St Mary’s Catholic Primary
School, Ascot Vale
Newsletter
74 Roseberry Street
Ascot Vale VIC 3032
------ST MARY’S
P: 03 9370 1194
CELEBRATES ONE HUNDRED AND TWO
F: 03 9370 1068
YEARS
E: [email protected]
27th February 2015
W: www.smascotvale.catholic.edu.au
Parish Priest: Fr Justin Ford
123 St Leonards Road
Ascot Vale VIC 3032
P: 03 9370 6688
F: 03 9370 9112
E: [email protected]
Upcoming Events
2015
MONDAY, 2ND March
Year Two Incursion
FETE/FIESTA MEETING
(9.00 A.M.)
To all in our School Community,
For many in our School Community, the week’s
highlight was the participation of our St Mary’s Swimming Team in the District Swimming
Carnival at Queen’s Park. Not only were they an enthusiastic collective team, but through
the encouragement of the equally supportive parents and friends, all were inspired to
compete at their best. In congratulating our team on achieving second place, we specially
commend those children who have been selected to participate at the next level on March
12th and thank Marisa Testa for her assistance with supervision and Andrew Hook whose
endless energy and support ensured all team members had the confidence to swim at their
personal best.
As you would be aware, my week has been dominated by study. 2015 is my final year (I
hope) of a MBA (EX) degree through Australian Catholic University. This week, along with
twenty five fellow Principals, I have been living at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East
Melbourne, with daily lectures and evening assessment tasks. This unit, which is number
eight of twelve was entitled, “Managerial Economics in a Global Environment.” Though
much of the focus of the unit was economic analysis to understand decisions made in
business, it was interesting to listen to and discuss aspects of the recent global financial
crisis and the reasons Australia has outwardly “survived.” Financially the world is in an
interesting position when it comes to Government Policies and of course any financial
decisions, whether decided by a bureaucratic department or businesses also has an
influence on education. Certainly throughout the week, the terminology has been very
different from education, as I have learned to understand micro and macro economies and
such language as; - “The Conduct & Impact of Monetary Policy,” “Demand, Supply &
Equilibrium,” “Market Failure” and that wonderful term “Elasticity” (Google that term!).
Certainly the unit has given me a greater understanding of a more global view of how
schools are part of a country’s economy.
This week concludes our Foundation children’s Wednesday Rest Day as from next week
they commence school full time. The transition from Kindergarten to Primary School has
generally been very smooth, with all being thrilled with their new spacious classrooms and
the many activities and resources available. Of equal importance has been the children’s
quick establishment of a rapport with their teachers, for it is this aspect of schooling that is
often the key to a child’s successful learning. We congratulate all at the Foundation level
for the support received in this initial period of the children’s first experience of Primary
School and look forward to their first full week commencing March 2nd.
2015 is the Year of the Fiesta/Fete. It is the major Fundraiser for the year with the event
building on the established Community spirit, as we all come together for a common
purpose. Our first meetings are next week. For those who are available, the first meeting
in on Monday after assembly and a repeat meeting on Wednesday evening. I look forward
to seeing as many as possible. My Best wishes
Graham
Best wishes
Graham
TUESDAY, 3rd March
School Improvement
Committee (7.00 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY, 4TH
March
FETE/FIESTA MEETING
(7.00 P.M.)
THURSDAY, 5th March
At the School Mass, our
Year Six Leaders and the
SRC will be presented with
their badges.
TUESDAY, 10th March
SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
THURSDAY, 12th
March
Division Swimming
Championship
SATURDAY, 14th
March
TERM ONE WORKING
BEE
SUNDAY, 15th March
Year Five children assist
with the 10 30 a.m.
Parish Mass and the
School choir leads the
singing.
MONDAY, 16th March
FRIDAY, 20th March
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
WEEK
PLEASE NOTE FOUNDATION 2016.
For those families wishing to enrol for Foundation year 2016, please read
the St Mary’s Enrolment Policy available on the School Website and if you meet the criteria, download an enrolment
form. At present places are only available for children who have been baptised Catholic and reside in St Mary’s
Parish. Other applications are placed on a waiting list.
On
completion
of this
pleaseplanning
submit it to the
school
office
with a $70.00
non-refundable
enrolment
fee.the
Applications
close
Please
note
forform,
future
that
the
NAPLAN
Dates
for 2015
are at
conclusion
th
on
April
24
.
Thank
you.
of the 2015 Term One Diary.
STAFF ABSENCE
Judy Keenan
Term One
Recuperating
2015 TERM ONE – WEEK SIX
FOUNDATION YEAR COMMENCE FULL TIME
nd
Monday, 2
March
8.55 a.m.
All Day
9.00 a.m.
School Assembly
Year Two Incursion
Parents and Friends, Fiesta/Fete
Tuesday, 3 March
3.45 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
Professional Development - Staff Meeting
School Improvement Committee
Wednesday, 4th March
3.45 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
Professional Development - Staff Meeting
Parents and Friends, Fiesta/Fete
Thursday, 5th March
9.00 a.m.
School Mass (6SG). School Captains/SRC receive their badges
Friday, 6th March
3.00 p.m.
School Assembly (3HW)
rd
2015 TERM ONE – WEEK SEVEN
Monday, 9th March
LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
th
Tuesday, 10 March
th
SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
Wednesday, 11 March
1.30 p.m.
3.45 p.m.
Professional Development - Principals’ Briefing
Professional Development - Staff Meeting
Thursday,12th March
9.00 a.m.
All Day
School Mass (4JK)
Division Swimming Championships
Friday 13th March
All Day
3.00 p.m.
Professional Development - REL Network
School Assembly (2KC)
8.30 a.m.
Term One Working Bee
10 30 a.m.
Year Five Children assist with the Parish Mass. The School choir
leads the singing. Morning tea to follow.
NATIONAL RIDE TO
SCHOOL DAY
Saturday, 14th March
th
Sunday, 15 March
2015 TERM ONE – WEEK EIGHT
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
Monday, 16th March
8.55 a.m.
School Assembly
Tuesday, 17 March
3.45 p.m.
Professional Development - Staff Meeting
Wednesday, 18th March
3.45 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
Professional Development - Staff Meeting
Parents and Friends Core Group (All Welcome)
Thursday, 19th March
9.00 a.m.
All Day
School Mass (4AR)
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Friday 20th March
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
AGAINST BULLYING
a.m.
3.00 p.m.
7.00 p.m.
District Cross Country
School Assembly (Student Leaders)
GAS Night
th
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STUDENT WELLBEING SPHERE
Dear Parents,
St Mary’s has a Behaviour Management Plan that affords every student
guidance in making good decisions about his and her behaviour and thus the
opportunity to learn in a positive, nurturing school environment.
Our Behaviour Management Plan is based on the philosophy and practice of
restorative justice which aims to promote resilience in both the one who is
harmed and the one who causes harm. It is about helping young people
become aware of the impact of their behaviour on others through personal
accountability and being open to learning from conflict situations
Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for his or
her growth and wellbeing. We know that when children feel safe and happy
at school they are able to learn and reach their full potential in all aspects of
learning. Therefore it is extremely important for the school to know if your
child is unhappy at school, for any reason, and together we can look at ways
to resolve problems and endeavour to restore broken relationships
immediately. I know that together we will make a difference in this process.
The school rules were put together to make our school a happy and
enjoyable place in which to learn and play. They are as follows:
1. We make our school a safe place to be
2. We are always on time for our lessons.
3. We care for St Mary’s and keep our school clean
4. We are always courteous and considerate to others – we always act like
friends.
5. We look after our own and others’ belongings
At the beginning of the year all classes establish their own class rules, using
the school rules as a guide.
Teachers work with their students to formulate logical consequences for
inappropriate behaviour. Consequences are not used as a punishment but
seen as a way of helping students to learn and develop responsibility for their
actions. Consequences are related to the inappropriate behaviour so that
children can clearly associate misbehaviour with its outcome. They are also
respectful, so a child can maintain his/her dignity, they are negotiated with the
child, and are fair, just and age appropriate.
To encourage students to follow the rules, teachers will support appropriate
behaviour with verbal recognition and positive notes and rewards.
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However, if a student chooses to break a rule, the following steps will be
taken.
1. Warning
2. Time away from group
3. Time away – to a formal area in room
4. Time away from the grade or yard – with a Reflection Sheet
5. Time with the Principal or Deputy Principal (in serious instances).
If your child brings home a Reflection Sheet,
please take a moment to discuss the
information on the sheet with your child. The
aim of the sheet is to communicate with
parents/ caregivers and give families an
opportunity to discuss the specific behaviour
and hopefully discuss actions that can be
taken to ensure that the specific behaviour
doesn’t re-occur.
The sheet is NOT designed to punish the
child, but rather to help the child specify a
behaviour expectation they didn’t meet and
for them to communicate an appropriate
action that they can take to meet the
behaviour expectation in the future.
With parents, teachers and staff working together we can achieve wonderful
outcomes. Thank you for assisting us in achieving a safe, welcoming and
supportive environment.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this plan
or any other matter.
Sandra Lind
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EDUCATION IN FAITH SPHERE
Last week, Years One to Six participated in the Ash Wednesday Mass.
In the Gospel Reading, we were reminded about the importance of doing good deeds for all the right reasons.
Below is an excerpt from the day’s Gospel:
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will
lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before
you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell
you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what
your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret
will reward you.’
In his homily, Father Justin talked to us about the significance of the ashes – that they are a reminder to us
that we are mere mortals and that this life is short and merely a foreshadowing of what is to come.
Father sprinkled the ashes with holy water and blessed them.
As the ashes were applied to our foreheads in the Sign of the Cross, the following words were spoken to us:
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”.
This week, our highly motivated Year Six Social Justice Captains visited the classrooms to remind all the
children of the following Lenten practices:
- Be kind to someone every day.
- Pray more often.
- Support Project Compassion.
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Our Social Justice Captains – pictured below – are Isabella, Sara, Georgia and Akot.
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce and commend our Year Six Church Captains –
Tara, Teresa, Bianca and Patrick – for their equally enthusiastic approach!
Kind Regards,
Teresa
The Conidi
Family at
the Rite of
Election at
the
Cathedral
last Sunday
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LEARNING AND TEACHING SPHERE
CLASS
FCC
FAV
1JD
1VM
2MB
2KC
3RL
3HW
4JK
4AR
5AA
5NT
6JM
6SG
HEALTH & P.E
P.E classes don’t
start until Week 6
Asha M
Hannah B
Ethan O
Olivia C
Jesse H
Audrey K
Zachary G
Matthew K
Holland S
Oliver J
Liam F
Hannah B
ITALIAN
Performing Arts
Jack R
Jesse M
Alannah M
Lucas L
Adelle A
Hayley E
William C
Hannah B
Emilia G
Scarlett M
Oscar C
Alexander A
Sinitta McC
Sienna D
Francesca S
Francesca S
Library
No Class
No Class
Sol D
Layla A
Angela L
Stella S
Jasmine D
Thomas C
Holly De B
No Award
Eloise M
No Award
Gabriel C
Milla M
Lily B
Molly B
David G
Ernest C
Sachi D
Isaac A
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Matilda A
Daniel M
DISTRICT SWIMMING CARNIVAL REPORT
On Wednesday, 28 students representing St. Mary’s at the District Swimming Carnival made every member of the
school‘s community extremely proud. The event was held at Queens Park Swimming Pool. After gaining entry into the
team by succeeding in a high quality time-trial earlier in the month, all students were ready for the tough competition that
they were going to come up against.
Even with 17 debutants as members of the swimming crew, the team produced our best ever result at the district
swimming carnival by finishing 2nd overall – a mere 9 points behind the eventual winners Flemington.
A special mention should go out to the students who qualified for the Western Metropolitan Region Division Swimming
Championships. This event will be taking place on Thursday 12th March at Oak Park
Aquatic Centre.
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




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Sebastian Isolani (2nd in 11yo Freestyle)
nd
Zac Overman (2 in 12/13yo Freestyle)
st
Angus Hug (1 in 12/13yo Backstroke & 2nd in 12/13yo Butterfly)
st
Lucas Edmonds (1 in 12/13yo Breaststroke)
st
st
Grace Van Hees (1 in 11yo Freestyle & 1 in 11yo Butterfly)
st
Lucy Bray (1 in 11yo Backstroke)
nd
nd
Georgia Miles (2 in 9/10yo Breaststroke & 2 in 9/10yo Butterfly)
nd
Olivia Miles (2 in 12/13yo Butterfly)
st
Lily Bateman, Olivia Hug, Lucy Bray & Grace Van Hees (1 in 11yo Girls
Freestyle Relay)
Lucy Bray, Georgia Miles, Olivia Miles & Grace Van Hees (1st in Open Girls
Medley Relay)
Archer Hoban, Daniel Melican, Angus Hug & Zac Overman (2nd in Boys
12/13yo Freestyle Relay)
st
Zac Overman, Lucas Edmonds, Angus Hug & Sebastian Isolani (1 In Open Boys Medley Relay)
Thank you to Mrs. Testa for coming along to support the team, taking the role as official photographer, and making sure
that all students turned up to their events. Thank you to the large number of parents and family members who came
along to establish a fantastic atmosphere for the team to thrive in.
To the team; you all were fantastic both in and out of the water. I certainly hope that your experience as a member of St.
Mary‘s 2015 swimming team was an enjoyable
occasion and one that inspires you to greater
deeds in inter-school sport competition.
Andrew Hook – P.E Co-ordinator
8
HIGHLIGHTING 5NT
MEMORY BOXES SHOWING ALL OUR GIFTS AND TALENTS
OUR 5NT CLASS CODE AND WEB OF LEARNING
5NT CLASS CODE
We will make our classroom a FUN place
to LEARN.
We will always be KIND and HELPFUL
to each other.
We will ensure that our classroom is a
SAFE and TIDY place.
We will be ORGANISED and
RESOURCEFUL.
We will always CONCENTRATE,
WORK HARD and TRY OUR BEST.
We will always treat each other and our
environment with RESPECT.
We will be HONEST and TRUST each
other.
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COOPERATIVE LEARNING – PIPE CLEANER CHALLENGE
On the 2nd week of Term 1, we did our first cooperative learning task in our table groups. The
challenge was to design and make a new invention. Each group was given 32 pipe cleaners. There were
4 different colours and each person got 8. The rules were that you could only touch your own colour of
pipe cleaners and if you touched someone else’s pipe cleaners you had to sit out for a minute.
Starting off with table 1 they made a vehicle which they named Santa’s backup sleigh. What it would
do was drop candy canes and headphones down the chimney of the good people’s homes. Next table 2
made a tennis playing robot. If you were a tennis player and you got tired, the robot would takeover.
Following was table 3. They made a time machine. You would have to speak into the microphone where
you wanted to go back or forth to, then there is a balloon for you to grab and then it will teleport you
to where you want to go. After them it was table 4. They made floating chairs which would serve you
with drinks. Table 5 made a cloning machine. You would have to walk through the first end then the
machine will scan your body and make a copy of your body. Finally, table 6 - they also made a time
machine. You have to go into the portal and put on the brain analyser and think what year you would like
to go to then you will arrive at that year.
The task was a lot of fun. However it really tested your team work skills. Luke & Fletcher 5NT
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BOUNCE BACK CORE VALUES
Week 6
This fortnight’s core value: Integrity
Being honest, fair, responsible, loyal and socially “just”.
HONEST
It is important to be honest. Being honest means telling the truth, not stealing, giving things back
when they belong to someone else and owning up when you have done the wrong thing.
FAIR
It is important to be fair. Being fair means following the rules and not cheating, returning
favours and kindness, and helping others to get a fair deal – that is – to have justice, food,
shelter, medical treatment and schooling.
RESPONSIBLE
Being responsible means not letting people down, and doing what you agreed to do without
having to be told all the time. It also means trying to be on time so that you don’t upset other
people’s plans, being sensitive and helping those who need it.
COMMUNITY
GIRLS AT ST MARY’S (GAS) TERM 1 CATCH UP!
Our first get together for 2015 will be held at ‘Riverside’. Come along and join us for a chat.
When: Friday 20th March
Time: 7 p.m. start (till late)
Where: Riverside Kitchen & Events, 55 - 75 Newsom St. Ascot Vale (next to golf club)
Cost: Food and drinks available from the bar
Please contact Kathryn Smith (0401 993 206), Stephanie Thomas (0416 077 343) or Antoinette Amy (0413
110 408) for more information
SMFASS MONDAY NIGHT GYM AT PARAMOUNT, UNION ROAD
Just a reminder that SMFASS have a gym session every Monday night with our own personal trainer.
Details are;
Paramount Gym, Union Road, Ascot Vale
7:30pm - 8:30pm
$15 per session
It is a session that caters for all fitness types and body shapes. Mums and older kids are more than
welcome to join in too.
Hope to see you there.
Cheers,
David McAllister
SMFASS Alumni Co-ordinator.
11
0413 443 226
HOT CROSS BUN DRIVE 2015
This year we will be coordinating another Hot Cross Bun Drive. This year we will be selling three different
types of hot cross buns;
 Traditional Fruit Buns
 Fruitless Buns
 Chocolate Buns
Order forms will be sent home and need to be returned back to the School by no later than Friday 20 March
2015. Orders will be delivered to families in the last week of Term 1.
St Mary’s Playgroup
We are a small group of mums/dads and bubs who get together for a play and a
cuppa in the school hall every second Friday. It is very casual, social and
friendly and we welcome any new mums/dads or carers and their little ones, who
would like to join us.
th
Next Playgroup date for 2015 – Friday 13 March.
Who:
When:
Any children pre kinder
Fridays Fortnightly
9.00 a.m. – 10.45 a.m.
Where:
School Hall (enter through school reception after gates are locked)
What to bring:
small healthy snack to share
Contact:
Jacquie 0439824778
Canteen
To all the staff, parents and students,
Congratulations to all those students who participated in the swimming carnival on Wednesday. Job well
done!
We now have our canteen roster up on our canteen door and still have a few spots. Please come and put
your name down as the children love seeing their Mums behind the counter.
Menu for the Week:
Monday
Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Cheese
Chicken Schnitzel Rolls/Wraps
Wednesday
Beef/Chicken Mamee Noodle Cups
Chicken Schnitzel Rolls/Wraps
Chicken Rice Paper Rolls
Friday
Spaghetti Bolognese with Parmesan Cheese
Canteen Helpers:
Monday
Paula Bertoli
Wednesday
Friday
Nicole Capes
We hope everyone has a wonderful week. Tracey and Maryanne
12
A reminder to parents if you currently have a daughter in Year 6, please
ensure that you have submitted an Application for Enrolment Form to the
College. Forms can be downloaded from the website or contact the Registrar
on 9331 9128. Applications for Year 7 2016 close on Friday 27 February 2015.
ST BERNARD’S COLLEGE
41 Rosehill Road, Essendon, 3040.
ENROLMENT APPLICATION
YEAR 7, 2017
ENROLMENT APPLICATION MEETINGS
FAMILY SURNAMES A – L
(New and Current Families)
TUESDAY, 17 MARCH 2015
FAMILY SURNAMES M – Z
(New and Current Families)
WEDNESDAY, 18 MARCH 2015
At 7.30 P.M. in COLLEGE AUDITORIUM
Application Forms are distributed at these meetings and need to be returned to the College by Wednesday,
15 April 2015.
Application Forms requested after these meetings may be classed as a Late Application
The meeting is for Parents/Guardians only.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Refer to COLLEGE WEB SITE: www.sbc.vic.edu.au or Telephone: John Nocci on 9289 1103
ST BERNARD’S COLLEGE SCHOOL TOURS of the College for 2015 are as follows:
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Wednesday, 4 March
Monday, 16 March
Monday, 13 April
Thursday, 30 April
Wednesday, 6 May
Tuesday, 19 May
Tuesday, 2 June
Wednesday, 10 June
Tuesday, 21 July
Wednesday, 29 July
Tuesday, 10 March
Tuesday, 24 March
Wednesday, 15 April
Friday, 1 May
Friday, 15 May
Wednesday, 27 May
Wednesday, 3 June
Monday, 15 June
Wednesday, 22 July
Each tour commences at 9.00 a.m. Bookings essential - telephone 9289 1103. For further information please contact
the Registrar on 9289 1103.
Kindest Regards
John Nocci (College Registrar)
13
14
COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENTS
The registrations for the 2015 St Bernard’s Auskick Season is now open. If
you are looking to participate in Auskick this year we would encourage you to get online and register. By registering prior
to the 20/4/15 you are eligible to receive a family pass to the football for free. Please take note of the following key
points:

To register and pay on-line please go to the following website www.aflauskick.com.au

The cost is $86 (no raffles or additional fundraisers!).

Registrations and payment can only be done online. No CASH PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Auskick packs will be mailed directly to each participant

St Bernard’s Auskick season will kick off on 18/4/15 and finish on 15/8/15
St. Bernard's Auskick 2015
Looking forward to another great year in Auskick. Damian Bellino| St Bernard’s Auskick Co-ordinator For further details
please contact me at [email protected] or on 0403 498 600
15
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
Invest in your most precious
asset......Your Marriage!
Forget life’s tensions and interruptions
and rekindle the closeness, intimacy, love
and romance that brought you together.
Recharge your relationship batteries and
explore the precious nature of your
marriage, allowing you both to share your
feelings, hopes and dreams with each
other in ways that normal, daily living
tends to inhibit.
There is no group sharing. Couples and a
priest present the weekend. It is based
around Catholic values but couples of all
faiths are welcome.
2015 Melbourne weekend dates : 17-19
Apr, 19-21 June, 21-23 August and 2325 Oct
Starts 7 p.m. on Friday. Ends 5 p.m.
Sunday. Accommodation and all meals
provided.
Information/Bookings: PH: Marianne &
Marcel (03) 9733 0997 Email:
[email protected]
www.wwme.org.au
16
17
Reminder: School banking is every Friday
Rewarding good savings:
To help reward individual savings efforts, every time a student
deposits into their Youthsaver account through School
Banking, regardless of the amount, they’ll receive a
Dollarmites token.
Once they’ve collected 10 tokens, they can redeem them for
a variety of exciting reward items. They’ll also receive a
certificate when they reach certain savings milestones.
Available in Term 1 when you have collected
10 tokens are:
18