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Newsletter Term 3 Week 7

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Families,

The assembly area was a sea of colour and full of excited children as we gathered for our annual Book Week Parade on Friday. I am always so impressed at the creativity and the effort that goes into producing so many amazing and original outfits and this year families really went all out! Not to be outdone the staff certainly got into the spirit of things with everything from The Jellyfish Gang, some questionable convicts to the Minions on parade! It was wonderful to see so many families there to celebrate the event with us.

A sincere thank you to Lisa in the library who makes the lead up to Book Week and the parade such a special one for the students.

Excitement levels were also at peak levels on Thursday, with the original energizer bunny himself Luke, from Kaboom Sports running an Olympic inspired Tabloid sports day for the children. Luke is a great operator and the energy levels and positive vibe in the yard was palpable as the kids engaged in the workshops Luke facilitated.

This week also promises to be one full of variety and special moments for our students, with camps, sports days and our Father's Day event all on the calendar.

Year 4 Camp
This morning I farewelled a group of our Year 4 staff and students as they boarded the buses to head to Cave Hill Creek Camp near Ballarat. Some very excited students amongst the crew! Check our socials for updates of all the fun to be had there!

Senior Athletics (Year 3 – 6)
The St Mary’s Year 3-6 Athletics carnival will be held this Thursday the 29th of August at Ken Harrison Reserve. This is always a great day and we thank Miss Clark and Alisha for the enormous amount of work behind the scenes to put this day together. Thank you to those parents who have offered to help on the day. The timetable for events is as follows :

Parent Teacher Interviews and Student Led Conferences
Tuesday 3/9, Wednesday 4/9 and Tuesday 10/9 have been set aside for staff to conduct our second round of Parent/Teacher Interviews. This is a great opportunity for all parents to book a time to spend with your child’s teacher. Our Year 5 & 6 students will participate in Student Led Conferences while our Year F-4 students will run 3 Way Chats with both parents and their children required to attend. The dates are on our school calendar. Online bookings opened this morning. Booking in quickly is the best way to ensure to secure your preferred timeslot. Please ring the office if you have any issues making your booking.

To log on follow the link: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code

And enter code: vzr7h

Father’s and Special Friends Celebrations
Last year there were dads hanging in the sandpit, shooting baskets, showing off their footy skills, and enjoying the playgrounds with their children and this year it's sure to be even bigger and better! This Friday August 3oth we are holding a special event to celebrate all of the Dads and special male figures in the lives of our students. Come along between 10.30-11.30 to see your child in action in the classroom and hear all about what they are learning before spending some time with them on the yard at recess. We look forward to seeing you there.

Parent Survey Feedback
Thank you once again to the parents who responded to our recent survey seeking feedback about aspects of school life .

I have valued the feedback and will continue to share response with you on our weekly newsletter The survey has identified strengths but also some areas we could improve our practices.

I hope the week ahead is a good one for you and your loved ones and that our Dads and caregivers have a lovely day on Sunday,

Kate

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

Key Dates

Monday August 26th - Tuesday August 27th
Year 4 Camp
Thursday August 29th
Senior Athletics Day
Friday August 30th
Father's Day Event - 10.30am
Casual Dress Day - Dress like your Dad!
Tuesday September 3rd, Wednesday September 4th & Tuesday September 10th
Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday September 5th
Junior Athletics
Friday September 6th
Assembly 12.25pm - 5B

Wellbeing with Mr Prockter

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.

Movement & Sensory Breaks at St Mary’s

Movement breaks in school are short, intentional pauses during the day where students engage in physical activity. These breaks are valuable for several reasons, and schools that prioritize them recognize their importance in fostering a healthier, more effective learning environment. Here’s why movement breaks are crucial and why your school values them highly:

1. Improved Focus and Concentration

Purpose: Movement breaks help students refocus by allowing them to release pent-up energy. After sitting for extended periods, even a brief physical activity can re-energize students and improve their ability to concentrate on the next task.
Value: Schools value these breaks because they lead to better academic outcomes. Students return to their work more alert and ready to learn.

2. Physical Health

Purpose: Regular movement is essential for students’ physical health, helping to combat sedentary lifestyles, which are linked to various health issues like obesity and poor posture.
Value: By valuing movement breaks, the school promotes overall wellness, ensuring that students stay physically active and healthy, which is vital for their long-term well-being.

3. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Purpose: Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve mood. Movement breaks give students a chance to step away from academic pressures and reset mentally.
Value: Schools recognize that mental health is just as important as academic success. Movement breaks are a proactive way to support students’ emotional well-being, contributing to a positive school environment.

4. Enhanced Social Skills and Cooperation

Purpose: Movement breaks often involve group activities, which encourage teamwork, communication, and social interaction. These breaks provide opportunities for students to build relationships and practice social skills.
Value: Schools value the development of well-rounded students. Movement breaks contribute to this by fostering a sense of community and helping students develop interpersonal skills.

5. Development of Motor Skills

Purpose: Especially for younger students, movement breaks can help in the development of fine and gross motor skills through activities that involve coordination, balance, and control.
Value: Schools that prioritize these breaks understand their role in the physical development of students, which is crucial for their growth and overall development.

6. Prevention of Burnout

Purpose: Continuous academic work without breaks can lead to burnout and reduced productivity. Movement breaks provide a necessary pause that helps prevent mental and physical fatigue.
Value: By valuing movement breaks, the school demonstrates its commitment to sustaining long-term student engagement and enthusiasm for learning.

7. Inclusivity and Engagement

Purpose: Movement breaks can be designed to be inclusive, allowing students of all abilities to participate. They ensure that every student is engaged, not just academically, but also physically and socially.
Value: Schools value inclusivity and strive to create an environment where all students feel involved and supported. Movement breaks are a key part of this approach.

St Mary’s school highly values movement breaks because they play a critical role in supporting students' academic performance, physical health, mental well-being, social skills, and overall development. By incorporating these breaks into the school day, the school is fostering a more balanced and effective learning environment.

Have a great week everyone.

Mr Prockter

Curriculum with Mrs Hall

Murray River Girl by Cathy Hope
Next week we welcome Cathy Hope as a guest speaker with our Year 4 & 5 children. In preparation for Cathy’s visit, our students have been reading her new book Murray River Girl.

Murray River Girl is Cathy's 30th published book. She has been a member of the Australian Society of Authors for several decades and plans to continue writing for children.

“Murray River Girl’, is a true story set in Australia during the era of the Great Depression, Polio Epidemic and World War Two. This is the true story of an adventurous little girl and her faithful companion. Until she was 11, Roma was the Murray River Girl. She lived in a makeshift tent on the banks of the river with Teddy and her parents. Special friends included children of the Baakandji River People and she freely roamed the riverbank and bush with them. The Murray River, Gypsies, travelling circuses, rabbit plagues and droughts all brought her many, sometimes hilarious adventures.

Cathy Hope has spent most of her professional life as an educator in Australian Primary Schools. Other teaching experiences include being state-wide Education officer with the Victorian Children's Museum, living and teaching English in China, and sharing many opportunities for play with thousands of children including School of the Air students. She has published many educational reference books for both educators and children, two of which have been shortlisted for awards.

We look forward to listening to Cathy who will also be speaking at the town library on Monday 2nd September at 2.00pm.

RE with Mrs Davies

The Season of Creation 2024
The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation: the whole family around the world unites to listen and care for our common home. The “Celebration” begins on September 1st, the Feast of Creation, and ends on October 4th, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations.

The theme for Season of Creation this year is To hope and act with Creation, and the symbol is The first fruits of hope, inspired by Romans 8:19-25. We hope that this Season of Creation renews and unites us by the one baptism and call to care for our common home.

PE with Miss Clark

Seniors Athletics
This Thursday the 29th of August, students from Years 3-6 will be heading to Ken Harrison Reserve to participate in our Senior School Athletics Carnival. Students have been practising hard at all events throughout the duration of the term and are raring to go on what looks to be a nice day weather wise. Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to help out for the day, it is always much appreciated. Parents and family are welcome to watch and support our students at Ken Harrison Reserve on Friday.

Junior Athletics Carnival
On Thursday, September 5th the Junior Athletics will be held here at St Mary’s on the oval. Information in regards to this has been sent out to families. Much similar to the Senior Athletics, many hands make light work so if you are willing to help out for the day either fill in the note or feel free to send the office an email with a time slot that suits you. Thank you to those who have already signed up as a helper. It is greatly appreciated.

@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.

Student Absences
Just a reminder that if your child is absent from school, you need to let the office know, preferably via PAM, prior to 9.25am.

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.

Breakfast Club
We kindly ask for donations of jam for Breakfast Club. Donations can be dropped in to the office.
Thank-you to those families who have donated fresh fruit, this has certainly been a hit with the students!

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

Just a reminder to sign in at the office when you are on canteen duty