A SAINT MARY MACKILLOP Primary School Keilor Downs

27th August 2013

No 26

Email: office@mmkeilordowns.catholic.edu.au Tel: 9367 6199 www.mmkeilordowns.catholic.edu.au123

e-NEWS

From the Principal

Individual Highlights

Inside Story 2

Inside Story 3

Inside Story 4

Inside Story 5

Inside Story 6

Inside Story 7

Last Story 8

Trust in God

Dear Community,

Our students do great things here at SMMPS. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote on the Earth Summit that was constructed by the Year 6 students. Today I publish some of their reflections on this learning experience. It is good to share their learnings and acknowledge the great work done.

I also draw your attention to the display in the foyer of the school, near the front office, which is updated regularly. It always depicts some aspect of the Religious Education Programme happening in a class group. The displays showcase student learning and presentation skills, challenging us all to think about our faith.

The current display is by the children in Year 1 Red celebrating the Assumption of Mary, Queen of Heaven.

And of course on Thursday 5 September, just over a week away, we will be holding our School Performance at Dallas Brooks Hall, Art through the Ages. I have seen some of the rehearsals and they are absolutely marvellous. The teachers and students under Ms. Sarah Cornish’s leadership have done a wonderful job. We look forward to seeing the production in its entirety. Don’t forget that the production is being opened by our Wakakirri State Finalist Act, Framed. Tickets still available, but selling fast!

I look forward to seeing as many ‘blokes’ as possible at our Father’s Day Breakfast this Thursday morning from 7:00am onwards.

Have a good week everybody.

Anthony McCluskey Principal

The wisdom of

St. Mary MacKillop

“Do what you can with the

means at your disposal and

leave all the rest calmly to

God.”

7.8.1888

IMPORTANT DATES

Thursday 29 August

Father’s Day Breakfast

Thursday 5

September School Commences at

12:30pm

7.30PM SMMPS WHOLE

SCHOOL PRODUCTION

DALLAS BROOKS HALL

VICTORIA PDE

EAST MELBOURNE.

Book your tickets today!

Wednesday 11 –

Friday 13 September Year 6 Canberra Experience

Friday 20 September

Last Day Term 3 – Students

dismissed at 1:00pm

ST MARY MACKILLOP PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER NO 26 TUESDAY 27TH AUGUST 2013 PAGE 2

Art Through The Ages

Date: Thursday 5 September

Venue: Dallas Brooks Hall Albert Street

EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Tickets: $15.00 per person

NB: Tickets are selling fast – buy your ticket Today!

We ask you to secure your tickets by: 1. logging onto our school website:

www.mmkeilordowns.catholic.edu.au 2. locating the ”Art Through The Ages” Message on

the home page; 3. clicking on ‘More’; 4. locating sub heading – To book Tickets for ‘Art

Through The Ages” 5. “click here “ to log onto ‘Online Booking System.’ 6. follow the instructions to book your tickets.

NB: Please not there is a limit of 4 tickets per family.

Car Parking on the Night

We have arranged a special rate at The Australian

Catholic University Car Park, Victoria Parade East

Melbourne.

Cost: Discounted to $7:00 (Flat Rate)

NB: Be aware other sites nearby charge $14.00 for

the evening timeslot

Our thanks to Secure Parking for this support.

Note to Parents

If your son or daughter is unable to attend the

Art Through The Ages Production on Thursday

5th Sept please call Miss Cornish before

Thursday 29th August.

NB: The Production is compulsory for all

students!!

Thanks. (Sarah Cornish - Performing Arts)

Parents Association

Father’s Day Stall We will again hold the Father's Day Stall over Thursday August 29th and Friday August 30th. The gifts will range in price from $1 to $10. 5 cent & 10 cent Collection Remember to keep those small silver 5 and 10 cent pieces for the collection jars in your children's classroom. The class that raises the most money will win a prize.

ST MARY MACKILLOP PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER NO 26 WEDNESDAY 27TH AUGUST 2013 PAGE 3

Earth Summit Reflections

During Terms Two and Three, the Year Six students discovered how their everyday actions can affect a number of things in the natural world, some good and some bad. Through exploration of a number of ecosystems, they discovered how life forms work together to exist. The students investigated case studies of the Orang-Utan and came to the conclusion, by practising sustainability and making responsible choices, their actions can make a difference to the endangerment of the Orang-Utan. Students then used their understandings to complete a research project, where they chose an endangered animal and investigated it further. Students presented their findings at an ‘Earth Summit’ persuading others to become involved with the cause. The ‘Earth Summit’ was an opportunity for students to take further action in educating the community about animals in danger. They explained their understandings using a variety of media - apps, Websites, online presentations and other forms.

Looking back on our ‘Earth Summit’ reminds me of how much I learnt about the endangerment of the Blue Macaw. I learnt what affectionate and beautiful animals they are and how much they need our help. For example, I learnt there is a flourishing (growing) black market for rarer breeds of macaw. I also learnt that they are very affectionate and have the same breeding partner all their life.

I also learnt that working with a partner who is willing to share the work, discuss decisions and contribute ideas (like my partner Kaila N) can be very helpful and make the project better. Also, the fact that you’ve got two times the brain power.

The way we presented our information became the main focus for quite a bit of time. We started our endangered challenge thinking we were going to present all our information on an iMovie and then transferred our information about the animal

into a brochure. We shared information on its endangerment in a movie. But it wasn’t based on one animal. My partner and I decided to make a series (endangered update) about making people aware of the fact that there are endangered animals that need our help. For our earth summit we chose the giant panda and the blue macaw. Making an iMovie was fun and a bit challenging, but splitting the information between an iMovie and a brochure made it a much easier task; also, it didn’t go too long so people didn’t lose interest early. Another part of the project was to come up with an action to take part in. We came up with the foot print project. We printed out paw prints and bird’s foot prints and put them in a plastic pocket. People randomly picked out one of the two and wrote an idea on how to save them. By the end of the earth summit, we ended up with over twenty paw/bird prints. It was uplifting to see lots of good ideas and how many people supported us. The earth summit was like an animal expo. It was full of people walking around carrying free bits and pieces and Year Six students at stands talking about their animal and their cause. The Year Sixes came up with some exciting ideas and creative presentations. Our stand was crowded at some points, and empty at others. That gave us a chance to present and look around at what other people had created. The Earth Summit spread a good message and made people aware of what was happening in our world. It also gave us a chance to share our learning on animals and why they need our help. Experiencing the project prepared us for high school and our upcoming government project. We tried really hard to come up with an entertaining and educational way to tell people about the endangered animals out there. We found this fun, educational, and very informative. I loved and enjoyed every moment of it. (Eleyna Pisani) The experience of the ‘Endangered Challenge’ was a huge learning curve for me. During this time I have learnt how to make and produce an ‘App’; I learnt more skills in the field of managing my time wisely, creating more creative ideas to present my information and working with others more productively. When I was working with the teachers, they helped me paraphrase my information, which is important because I can understand it and the audience can also understand it. The animal I researched was the Sumatran tiger. By downloading my app ‘The Sumatran Tiger’, through the app store you can learn how to save it and why it is endangered. Overall this experience was a success to me and my friends. I hope you take an action towards this animal and make a difference. https://ibuildapp.com/projects.php?action=info&projectid=539459 (Christian Murphy)

ST MARY MACKILLOP PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER NO 26 TUESDAY 27TH AUGUST 2013 PAGE 4

Earth Summit Reflections

In my opinion I thought the ‘Earth Summit’ would have been challenging because I don’t always feel confident speaking in front of people, but it turned out just as I wanted. It was really hard to get all the information and then paraphrasing the information into our own words. I found out that the lyrebird actually mimics any noise it hears using its tail feathers to track the sound, copy it, and then repeat it with its own voice to make it sound similar. In my experience Webs.com is the easiest way to create an advanced, detailed and very interesting websites. So this site can help you with finding the right way to put your information on and share it with other people. It was pretty funny and joyful to see all the people who attended the ‘Earth Summit’ and their faces full of amazement when they saw my website. Around 85% of the people that attended the ‘Earth Summit’ complimented on how good and how detailed my website was, that made me feel very relieved and proud of what I achieved. I also found out that the lyrebird is flightless and is on top of the food chain for insects but isn’t on top of the food chain of other birds. I bet you will be amazed about the lyrebird and everything it can do. Have a look at my website: www.ender-geograpic-lyrebird.webs.com (Jack Healey) Last Thursday, the Year Sixes worked extremely hard on our Endangered Challenge. We all chose an animal that is currently living an endangered life. Some chose ocean animals, land or flying animals, but I chose… The Red Panda! I used a different way of presenting my project. I created a painting along with a poster and some flyers to hand out, but, before I talk about the presentation, the research part was very challenging! We participated in workshops with the Year Six teachers and they showed us how to use different tools. Mr Stewart showed us how to make a website, apps, and other computer tools. Miss Rawson taught us skills to use Prezi and Miss V taught how to make a brochure, poster and a couple of exciting things, along with Ms O’Shea. I prefer to do more crafty stuff. After all the research workshops were done, we had to paraphrase our found information. There was a lot! It took me forever! I was worried I wasn’t going to finish, but I did. I love art so, I had to paint something! So I painted a cute picture of my chosen animal, the Red Panda. I did it at home so I wouldn’t get distracted, and finished with something that I was very proud of and I got so many compliments! It came to Thursday 1st of August…Everyone was getting all their posters, websites, paintings and apps ready for 2:30pm when all the parents were going to arrive to our… EARTH SUMMIT!! I set up next to Isabella.M (6B) and Christina (6R). Christina had researched the Red Panda too, along with a whole row of people. I stood next to Isabella.M because she covered the Giant Panda. The Red Panda and Giant Panda are related, just like cousins. I had so many “wow” and “amazing painting” from so many people. I was so joyful and happy because, at least I knew that everyone liked it and I was proud! What a crazy, fun-filled experience!!! We all enjoyed it so much! (Isabelle Vulinovic)

ST MARY MACKILLOP PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER NO 26 WEDNESDAY 27TH AUGUST 2013 PAGE 5

AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

We have had an issue with children waiting in the school office after 3.30pm on a regular

basis. We have been sending this letter home with children who are left waiting.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

It is noted that your child was not collected after school this evening until after school hours and therefore

needed to wait in the school office under supervision.

I remind you that staff at SMMPS are only paid to supervise your children between 8:30am and 3:30pm.

(After this time most staff are involved in meetings and planning.)

Of course, we take our obligation seriously and will always care for your children and they will never be

neglected, however we ask that you commit to collecting your child on time.

We provide an Out of School Hours Care Program, in which I ask you to enrol your child.

Please go to the website www.campaustralia.com.au to enrol or phone: 1300 105 343

In the future, if your child is not collected by 3.35pm at the latest, we will escort your child to the program,

in our school hall, where you will be able to collect your child. We will also provide the program with your

contact details. They will then bill you for their services.

I understand that occasionally you may be unavoidably late. In this case, please ring the school to explain

and we will care for your child.

Thank you to all families who are collecting their children after school on time. We have

fewer children now waiting in the School Office after school.

Due notice has been given that children still waiting to be collected after 3.35pm at the

latest will as of this week be taken to our Out of Hours Care Service in the School Hall.

Camp Australia, who provides this service, will then bill the families at their scheduled fee.

Thank you for your cooperation.