Dear Parents and Staff

Welcome back to the start of an exciting new term! I hope our students had a wonderful break, and that parents who enjoyed some holiday times, were able to recharge as well. It's hard to believe, but Christmas is just over nine weeks away! Term Four is always a busy one at school, with so much to look forward to—teaching programs, reports, end-of-year celebrations, graduation, and of course, Christmas. With only eight weeks to fit it all in, I encourage all our students to stay focused and work hard as they prepare for a smooth transition to their next year level.

As parents, we have seen a significant amount of growth over the past three terms in our children. How quickly they seem to be developing and maturing. As the year marches towards the final stages, it is important to take a moment and reflect on our role as the ‘most important persons’ in the lives of our children. Maybe it would benefit us if we had a checklist directed towards our role as parents. We could then cast an eye over the list from time to time and take encouragement from our successes. Perhaps on occasions we may need to admit that, “Yes, I need to do something about this one.” I know I do! See how you go:

• Fortunate is the child who has someone who believes in him/her and has high hopes for him/her
• Fortunate is the child who has someone to whom he/she can carry his/her problem unafraid
• Fortunate is the child who is allowed to pursue his/her curiosity into every worthwhile field of information
• Fortunate is the child whose efforts to achieve have found encouragement
• Fortunate is the child who has someone who understands that childhood’s grievances are real and bitter and so call for understanding and sympathy
• Fortunate is the child who is led gently by the hand along the pathway of life by someone who is guide, companion and inspiration?
• Fortunate is the child who has learnt to be less selfish and more considerate of others
• Fortunate is the child who is encouraged to look beyond the material things of life and has started to see what he/she has been blessed with each and every day.

Our Year Six students will complete their primary education and student reports will be sent home in the last week of the term. It is most important that all students strive to do their best and finish off the school year in a very positive and healthy style. I encourage all parents to discuss this with their child/ren.

As we navigate our daily tasks and challenges, I hope each of you finds moments in the coming months to pause, appreciate the friendships and support around you, and celebrate who we are and the important work we do together. May this time bring joy and special memories for all.

All good schools have a sense of unity. A sense of being “all in this together” should be especially present in Catholic schools centred as they are on Jesus Christ. Unity doesn't mean that all of us agree about everything all the time. Disagreements and different points of view are a part of life. The fact that those differences occur does not mean that the deeper unity is dangerously weakened.

We need to take some time to remind ourselves that we are not alone; that as people of faith it is important to acknowledge the spiritual side of our lives and spend some time in prayer to our God. Despite how difficult and troublesome we may find things there is always something we can be grateful for in our lives so let’s not forget that. Remind your children of this often.

An editorial in the newspaper told of a schoolteacher who asked her class of fourth graders to draw a picture of something they were thankful for. She thought of how little these children from poor neighbourhoods actually had to be thankful for. She knew that most of them would draw pictures of toys or tables with food. The teacher was taken aback with the picture Peter handed in - a simple childishly drawn hand. But whose hand?

The class was captivated by the abstract image. “I think it must be the hand of God who provides us food,” said one child. “A farmer’s hand,” said another, “because he grows the food.” Finally, when the others were at work, the teacher bent over Peter’s desk and asked the child whose hand it was. “It’s your hand, Miss,” he mumbled, because you are always there to help me. The anecdote illustrates how teachers, by the simple things they do, play an important role in the development of all children.

World Teachers' Day in Australia is a meaningful occasion that recognises and celebrates the dedication, passion, and influence of teachers in shaping the future of society. Teachers play an essential role in guiding students through their educational journeys, nurturing not only their academic growth but also their personal development. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning, teachers help children build a strong foundation for success in all areas of life. World Teachers' Day provides an opportunity for communities to express gratitude for the hard work and commitment teachers show every day, often going beyond the classroom to ensure students reach their full potential.

The significance of World Teachers' Day also lies in raising awareness of the challenges teachers face in an ever-changing educational landscape. From adapting to new technologies and teaching methods to supporting students’ diverse needs, teachers demonstrate resilience and a continual commitment to professional growth. This day highlights the importance of investing in teachers by valuing their role in society. Celebrating World Teachers' Day in Australia serves as a reminder of the profound impact educators have on individuals, communities, and the nation's future.

We are very fortunate in Australia to have the quality education system that we have in comparison to other parts of the world. Our education system would be non-existent if we did not have people who valued learning and strive to provide our children with experiences and learning situations that enable them to cope with the demands of an ever-changing world.

We are Very Fortunate to have the TEACHERS we have at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

The Theme this year is “Hats off to Teachers” Why ‘Hats Off to Teachers’?

The term ‘hats off’ has a long history of being used to show respect, admiration and offer congratulations. It can be traced back to medieval times when knights would remove their helmets to show respect. Today you don’t have to be wearing a hat, you can simply say ‘hats off’ and, as well as being respectful, it can be used to celebrate achievement. So, hats off to you for learning about hats off!

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on Friday 25 October

At Mel Maria Catholic Primary School, we strive to create a positive and focused learning environment for all students. Recently, it has come to our attention there has been an increase in the trading of Pokémon cards at Mel Maria. While we understand the excitement and enjoyment these activities bring to students, trading cards can lead to unnecessary distractions, conflicts, and unfair exchanges that can impact individual students.

To ensure that all students remain focused on their learning and to maintain a harmonious school environment, the trading of Pokémon cards is not permitted during school hours or on school grounds.

We kindly ask parents to support this decision by reminding students to leave their Pokémon cards at home. If they brought to school, class teachers will confiscate the card, and they will be collected at the end of the day.

This will help prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts between students and allow our school day to remain focused on the important task of education. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us uphold a respectful and conducive learning atmosphere for all.

2025 promises to be an exciting year for Mel Maria as we embark on a new chapter with our two-campus model. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking the invaluable input and leadership of our parent community. With that in mind, we warmly invite you to attend our Annual Community Meeting on Tuesday, 19 November, starting at 3:30pm. This year, we’re trying something new by holding the meeting directly after school, a strategy that has seen success in other schools, and we hope this time works well for our families. There will be staff around to look after the students if required.

Next week, we’ll be sending out further information and the ‘Nomination Forms’, and I strongly encourage parents to consider nominating for a position on either the School Advisory Council or the P&F Executive Committee. These roles provide a fantastic opportunity to support our Leadership Team and staff, contribute to decision-making processes in the school, and be an integral part of our exciting journey ahead. Whether you’re passionate about education, community building, or enhancing the experiences of our students and families, your contribution will make a real difference. We look forward to your involvement and support!

A huge congratulations to all our Year Three to Year Six students who participated in last Friday’s Athletics Carnival! The weather was perfect, and it was wonderful to see our students enjoying themselves and showing great sportsmanship. We were also thrilled to have so many parents come along to cheer on the children.

A special mention goes to all the competitors for their efforts. The way they participated and supported one another was truly heartwarming. A BIG thank you to Mr. Damian Williams and Mr. David John for their work in organising the events, running trials, and coordinating the entire carnival—it’s no small task!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing staff for their 'behind the scenes' efforts. From setting up early in the morning, scoring, marshalling, to packing up at the end, your hard work ensured everything ran smoothly. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive team.

We are also deeply grateful to the parents who volunteered on the day. Your support was invaluable! And a very BIG THANK YOU our P&F Committee and especially Mrs Emma-Lee Oliver and her team of helpers. Thank you to the parents for providing the morning teas and lunches—they worked tirelessly all day to keep everyone refreshed. It truly was a fantastic day!

The Term Four Calendar has been attached to this newsletter. It has been updated to reflect the term and the events scheduled.

Some important events take place in the first two weeks of the term. These include:

· Disco (Tonight)

· Grandparents Day - Wednesday 23 October

· World Teachers’ Day - Friday 25 October

· First Communion (SJP) – Saturday 9 November and Sunday 10 November

· Annual Community Meeting - Tuesday 19 November

It is imperative that parents and families update the school when your personal details change during the year. If you change your email address or mobile phone please ensure that the school administration is contacted so we can update these details for communication purposes.

Kind regards

Paul Hille

Principal

#MakingADifferenceEveryday

Heavenly Father,

At the commencement of this new term

We praise you and thank you for the gift of life

And for the opportunity of growth awaiting us.

We thank you for love – the love and concern of our families, our friends and our teachers.

We ask you to bless each of us for the term ahead.

Help us to grow in faith, in goodness and in generosity.

Create in us a capacity for giving that will make us

worthy to be called Christian.

Keep us strong in the face of temptation.

Let your wisdom be our guide.

Make each of us a messenger of peace, of truth and of joy.

We make this prayer through your Son, Jesus.

Amen

Thought for the Week

Wake up each morning with a sense of hope.

God has amazing things in store for you.

And He does all things well.

We can’t wait to see all the children shining on the dance floor at our school disco tonight!

Join us for a fun-filled evening. Let’s dance the night away!

· Years 1 to Year 3 from 4:30pm to 5:30 pm

· Years 4 to 6 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

A big thank you to Emma-Lee Oliver and Holly Tickner for coordinating this event.

“A Grandparent is one who strengthens you with prayer, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope.”

We are excited to announce our Annual Grandparents' Day, which will be held next Wednesday, October 23, 2024, starting at 8:45am. Grandparents are warmly invited to spend the first hour with their grandchildren, followed by a delightful morning tea. If for any reason grandparents are unable to attend students are more than welcome to bring in a significant other loved one.

We thank parents in advance for contributing a plate of morning tea to share with everyone.

Wearing our school uniform with pride fosters a sense of community and identity. Please remember to wear the appropriate summer and sports uniforms on the designated days for your class. Let’s showcase our school spirit and uphold our standards together.

Thank you for your support in representing our school proudly!

Summer Uniform: Terms 1 and 4

Sport Uniform: Pre-Primary – Sport uniform all year round

Years 1 to 6 – Sport uniform twice a week

For the safety and comfort of all students and families, dogs are not permitted on school grounds. This policy helps prevent potential allergies, anxiety, and accidents, ensuring a secure environment for everyone. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a healthy and safe learning space for our children. Thank you!

As our children continue to explore the digital world, it's essential for parents to equip themselves with the knowledge to safeguard their online experiences. Cyber safety isn't just about monitoring usage; it's also about fostering open conversations and teaching responsible online behaviours. Here are some Australian resources that can help parents create a safe online environment for their children:

1. eSafety Commissioner- The official site for Australia's eSafety Commission provides valuable resources, tips, and advice for parents, including guidance on cyberbullying and online privacy.

2. Kids Helpline - While primarily a support service for young people, Kids Helpline also offers resources for parents about mental health and cyber safety, helping to address the emotional challenges kids may face online.

3. Keep Kids Safe Online- This comprehensive resource from the Australian Federal Police focuses on keeping children safe in the digital landscape, covering topics such as cyberbullying, online predators, and safe internet use.

By utilising these resources, you can help your children navigate the digital world confidently and securely. Stay informed and engaged to ensure their online safety!

As we dive into Term 4, our Year 2 students are off to an incredible start! This week has been all about the magic of storytelling, as they enthusiastically crafted captivating recounts and imaginative narratives. Our creativity knows no bounds as we create enchanting tales about a mysterious magic door. What wonders could be waiting on the other side? The possibilities are truly endless!

In addition to our storytelling, we’ve been honing our communication skills, focusing on how to listen and speak to one another with kindness and respect. To put our skills to the test, we’ve taken on the challenge of speaking on specific topics for 30 seconds. It may sound simple, but it’s trickier than it seems!

In Mathematics, we’re sharpening our addition and subtraction skills while also revisiting fractions. But that’s just the beginning! Our curious minds have also been exploring the fascinating world of 3D shapes. We had a blast creating prisms and pyramids using matchsticks, bringing geometry to life in a fun and hands-on way.

This year, we’ve had a wonderful time growing together. We’ve had opportunities to attend mass, where we take a quiet moment to pray and think. It helps us feel calm and focused, and it brings us closer.

We’ve also been working hard on different sports skills that challenge us and help us get stronger. Everyone tries their best, and we all support each other.

By going to mass and practicing our sports skills, we’re learning how to take care of both our bodies and our hearts.

As we settle back into a new term, year two students at SJP are buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm! This term, we are focusing on Prayer and Advent in our religion units, exploring their significance and preparing our hearts for the festive season.

In Mathematics, we are revising key concepts such as place value and number operations, ensuring a strong foundation as we prepare for year three. To enhance our creative writing, we are incorporating the online resource "Pobble," which helps students express their ideas and imagination in new and engaging ways.

Year two also recently held a successful market stall, where our Year two families had the opportunity to purchase fresh vegetables and herbs grown by students. It was a wonderful experience that showcased students’ teamwork and green thumbs! We are looking forward to our busy last term together!

Last Friday, 11 October our Years 3-6 students were involved in the Senior Athletics Carnival at Len Shearer Reserve. Our competitors participated in track events and team games all in the name of driving their faction up the leaderboard, enjoyment and striving for Interschool qualification. There were some outstanding performances and great sportsmanship on show. Blue and Green were neck and neck in the lead all day, with Blue surging ahead to claim victory. Well done to all students on their efforts during the day. For our Year Threes I hope it was an enjoyable experience in your first senior athletics carnival, and I hope our Year Sixes continue to participate with the enthusiasm and determination that they have shown over the years when they reach high school next year.

FINAL STANDINGS

1st: BLUE, 881 points

2nd: GREEN, 819 points

3rd: GOLD, 675 points

4th: RED, 609 points

A huge thank you to all staff who stepped up when I had to leave before everything started. We have such an amazing staff here and I really appreciate their work throughout the day and during the pack up. I would name names but the flow on effect through every event was significant and I would hate to miss anyone.

Thank you to the parents and grandparents who attended to cheer on the students, there was a great atmosphere at Len Shearer and the students appreciate your support. The P&F and their volunteers did a great job of keeping the charges fed with sausages and the cake stall so a big thank you to you for your work throughout the day.

Dave John and Damian Williams

Physical Education Teachers

This week we celebrated the great Backyard Bird Count.

A week to celebrate the many birds in our community, the importance of birds and measuring how many birds there are in our environment.

To celebrate this week the children have listened to many stories about Australian birds , they have discussed the many birds they see in their community and then they went on a bird watch in our bush garden play grounds. We discovered so many birds and other interesting insects and plants.

We are so grateful to parents and teachers working so hard to find positive solutions to the library closure due to the transition for 2025. The library team have been working tirelessly to recreate our libraries in readiness for next year.

The Pre-Primary teachers have created their own library exchange keeping our children engaging in the love of reading, and Year 3’s at SJP took the challenge to a greater level creating their own library in their classroom.

Classes have created many opportunities for the children to be exposed to books to develop their reading and experience good quality literature.

We are thrilled to announce that Lola Mura has been chosen to represent our school in the State School Girls' Football Tour! Out of 100 talented participants, she was selected for the final team of 13 players. Congratulations, Lola! We wish you the best of luck on this amazing opportunity!

Enrolments are now being taken for siblings and new students wishing to commence Pre-Kindergarten at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School in 2025. Families with children eligible for Pre- Kindergarten in 2025 are required to fill out an Enrolment Application Form. To enrol in Pre-Kindergarten, a child must be three years of age before the 30 June 2025.

Mel Maria Catholic School Primary School will continue to operate full day Pre-Kindergarten groups next year with the days of attendance being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Classes are filling up fast, with limited positions now available, so it is important that parents submit their applications as soon as possible. Application forms can be obtained from the office or please follow the link provided. https://melmaria.wa.edu.au/assets/Uploads/General/Application-for-Enrolment-Form.pdf.

In 2025, we will have a whole new Early Childhood space for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year Two. This is going to be very exciting for the students, teachers and parents.

Enrolments are now being taken for siblings and new students wishing to commence Kindergarten at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School in 2025. Families with children eligible for Kindergarten in 2025 are required to fill out an Enrolment Application Form. These can be collected from the office or please follow the link provided. https://melmaria.wa.edu.au/assets/Uploads/General/Application-for-Enrolment-Form.pdf.

Kindergarten places are limited so it is important that parents within the Mel Maria Catholic Primary School community submit their applications as soon as possible.

Children need to know that they can be unsure and still say what’s on their mind.

Little by little, they’ll start building the confidence to use their voice appropriately, even in tricky situations.

In the parenting guide below, you’ll discover things your child needs to hear to grow into a person who speaks their truth and holds their boundaries.

School Term Dates for 2024

Term 1: Wednesday 31 January - 28 March

Term 2: Monday 15 April - Friday 28 June

Term 3: Monday 15 July - Thursday 19 September

Term 4: Tuesday 8 October - Friday 6 December

Pupil Free Days for 2024

Term 1: Monday 11 March

Term 2: Tuesday 4 June

Term 3: Friday 16 August, Friday 20 September

Term 4: Monday 7 October

Sacramental Dates for 2024

Confirmation:

SJP - Wednesday 15 May at 6:00pm

PN - Friday 9 August at 6:00pm

PN - Saturday 10 August at 3:00pm

Eucharist:

SJP - Sunday 10 November at 11:00am

PN - Saturday 8 June at 3:00pm and Sunday 9 June at 2:00pm

Reconciliation:

SJP - Wednesday 18 September at 3:30pm

PN - Wednesday 18 September at 9:45am