Newsletter Term 4 Week 10
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Families,
There was a very positive vibe at St Mary’s this morning as everybody enjoyed the step up to their 2025 class and spending time with their new teacher and classmates. Thanks to our teachers for their careful preparation for this day and the little extra things they did to make sure each child had a lovely morning. Families have the opportunity to meet with staff on Wednesday, 29th January or Tuesday, 4th February at our Meet The Teacher Chats with a reminder on how to book your interview sent via PAM today.
Staffing Update 2025
Please find below the specialist staff for 2025;
In other staffing news. we farewell Lorren Bezuidenhout who has taken a position at Swan Hill Christian College and Paige Warburton who has graduated as a teacher and will commence work at Swan Hill North in the new year. We are going to miss these wonderful staff members and wish them the very best in their new endeavours.
St Mary’s Got Talent!
The ever-popular St Mary’s Got Talent is back with students and staff alike set to enjoy the singing and dancing routines being performed by many of our students throughout the week. Set up many years ago, it has become an integral part of December lunchtimes at St Mary’s. Starting Thursday we have three days of fabulous acts lined up so we are certainly in for a treat!
Year 6 Graduation - Monday December 16th
On Monday, we are farewelling our Year 6 students at school with a family gathering and awards ceremony. The Year 6 Graduation Night commences with an award ceremony that will begin at 7.00pm, BYO picnic tea from 6.00pm. We look forward to seeing family and friends gathering to wish them all the very best before heading to secondary school. A special thanks to our Year 6 team for their organisation of this event.
St Mary’s End of Year Mass
On Tuesday, 17th December at 11am we will celebrate our school year with a Mass at St Mary’s Church. This Mass is our way to formally reflect upon and celebrate all we have achieved this year and to say farewell to our Year 6 students and any departing staff. We hope all families can attend this Mass as it is such a special occasion for our school community.
I hope you have a great week and are enjoying the lead up to Christmas with your family,
Kate
"Never See a Need Without Doing Something About It"
Mary MacKillop - Sisters of St Joseph Foundress
Key Dates
Tuesday December 10th
Orientation Day
Friday December 13th
No Assembly
Monday December 16th
Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday December 17th
End of Year Mass - 11am St Mary's Church
Wednesday December 18th
Break up day activities
Casual dress day
Final day for students (normal finish time)
Wednesday January 29th
Meet the Teacher chats
Thursday January 30th
First day of the 2025 school year for all students
Tuesday February 4th
Meet the Teacher chats
Wellbeing with Mr Prockter
Supporting Children Through Change: A Guide for Parents and Educators
Change can be a challenge for children, who thrive on routine and predictability. Whether it's a big life event like moving to a new home or school, or smaller transitions like a new daily schedule, understanding how to support children through change is crucial for their emotional well-being and development.
Why Change is Hard for Children
Children rely on structure to feel secure. Predictable routines help them understand their world, build confidence, and develop trust in their caregivers. When this structure is disrupted, children may feel anxious, confused, or overwhelmed. Their responses to change vary widely based on age, personality, and life experiences.
Some children embrace change with curiosity, while others may resist it due to fear of the unknown or difficulty processing their emotions. For children with additional needs, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or anxiety, transitions can be particularly stressful.
Signs a Child is Struggling with Change
Children may not always articulate their feelings about change. Instead, their struggles might show through:
- Behavioral changes: Increased tantrums, defiance, or clinginess.
- Emotional responses: Anxiety, sadness, or frustration.
- Physical symptoms: Complaints of headaches or stomach aches.
- Academic or social difficulties: Trouble concentrating, withdrawing from friends, or hesitating to try new things.
Recognizing these signs early can help adults provide the support children need.
Strategies to Support Children Through Change
1. Prepare Them Ahead of Time
When possible, let children know about upcoming changes in advance. Use age-appropriate language to explain what will happen and why. For example:
- For young children: Use visuals, simple stories, or pretend play to introduce the idea of change.
- For older children: Offer detailed explanations and involve them in discussions to ease uncertainty.
2. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Validate their emotions by showing empathy. Statements like, "I know starting a new school feels scary, and that's okay," help children feel understood. Avoid dismissing their fears, even if they seem minor to you.
3. Provide a Sense of Control
Give children opportunities to make small decisions related to the change. For example, let them choose how to decorate their new room or what to pack for a trip. These choices empower them and make the transition feel less overwhelming.
4. Maintain Familiar Routines
Routines act as an anchor during times of uncertainty. While you can't avoid change entirely, try to keep daily rituals, such as bedtime stories or family dinners, consistent. These moments provide comfort and stability.
5. Use Tools and Resources
Visual schedules, social stories, and transition objects (like a favorite toy) can help children navigate changes. Books about transitions, such as The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, can also offer reassurance.
6. Model Resilience
Children often mirror the emotional responses of the adults around them. Show a positive, calm approach to change and talk openly about your own feelings. Sharing how you handle uncertainty can teach children valuable coping skills.
7. Seek Support When Needed
If a child continues to struggle despite your efforts, consider consulting a counselor, educator, or pediatrician. Professional support can provide tailored strategies and address any underlying issues.
Change is a natural part of life, and helping children adapt builds resilience and emotional strength. By providing preparation, empathy, and consistency, parents and educators can turn challenging transitions into opportunities for growth and connection. In doing so, we not only ease children’s immediate discomfort but also equip them with skills to navigate future changes with confidence.
PE with Miss Clark
St Mary’s Tops
Thank you to those students that have returned their St Mary’s top they borrowed for a sports event. A reminder to those students still hanging with a top at home to please return it to their classroom note basket or the PE office asap!
@2 Murlong Before & After School Care
The Out of School Hours Care program, @ 2 Murlong, is operating out of the gym hub and provides before and after school care for school age children in the Swan Hill area. Please express your interest via the following link;
https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/enrollment/index/dHdBOThsSW9JeHUxYTEwaHNxZlMrdz0
News from the Office
Working with Children Check
A reminder to bring your Working with Children Check with you if you are coming on to the school grounds for volunteer purposes. If you would like to apply for a Working with Children's Check, please follow the link below;
https://service.vic.gov.au/find-services/work-and-volunteering/working-with-children-check
Country Bus Travel
Country Buses are to be used for registered travellers only. If Country Bus travel is required in an emergency, please contact the office so that the appropriate paperwork can be completed.
Coming in 2025 - Changes to CDFpay
Information will be provided to families prior to the end of the year in regards to changes to CDFpay.
News from the Canteen
Volunteers Needed:
We are always on the lookout for volunteers in our school canteen. You just need your VIC WWCC. Volunteer hours at 11.30am-1.30pm. Please email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au if you are able assist
Ordering from the canteen:
Recess and lunch orders are placed online only via CDF Pay. The orders close at 9.30am each day, so it is recommended you place your order the night before. Our canteen is a very busy, so late orders will be offered limited options. Please contact the office if you need help with CDF Pay.
https://smswanhill.cdfpay.org.au
Canteen Roster
Just a reminder to sign in at the office when you are on canteen duty
Student of the Week
Happy Birthday!
Highlights from Carols
