Newsletter Term 3 Week 8

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Families,

We begin the week with some sad news, with the passing of Ruben Majur, loving dad to Jook and Kur. We will miss Ruben and our conversations about his family and work in Sudan.  Please pray for Ruben that he will be at peace with God and that Jook and Kur will be comforted and strengthened by the love of God and their family and friends. Many families would also be aware that Ms Boers has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia and will be away for the remainder of the term as she accesses treatment. We keep Gabi, Scott, and their family in our thoughts and prayers and hope that she is back with us soon.

The Principal at St Mary’s Sea Lake is currently on leave. Our Deputy Principal, Jason Perry has generously agreed to step into the role of Acting Principal in Sea Lake from Monday to Thursday for the remainder of Term 3. In his absence Mrs Mardi Hall will take on the Deputy Principal role here.

Lastly, we wish Mrs Jobling all the best as she packs the bags ready to head to Europe on some very well-deserved Long Service Leave. Mr Smith will be in charge in 5C until her return.

Fathers and Special Friends Day
What a terrific roll-up we had for Donuts for Dad on Friday. It was wonderful to see so many dads, grandpas, uncles and special friends come along to spend time in our classrooms and in the yard playing basketball, hanging out in the sandpit, kicking a footy, or just spending time with their children. There was a very positive feeling around the playground at this very special event and the kids loved the opportunity to give thanks for the love, support, and guidance provided by the male figures in their lives. To all our dads, grandads, uncles, and special male figures in our school community, we hope you all had a very happy Father’s Day on Sunday.  You deserve it!

Casual Dress Day
'Dress like your Dad' was a very popular theme for our August Casual Dress Day and judging by the outfits the students wore it seems we must have a lot of football players, superheroes, and tradies amongst our dads! This month our social justice program raised $286.90 amount for a very worthy cause, the local Food Hub. More detailed information about this service has been included in this newsletter.

Parent Teacher Interviews and Student Led Conferences
Just a reminder that this Tuesday 3/9 and  Wednesday 4/9 and next 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 their 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 online booking is filling quickly. Booking in quickly is the best way to ensure to secure your preferred time slot. Please ring the office if you have any issues with your booking.

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

And enter code: vzr7h

Junior Athletics Day
You wouldn't want to miss this great day out! They have been practising hard under Miss Clark's guidance and are all very excited about the upcoming school sports! This Thursday, September 5th the Foundation to Year 2 students will take part in their Athletics on the St. Mary's oval.  Many thanks to those who have offered to help on the day.

Year 3 Liturgy
This Thursday our Year 3 level will be celebrating their liturgy with Father James  10am in the Teacher Workroom. All families are warmly invited to attend

Cathy Hope - Author Visit
Our Year 4 & 5 students are attending a workshop with author, Cathy Hope this week. Cathy has written 30 books for children. Her most recent story River Girl, is based on the true story of Roma who lived on the Banks of the Murray River with her family in the Depression.

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 and will need to have their school hat at school.

2025  Enrolments
We are still taking enrolments for Foundation and other year levels for 2025 and encourage you to let your family and friends know about the warm and supportive environment offered at St Mary's for all students.

Have a wonderful week and we look forward to seeing many of you at the Junior Athletics or at assembly  which will be hosted by 5B.

Kate

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

Key Dates

Tuesday September 3rd, Wednesday September 4th & Tuesday September 10th
Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday September 3rd
Cathy Hope - Author Visit
Thursday September 5th
Junior Athletics
Year 3 Level Liturgy - 10am
Friday September 6th
Assembly 12.25pm - 5B
Friday September 13th
Assembly 12.25pm - 2V
Monday September 16th
Division Athletics
Foundation Camp
Wednesday September 18th
State Netball
Friday September 20th
Footy Colours Day
Assembly 12.25pm - 5D
End of Term 3

Wellbeing with Mr Prockter

Child Safe Standard 4 Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Nurturing Growth: How Parents Can Support Children with School Concerns 
Primary school is a crucial period in a child's educational journey, laying the foundation for future academic success and personal development. However, it's not uncommon for children to encounter various challenges during this time, whether it be difficulties with academics, social interactions, or emotional well-being. As primary caregivers, parents play a pivotal role in supporting their children through these challenges, providing the necessary guidance, encouragement, and resources to help them thrive. In this article, we explore effective strategies for parents to support their children with school problems in a primary setting.

Establish Open Communication:

1. Effective communication between parents, teachers, and children is essential for addressing school-related issues. Parents should maintain regular contact with their child's teachers to stay informed about academic progress, behavior, and any concerns that arise. Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns about school openly. By fostering an environment of trust and open communication, parents can better understand their child's challenges and work collaboratively with teachers to find solutions.

Identify and Address Learning Difficulties:

1. Every child learns differently, and some may face difficulties in certain subjects or learning areas. Parents should pay attention to signs of learning difficulties such as poor grades, lack of interest, or frustration with homework. If you suspect your child is struggling academically, consider seeking professional assessments or evaluations to identify any underlying learning disabilities or developmental delays. Once identified, work with teachers to develop personalized learning strategies and accommodations to support your child's academic needs.

Foster a Positive Attitude Towards Learning:

1. Encourage a positive attitude towards learning by praising your child's efforts and achievements, regardless of the outcome. Emphasize the importance of perseverance, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Create a supportive home environment that values education and curiosity, with designated study areas, regular homework routines, and access to educational resources such as books, puzzles, and educational games. Celebrate small victories and milestones to boost your child's confidence and motivation.

Teach Coping Strategies for Stress and Anxiety:

1. School-related stress and anxiety are common among children, especially when facing academic challenges or social pressures. Parents can help their children develop coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Encourage relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or engaging in physical activities. Teach problem-solving skills and encourage your child to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Validate your child's feelings and provide emotional support during times of stress.

Promote Social Skills and Peer Relationships:

1. Social interactions play a significant role in a child's development and well-being. Parents can support their children by fostering social skills and healthy peer relationships. Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports where they can interact with peers who share similar interests. Teach empathy, kindness, and conflict resolution skills to help your child navigate social situations effectively. Monitor your child's social interactions and be available to offer guidance and support when needed.

Supporting children with school problems in a primary setting requires patience, understanding, and active involvement from parents. By establishing open communication, addressing learning difficulties, fostering a positive attitude towards learning, teaching coping strategies for stress and anxiety, and promoting social skills, parents can empower their children to overcome challenges and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Have a great week everyone! :) 
Mr Prockter

RE with Mrs Davies

Year 3 Confirmation 2024
Next term we are looking forward to our Year 3 Children (for Baptised Catholics) who will be preparing and celebrating their Sacrament of Confirmation.

Below are some important dates to remember - more information will be communicated through the Parish in coming weeks. 

Confirmation Enrolment Session - Saturday October 19th 6pm or Sunday October 20th 10.30am
Retreat - Tuesday November 12th
Mass Celebration - Saturday November 16th 6pm or Sunday November 17th 10.30am

PE with Miss Clark

Senior Athletics
The Senior Athletics took place last Thursday down at Ken Harrison Reserve.  We were pretty lucky with the weather as it has been a very windy week!  It was great to see all the children trying their best at all of the events and really enjoying the day.  Many thanks must go to all of the parent helpers who made the day run so smoothly. Thanks also goes to the Swan Hill Little Athletics Club for letting us use their facilities, equipment, marquees and helping to set up in the morning. The overall results are as follows;

Overall Winners
1st - Bunyips Agg 15.31
2nd - Bandicoots Agg 14.89
3rd - Wombats Agg 14.62
4th - Dingoes 13.75

Individual award winners will be presented at Assembly on Friday the 6th of September.  Parents will be notified if their child is receiving an award via email.

Children that qualified for the Division Athletics which will be held again at Ken Harrison Reserve on Monday the 16th of September will be notified this week and the permission note will be up on PAM.

Junior Athletics
It is going to be a warm one this Thursday on September 5th as students in Foundation - Year Two will have their Junior  Athletics which will be held here at St Mary’s on the oval.  Information in regards to this has been sent out via PAM.  Much similar to the Senior Athletics, many hands make light work so if you are willing to help out for the day either register via PAM or email the office 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 and vegemite 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

Happy Birthday!

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