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Mel Maria Catholic Primary School
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Newsletter - Term Two Week Eleven - 2024
Dear Parents and Staff
As we approach the end of another school term we can reflect on some enriching, memorable and successful undertakings that have taken place at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School during the term. We have many very committed and enthusiastic people (including staff, parents and children) give their own time and talents to create a positive atmosphere at this school.
Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding efforts this term. Those who have worked diligently, paid attention in class, and given their best have certainly earned their well-deserved results. Despite facing a few challenges and adjustments to the Semester One calendar, our students have shown remarkable adaptability and positivity, always striving to #MakeADifferenceEveryday. They can be incredibly proud of their achievements as we reflect on the semester.
A heartfelt thank you to our parents for your flexibility and patience with the busy calendar. Your support in preparing the children for any and all changes has been invaluable, significantly strengthening the home-school connection.
To the Mel Maria staff, thank you for your tremendous effort during Semester One of 2024. Your dedication to the school and students, particularly during these somewhat challenging times, has been nothing short of fantastic. Each staff member has approached their work with professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment, always prioritizing the needs of the students. You all deserve a well-earned break.
Special recognition goes to our Heads of Campus, Mrs Ros Nichols and Mrs Joanne Scouler, for their unwavering commitment and adaptability in both long-term planning and daily events. Many thanks also to other members of the leadership team: Mrs Cathleen Massimi, Mr Roman Popadynec, and Mrs Tia Horsley, for their support and efforts over this busy term.
Lastly, a big thank you to our administration staff, namely Mrs. Cathy Cowcher, Mrs. Mardi Dodgson, Mrs Sylvia Tamigi, and Mrs Lyn Dowie, for the exceptional work they do behind the scenes to ensure our school runs efficiently and professionally.
As we break for school holidays, I truly hope that all students, staff and parents find the time to find their place of peace and calm where we can listen to God.
Slow me down Lord
Hold me still in Your arms
Empty me of all
That is not of You
And fill me with your love.
Make my heart Your home
A wide and patient land
Where time hangs around
And distance is never too far,
Where we can sit around a fire
And tell stories
That draw close, our lives.
(Noel Davis – Heart gone Walkabout)
As we conclude another school term, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the enriching and memorable experiences at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School. The dedication and enthusiasm of our staff, parents, and students have significantly contributed to creating a positive atmosphere throughout the term.
Congratulations to all our students for their hard work and dedication. Those who have put in the effort, stayed attentive in class, and strived for excellence have truly earned their achievements.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our staff for their unwavering commitment and efforts this term. It has been a busy period filled with numerous school events, particularly the preparation and participation of our students in the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
Building Update
We have nearly come to the completion of the first stage of the building, upgrading some of existing facilities and playgrounds. Next term, the main courtyard at the SJP Campus should nearly be finalised and the car park at PN completed, proving more car spaces to parents. We look forward to these renovations being completed and I would like to THANK, parents, staff and students for their patience over this period.
Leave
I will be taking a short period of leave in Term Three commencing Thursday 18 July – Monday 12 August. In my absence, Mrs Ros Nichols has been appointed Acting Principal of Mel Maria Catholic Primary School by our Executive Director; however, both Ros and Mrs Joanne Scouler will continue to work in unison as they take responsibility of the respective campuses.
School Reports
All parents received their child’s/children’s report this week. It is important, as parents are undoubtedly aware, to take the time to discuss the report with their child. Teachers’ comments are important and should be used as ‘indicators’ in areas which a child may work towards improving. I encourage parents to arrange interviews with class teachers if there is some area of concern, so as to develop a collaborative approach towards assisting the child with their schooling.
Reading through over 650 student reports is always a deeply humbling experience. As I mentioned in our recent assembly, it's wonderful to see the tremendous progress our students have made in the first half of the year. It's clear that every child has put in significant effort and engaged deeply in their learning journey this semester. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers who have spent countless hours completing these reports.
As parents and guardians, it's natural to compare our children with others. However, it's crucial to focus on each child's individual progress and potential. Every child has their unique strengths and talents—whether it's in math, music, athletics, or hospitality, making others feel welcome and special. We should celebrate this diversity and appreciate the wonderful differences among our students. Let's continue to support and encourage our children to do their personal best, recognising and valuing each one's unique gifts.
Reports will be posted on SEQTA (online) on Friday 28 June after 4pm.
Best Wishes
Mrs Rossana Basso Bentacourt will be leaving Mel Maria Catholic Primary School at the end of this term. Rossana has been a member of the staff for the past 17 years and a member of the Mel Maria community for the past 25 years.
We commend Rossana for her loyalty, professionalism, and dedication, to Mel Maria Catholic Primary School over the years and thank her for all the love and understanding of the young children in her care. We wish Rossana all the very best for the future.
Prayer for the Week
We hope that everyone will have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break, spending time with their families and friends.
Lord, bless each member of our families.
As we begin our holidays, watch over us and
protect us.
Grant us your wisdom,
your grace
and the strength to live lives of goodness.
Help us to honour each other with words of
respect, forgiveness and love.
To listen with the heart as well as the head.
To give and not count the cost.
To be patient and persevering when all seems lost.
Bless my family, Lord, each one of us this day.
Bless and protect us.
Amen
Thought for the Week
We should know that we are all part of a whole, we are all together.
And everything that we do affects each other.
Yoko Ono
Kind regards
Paul Hille
Principal
#MakingADifferenceEveryday
Edu-Dance – Pater Noster Campus
The Edu-Dance concerts marked a fantastic conclusion to a thrilling and busy term. Witnessing the children's joy and dance abilities after 8 weeks of hard work was truly wonderful. A big thank you to the Edu-Dance teachers, staff, and parents for their contributions in making this event a resounding success.
Teaching Correct Anatomical Names
The Keeping Safe Program helps children understand body safety and prevent abuse. One important aspect is teaching children the correct anatomical names for their body parts. This is crucial for their safety and empowerment.
Parents, it's essential to explain to your children why accurate terms are important. It can improve communication and understanding about safety issues. Practically, you can introduce and discuss the correct anatomical names with your children using resources and tips. These conversations are key in building awareness and resilience against abuse. Let's work together to keep our children safe and informed.
Social Media
Stay connected with Mel Maria CPS!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed about our school's latest news, events, and achievements.
Don't forget to like and share our tour dates and community events with your friends and family.
Instagram: @melmariacps
Facebook: @melmariacps
Twilight Tours at Mel Maria
Come along to our Twilight Tours and see the works completed on each campus.
Jump onto our website and book! A free sausage sizzle provided.
Pater Noster Campus - Thursday, 25th June 2024, 5:00pm-6:30pm.
Saint Joseph Pignatelli - Thursday, 1st August 2024, 5:00pm-6:30pm.
Ros Nichols and Jo Scouler
Head of Campus
Faction Cross Country Carnival
Well done to all Year Three to Year Six students who took part in last week’s Faction Cross Country Carnival. In beautiful weather and wet grass, our runners acquitted gave their all over the 1km, 1.5km and 2km circuits. Our Year Threes were fantastic in their first Cross Country outing and the older years used their experience of the course in previous years to time their runs and push through discomfort. Great work everyone!
Our winners were ahead all day, never headed after a fantastic start in the Year Three events. Well done to GREEN faction on a third consecutive Cross Country title, prevailing by 171 points over Blue Faction.
1st: GREEN 1949
2nd: BLUE 1788
3rd: RED 1509
4th: GOLD 1480
Thank you to the huge number of parents and grandparents who attended to cheer on the runners. Thanks to the staff for their support through the day with marshalling, encouraging and assisting during the day. Special thanks to Mr Williams and Mr Popadynec for their assistance with set up early in the morning as well.
Running Club
Thank you to everyone who has supported Running Club this term. We have had some fantastic numbers down in the mornings and look forward to it continuing through Term Three. Start dates will be confirmed via SeeSaw in the coming week.
WA Primary School Golf Championships
Last week, two of our Year Six Students represented Mel Maria in the WA Primary School Golf Championship at Melville Glades Golf Club. Edylon Neo and Georgia Matthews (Year Six, Pater Noster) braved a very frosty morning with their fathers as caddies in a strong field. Both students had a fantastic time out on the course, with Edylon earning second placing for his age group. As a team, our duo’s strong play earned the school a seventh placing overall. Well done to both golfers!
Kindergarten 2025 – Applications are Now Open
In 2025, we will have a whole new early childhood space for students from Pre-Kindy 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 a Kindergarten Enrolment Application Form. These can be collected from the office or found online on the school website.
Please Note: Our next Twilight Tour will be held on 25 July from 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Kindergarten places are limited so it is important that parents within the Maria Catholic Primary School community submit their applications as soon as possible. Forms can be obtained from the office or on the school website.
Pre-Kindergarten 2025 –Applications are Now Due
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 Kindergarten in 2025 are required to fill out a Pre-Kindergarten Enrolment Application Form. To attend Pre-Kindergarten a child must be three years of age.
Mel Maria Catholic School Primary School will continue to operate full day Pre-Kindergarten groups next year with the days of attendance being Thursday. There will also be the option of a second or possibly even third day depending on parent interest.
Pre-Kindergarten places are limited so it is important that parents within the Mel Maria community submit their applications as soon as possible. Application forms can be obtained from the office.
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
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