Newsletter Term 4 Week 6
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Families,
I hope you made the most of the extra long weekend and perhaps even backed the winner in the Melbourne Cup yesterday!
Last week we had some lovely baby news with the safe arrival of little Willow Doran, a baby girl for Kyle and Teagan, while this week we launched our last SWPBS blitz for the year which is all about the importance of using manners.
Junior Hub
Our new building is almost ready for business!
The big moving day is Monday 13th November. By the end of the day, Year 1, 2 and Year 6 should be installed in their new rooms and Music and Italian back to their previous home in the gym complex. Parents are most welcome to take a short tour with Kate through the new building after assembly on Friday.
Remembrance Day
Each year on the 11th of November, Australia takes time to pause, remember and pay respect to those men and women who have fought and died in war protecting and preserving our country and its values. On Saturday our School will be represented at the Remembrance Ceremony at the cenotaph. Each year the RSL awards a scholarship to one of our Year 6 students identified by their teachers as making a sincere effort with their studies and our community. This will be announced at Assembly this Friday.
New Specialist Subject 2024
Next year we will have a new specialist subject added to our line up with Mrs Tagan Koschitzki teaching Science and Technology. Tagan brings a wealth of knowledge to this role, having held both Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator and Curriculum Leader positions in her former workplace and she is looking forward to the challenge of establishing this new specialist subject at our school.
Swimming Program
Our Year 1 & 2 students have really enjoyed their time at the Swan Hill Aquatic & Recreation Centre while the Year 4 classes are excited to commence their swimming program this week. Conducted at Swan Hill Aquatic & Recreation Centre, the Water Safety and Skills program for Year 1-4 forms part of our PE and Health curriculum. The program concentrates on building confidence in water, developing and mastering some basic strokes and teaching safety skills and knowledge around water.
School Hats
Throughout Term 4, students need to be wearing your school hat when playing outside. They should not be wearing any other hats, caps or beanies - only a St. Mary’s hat which can be purchases from Clark's. Please make sure your child’s name is clearly labelled on the hat. We look to parents for support in reinforcing our sunsmart policy regarding hats.
2024 Preparation - Families Leaving
I would ask that any family who believes that they will not be here at St Mary’s in 2024 to let us know as we are about to commence possible class structures for next year. The correct protocol is to ring the office to share that information.Thank you for your consideration.
I look forward to seeing you at assembly this week which is being led by 2E.
Kate
"We have much for which to be thankful"
St Mary MacKillop 1875
SAC Nomination Form
Key Dates
Thursday November 9th & Friday November 10th
Soccer Clinic - Year 4
Friday November 10th
Assembly 12.25pm - 2E
Year 4 Swimming Program commences
T20 Regional Cricket
Tuesday November 14th
State Basketballs (girls)
Wednesday November 15th
Year 6 Market Day
Thursday November 16th & Friday November 17th
Soccer Clinic - Year 4
Friday November 17th
Assembly 12.25pm - 6O
Saturday November 18th & Sunday November 19th
Confirmation Masses
Wellbeing with Mr Prockter
Child Safe Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
Strategies to Reduce Stressors in Your Life
Stress is a common and often unavoidable part of life. However, there are many strategies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the stressors we encounter. In this article, we will explore various ways to minimize and manage stress in different areas of life.
Time Management: Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Create a daily or weekly schedule to allocate time for work, relaxation, and self-care. Use time management tools and techniques to improve efficiency.
Work and Career: Delegate tasks and learn to say no when your plate is too full. Set boundaries to separate work and personal life. Consider career changes or adjustments if your job is a major source of stress.
Relationships: Communicate openly with family, friends, and loved ones. Address conflicts and misunderstandings proactively. Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals.
Physical Health: Maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to promote physical well-being. Get enough sleep to ensure your body and mind are well-rested. Limit or avoid the consumption of stimulants.
Mental Health: Practice mindfulness and meditation to manage stress and anxiety. Seek professional help if you are dealing with chronic stress, depression, or other mental health issues. Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation.
Financial Stress: Create a budget to manage your finances effectively. Set aside an emergency fund to alleviate unexpected financial burdens. Seek financial advice if you are facing substantial debt or financial challenges.
Environmental Stressors: Declutter your living and working spaces to reduce physical stress. Minimize exposure to noise and other environmental irritants. Embrace eco-friendly practices to reduce stress related to environmental concerns.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities like reading, taking baths, or spending time in nature. Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Develop a support network and seek help when needed.
Reducing stressors in your life is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness and a willingness to make positive changes. By implementing the strategies mentioned above, you can work towards creating a less stressful and more balanced life. Remember that it's essential to tailor these strategies to your specific circumstances and needs.
RE with Mrs Davies
Confirmation - 18th/19th November
Next weekend we are looking forward to a large number of Year 3 children completing their Sacrament of Confirmation at our Masses. These will be held over Saturday 18th 6pm & Sunday 19th November at 10.30am. We invite our school community to attend these special celebrations in support of our students.
PE with Miss Clark
State Athletics
On Wednesday the 1st of November we had two students represent St Mary’s at the State Athletics in Melbourne. Mattaeus C came 15th overall in the 100m sprint heats and 13th overall in the 200m sprint heats. We are certainly very proud of Mattaeus who has gained valuable experience down in Melbourne and look forward to seeing how his running progresses in the next coming years.
We also had Kayla M who came 2nd in her 100m heat and qualified for a place in the finals. She has achieved an amazing result by coming 3rd in the finals with a time of 13.61 seconds. This result means that Kayla is the 3rd fastest 12/13 girl in the whole of Victoria! WOW!! It is one thing to make it to the state level but to walk away with a podium finish is truly an amazing achievement. Well done Kayla!
Year 4 Soccer Clinics
Our Year 4 students are participating in a series of 4 weeks worth of Soccer clinics thanks to Sporting School Victoria which provides funding to schools to run programs to increase children’s physical activity. St Mary’s is lucky enough to have ‘Coach Chris’ from Swan Hill Football Club to take our students for fun games and skills to learn more Soccer and to get excited for the Matildas and Socceroos as they play matches to try and qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympic games.
T20 Blast Regional Cricket
This week on Friday the 10th of November, two St Mary’s teams will participate in the T20 Regional Cricket finals. Both girls and boys teams that competed in Cricket at Summer Sports will play at the Swan Hill and Tyntynder ovals against other teams from the Loddon Mallee Region. This style of Cricket is played with a team of 8 with plastic bats, the batter pair will bat for 2 completed overs and then retire. If the batter goes out before their 2 overs have finished, points get awarded to the fielding team. There is a ‘double zone’ in which batters are encouraged to hit into for a chance to score more runs.
The weather is looking like it will be quite hot so students are encouraged to bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen and stay in the shade of the grand stand when not playing.
St Mary’s tops reminder
If any students have a St Mary’s top from a recent sporting event this term such as Athletics or Basketball could they please return it to the PE office.
@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
Poppy Appeal
We have Poppy Appeal merchandise availble to purchase in the office.
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.
Hats & Jumpers
Just a reminder to clearly label all school items, in particular jumpers and hats.
News from the Canteen
How to order:
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 during Term 4, please contact the office on 50332541 or email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au
Student of the Week
Birthday Wishes
What's happening in 5I?
