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No.14

20th May, 2019

Dear Parents, May I start of by saying how much I have missed the St Mary’s Community and how much I appreciate the combined effort of everyone in continuing the great work whilst I was away? There are many people who worked tirelessly in my absence and if I attempt to name each one, I would inevitably leave someone out. However I must extend a huge word of thanks to Mrs Veronica Fraraccio who did an amazing job as Acting Principal; thank you Veronica! As I visited the classrooms today to catch up on ‘news’ from the students, Naplan was mentioned on several occasions. I congratulated the students on surviving the pressures that this testing can place on individuals and they all assured me that “Mrs Glennie, it really wasn’t too bad.” I love their sense of resilience! Condolences to one of our staff on the passing of her mother; I ask you to keep Mrs Liz Goulding in your prayers at this difficult time. Several of our students from years 3- 6 represented St Mary’s today at the annual Cross Country Event at Lilydale Lake. Under trying weather conditions, the children forged ahead and we congratulate them on their efforts as well as their sportsman ship and encouragement of one another. I would like to remind families of children who are making their First Eucharist in June, that tomorrow night (Tuesday 21st May), is the Family Eucharist Evening. All families are strongly encouraged to attend as the activities planned for the evening really do enhance the preparation that has taken place so far whilst at the same time, create opportunities for this to be a very special and sacred time for each family unit. The evening begins at 6pm sharp in the hall and will run for approximately one hour. We hope to see you there. With wintery conditions creeping up, it was very timely that our foodbank has been stocked again; thanks to Katrina and Melinda for their wonderful efforts in managing this important task.

Medical confirmation forms have been sent out. Please read them carefully to ensure all details are correct. Please return them to the office for us to keep on file for when we need to contact

you. And finally, in an initial attempt to share a short snap shot of my amazing trip with the Leading

Learning Innovation Immersion Catholic Education Melbourne Delegation, I will be holding a series of Ignite Sessions for the community. Each Ignite presentation is only ten minutes in duration so if you would be interested in hearing about the tour you may like to come along at any of the following times. Given that the session is designed to be brief, it doesn’t require planning in terms of babysitting etc. The session will run as follows (each session is a repeat of the last and so you would only need to attend one):

Thursday May 23rd 8:45 am in the library

Thursday May 23rd 3:00pm in the library

Friday May 24th (immediately after Assembly) in the hall

Wednesday May 29th 3.00pm in the library

God’s blessings for the week ahead, Angela Glennie, Principal

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

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Congratulations to our students of the week: PF: Lewis V PR: Brodie F 1/2P: Jax W 1/2M: Smith J 1/2H: Amala S 1/2D: Harry G 3/4F: Kiara S 3/4M: Tilly M 3/4G: Charlotte P 3/4R: Chloe B 5/6B: Amelie L 5/6P: Lachlan P 5/6T: Joshua V 5/6F: Lachlan M

Prayer to My Guardian Angel

Angel of God's light, whom God sends as a companion for me on earth, protect me from the snares of the devil,

and help me to walk always as a child of God, my Creator.

Angel of God's truth, whose perfect knowledge serves what is true, protect me from deceits and temptations.

Help me to know the truth, and always to live the truth.

Angel of God's love, who praises Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who sacrificed His life for love of us, sustain me

as I learn the ways of Divine love, of sacrificial generosity, of meekness and lowliness of heart.

Thank You, my heavenly friend, for your watch full care. At the moment of my death, bring me to heaven, where

the one true God, Who is light, Truth and Love, lives and reigns forever and ever.

Amen.

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.

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Monday,20th May Tuesday 21st May Wednesday 22nd May Friday 24th May

8.45am 3.30pm 6.00pm 8.45am

School begins Staff Meeting Level 4-6 District Cross Country (selected students) Family Eucharist Evening – Year 3 3/4 Melbourne Zoo Excursion School Assembly 5/6 Sport (Home)

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Monday, 27th May Thursday, 30th May Friday, 31st May

8.45am 3.30pm 4pm – 5pm 5.15pm – 6.15pm 8.45am

School begins Staff Meeting School Disco Prep 1 & 2 School Disco Level 3 – 6 School Assembly 5/6 Level Sport (home and away) Mt Evelyn Primary

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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

Tuesday June 11th School Closure Day

Monday November 4th School Closure Day

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.

TRANSITION TO YEAR 7 If YOUR CHILD IS IN GRADE 6

Grade 6 parents, please return your completed Transition Form to the office ASAP.

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

Inter school sports (last Friday) Student Report:

The girls’ team played a great game and won with a score of 21 to 7. Our defence was great with Maya playing her first game of netball and getting plenty of intercepts. The mixed team played a great game and although they had a loss, only a few students had played netball before, so it was great to see everyone trying their best. Well done to both teams!

http://www.smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au/

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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 22nd June – Super Working Bee 8.00am – 12.00pm

Tuesday 16th July 9.00am - 11.00am

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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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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ITALIAN DAY 2019 St Mary’s Mount Evelyn

TUESDAY 25th JUNE

Dear Parents,

The annual St.Mary’s Italian Day will be held on Tuesday, June 25th. The day will include fun

activities at each level. Students can join in the fun by dressing to impress in Italian colours of

green, white and red or come as their favourite Italian character. Along with the activities planned

for the day, the children will also take part in an incursion called ‘Ciao Italy’ – ‘A celebration of

Immigration’ it is a fun and educational activity where an immigrant shares his story with objects

from his suitcase.

There will also be the traditional Pizza and Gelato available for ordering online.

Yours Sincerely, Signora O’Connor

Italian Day Special Food Day - Menu

Please order online at CDF Pay by selecting the Italian Day option:

CDF Pay orders will open from

Tuesday 28th May and will close on the 20th of June

PIZZA: Margherita (Cheese & tomato) x slice/s @ $1.90 per slice

Hawaiian (Ham & Pineapple) x slice/s @ $1.90 per slice

GELATO: (only one per child)

Strawberry @ $1.60

Chocolate @ $1.60

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Other news in Religious Education:

Family Holy Communion night is on Tuesday 21st May 6pm in the Hall.

Family Confirmation night is on Wednesday 5th June 6pm.

Mini Vinnie’s WINTER APPEAL. Please donate non-perishable items such as

UHT milk, can food, pasta, tea and coffee to the St.Vincent de Paul winter

appeal. Please make sure the food is in date. Food can be collected in each

classroom. Thank-you.

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POSITIONS STILL AVAILABLE FOR 2020

Limited vacancies are available in the 3-4 year old

groups and 4-5 year old groups.

All enrolment enquiries should be directed to Yarra

Ranges Kindergartens at enrol@yrkinders.com or

9726 0439.

Please contact the Preschool on 9736 1954 if you

would like to speak to the teachers or make a time for

a tour.

mailto:enrol@yrkinders.com

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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.

Mt Evelyn Chess Club

The Mt Evelyn Chess Club started up

again Monday 11th Feb, 7pm til 9pm at

Hardy House, the RSL Hall, 49

Birmingham Road Mt Evelyn. All

welcome – beginners to players.

Is anyone available to run the Chess

Club from early May to mid July as Tim will be overseas. Email Tim

on therlihyau@gmail.com or phone 0419 102 380.

This club is supported by the Mt Evelyn Township Group, the Mt

Evelyn RSL and a grant from Yarra Ranges Council to purchase the

competition standard chess sets and clocks. Gold coin donation.

School Vegetable Garden News

We had lots of great helpers

in the garden this week –

moving soil and collecting the

autumn leaves. 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

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VEGETABLE GARDEN VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY

Name:_______________________________________Mobile:______________________________

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

mailto:therlihyau@gmail.commailto:rpritchard@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au

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20 May 2019

Helping your child

make and keep friends

BEHAVIOUR

by Michael Grose

Children who develop healthy friendships generally have a definite set of social skills that help make them easy to like, easy to relate to and easy to play with. One such skill is the ability to adjust their behaviours to suit the social requirements of a particular situation. Many boys struggle in this area and can be loud, overbearing and bossy when their peers want them to be quiet, cooperative and to follow others. You can coach your child to fit in with the requirements of many of their social groups using this three-pronged approach:

The primary school age is an ideal time for children to form friendships with both girls and boys. This is particularly valid if your child has siblings of their own gender, or don’t have siblings.

Remind: Be preemptive with your teaching. Before your child visits their friends provide some relevant pointers about their behaviour. “Remember to say hello quietly and ask them if they’d like to play with you.”

Rehearse: It’s useful to practise with children how they should act in social situations. “Okay, Jeremy tell me what you will say when you want to enter a game. Let’s practice waiting for a break in the game, approaching someone you know and saying, “Excuse me. Can I play with you guys?”

Revisit: Give your child feedback after the event but keep it positive and upbeat. “That was great the way you let the other kids lead the way. Your friends love it when you let them be boss.” Boys, in particular, benefit from being told what works well in terms of their friendships behaviours.

Encourage healthy friendships

The wellbeing of many primary school girls is heavily impacted by her relationships with her peers. When relationships are going well she’ll tend to be happy, however when friendships become tricky then she can feel unhappy, even distraught. Help your daughter identify what a healthy friendship looks and feels like – she should feel safe, valued and able to speak up. Unhealthy relationships, such as cliques, are restrictive, one-sided, full of gossip and criticism. To assist them to reflect on the nature of healthy relationships help your child to formulate responses to these questions: “What does a good friend look like? How does a good friend behave? What do good friends do?”

Encourage friendships with both genders

The primary school age is an ideal time for children to form friendships with both girls and boys. This is particularly valid if your child has siblings of their own gender, or don’t have siblings. It’s through these early relationships that we gain the confidence to mix with different genders in the later years. Forming friends across genders helps to break down the mystique that sometimes forms, when a child has little contact with the ‘other’ gender.

Understand the impact of gender on friendships

Research shows that boys’ friendships groups are more inclusive and less changeable than friendships enjoyed by girls, particularly those in the eight to twelve age group. If you have a girl, be ready to support your daughter through the hurt of friendship breakdowns and remind them that new friendships are just around the corner. Many girls take a disagreement with a friend personally as they don’t have the emotional development to deal with conflict constructively. Help her reflect on her own place in a friendship breakdown, and encourage her to be open to restoring a relationship once emotions are in check.

Remember, friends a feather flock together

If you think that your child doesn’t have as many friends as a sibling or other children their own age, don’t be too alarmed. On average, children usually have only two or three significant friendships at any one time. It’s the quality rather than the quantity of friendships that counts. If you are concerned that your child lacks friends at school encourage them to take up a variety of extra-curricular activities. It’s easier to strike up a friendship with someone when you have something in common.

Above all else, encourage your child to be friendly by talking to others, showing an interest in what other children do, offering help when needed, and being willing to enter a game or social situation. Consider teaching your child, if necessary, alternatives to fighting and arguing when there is disagreement and conflict within groups.