Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents,

In this Jubilee Year of Hope and on behalf of the staff of Mel Maria Catholic School, I would like to WELCOME all students and their families to the new school year. I particularly welcome the new students and their families joining the Mel Maria Catholic Primary School community for the very first time. I am sure you will feel part of the MM community in no-time at all.

Last Wednesday marked a significant milestone in the journey of Mel Maria Catholic Primary School. It was with great joy and anticipation that we gathered to celebrate the opening of the Mel Maria Catholic Primary School Early Childhood and Primary Campuses. This marks a significant and historic occasion for our school community.

Each campus has been carefully designed to provide a dedicated and nurturing learning environment for our students on both campuses, ensuring their developmental needs are met in a space created specifically for them. It is a major step forward in how we educate and care for our children, fostering their growth in a supportive and enriching school setting.

Bringing this vision to life has required an extraordinary effort on many levels, and I am deeply grateful for all that has been accomplished. As Mr. Dan Wood, Director of School Improvement, stated, “I know that significant planning and collaboration... has gone into setting the vision and strategy for this new dual-campus model, and as we commence a new school year, it is exciting as we see it become a reality and officially launch what is a first for Catholic education in WA.”

As we celebrate this milestone, I want to acknowledge the vital role each of you—students, parents, school staff, and CEWA staff—plays in making Mel Maria a place of joy, love, and learning. Together, we continue to build an environment that is Christ-centred and child-focused, a place where we strive to Ignite the Heart and Inspire the Mind and truly #MakeADifferenceEveryDay.

Guided by our Mercy values of:

• Respect

• Service

• Compassion

• Trust

We remain dedicated to fostering a school community where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

The first day of school under our new structure was truly special. The warm welcomes, smooth transitions, and positive energy across both campuses were a testament to the incredible team we have here at Mel Maria. Your care for our students, your support for one another, and your willingness to embrace this change with enthusiasm have made all the difference.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of each and every staff member, teachers, education assistants, administration, support staff, and leadership. The preparation, teamwork, and unwavering belief has ensured that our vision became a reality. There has certainly been a positive vibe at both campuses this week.

As we continue to build on this strong foundation, I encourage all associated with Mel Maria Catholic Primary School to take a moment to reflect on the significance of what we have accomplished together. The road ahead is filled with opportunities to grow, innovate, and strengthen our school community. With this exceptional team, I have no doubt that we will continue to thrive.

We all know that children receive the best education when parents and staff work as a team. Parents’ enthusiasm, support, and involvement are integral to the success of our school, as are the skills, dedication, and professionalism of teachers. Together, staff and parents can provide educational excellence for every student, so that they can achieve their personal best. Together, we can support one another to provide a friendly learning environment and celebrate our achievements.

Education today is a complex engagement because of the intensity and variety of external influences, particularly through various forms of media and electronic communications. Our school has a special role in assisting every parent with the education of their children so that all children will develop a sense of personal responsibility and learn the correct use of freedom.

Throughout the year, our school will also provide experiences of liturgy and prayer as invitations to know and experience the enormous love and special friendship of God. I hope our school will be a place where staff, students, and families have opportunities to experience God’s presence in our lives. I pray that the school year ahead will see our staff and parents in genuine partnership in our collective role and faith education of the children at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School. It was tremendous to see all our students return to school looking so refreshed and energised for the new year.

Our Gospel values of Justice, Respect, Compassion, and Service are powerful enablers. Most schools and Christian organizations endeavor to aspire to these Gospel values. However, what will set Mel Maria Catholic Primary School apart, if it does not already, is the way we go about honouring our school vision of 'Unity is Strength'. We need to continue to strive to work, act, and think as one school in all that we do as a school community. Let us all strive to live by our school mantra #Making a Difference Every Day. What a wonderful gift to give our children and all those who enter the gates of Mel Maria Catholic Primary School.

At Mel Maria Catholic Primary School, delivering a high-quality Catholic education is at the heart of who we are. As we transition to our new model in 2025, we remain committed to innovative learning while staying true to our Catholic values, positioning ourselves as a leader in Catholic education.

Our School Improvement Plan has been drawn from our Strategic Plan 2025 -2029 ensuring a smooth transition to our new campus model while strengthening our commitment to excellence in Catholic education. This year our focus is on enhancing student learning, fostering staff collaboration, deepening our Catholic Identity, and building a vibrant, connected school community.

Additionally, our School Improvement Plan outlines key initiatives to support student well-being, promote innovative teaching practices, and ensure long-term financial sustainability. Through this plan, we aim to create an environment where every student is nurtured, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

For more details, visit our website to view the School Improvement Plan for 2025 and the School Strategic Plan 2025 - 2029.

It was fantastic to see so many parents join us for the Parent Information Evening on Monday. Your presence and engagement truly reflect the strong sense of community that makes Mel Maria Catholic Primary School such a special place.

Throughout the evening, as I spoke with many of you, there was a genuine sense of excitement and positivity about the year ahead. Your enthusiasm and support for your children’s education are invaluable, and it was wonderful to see the strong partnerships between home and school in action.

A special thank you to our dedicated teachers and staff for the time, effort, and passion they put into making these evenings so valuable. Their commitment to fostering strong relationships and providing insightful information ensures that our students receive the best possible learning experience.

We look forward to a fantastic year ahead, working together to inspire, nurture, and support every child at Mel Maria.

As our school newsletter (currently being named by our Year 6 students) will be published fortnightly, we will share it via email and Seesaw, providing you with a direct link to the document. The newsletter will also be available on our school website, allowing us to showcase the wonderful things happening at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School and “Spread the Good News.”

Class teachers will continue to use Seesaw to keep parents informed about class activities. To stay connected, please ensure you have downloaded the Seesaw app.

This year, we are committed to keeping parents up to date with current and upcoming school events. Follow us on Instagram to stay informed and engaged with our school community.

Enrolments are now being taken for new students wishing to commence Kindergarten at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School in 2026.

Mel Maria Catholic Primary School will continue to offer three, four or five days of Kindergarten in 2026.

Kindergarten places are limited so it is important that parents within the Mel Maria community submit their applications as soon as possible. Forms can be obtained from the office or on our website.

If your child has a medical condition, e.g. anaphylaxis or asthma, please complete the required paperwork that is available from the School Office. All medications need to be left at the School Office with your child’s completed paperwork. Students in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary will have medications stored in the classroom; however, the School Office will still need to be notified of your child’s medical condition.

I encourage all families to attend this event on Saturday 15 February. This event is coordinated by the Mel Maria Catholic Primary School P&F Association. This occasion is a way of celebrating your child/ren’s first few weeks at the school, as well as an opportunity to meet other parents and welcome NEW families to the Mel Maria community.

This will be held at the Melville Tennis Club from 4.00pm until 8.00pm. As in the past, you are encouraged to bring your own picnic dinner. Once again, this promises to be a fabulous community gathering to start the school year.

The update Term Calendars for 2025 are available on the school website.

Best wishes for the term ahead

Paul Hille

Principal

#MakingADifferenceEveryday

Prayer for the Week

Loving God,

Our creator, our saviour, our companion,

bless this journey of a new school year that we undertake today.

Refresh our souls and renew our spirits as we embrace the beautiful ministry you have called us to.

We welcome those who are new to this community and ask that you strengthen them to share the wonderful gifts you have given them.

Lord, make our hearts pure as we prepare for the return of students to this school, and may you guide them to return with open hearts and minds eager to learn.

We ask this in Your name,

Amen.

Thought for the Week

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

Peter Marshall

Our Early Childhood Campus is filled each day with energy and enthusiasm. Students are learning new routines, making new friends and discovering new play spaces.

Our dedicated team are working together to create our Innovation Space to engage

and involve our young learners as they design, explore and create.

We are committed to unlocking the potential of each member of our learning community with a foundation in play pedagogy.

“Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.”

Our present priority is for our students to feel safe and known, as they develop a deep sense of belonging within our Early Learning community.

Thank you for your support and feedback as we settle into new routines and procedures to accommodate families. The following procedures are in place and will facilitate smooth transitions at the beginning and end of each day.

· Formal supervision begins at 8.15am. Staff are on duty in the Innovation space, and on the oval. If you are present with your child, please keep them under your supervision. Students who are on campus before this time are expected to sit in the courtyard near the office where they can be supervised.

· Please follow the drop off and pick up directions as signposted in the carpark

to enter and exit the school.

· Two gates at the front of the school are now open to ease congestion at the front office gate. Students catching the bus use the gate closest to the office.

· Year One students have a designated pick-up space, near the multi-purpose room for easy end of day pick up, if they are not on drive through.

· Bus students are asked to wait in the courtyard at the front of the school.

Faction Friday will be a highlight of each week and will give our Year Two students opportunities to develop their gifts and abilities in the leadership realm.

Being role models and agents for good manners and respectful relationships will be part of their foundational experience at Mel Maria, and for all of our students.

Fostering respect is a whole school focus, that will serve all of our community as we embark on an exciting year of learning together.

Ros Nichols

Vice Principal - ECE Campus

What a Great First Week We’ve Had in Pre-Primary!

We are so proud of our Pre-Primary children and how beautifully they have settled into the new school year. From the very first day, our classrooms have been buzzing with energy, and it’s been a joy to see our little learners come together as a supportive, curious, and eager bunch. Over the past week, we’ve spent time getting to know each other, building friendships, and familiarising ourselves with the classroom environment. It’s been great to see the children embrace the space as their own, and it’s clear they are beginning to feel a true sense of belonging.

Engaging with the World Through Observation and Inquiry

One of the first big ideas we’ve begun to explore this term is the concept of living and non-living things. We discussed how we use our senses to explore the world around us. They are growing in their ability to observe, ask questions, and connect ideas, developing important skills that will support their learning. Our little scientists have also started their journey into the world of exploration and inquiry. We’ve been guiding the children through the scientific process—observing the world around them, asking thoughtful questions, and noticing changes in the environment. As they engage in this process, they’re not only developing their scientific skills but also their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Celebrating What Makes Us Unique

In addition to exploring the world around us, we’ve also been celebrating the uniqueness of each individual. We’ve discussed how God created each of us with our own special gifts, from the way we look, to our personalities, our families, and our cultural backgrounds. Through stories, art, and conversations, the children are beginning to appreciate the value of these differences and understand the importance of respecting and embracing one another’s uniqueness.

Next week, we have some special fluffy friends arriving at the Pre-Primary pod. We look forward to watching the children observe the life cycle process and engage in many new experiences with our new additions.

Dear Families

A heartfelt welcome to the start of what is sure to be an exciting and rewarding new term! We are off to a fantastic start, and I’m thrilled by the positive energy our students bring into our school community. It has been truly heartwarming to see children greet staff with smiles and respect, creating an environment where kindness and consideration are shared by all.

At the core of everything we do here at our school are four key values: Respect, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Among these, respect stands as the cornerstone of our community. It’s a value we strive to cultivate in every facet of school life. At home, we know you are already laying the foundation by teaching your children good manners—those simple words like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” play a vital role in making our school such a welcoming place. When our students demonstrate respect, it not only enhances the school environment but also teaches them to appreciate one another and the staff who support them.

Looking ahead, fostering respect will be a critical factor in our students’ growth. As we continue to build a community where respect is integral, it will help our students strengthen relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and cultivate an understanding of their role in a larger, interconnected world.

Respect also aligns with one of the Lord’s most important commandments: “Honour your father and your mother,” reminding us that showing respect to those who guide us is a practice we carry forward every day. Whether it’s peers, teachers, or parents, respect is key to building meaningful, lasting connections. In the future, we anticipate that this foundation of respect will allow our students to develop even stronger relationships, contributing to their personal and academic growth.

To further encourage pride in our school community, we ask our students to wear their uniforms with pride. This simple yet powerful act ensures their appearance reflects the respect they have for themselves and their school. Following our guidelines for hair and uniform expectations is an important part of this process. By adhering to these expectations, our children demonstrate respect not only for themselves but also for the positive image of our school. This commitment will help our students take ownership of their role in shaping the future of our school.

As we move forward into this term and beyond, we know we can count on your continued support in fostering these values at home. We will reinforce them here at school, and if any follow-up is needed, a note will be sent home via Seesaw. Together, we will help our students grow into confident, respectful individuals who take pride in their actions and the community they’re a part of.

Thank you for being such a crucial part of our school family. "Respect is like a boomerang – it always comes back to you!" – Unknown

Cathleen Massimi
Vice Principal - Primary Campus

What an exciting start to the year in Year 3, our first together on the Primary Campus! We have been diving into swimming lessons which has been a fantastic way to build confidence and skills in the water.

The first weeks have been all about getting to know each other, settling into new routines, and embracing the fun of learning together.

A standout favourite has been the new, amazing nature play area, where imaginations run wild and adventure awaits.

With so many exciting experiences ahead, this year is set to be unforgettable!

Join us for the Mel Maria Sundowner Fundraiser at Melville Tennis Club! It’s a relaxed evening with drinks, snacks, and a chance to support a great cause. Enjoy the sunset, mingle with friends, and take part in fun activities with the family!

Please follow the link for further communication for the P&F - https://linktr.ee/MMPNF?utm_source=linktree_admin_share

The new bus service between campuses began on the first day of the term, and students have adapted well to the change. There has been a noticeable increase in demand for certain routes, with some runs, like the 3 PM bus from Attadale to Myaree, reaching full capacity. To meet this demand, we are now offering a second run departing from Attadale at 3:30 PM, with available seats.

If you would like to inquire about your child using the service, please send your request via email to

Lynette.Dowie@cewa.edu.au

iPads in the school’s BYOD program (Years 3 -6) which have been wiped and setup from the start by the school, have access to Jamf Parent – an app which allows parents to monitor/restrict functions on their child’s iPad. Restrictions can be applied to individual apps or categories of apps. Rules can also be applied to locations set by parents.

Parents control their child’s iPad by using the Jamf Parent app which is available on the Apple apps store or the Google Play store. Controls set by parents do not impact the functionality of the iPad at school.

More information can be found here:

https://learn.jamf.com/en-US/bundle/jamf-parent-guide-for-parents/page/Getting_Started_with_Jamf_Parent.html

Welcome back to you all and a very special greeting to those families new to the Mel Maria community. As the school social worker, I am here every Monday and Thursday; a brochure outlining my services is available on the website and from the office. In summary I offer, at no cost to parents, private and confidential counselling to all students and families in relation to any school-based issues. These can include the impact of outside events on a child’s performance and behaviour at school. Parent consent for the social worker meeting with students is generally sought but I am always available to assist staff with general pastoral care and support should on the spot assistance for children be required.

I also work with the teachers in the classroom, running short programmes that complement the curriculum, for example protective behaviours, social skills, problem-solving strategies, handling conflict and respecting diversity.

I will be including in the newsletter and via Seesaw some regular tips regarding parenting and/or short articles about children’s social skills or other developmental needs. The first of these for this year, helping children settle in to school, follows:

Helping children return to school

The links below will take parents to a couple of articles about helping children settle into the new school year. Your child’s teacher and the school social worker are also always available to provide support, reassurance and assistance as students start or continue their school journey.

https://bestprograms4kids.com/brushing-up-on-friendliness-skills/

https://bestprograms4kids.com/new-start-new-friends-dealing-with-the-wobbles/

The Be You and the Raising Children Network sites are also helpful sources of information for parents around a wide range of topics dealing with children’s well-being:

www.beyou.edu.au

https://raisingchildren.net.au/

If you would like a hard copy of any electronic articles, please email me. This is general information only; if parents/guardians have any particular concerns about their children’s behaviour whether at home or school, please contact either myself or their teacher so a helpful individual plan can be worked out.

I look forward to working with you all, and wish you and your children every success and blessing in the coming year.

Christine Pittman

christine.pittman@cewa.edu.au

School Term Dates for 2025

Term 1: Wednesday 5 February - Friday 11 April

Term 2: Monday 28 April - Friday 4 July

Term 3: Monday 21 July - Friday 25 September

Term 4: Tuesday 14 October - Friday 12 December

Pupil Free Days for 2025

Term 1: Friday 28 February

Term 2: Tuesday 3 June

Term 3: Monday 25 August, Friday 26 September

Term 4: Monday 13 October