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No.27

2nd September, 2019

Dear Parents,

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful ‘Father’s Day’; the children were very excited as they left on Friday to be celebrating the special people in their lives. We will have an opportunity to further celebrate Fathers and other special people in our families NEXT Monday afternoon with our Footy Fun Day Afternoon! This event, organised by the P & F, was hugely successful last year and this year’s event is shaping up to be even more so! Footy personalities, footy activities and a sausage sizzle are among some of the activities for this very special St Mary’s Community Event. We hope that you will join us from 3:30 – 5:00pm on the school oval.

Also, NEXT Monday is Footy Colours Day at school. All students are encouraged to wear the colours of their favourite teams over their regular school uniform (soccer & NRL also included). Mini Vinnies are using the day as a Social Justice opportunity and have asked that all students bring along a GOLD COIN donation for the day. All money raised will be given to Assist A Student (St Vincent de Paul initiative). Every $70 raised will educate a student in an underdeveloped country for one year.

I encourage you all to stay tuned as we attempt to arrange a lunch ordering opportunity for Friday Sept 13. Thank you to the people who have contacted me with options to the current running of the tuckshop. If you have an idea, please contact me via the office as, on behalf of the P & F, I welcome all ideas at present.

Across the next couple of weeks, our students in years four to six will be involved in the annual School Improvement Surveys. The responses to these surveys are used to plan improvements for our school during next year. The surveys are also completed by all staff members as well as a random selection of parents. If you have been identified by the computer system as a participant in this year’s surveys, you will have already received an email with password etc. If you haven’t been randomly selected to participate this year, I still welcome your feedback on how we are meeting the needs of your child/ren and so I have placed a feedback box in the office area. You are welcome to drop a note of feedback into the box or email me at principal@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au with any feedback you think may be useful. Parent Teacher Interviews are next TUESDAY after school. Please make sure that you go online to book these at https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code?z=pQq2N6.

Please also note that next week is planning week. This means possible alteration to your child’s specialist timetable. As children become increasingly tired towards the end of the term, I encourage you to help them manage this change in routine; it won’t matter if they have the wrong equipment on the wrong day.

We enter the final preparations for Year 3- 6 Production “CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE”. With rehearsals scheduled for most days (afternoons or recess times), we encourage appointments or early pick-ups to be kept to a minimum where possible please. Costume notes have gone home, if you haven’t received one, please let your class teacher know. We have a range of costumes available for loan if you would like. The costumes are in the hall and you are welcome to go through these for your child at any time, including before and after school. Tickets will go on sale this THURSDAY. You will be able to head online to book these via the CDFpay Online Portal https://smmountevelyn.cdfpay.org.au/MonitorOnline/app/#/login

A word of warning though; don’t leave it too late as they sell out every year!

Congratulations to our students of the week: PF: Annabelle B PR: Millie M 1/2P: Mackenzie C 1/2M: Nate S/Isla P 1/2H: Ben M 1/2D: Christian B 3/4F: Lexi F/Philip R 3/4M: Patrick R 3/4G: Samuel S 3/4R: 5/6B: Sam C 5/6P: Patrick V 5/6T: Bonnie K 5/6F: Max M Angela Glennie Principal

58 Clegg Rd, Mt. Evelyn Ph: 9736-2219 Email: principal@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au

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Also available at www.smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au

2019 FEES STATEMENTS Please check your bank to confirm that your payment agreement has been actioned.

Please contact the office if you did not get your fee statement. St Mary’s BSB/ACCOUNT Details

St Marys Primary School BSB 083-347 Account Number 676054930 There are still a number of fee agreements outstanding. If you have not returned your fee

agreement, please contact the office immediately.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE Unexplained Absence forms have been sent home. Please complete them and return ASAP so they can be processed. If you did not receive one, please contact the

office on 9736 2219.

We

ek

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Monday, 2nd September Friday,6th September

8.45am 3.30pm 8.45am

School begins Staff Meeting School Assembly

We

ek

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Monday, 9th September Tuesday, 10th September Friday,13th September

8.45am 3.30pm 3.30pm 3.30pm 8.45am

School begins District Athletics Level 4-6 Footy Colours Day Father’s Day/Footy Day – Whole School Staff Meeting PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS School Assembly

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2019 TERM DATES

Term 1 Wednesday 30th January – Friday 5 April Preps start Thursday 31st January

Term 2 Tuesday 23 April – Friday 28 June

Term 3 Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September

Term 4 Monday 7 October – Thursday 19th last day for students.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2019

26 Jan Sat Australia Day

28 Jan Mon Australia Day Holiday

11 Mar Mon Labour Day

19-22 Apr Fri-Mon Easter

25 Apr Thu Anzac Day

10 Jun Mon Queen’s Birthday

5 Nov Tue Cup Day

25 Dec Wed Christmas Day

26 Dec Thu Boxing Day

CURRICULUM DAYS

Monday 4th November School Closure Day – Melbourne Cup

NB*TERM DIARY - Please find the full term diary online at www.smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au Please note updates

and changes will be made to the term diary during the term. Please check on the website for updates.

Child Safety Code of Conduct St Mary’s endeavours to create and maintain an environment where child safety is paramount and there is zero tolerance of any form of child abuse. What is the purpose of a child safety code of conduct? A child safety code of conduct is intended to promote child safety in the school environment. A child safety code of conduct spells out professional boundaries and acceptable and unacceptable adult/child relationships and behaviour, professional development and training. A child safety code of conduct helps schools, staff and volunteers to raise behavioural issues. It provides a reference point for discussion when there may otherwise be confusion, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence about boundaries for appropriate behaviour with children. The code specifies behaviour unacceptable for a professional relationship between a teacher and a student. All parents, relatives and caregivers attending St Mary’s Primary School to help within the classroom must hold a current Working with Children Check and must have read and signed the Code of Conduct. Please go to our website for more information. CHILD SAFETY CODE OF CONDUCTS CAN BE COMPLETED AT THE OFFICE

2019 FEES

ST MARY’S require every year a new fee agreement form to be returned with your up to date payment details.

Always check your statements carefully and confirm they are correct.

St Mary’s BSB/ACCOUNT Details

St Marys Primary School BSB 083-347

Account Number 676054930

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REMINDER

NO TUCKSHOP

Tuck shop will resume in

Term 4.

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St.Mary’s Annual School Production 2019

Grades 3-6 only

Class 3/4F and 3/4M

Wednesday 18th September

Class 3/4G and 3/4R

Thursday 19th September *Some changes may occur for your child if it has been discussed with staff

3 tickets per family maximum for evening sessions

Login to your CDFpay account and select ‘Production’ Tickets are available for purchase for evening and matinee sessions

Evening Sessions $12.00 Matinee Sessions $10.00

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A CDF PAY ACCOUNT we will conatct you to arrange a time to set one up prior to tickets going on sale.

For any difficulties with your CDFpay account please email ict@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au

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Presenter:

Professor Peter Sullivan

Peter Sullivan has been working with our teaching staff

on delivering Mathematics in a challenging and

engaging way. He is a Professor of Mathematics and author

of many reputable texts. Peter is an engaging speaker and will

be offering advice and suggestions of how parents can best

support their children in learning Mathematics.

We would love to see as many parents as

possible so please pop the date into your calendar

All teaching staff will be in attendance

Date 24th October at St Mary’s

7.00pm start

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NO NUTS AT ST MARY’S

We have children attending our

school with severe (life

threatening) peanut allergies.

As always, we are concerned for

the safety of our children, and

ask everyone to avoid bringing

any items that may contain

peanuts to school, as the

smallest amount of peanut or

proteins of peanuts on benches,

etc., can affect an allergic child.

Whilst we can appreciate that

there may be children who just

love to have their Nutella and

Peanut butter sandwiches or

bars alternatives must be given.

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Know the

difference!

Reporting or Dobbing

Trying to keep

people safe

or Trying to get

someone in trouble

Need help from an

adult to solve

or Can handle by

yourself

It is

Important

or It is

unimportant

Harmful, dangerous

or threatening

or It is

harmless

Behaviour

on purpose or Behaviour is

Accidental

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Mini Vinnies is promoting: St. Marys Footy Colours Day on:

Monday 9th September

(in conjunction with footy day after school).

Wear your footy/soccer jumper/beanie/scarf

over your school uniform. Please bring a gold coin donation.

All profits will go to St Vincent de Paul “Assist a student” program.

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WORKING BEES & GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

Working Bees at St Mary’s are fundamental to maintaining safe and orderly learning environments

for our students. There are so many tasks to do with such a large school ground that we need all

the help we can get!

To assist planning for this year we are asking each family to attend ONE Working Bee and to

indicate which session (listed below) suits best.

As an incentive this year the families that attend a Working Bee date will be rebated the $100.00

working bee levy from their account.

In an effort to cater for everyone, we will hold Working Bees across a range of days and times. If

these dates to not suit you please contact the office and schedule a time that will be appropriate.

If you are a tradie, we would appreciate your expertise at times, so please let us know your skills

below.

We looking forward to seeing you all,

Veronica Fraraccio

Deputy Principal

Please complete and return to school

Family Name: _______________________________Eldest Child’s Grade: _______________

Please circle your selected date below or nominate a date of your own _______________2019

I have particular skills and expertise in the area of ___________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 14th September – Production 8.00am - 12.00pm

Thursday 17th October 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Tuesday 12th November 9.00am -11.00am

Thursday December 5th 1.00pm – 3.00pm

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School Vegetable Garden News

We had lots of great helpers in the

garden this week. It is finally Spring

and the warmth will help the veggies

grow. A BIG THANK-YOU to the

parents who help in the garden,

including Liz, Alan, Ginny and Ilona.

The children enjoy learning in the

garden!

Garden club is run on Wednesdays,

from 10.45 till 11.30am. New parents

helpers required. Please bring gloves and garden tools. All helpers are required to have a working with

children’s check. If you would like to assist, please complete the form below. Or email

rpritchard@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au. Thank-you

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VEGETABLE GARDEN VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY

Name:_______________________________________Mobile:______________________________

Availability: Helping in the garden ⟥ Wednesday 10.45am. Thank-you

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Uniforms

All St. Mary’s students are required to wear the full correct school uniform. We believe that the wearing of

uniforms promotes the children’s pride in their school and self-discipline. Uniform items can be purchased or

made at little cost. The uniform shop at St. Mary’s carries all uniform items, including school and library bags.

There is a small amount of second hand uniforms available in the shop.

Children are expected to have a school bag with the St Mary’s School logo.

Please ensure that your children bring their correct school bag.

Girls’ Winter Uniform Boys’ Winter Uniform

Navy tunic or tailored pants Navy Trousers

(no jeans, jean style or cargo pants) (no jeans, jean style or cargo pants)

St Mary’s polo shirt St Mary’s polo shirt

St Mary’s windcheater St Mary’s windcheater

Navy socks or tights Navy socks

Black polished shoes Black polished shoes

(no sneakers/runners) (no sneakers/runners)

Navy gloves and scarf (optional) Navy gloves and scarf (optional)

Girls’ Winter Sports Uniform Boys’ Winter Sports Uniform

Navy track suit pants Navy track suit pants

St Mary’s windcheater St Mary’s windcheater

Navy unisex sports shorts or Navy unisex sports shorts

St Mary’s polo shirt St Mary’s polo shirt

White St. Mary’s sports socks or plain White St. Mary’s sports socks or plain

White socks and runners White socks and runners

St Mary’s School logo school bag

No jewellery – single sets of plain studs or sleepers, and watches excepted.

No make-up

No extremes of hairstyles

Long hair to be fully tied back at all times with navy ties and ribbons

No nail polish

An important note on Uniforms. Whilst it is not compulsory to purchase uniform items only from our

uniform shop, we trust that parents will only purchase items that are of the same as sold in the shop. We would ask that you

continue to support us as we strive to ensure a disciplined atmosphere in our school, by ensuring that your children do wear the

standardised uniform.

Your children may, at times, tell you that it is okay because, “others do it” or “have it”, but this is a good signal that it is NOT okay!

A note about hair. As we are a primary school, we feel that any change of colour is inappropriate for children. In the

spirit of our practice at St Mary’s, to keep children as children, we ask that you cooperate with this and leave the hair colouring as

something that they can look forward to in their older age. We also differentiate between “weekend hair” and “school hair”. The use of

hair gel, etc., and spikey styling is considered to be a “weekend hair” practice. Not only does this give a more disciplined and uniformed

approach, but also saves you time and money!

Please ensure that all items of uniform are well maintained, including sports uniform and hats.

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Other Religious Education news:

Class Mass this week: Grade 5/6 F Thursday 5th Sept. 9am. All

welcome.

Mini Vinnies are raising money to contribute to the ‘Assist an overseas student”

program. Each $70 raised with assist an overseas student for one year.

Footy colour day: Monday 9th September. Students are invited to wear their footy

colours (jumpers/scarves/beanie) over their school uniform on this day. A gold coin

donation is requested for our “Assist a student” program. Thank you.

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Often we hear parents say their kids don’t tell

them anything about their day

(or worse, dwell only on the negatives!)

The following questions might create better discussion rather than just a general,

“How was your day?”

Try a different one each day and see what happens to your after school discussion.

What made you smile today?

Who showed kindness today?

Did anyone make you laugh?

How were you inspired today?

Whom did you say thank-you to today?

Did you learn something you didn’t understand before?

What surprised you today?

What challenged your learning today?

What made you think today?

What did you like best in your lunchbox today?

How were you brave today?

What questions did you ask today?

What made you feel proud today?

If you switched places with your teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class?

If you could buy one thing for the school what would it be?

If you were the principal, what would your first decision be?

What part of nature did you notice today?

What was the best part of the day for you or for your whole grade?

What are you going to try to do again tomorrow?

What did you do to look after someone today?

What learning today do you think will help you be a great grown-up?

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27 August 2019

Kids learn what they live

POSITIVE PARENTING

by Michael Grose

Ever opened up your mouth and heard your own parents speak?

I’d frequently speak to my kids when they’d been less than perfect and I could hear my father speaking. I’d use the same words, same tone of voice and same body language as my father. The similarity was a little spooky.

This happens because the ghosts from the past are very strong impacting not just our communication but our parenting as well. Kids copy their parents. Temperament, gender, genetic and birth order factors all play a part in shaping kids. They signify the differences between children’s behaviour, attitudes and interests.

It’s in children’s similarities that the impact of parenting is seen.

Are all your kids tolerant, generous, kind and forgiving, perhaps some less than others? If so, there’s a good chance that you possess those qualities or, at least, one parent displays those qualities.

Children learn what they live

When kids live with gratitude, encouragement and affection on a daily basis they are more likely to adopt those behaviours themselves. In fact, those types of behaviours become part of their values system.

They may shy away from these behaviours in adolescence yet most kids will return to their core values in their twenties and beyond. Most kids find their identity only after they’ve rejected it.

Similarly, when kids live with criticism, mean-spiritedness and intolerance they are more likely to display those attitudes. Teachers and schools can impact children’s attitudes and behaviours but it can be hard to override the

values that kids develop at home. Kids are more likely to reflect their parents’ attitudes and behaviours than those of their teachers.

Do you like what you see?

Take a good look at your kids’ attitudes, behaviours and values, particularly how they treat others. If you like what you see then give yourself a pat on the back because you’ve done a good job through both overt teaching and modelling of raising a person in your likeness.

If you’re not happy with what you see – I’m not referring to the out-of-character, poor behaviour that kids at times display due to fatigue, a stage or some other unknown reason (kids will be kids) – but if you cringe when you see some of the attitudes and behaviours that your kids routinely show then some self-reflection may be the order of the day.

That’s nothing necessarily to be ashamed of. Kids get front row seats to the very best and very worst of their parents’ behaviours. We just need to make sure that our best is amplified and our worst is minimised or, at least, not witnessed by our kids.

It helps to sit down with your partner or a trusted friend and review the type of person that’s on display for your kids every now and then. It will be a worthwhile exercise both personally and as a parent. As your kids are a

reflection of you, start the reflection process by looking at the behaviours, attitudes and states of mind they have in common. If you’re happy with what you see then you’re okay. If not, then maybe it’s time for some changes.