Newsletter Term 2 Week 1

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Families,

It is wonderful to see all our students, families, and staff return after the holiday break. It seems lots of families went camping or headed away, footy and netball have started and many have told me about catching up with friends and relatives. Whatever you did, I hope everyone had the opportunity to rest up and relax, ready for the new term.

Mrs Ward commenced matenity leave today and we wish Tarsha, Tom, and Gus all the very best as they wait for the arrival of their new baby in early May. We will miss Tarsha's committed approach to her work, creative ideas, and passion for sustainable practices so hope that while she will cherish this special time she won't stay away too long!

Open Day - Sunday, April 21st
This Sunday, April 21st, we are holding the second of our Open Days for families with preschool-aged children looking to enrol in Foundation in 2025.  Tours run at 10 am and again at 11 am and provide a great opportunity for prospective parents to look around our beautiful school, particularly our vibrant junior classrooms, and to gather information about St. Mary's. If you know anyone considering St Mary’s as their school of choice for 2025 please encourage them to ring the office to register or do so online https://smswanhill.catholic.edu.au/book-a-tour/ 

Easter Raffle & Gelati sales 
There were some very excited students when the Easter raffle winners were announced and I only hope most of those chocolates made their way home safely on the bus! The raffle raised $1085 which was a fabulous effort. Thank you one and all for supporting this event. Likewise, our March casual dress day was a great success with almost $500 raised for the Good Friday Appeal and $200 donated to Hair with Heart (providing wigs for children with cancer)  from the sale of lunchtime gelati!

ANZAC DAY- Advance notice
On Thursday 25th  April we pause to pay respect and honour to those who have given so much to the peace of our nation. 

Students have been learning about the meaning of ANZAC Day and we hope that many students will join staff and our student leaders for the ANZAC march and service at the cenotaph. For those attending, we meet by 10.30 at Beaurepaires Corner (opposite The Big Cod) and march to the cenotaph for the 11 am service.

School Closure April 26th- Learner Agency PD
Staff will join presenter James Anderson to continue to deepen their understanding of strategies and ways to provide meaningful opportunities for students to have agency over their learning. This means both Thursday 25th  and Friday, April 26th  are student-free days.  

Eucharist Enrolment Sessions
For families wishing their child to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, enrolment sessions are running this weekend at both Masses at St Mary’s Church. More information can be obtained from the parish office or by contacting Fr James and Mary.

The Great Race - April 29th-May 2nd
The Great Race is truly one of the megahits of the school year. This very popular event starts on April 29th as a lead-up to the Senior and Junior Cross Country races. Children and staff earn points for their teams by walking or running laps of the school oval at lunchtime.

As our final school fundraiser for our new Ninja Playground and as a fun way to conclude the Great Race we see the return of the extremely popular COLOUR RUN, on Thursday May 2nd (minus the slime this year!) This fantastic P & F fundraising initiative will run from 12:00-1:00 pm. It certainly is a fundraiser that provides a lot of laughs as well as promoting the benefits of physical activity. You will receive more detailed information about the Colour Run via PAM later this week.

‘St Mary’s Way’- Positive Behaviour Support Program
Many parents share they wish they had the St Mary’s Way at home as it works so well at school! For new families, the ‘St Mary's Way’ is a whole school behaviour management program and its purpose is to provide a framework to teach children to manage and regulate their behaviour so that everyone can learn in a safe and secure environment. It enables us to build a positive classroom and school culture. Our ‘St Mary’s Way’ rules promote the norms of Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Your Best. Throughout Term 1 the children worked with their teachers on how this looks in their classrooms and the playground and our Student of the Week awards are all aligned with our norms to further reinforce their importance at school

Enrolments for 2025
Enrolments are now open for children who start in Foundation in 2025. Interviews for new and existing families will take place later in Term 2 and continue in Term 3. Parents of existing families who have a child to start in 2025 please ring the office so an enrolment form can be forwarded to you.

School Uniform
The beginning of Term 2 is a transition period from Summer to Winter uniform. At the moment, students can wear either Summer or Winter uniforms based on the weather for that day. Further notice will be given in the newsletter when the full transition to Winter uniform is required. Hats or beanies are both acceptable as we transition into Winter uniforms. To avoid a phone call home or a uniform notice, please ensure your child is only wearing their sports uniform on the day they have PE with Miss Clark or their level sports day. Thank you for your support in ensuring your child is in the correct uniform each day.

Hope you all have a lovely week as you ease back into routine.

Kate

"We have much for which to be thankful"
St Mary MacKillop 1875

Key Dates

Friday April 19th
Assembly 12.25pm - 3W
Saturday April 20th & Sunday April 21st
Eucharist Enrolment Sessions
Sunday April 21st
Open Day 2
Thursday April 25th
ANZAC Day - Public Holiday
Friday April 26th
Pupil Free Day - Staff PD 
Monday April 29th
Great Race commences
Tuesday April 30th
GRIP Student Leadership Day
Wednesday May 1st
School in Action tour
Thursday May 2nd
Colour Run
Friday May 3rd
CESH Mass
No Assembly

Wellbeing with Mr Prockter

Embracing the Routine: Settling into Term 2 School Routines

As the second term of the academic year unfolds, students and educators alike find themselves readjusting to the rhythm of school life. Term 2 often marks a period of consolidation and progression, where routines established in the first term solidify and pave the way for continued academic growth. Whether you're a student stepping back into the familiarity of your school or simply a parent/carer, preparing to guide your children through another chapter of learning, embracing routines is key to a successful term ahead.

Establishing Consistency
Consistency breeds success, and nowhere is this truer than in the realm of education. Term 2 presents an opportunity to refine and reinforce the routines established in the previous term. Whether it's waking up at a consistent time each morning, adhering to a structured study schedule, or maintaining a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities, consistency forms the bedrock upon which academic success is built.

For students, this might involve revisiting and adjusting study habits to align with new challenges and academic goals. It's essential to strike a balance between academic pursuits and personal well-being, ensuring that time for relaxation and self-care remains a priority amidst the demands of school life.

Educators play a pivotal role in fostering a conducive learning environment by maintaining consistent routines within the classroom. From established classroom procedures to structured lesson plans, consistency provides students with a sense of stability and predictability, enabling them to focus on their academic endeavors with confidence.

Embracing Flexibility
While consistency is paramount, it's equally important to recognize the value of flexibility in navigating the ebb and flow of the academic year. Term 2 may bring unexpected challenges and opportunities, requiring both students and educators to adapt and recalibrate their routines accordingly.

For students, this could mean being open to adjusting study schedules to accommodate new subjects or extracurricular commitments. Embracing flexibility allows students to explore new interests and experiences while maintaining a sense of balance in their academic pursuits. 

Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Term 2 offers a fresh start—a chance to build upon past achievements and embrace new
opportunities for growth. Cultivating a growth mindset, characterized by resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from setbacks, is essential for both students and educators as they navigate the challenges of the academic journey.

For students, adopting a growth mindset means viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and development rather than insurmountable obstacles. By embracing the process of learning and remaining open to feedback, students can cultivate resilience and adaptability, essential skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Educators as well as parents all play a vital role in nurturing a growth mindset within their classrooms by fostering a culture of curiosity, exploration, and continuous improvement. By celebrating effort and progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes, educators empower students to embrace challenges and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.

Have a great week and welcome back to school! 

Mr Prockter :)

Curriculum with Mrs Hall

Curriculum Newsletters
This week via PAM you will receive a copy of your child’s termly Curriculum Newsletter from both the Year Level as well as our Specialist Team. The primary purpose of our Curriculum Newsletters is to enhance communication between the school and parents/guardians in regard to the academic programs and learning experiences taking place within the school. Our curriculum newsletters are designed to inform families by highlighting key concepts, subjects, and skills being taught in all subject areas throughout the term

RE with Mrs Davies

First Holy Communion Enrolment Sessions - Year 4
After our beautiful celebrations of Reconciliation last term, we now look forward to the final step of your child’s Sacramental journey, the Eucharist. 

As usual, we will begin the preparations for their First Holy Communion with an Enrolment Session. There will be three available, Saturday 20th April 6pm, Sunday 21st at 10:30am or a back-up session on Wednesday 24th at 4pm for those who can’t make the weekend. Please sign up for a session to enrol and receive the First Eucharist Program. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fEzTdGejOczYtqq7xB5Pwv-6trS-KOeb1EqnOJU_Q58/edit

If you have any troubles accessing the doc please email Fr James & Mary - northeastmallee@ballarat.catholic.org.au

And looking ahead, here are some other dates to remember:
Retreat - Tuesday May 14th
First Holy Communion Celebrations - Saturday June 1st and Sunday June 2nd

Our Diocesan Community
Please find the link below to Our Diocesan Community Magazine March 2024 Edition - https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ODC-March-2024-web.pdf

PE with Miss Clark

Welcome back everyone. I hope you all had a great break over the Easter holidays and are ready to get back into an action packed term full of PE events!

Firstly, a wrap up from a couple of events that occurred during the last week of Term 1…

Regional Tennis
Towards the end of last term we had two St Mary’s students represent our school in the Regional Singles Tennis competition held at Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club. The boys played four singles matches against some tough competition. Well done to Jameson B and James M  for their efforts on the day. 

Year 5 and 6 Summer Sports
What a great day we had for the Year 5/6 Summer Sports on the last Tuesday of Term 1. St Mary’s had lots of success on the day. Well done to all students who competed and showed great effort and sportsmanship in each of the sports.  A very big thank you to the MacKillop College students who coached our St Mary’s teams. Thank you also to the Year 5/6 teachers, other staff members and parents who helped to support our children on the day. There were lots of pairs in Tennis from St Mary’s who came either Runners Up or Winners in their Division pool. Some of the day's results are listed below. 

A special mention to both the boys and girls Division 1 teams for Basketball as they have qualified for Regionals later in the year!

The Great Race
The much anticipated Great Race begins in week 3 from Monday 29th of April- Thursday 2nd of May. Both staff and students are encouraged to participate at lunchtimes and run or walk laps of our school oval to gain points for their house. Students can wear their sports uniform for the week. Information will be sent home during the week about the event. Goodluck to all houses

Great Race Finale!
On Thursday the 2nd of May from 12-1pm, we are celebrating the conclusion of the Great Race Week by students participating in a COLOUR RUN. There will be no laps counted on this day and is a chance for the students to be proud of their efforts in the Great Race for the week and have some fun with their classmates.

Senior Cross Country
The Senior Cross Country will be held on Tuesday the 7th of May for the Year 3 – 6 students at Riverside Park. Every student is encouraged to do their best to complete the course. The 9 and 10 year olds will run 2km and the 11, 12 and 13 year olds will run 3km. The top students for their age group qualify to represent the school at the Division Cross Country on the following Tuesday the 14th of May.  Information regarding this event has been sent home via PAM and SIMON and please ensure permission has been given for your child/ren to attend this event. Parents and friends are welcome to watch and support the students.

The following is approximate times of each event; 

10 year old girls: 11:30am 
10 year old boys: 11:40am 
8/9 year old girls: 11:50am 
8/9 year old boys: 12pm
11 year old girls: 12:10pm
11 year old boys: 12:20pm
12/13 year old girls: 12:30pm
12/13 year old boys: 12:40pm

@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

Breakfast Club - donations of fresh fruit
Donations of fresh fruit eg. watermelon, oranges, stonefruit etc would be welcomed next term to be served at Breakfast Club. Donations can be left at the office.

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
Applications for CSEF close on 28th June 2024

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. The annual CSEF amount per student is $150 for primary school students.

HOW TO APPLY:
New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from the CSEF website www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund

If you applied for the CSEF at your child’s school in 2023, you do not need to complete an application form in 2024 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
* New student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools in 2024 or you did not apply in 2023 
* Changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2024.
 If you are unsure please contact the school office on 50332541.

If you are eligible for CSEF you are also eligible for the Family Fee Assistance Scheme. The FFAS amount for 2024 is $860.00. This amount is credited against your school fee account once your CSEF application has been validated.

Buses - Town & Country bus reminders
Just a reminder that casual travel on our town bus service is $3 per day/per family. We kindly ask that this is sent to the office on the day that travel in required.

We are unable to issue bus passes for Country Buses. These buses are State Government funded and are for registered travellers only to travel to and from their place of residence.

School Student Broadband Initiative
To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 unconnected families with school aged children a free National Broadband Network (NBN) service until the end of 2025. NBN Co is delivering the School Student Broadband Initiative with the support of $8.8 million from the Government. This is a targeted affordability measure.

To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school.
• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.
• Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service.
• Not have had an active NBN service during the previous 14 days.

A National Referral Centre, operated by Anglicare Victoria, allowing families to self-nominate and have their eligibility checked. Families can contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or at www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

This complements the other 60 nominating organisations including State and Territory governments, charities and community organisations, and social housing providers that have signed on as partners. More information is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/ssbi

Book Club - Issue 3 orders close Monday May 6th
Scholastic Book Club Issue 3 has been sent home. We will not be accepting cash payments for orders. Please order online following the instructions below. This is the link for LOOP, which will allow you to make an online order and payment; 
https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx If you are not registered for LOOP, click on the link above and create a new account.  You will need to enter your details, add children and select our school (typed as is here); St. Mary's SWAN HILL
If you have any questions or are having trouble with the LOOP ordering system, please contact the office via email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au

News from the Canteen

We are looking for volunteers to help in our school canteen during 2024. Volunteer hours at 11.30am - 1.30pm. If you have a Victorian WWCC and would like to assist, please contact the office on 50332541.

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

Happy Birthday!

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