in the correct school uniform at all
times. On rare occasions where this is not possible, parents must write a note
addressing the reason to their child’s teacher.

Parents and students are responsible for naming all items of clothing. This will allow for
lost items to be quickly returned to their owner.

Staff members will at all times encourage students to wear the correct school uniform.

Staff will communicate with the affected family when a student is out of uniform. Staff
may contact the school Principal if the situation is not rectified.

Staff will ask students to remove jewellery, including rings, that is not detailed within this
policy due to OH&S. These items will be returned to the student at the end of the day for
them to take home.
Staff
School Sports Equipment at Playtimes: Earlier this year we asked that children do not bring
their own sports equipment to school. As a school we have purchased over 400 items including
balls, hoops, cricket bats etc. for use at recess and lunchtimes. This equipment is colour coded to
reflect each level. Levels are working on a borrowing system to ensure children have enough
equipment to play with at recess and lunchtimes.
Walk to School Month: Today a letter will come home to the eldest child in each family promoting
Walk to school Month. Walking – like all physical activity – is great for children's health and
wellbeing. Through Walk to School, VicHealth encourages Victorian primary students to walk to
and from school with their parents every school day in October. Children could also ride bikes or
scooters. If riding bikes or scooters children should be wearing helmets. Children who walk to
school can create an account to tally their walks or we have tally sheets at school. Please consider
getting involved.
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the newsletter in the weeks ahead for specific details of what will be happening in your child’s
grade.
Logo Design Competition
th
?
2015 will be the 20 anniversary of the opening of our school. The
Anniversary Committee are inviting all students and families to design a
logo for this year long occasion. There will be a number of community
events throughout the year celebrating our milestone. It is envisaged
that the new logo will be used on anniversary publications and
newsletters to mark and promote community recognition of events and
news. Entries with your name included should be returned by Friday 24
October addressed to Mrs L Privitera, Anniversary Committee.
On Thursday 30 October the school will hold an “Arts Celebration Day.” This will include the
prep, one and two Grandparents Day Mass in the school hall at 9:15am followed by morning tea
for our grandparents and a whole school performing arts concert. For families who may not be
able to attend during the day, we will continue celebrations into the evening, with art displays
around the school, a performance from our school band and choir and FOMM will provide BBQ
sausages and drinks for families to purchase to complete the evening. Please note the day down
in your calendar as we would love families to come along and join in the celebrations.
ARTS CELEBRATION DAY- THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 2014
Term 4 Whole School Concept
This term across all year levels in our school, student learning will connect to an aspect of the
concept Our Physical World. Each year level plans according to the AusVELS curriculum and
incorporates areas such as: english, science, humanities, history, the arts, technology, information
and communication into the concept learning. The following focus area for each level for this term
is listed below. Teachers will send home curriculum term outlines in week 2 of this term, which
outline in more detail concepts and skills students will be learning about this term.
Year prep - Local neighbourhood and environment
Year 1&2 -Simple systems and machines, how they move and help people in their lives
EVENT
TIME & VENUE
P-2 Grandparents Day Mass
9:15am in the school hall
Morning Tea for grandparents
( provided by the school)
10:30-11:30am in the school gym
Whole School Performing Arts
Concert
11:30-1:00pm in the school hall
Visual Art Display
2:00-3:15pm and 5:00-6:00pm various
locations around the school
Band and Choir Performance
6:00-6:30pm in the school hall
FOMM BBQ- sausages & drink
available to purchase
6:30-7:30pm
Year 3 & 4 -Changes in local landscapes and local natural disasters
Year 5 & 6 -Earth and Global Physical changes
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Arts Festival Week
This term our school will celebrate “The Arts” with a focus on the arts over a two week period
beginning on Monday 20 October to Thursday 30 October. (weeks 3 & 4 of this term) During this
time we have numerous whole school and level events. Many levels have incursions booked and
all students will work with an artist Kevin Weeks to produce art work. Please read level sections of
Term 4 School/Class Mass & Class Reconciliation Roster: Parents, families and friends are
welcome to attend and celebrate with staff and students during the following Eucharistic and
liturgical celebrations.
DATE
Mass Celebration (Thursdays
9.15am in Hall or as indicated)
Reconciliation
Celebration (Thursdays
10.00am in stage area of
Hall)
16th October
Year 6
S-TV
23rd October
Middle Level - Years 3 & 4 @ OLHC
9.30am
-
30th October
Prep, Year 1 & Year 2 - Grandparents
Mass & Farewell to Fr Sabu
-
6th October
-
M-DB
13th November
Year 1
M-VW
20th November
Year 2
M-KW
27th November
Prep
M-SL
4th December
J-MV & S-HF
M-CP
9th December
Year 6 Graduation Mass @ OLHC
7.00pm
-
11th December
Whole School @ OLHC 11.00am
-
Sacrament of Confirmation: Fifty-three students from our senior level will be celebrating the
Sacrament of Confirmation within one of the four Parish Masses, commencing tomorrow evening
and during the weekend. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the third of the three sacraments of
initiation. In Confirmation, the grace given at Baptism is sealed and strengthened. By choosing to
be confirmed, these candidates are saying yes to being a disciple of Christ and to being an active
member of the Catholic Faith. We pray for all who will be confirmed that they be examples in word
and deed of the living Gospel of Christ.
Knitting Group members were busy during Term 2 and 3 learning how to knit and producing a
number of knitted squares. As a volunteer group, participant's support and enthusiasm is greatly
appreciated. Every square made, goes into a blanket and we thank Mrs Zuzanna Ryan for helping
out at the sessions and also for stitching a numerous amount of squares together. The Ryan family
together, sorted the squares into appealing patterns. Three lovely blankets were produced. Many
thanks to all children, families and friends who contributed to the finished pieces.
Students, along with their parents, from the Knitting Group who attended the Cultural Threads
Workshop are advised that the Big Knitted Welcome Mat is now on display to the general public at
Dandenong Civic Square. The Mat is located in the ground floor window of the Dandenong Library.
It will be on display in this space until mid-November and will then be exhibited at the Paddy
O’Donoghue Centre in Noble Park. Congratulations to all on the creation of such a beautiful work
that Greater Dandenong community will appreciate and enjoy. Stephanie Sacco - Project Support
Officer, Arts & Cultural Development, Greater Dandenong.
Mary MacKillop 2014 Card Design Competition winners were announced at assembly last term.
The following students were awarded Best Entry for each year level. Each student received a
printed set of their card design, a Riot Gift voucher, a Mary MacKillop medallion, and a certificate.
BEST ENTRIES
PREP - ANANYA KHALMY P-LF
YEAR 1 – AYEN MACHAR J-JB
YEAR 2 – JAYDE CARR J-BB
YEAR 3 – RAMAEL JUMA M-JG
YEAR 4 – HOLLY ATHANASOPOULOS M-VW
YEAR 5 – KEALY DWYER S-ES
YEAR 6 – TAMEKA PAYET S-TK
The following students were finalists for each class. Each student was presented with a certificate
and a Mary MacKillop Holy Card.
FINALISTS
CELINA BRAMLEY P-LF, ELI SHARBELL P-RJ, JOY KOH P-RJ, EBONY PRICE P-RS, ELIZA
STEWART P-RS.
GABBY BOYLE J-MV, RYAN WOLFF J-MV, LUKE OLD J-JB, RAPHAELL WAGNER J-TC,
ELEKTRA PAYET J-TC, HANNAH DOBSON J-BB, ZACK PARKER J-EO, ALEXANDER GIAMPA
J-EO, GRACE KAIN J-CM, PHOEBE DOYLE J-CM.
CHLOE HIGGINS M-CP, MARIANA CASTANO M-CP, MASON MCNAMARA M-JG, ANNE KOH
M-KW, JULIA GIANNONE M-KW, EVAN CHRISTODOULOV M-BR, KARLA ILOVAR M-BR,
SELINA CHUNGUE M-SL, ANGELINE PAVIC M-SL, MIKAELA RYAN M-DB, BEN WOLFF M-DB,
LORENA SAN MARTIN M-VW.
HAYDEN MOSELEY S-HF, VINCENT GIAMPA S-HF, NATALIE MONTALTO S-ES, KRISTEN
MONTIBELLER S-TV, DEAN GAROFALO S-TV, GABI MAJSTOROVIC S-TK, HAYLEY LEACH
S-KL, JULIA SPOREA S-KL, JESSICA POSTREGNA S-SR, THILARA HERATH S-SR
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL STUDENTS.
World Mission Day is celebrated every year in every country wherever there are Catholics
committed to building a better world for all of God's people, a world where everyone has all they
need to live a dignified and fulfilling life. This year World Mission Day is Sunday 19 October 2014.
It is the day on which we reflect on the urgency to proclaim the Gospel in our times. Catholic
Mission around the world has the responsibility of promoting a dignified and fruitful celebration of
World Mission Day. This year, parishioners and school children across Australia are invited, as
part of the Catholic Mission World Mission Appeal, to reach out to support the crucial work of the
Jamaican Catholic Church in helping people turn away from violence and crime to seek a new
future through the power of education and the spirit of Jesus Christ. The whole month of October
has been dedicated to reflection in the hope that all the baptised will be always more committed to
Christ's mission of salvation for the world. Class programs aim to help provide opportunities for
students to deepen their understanding about issues of mission and justice. Each of us is invited to
be involved in the work of global mission and share the loving grace of God with all. MMPS Bi
Annual Mission Day Fete will be held on Friday 21st November 2014. Our senior students are
working towards this fun-filled fundraiser for Catholic Mission. Mission boxes are available in
each classroom during the month of October. Students and their families are invited to contribute
whenever you can. Thank you, in advance to our school community of generous givers whose
faithful prayers and support have helped children in need.
Open Days at Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre: 2014 Special Weekend Openings will be held
on 18 October and 29 November. Saturdays from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Visit website for further
information www.marymackillopheritagecentre.org.au
Social Emotional Learning- Building the Emotional Learner

Last term in the Newsletter I made reference to the importance of
teaching and learning life skills that are needed in every aspect
of daily life. This term, in the coming newsletters, I will continue
to address each of the core components of Social Emotional
Learning (SEL)

In recapping from last term, ‘Self-awareness’ is the ability to accurately recognize one’s
emotions and thoughts and their influence on behaviour. This includes accurately assessing
one’s strengths and limitations and possessing a well-grounded sense of confidence and
optimism. (Casel)

Responsible decision-making -Children often focus on immediate wants and don’t consider
the long term consequences. They need adult guidance to develop their decision making
skills. Effective decision making is a skill that children learn and as parents and teachers it is
important to model this skill in everyday situations. Rather than provide children with the
answer or ‘fix’ the problem for them as adults we need to model the decision making steps
that will allow students to work through a problem. This does not mean that children are
simply sent off with a ‘you solve the problem’ but are supported through the process step by
step to allow them to internalise, learn and understand the importance of solving problems at
the level they are able to. In teaching children these skills they are ‘empowered’ so that when
situations and life gives them challenges they are able to optimistically and confidently stop,
think and make decisions that will support them rather than defeat them.
Confirmation Prayer
God, our Father, we ask you to bless all candidates
who are now preparing to receive the spirit of your
love in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
May the gifts within each one be touched by your Holy Spirit and become blessings for our
parish family.
Bless, too, our parents, our sponsors, our teachers and Catechists, and all those who have
been the reflection of your son’s love for us.
Come Holy Spirit!
Fill our hearts with your gifts and kindle in them the fire of love. Amen.
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Effective decision making allows children to:
Recognise when there is a choice for them to make.

Understand that they are responsible for making the decisions

Take other’s needs into account

Think of different possible choices and solutions and decide which is best.
Learning the Steps – Helping children make informed decisions and take responsibility
Steps for decision making
Example
1. What do you have to decide Deciding what to do after school.
about?
2. What choices do you have?
Go and play with friends.
Stay home and do homework.
Watch TV
Play computer games.
Get angry and cry.
3. Weigh up the pros and cons of Going to a friend’s house is more fun than
each option and choose the best homework.
Watching TV is fun and relaxing.
one.
I like computer games better than
homework.
If I get upset I’ll get out of doing my
homework.
I’ll get into trouble if homework is not
completed.
4. Put your choice into action and Do homework as soon as I get home from
school so that I can watch TV or play on my
then check how it works out.
computer or do both. If my friend calls I am
free to go and play. I am relaxed and my
mum is too.
My teacher said I did well in my homework.
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GOING AWAY ON A HOLIDAY DURING THE SCHOOL TERM?
Due to new roll recording requirements, we ask that you send a note to the office, at
least two weeks before you leave, stating the dates your child will be away from
school. This will be forwarded to the class teacher. Alternatively you can send an
email to [email protected]
TERM 4 SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNTS
School Fee Accounts are to be finalised for payment by Monday 27 October 2014, unless a
current direct debit arrangement is in place. If you are experiencing difficulty in finalising your fee
account for 2014, please contact the office to make an appointment to discuss available options to
support you with your fee commitment.
Families with current fee arrangements are requested to contact the office early in Term 4 to make
an appointment with the Principal to discuss options for 2015 and finalise fee arrangements for
2014.
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Congratulations to the following students on receiving Learning Awards:
Tiago Barros and Zoe Niezgodka.
Wow! Here we are in the last term of Grade Prep already! Term 3 ended in high spirits with all of
the children participating in their very first Mary MacKillop Footy Day. It was fantastic to see
everyone proudly wear their team colours! The Preps loved running around the hall to their teams
anthem, participating in footy rotations run by the Senior students, having a delicious sausage
sizzle lunch and of course, laughing at the teachers trying to play footy!
Things are certainly looking exciting this term too, particularly with our whole school Arts Festival
commencing in Week 3. We will begin to prepare for our festival next week through participating in
Arts Sessions with the Prep teachers; Mrs Stewart will run visual arts sessions, Mrs Fonti will run
drama sessions and Miss Joachim will run music sessions. In Week 3 we are looking forward to
meeting artists, watching music performances and learning some fun dances! To help us prepare
for the Arts Festival, we ask that you send in any recycled materials you have at home that you
feel would be useful for creating an instrument; we are particularly after cardboard rolls (excluding
toilet paper rolls), tin cans and plastic containers. Thank you in advance!
PMP will recommence next Monday the 13th of October. If you are able to volunteer your time to
assist with these sessions, we ask that you please add your name to the helpers list outside your
child’s class.
This term there will be orientations for Prep children commencing school in 2015. Through our
discussions with you, we have decided that a Q&A session with Kindergarten parents and
yourselves would be beneficial in the orientation process. If you are interested in assisting with
this, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can start to liaise with each of the
Kindergartens to arrange this.
Just a reminder that students will need to wear their hats this term. Please make sure your child’s
hat is clearly labelled as they tend to easily go missing!
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our classrooms. Students from JJB recorded 90 wrappers in their lunchboxes on one day alone.
These wrappers end up in our green bin, which ends up as landfill. Junior classes will continue to
explore the amount of rubbish produced and how we can reduce this.
Where possible, learning in Mathematics is related to real life situations. Footy fever at the end of
last term was the perfect vehicle to engage students in all areas of Mathematics. Students
graphed their favourite football teams (data and graphing), explored favourite footy players and
their jersey numbers (place value), measured the length of their kicks (measurement) and more.
Students have begun to be introduced to our new concept ‘Our Physical World’. This concept
promises to be an exciting one. Next Thursday teachers will consider students prior knowledge
and wonderings as they plan this unit.
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Congratulations to the following students on receiving Learning Awards:
Jasmine Lim, Dominic Teaia, Amrith Jayasuriya, Sophie Postregna, Ryan
Wolff, Angelique Brown and Dominik Marki.
Congratulations to the following students on receiving Learning Awards:
Welcome back to Term Four. It’s wonderful to see students return to school in good health, well
rested, and bubbling over with news of their many holiday activities.
This week learning about ‘Aboriginal Life’ concluded with an excursion to CERES (Community
Environment Park). In preparation for this excursion students revisited the questions / wonderings
they had at the beginning of their term. Students recorded the few questions that remained
unanswered and looked forward to exploring these areas further during the excursion. At CERES,
students explored indigenous plant species to learn about their use for food, drink and medicine.
They also found out about Aboriginal ochre techniques and symbols used in rock painting and had
lots of fun learning how to throw a boomerang. It was great to see how engaged the children were,
which was evidenced by the level of knowledge they were able to bring to the learning experience.
Religious Education this week explored the Catholic Social Principle ‘Distribution of Universal
Goods’. In practical terms, this is about how we care for God’s creation. Each week our Whole
School Assembly begins with a prayer acknowledging our Indigenous Heritage. In this prayer we
recognise and thank our Aboriginal elders for their care and protection of the land. Students have
explored how Aboriginal people didn’t overfish or overhunt an area and how being nomadic
supported them in this. Students have begun exploring how they too care for our environment.
Discussions have followed with questions raised on the amount of rubbish (waste) we produce in
Vaughan Azzopardi, Kaylah Hancock, Chloe Higgins, Eleni Antonopoulos,
and Jorja Green.
It is hard to believe we have commenced Term 4! We have already completed so much and are
looking forward to the exciting learning planned to finish off the year. Please remember, all
student are to wear a hat during play times and when participating in outdoor sport activities
throughout Term 4.
You may begin to feel the excitement in the air with the upcoming Arts Festival taking place during
the next few weeks. The middle level will experience a Multicultural Infusion incursion where
students will participate in African Dancing & Drumming, Austrian Schuchplattler Volkstanz
dancing, Bollywood Infusion, La Vida Loca Spanish dancing and Chinese Fan Dancing. Students
will also research an actor, musician or artist and participate in level rotations covering visual and
performing elements. We will see many performances by the school band and choir and all
students will be part of a whole school concert on Thursday 30th October. Students will also
experience other planned events including The Arts Festival Open Night, which will take place on
Thursday Evening from 5-7pm, so please book this fun occasion in your diary. We look forward to
seeing many parents and friends on the night.
Earlier in the week all students received a notice regarding a Mass celebration at Our Lady Help of
Christians Parish Church, Narre Warren on Thursday 23rd October commencing 9.30 am. If you
are able to assist and travel on the bus on the day please indicate this on your child’s permission
slip and return to the classroom teacher. All permission slips are to be returned by Thursday 16th
October. We warmly invite all parents, relatives and friends to come directly to the Church to
celebrate Mass with us.
The next set of homework tasks will be handed out on Monday 13th October and completed tasks
are due Friday 24th October. Please remember, four tasks are expected to be completed, as well
as eight 10 minute reading sessions, which are to be acknowledged by a parent’s signature.
These things include plastic, paper and foam cups, packets of popping corn, brown paper bags,
straws, plastic spoons, stickers, packets of small toys from Kmart or Reject Shop, party prize
packs, small soft toys/teddies, cordial, popcorn and stationery. We also need the loan of some pop
corm making machines. Please keep checking the newsletters as we may need to add to this. We
thank you in advance for supporting this great initiative.
With graduation fast approaching, there are things that need to be organised in advance. Any
student, who was not at Mary MacKillop in Prep, is asked to promptly bring in a Prep photo of
themselves to be used in the Graduation PowerPoint.
Term 3 learning journals will be handed out to students shortly. We ask that these are returned
back to classroom teachers for report writing purposes.
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All Year Four students will shortly begin a Leadership Development program to prepare them for
their senior years at the school. The Young Leaders Program develops confidence with personal
and public leadership and provides a greater understanding of leadership in general.
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DIVISION ATHLETICS
Congratulations to the following children who participated in The Casey North Division Athletics in
the final week of term 3. The 18 children (a record for our school) who finished first or second in
their event have qualified for the Southern regional carnival on October 16th:
Congratulations to the following students on receiving Learning Awards:
Bradley Casse, Abby Cornell, Kaseb Elhage, Trinity Walter, Mark Beshay,
Rachel Delahoy, Andre Soff, Crystal Usatov and Aden Wylie.
Despite only being the first week back for Term 4, there are still many things happening in the
senior level. Many students will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation this week. Rehearsals
will be taking place on Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm in OLHC Church while the
confirmation masses will be held on Friday evening, Saturday morning and afternoon, and Sunday
afternoon. In the lead up to being confirmed, students have been designing posters of a chosen
saint. The posters are of a dove and include the picture of the student and of their saint. There is
information about the saint and how they followed Jesus in their life.
The school’s Mini Mission Day Fete will be taking place on Friday, November 21. Students are
currently organising activities and will require donations for their stalls.
Adam Booker – 1st Long Jump, 1st Triple Jump
Josh Booker – 3rd – 4x100 m relay, 6th 100m, 6th – 200m,
Adam Castricum- 1st – Hurdles, 5th – 800m
Kiaya Chamberlain – 1st shotput
Emma Cornell – 7th – 4x 100m relay
Jayden Ede – 1st – 4x100m relay, 4th- Hurdles
Paige Ede- 2nd 4x100m relay
Dion Ermidis- 1st 4x100m relay
Gar Yi Fong- 3rd – 4x100m relay
Kira Hamilton- 6th hurdles
Dakota Hanula- 3rd- 4x100m relay
Steven Jansz- 1st – 1500m, 3rd- 4x100m relay
Ellie Keen- 7th – 4x100m relay
Tahlia Lane- 1st – 1500m, 3rd- Triple Jump
Caydn Lane – 1st 1500m, 1st- 800m, 1st- 4x100m relay
Sami Lane- 5th 1500m, 5th- Triple Jump
Teo lantouris- 2nd – 200m, 3rd- 4x100m relay
Ricky lantouris- 3rd- 4x100m relay
Mach Machar- 4th – Discus
Brady Niezgodka- 3rd – 4x100m relay
Lucas Noronha- 6th – Hurdles, 3rd- 4x100m relay
Matthew Orford- 2nd- 800m, 6th- 1500m
Jessica Postregna- 3rd- 1500m, 7th- 4x100m relay, 7th – 200m
Talyssa Route- 2nd – 4x100m, 7th- Hurdles
Christian Sammut – 5th – 1500m
Tori Santoro – 1st – 200m, 7th- Hurdles
Brooke Smith- 2nd 200m, 2nd- 4x100m relay, High jump- abandoned due to weather
Trinity Walter – 2nd – 4x100m relay, 7th- 800m
Lucas Whiteside- 1st – 4x100m relay, 5th- 200m
Ben Wolff- 1st- shotput, 1st- Discus
Kirah Zietsman- 1st- 200m, 7th- 4x100m relay, High Jump- abandoned due to weather.
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Term 4 is always very busy 'canteen wise'! The weather gets warmer (meaning increased counter
sales with fruit tubes etc) and many of our regular volunteers who work part time have increased
work hours leading up to Christmas). It is never too late to see a new face in the canteen, and any
contribution of help, no matter how small, is very appreciated! I sincerely look forward to meeting a
few new faces in our final term of the school year!
Even if a 'help needed' is not listed on the roster, we can always use an extra hand. Sometimes
things pop up and our rostered volunteers are not able to do canteen duty. An odd hour or so to
help in the morning goes a long way!
Regards! Annette
Friday 10th October
Monday 13th October
Friday 17th October
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Annette Ladlow
Karinne Pidgeon
Imaculada Mesquita
Sandra San Martin
Anna Hennett
Annette Ladlow
HELP NEEDED
Penny Bourchier
Annette Ladlow
Melinda Price
HELP NEEDED
Christina Casse
Mary Rose Bourke
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER for the Synod on the
Family. The Bishops of Australia invite us all to pray earnestly for the Synod on the Family taking
place in Rome 5-19 October and especially to join in a National Day of Prayer and Fasting on
Friday 10th October.
BIBLE STUDIES will be held on 15th October at 7.00pm.
FARWELL TO FR SABU It is with a sense of sadness that we will say goodbye to Fr Sabu. On the
5th November he will return to his community in India where he will receive a new appointment
from his provincial. This completes the three year contract that Fr Sabu accepted from the
diocese. We are very grateful for his ministry among us and are all the richer for the many gifts
that he has shared with us. He goes with our prayers and blessing as he continues to build the
kingdom of God. The administrator and consultors have made the following appointment. Fr Babu
Antony VC will come to OLHC Narre Warren. We look forward to his time with us and pray that we
will all be enriched by his time in our community.
YARRA THEOLOGICAL UNION (YTU), a Catholic College of the University of Divinity is holding
an OPEN DAY on Sunday 19th October 2014 from 2 – 5pm. Undergraduate and postgraduate
courses are available. All welcome 98 Albion Road, Box Hill Ph: 9890 3771 or email:
[email protected] Website: www.ytu.edu.au
LAUNCH OF WORLD MISSION MONTH On the weekend of October 4/5th, Wonthaggi Parish will
be hosting the Diocesan Launch of the annual Catholic Mission World Mission Appeal. This year
we are invited to reach out and support the crucial work of the Jamaican Catholic Church in
helping people turn away from violence and crime to seek a new future through the power of
education and the spirit of Jesus Christ. The whole Diocese is invited. Please let St Joseph’s know
if you plan to attend (5672 1111) and bring a small plate for Morning Tea.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Student/s who WILL NOT be returning to Mary MacKillop School in 2014
Family Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Child’s name: ……………………………………………………. Current Class: …………………………………….
Child’s name: …………………………………………………… Current Class: …………………………………….
Reason for Transfer: ……………………………………….………………………………………….…………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Destination School: ………………………………..…………………………………………………………….………
Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Or email [email protected]
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Book club is a fantastic way to get kids interested in and excited about
books. Your issue 6 catalogues have gone home today. Please get your
orders back to the school by Monday 20th October.
Icy Pole Day: Recommencing next week, lemonade icy poles will be available
from the canteen each Wednesday at lunchtime for $1.00 each.
School Disco: Friday 28th November. Please put this date in your calendar.
Next FOMM Meeting: Tuesday 21st October at 7pm in the staffroom.
Thursday 23rd October at 9am in the staffroom.
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Intention to return Slip
Important School Events This Term
8th November
First Eucharist 6:00pm
Date
10th October
Event
Confirmation 7:30pm
9th November
First Eucharist 11:30am
10th November
Year 5/6 Learning Assembly 2:30pm
11th October
Confirmation 10:30am & 7:30pm
11th November
2015 Prep orientation 9:15am – 10:30am
12th October
Confirmation 3:30pm
12th November
First Reconciliation 7:00pm
13th October
S-TV reconciliation 10:00am
13th November
Year 1 Mass 9:15am and M-VW Reconciliation 10:00am
15th October
First Reconciliation 7:00pm
15th November
First Reconciliation 10:30am
16th October
Regional Athletics
17th November
Prep Learning Assembly 2:30pm
16th October
Year 6 Mass
18th November
FOMM Meeting 7:00pm
18th October
First Reconciliation 10:30am
18th November
2015 Prep Information Night 7:30pm
Working Bee Week (families invited to attend school at any time during
20th November
Day FOMM Meeting 9:00am
school hours to complete tasks)
20th November
Year 2 Mass 9:15am and M-KW Reconciliation 10:00am
13th
–
October
17th
19th
October
Working Bee 12:00pm
21st November
Mission Day fete
20th
October
Year 6 Graduation Photo
24th November
Year 3/4 Learning Assembly 2:30pm
20th
October
Arts festival begins
25th November
School Board Meeting 7:00pm
20th
October
Flying Book Worm Incursion – Year 1/2
27th November
Prep Mass 9:15am and M-SL reconciliation 10:00am
21st
October
Cultural Arts Infusion Incursion (Prep, Grade 3,4,5,6)
28th November
FOMM - School Disco
21st
October
FOMM Meeting – 7:00pm
29th November
First Eucharist 6:00pm
23rd
October
FOMM day meeting – 9:00am
30th
First Eucharist 11:30am
23rd
October
Year 3/4 Mass at OLHC – 9:30am
1st December
Year 1/2 Learning Assembly 2:30pm
25th
October
First Eucharist 6:00pm
2nd
2015 Prep Orientation 9:15am – 10:30am
26th
October
First Eucharist 11:30am
4th December
J-MV and S-HF Mass 9:15am and reconciliation M-CP
28th
October
School Board Meeting 7:00pm
9th
Graduation Mass 7:00pm at OLHC
30th
October
Grandparents Mass – Year P – 2 9:15am
11th December
End of School Year Mass 11:00am at OLHC
30th
October
Whole school Performing Arts Concert – Parent Invited 11:30am
12th
Reports to go home
30th
October
Arts Festival Celebration – Evening Events 5:00pm – 7:30pm
16th December
Graduation Dinner 5:00pm
17th
Last Day of School For Students 3:15pm finish
3rd
November
School Closure Day - No school for Students
4th
November
Melbourne Cup Day – No School for Students
6th
November
M-DB reconciliation 10:00am
6th November
T 20 Cricket Carnival
7th
Prep and Grade 1 and 2 Athletics Day
November
November
December
December
December
December
29th & 30th January
2nd February
2015
Student Assessment Days
First Day of school P-6