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Newsletter Term 3 Week 10

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Families,

It is hard to believe that we are near the end of another term. It has been a busy and rewarding term with many exciting things happening to provide rich, varied and enjoyable learning experiences for all our children. We hope everyone has a lovely break and comes back recharged and ready for lots of new learning.
This week we say farewell to Mr Corey Daniels at the end of the term. Corey is heading interstate to take up a new teaching position and then plans to travel most of next year before returning to St. Mary’s. Belinda Crowe and Stacey Hanns have been appointed to teach 6Q for Term 4 and we look forward to them joining the Year 6 team. We also say farewell to Roxanne P from Foundation Green who is moving to a new town with her family. This week we welcome new students to St. Mary’s, Linh to Foundation Orange and An to 2D.

Foundation camp
Foundation students are about to head off on their first ever school camp this Thursday! This year the Foundation students will be spending the day at the Pioneer Settlement followed by lunch at Riverside Park and then returning to school for some fun activities.

State Netball Team
A massive congratulations to our girls netball team who came Runners Up in the State Finals in Melbourne today! They had already won at Division and Regional levels to make it to the State Finals. Thanks to Teagan Lawry and Tenay Fellows for coaching and also to all the parents and other supporters who helped out. We are very proud of all of you!

R U OK Day - Thursday September 14th
R U OK? Day is a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, 'are you OK?' and support those struggling with life's ups and downs. Our staff are doing some fun activities throughout the week promoting staff wellbeing. The students will also learn how they can support each other and be good friends.

Bus Safety
All students have been reminded of the importance of displaying positive behaviour while travelling on the bus to and from school. The St. Mary’s norms - Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful & Be Your Best are all important to remember when travelling on a bus. Students are reminded to make sure they do the following:

Wear your seatbelt
Keep noise levels down
Do not move around the bus
Speak kindly and respectfully to others
Do not eat on the bus

We encourage all families to remind their children of these important points to ensure all children can travel safely and happily on the bus.

Casual Dress -Friday, 15th September
This Friday we are all donning the footy jumpers, beanies and scarves as we raise money to support FightMND with a gold coin donation. Mr Perry is hoping to see lots of Collingwood jumpers on display! We have some special footy food at the canteen and the children will participate in some fun footy activities in their Community Groups. A flyer with all the details has been sent out to all families.

Finishing time for end of Term 3
Please note that the finishing time for this Friday is one hour earlier. Times are as follows:
2:15--Town bus travellers and children who walk or ride a bike
2:20--Country bus travellers
2:25--Children being picked up

Transitioning to Summer Uniform
Towards the end of Term 3 the weather begins to warm up. Children can transition into summer uniform on these warmer days, keeping in mind that there will still be some colder days ahead. By the start of Term 4 all children should be in summer uniform with school hats to be worn at all times whilst outdoors. Please make sure to locate those hats over the break and ensure all hats are clearly named. Children are encouraged during hot weather to apply sunscreen before going out to play and to bring plenty of water to school each day.

Thanks to our volunteers
Throughout the term we have called on volunteers to help with camps, sport days, liturgies, Masses, in the canteen and at other school events. We really appreciate all the help from our school community to ensure our children have many and varied experiences. We look forward to more fun activities in Term 4.

Grandparents & Friends Day
Save the date - Friday, October 20th. This week the children are starting to learn their dances with Mrs Gerakis in preparation for Grandparents & Friends day in Week 3 of Term 4. The classrooms will be open to show families all the great learning and fun happening in our school and the fun will conclude with our Year Level dances. More information will be shared with families at the beginning of Term 4.

Mrs Quin is still on leave until the end of Week 1 in Term 4. During this time I will be the Acting Principal. I hope you all have a fantastic week ahead and that many of you have the opportunity to join in the fun at the Foundation camp or can come along when 1W leads assembly on Friday. I wish you all a blessed and safe holiday break and commend our staff and students for a wonderful Term 3. We look forward to seeing you all back in Term 4. Go the mighty Pies!

Jason

"Never See a Need Without Doing Something About It"
Mary MacKillop - Sisters of St Joseph Foundress

Key Dates

Monday September 11th
Division Athletics
Thursday September 14th
Foundation Camp
Friday September 15th
Assembly - 1W 12.25pm
End of Term 3 (school finishes 1 hour earlier)
Monday October 2nd
Start of Term 4
Thursday October 5th
Year 1 Camp
Friday October 6th
Assembly 12.25pm - 3U
Monday October 9th
Regional Athletics

Wellbeing with Mr Prockter

In accordance with Child Safe Standard 8: Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a natural part of child development and typically occurs between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. It's characterized by a child's distress when separated from their primary caregivers, usually parents. While it's a normal part of growing up, separation anxiety can be particularly intense during the school years, often manifesting as resistance to school drop-offs.

Several factors contribute to separation anxiety during school drop-offs:
Fear of the Unknown: For many children, school is a new and unfamiliar environment. The fear of the unknown can trigger anxiety, especially when they are separated from their trusted caregivers.

Attachment to Parents: Young children have a strong attachment to their parents or primary caregivers. Leaving this secure attachment can be distressing for them.

Social Anxiety: The prospect of interacting with new teachers and classmates can also contribute to anxiety. Children may worry about making friends and fitting in.

Change in Routine: A shift from the comfortable routine of being at home with family to the structured environment of school can be challenging for children.

Parental Reactions: Children are highly attuned to their parents' emotions. If parents are anxious or upset during drop-offs, children may pick up on these emotions, exacerbating their own anxiety.

Coping Strategies for Parents
Parents play a crucial role in helping their children cope with separation anxiety during school drop-offs. Here are some strategies to consider:

Establish a Routine: Create a consistent morning routine that helps your child understand what to expect. Predictability can reduce anxiety.

Positive Goodbyes: Make goodbyes quick but reassuring. A hug, a smile, and a simple "I'll see you after school" can help ease the transition.

Stay Calm: It's important for parents to stay calm and composed during drop-offs. Children are more likely to feel secure if they see that their parents are confident and relaxed.

Involve the Child: Discuss school positively with your child and involve them in preparations, like picking out school supplies or their outfit for the day.

Stay Connected: Consider sending a small comforting object, like a family photo or a favourite toy with your child to help them feel connected to home.

Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns about school. Be a good listener and validate their emotions.

Have a great final week of term 3 and I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday period. GO PIES!!

Mr Prockter 🙂

St Mary's Stars

RE with Mrs Davies

10 Year Celebrations for Fr James!
It was a big weekend of celebrations in the Holy Family Parish over the weekend with parishioners from across our 7 Church Centres and 3 schools, as well as family and friends from beyond, coming together to give thanks for Fr James and his 10 years of priestly service. It really was a great Parish celebration, with all the different communities contributing in various ways - from planning and preparation, through the ministries in the Mass, cooking and dessert, decorations and video presentations, photography, music, gifts and speeches. It was a beautiful display of our talented, lively and wonderfully diverse Church Family and a testament to Fr James and his gentle, welcoming and encouraging nature. He has a real knack and willingness to support and empower people to use their talents to serve and a gift of bringing people together, and that's what made the festivities so special.

St Mary's was well represented, both during the Mass and at the gathering afterwards, where students presented to Fr James a gift and card signed by all the classes, and a laminated poster of tributes from various staff and students. He was very touched and appreciative of these gifts, and overall, humbled and a little overwhelmed by the whole occasion.

Year 3 Sacraments - Term 4
Just a reminder to our Year 3 Families that the Sacrament of Confirmation is coming up next term for children who are baptised Catholics. Please refer to the flyer below for important dates to schedule into diaries. All information about sacraments will be provided at the Enrolment Masses.

PE with Mr Smith

State Netball
Congratulations to our girls netball team who Runners Up in the State Finals on Friday. The girls showed how much talent there is in
our region with their high level of skill and excellent sportsmanship on display. An amazing achievement!

Results:
Preliminary Rounds
St Mary's Swan Hill v St Thomas Sale - won by 11
St Mary's Swan Hill v St Vincent de Paul Starthmore - won by 3
St Mary's Swan Hill v Laburnum - lost by 10
Semi Final
St Mary's Swan Hill v St Mary's Colac - won by 2
Grand Final
St Mary's Swan Hill v Laburnum - lost by 8

Back Row: Lily N, Eliza L, Asha N, Lola P, Willow V
Front Row: Tenay (Coach), Maddyn F, Charlie W, Evie K, Daisy M, Belle L, Mrs Lawry (Coach)

Junior Athletics
Last Friday, in trying conditions, Foundation to Year 2’s participated in their Junior Athletics. With the weather circling we were able to get the day done. Thank you to all parent helpers who put their hand up to assist with the day. As I have said previously, many hands make light work. Results will be announced at assembly this Friday.

Division Athletics
Today, 73 St Mary’s children from Year 3-6 will represent their school at the Division Athletics day at Ken Harrison Reserve Swan Hill. The children will be competing against students from schools across the Swan Hill Region. Students will participate in a range of field and track events, we wish all students the very best of luck and we are sure that you will make our school proud.

Record Breaker
In our recent Senior Athletics Carnival, Kayla M broke 3 records. The records broken are as follows;
Kayla M broke a Imogen Foott’s record of 31.41 seconds in 2012 in the 200m with a time of 30.99
Kayla M also broke the Long Jump record of 3.80m from Molly Gleeson in 2003 with a jump of 4.45m
Kayla M also broke the Triple Jump record of 8.00m in 2015 with a massive jump of 9.59 metres.

What a star, congratulations Kayla.

That’s it for Mr Smith
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all of your support for the term. We have had some successful events and students over the course of the term. However this wouldn’t be possible without you. Please take this as my personal thank you.

@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

Labelling of school items
The school holidays are a great opportunity to make sure all of your childs school items are clearly labelled, in particular jumpers and hats. This make it easier to return lost items to your child.

Rapid Antigen Tests
We have excess supply of Rapid Antigen Tests available for families. You can collect test kits from the office between 8.30am and 4pm.

News from the Canteen

Ordering from our canteen for recess or lunch is online via CDF Pay
https://smswanhill.cdfpay.org.au/
Orders are to be placed by 9.30am. We recommend ordering the night before.

If you are able to help in the canteen on any of the dates in yellow, please contact the office on 50332541 or email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au