No.34. 23rd October 2017

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Dear Parents, How lovely it is to be back! I enjoyed catching up with the children today; how some of them have grown since I last saw them! Visiting classrooms this morning I was impressed to see the new phonics and spelling programming in action across each of the levels. We are trialling a new method of explicit instruction and student investigation around the understanding of phonics and its application in writing. This is the early stage of our trial which follows months of research, collection of evidence based practice, including visits to schools that are performing really well in this learning area. Thank you to Mr Bekkers and Mrs Fraraccio who have led the investigation and thanks to the teachers who are embracing the revised methodology. We will continue to monitor each child’s progress as always and adapt the teaching according to needs. A very big thank you to Mrs Fraraccio for looking after you all while I was away and thanks also to the staff in supporting her during my absence. We also welcome back Mrs Meades who has returned from long service leave; it’s wonderful to have her back in the library. This week of course we turn our focus to the junior school as they present the Junior Performing Arts Showcase. Thursday is performance day and the excitement is building! With performances at 9:15am and 6:00pm, we invite all parents, siblings, grandparents and friends to come along to this annual presentation which will be held in the hall. Tickets are not required for these performances; just come along and support our junior ‘stars’ as they shine! On Wednesday, St Mary’s will be represented at the Mission Mass which will be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. Members of our Mini Vinnies and Student Action Teams, both very strong and proactive student groups at our school, will be in attendance. We are very proud of the work done by these students and know they will represent St Mary’s well. I remind you that Friday is ‘Socktober Day’. This is a fundraiser organised by the Mini Vinnies students which supports the wider work of the Catholic Mission. This year children are being asked to wear “non-uniform” socks on Friday in exchange for a gold coin donation. Please send the gold coin along with your child to class and it will be collected from there. With the weather hopefully improving, we understand that families become incredibly busy especially on weekends. It would seem that this weekend is a perfect example of this as due to a lack of interest, we are unable to participate (as a school), at the Mt Evelyn Street Fair this Sunday. I encourage people to call in on this community event if they can and hope that next year we will have more ‘takers’. Included in this newsletter are photos from last Friday’s year 3/4 excursion to the Melbourne Zoo. This excursion, apart from being a great place to visit, supports the inquiry unit being studied this term which explores diversity and habitats. My prayers and thoughts for a lovely week. Congratulations to our Students of the Week for last week: Prep B: Kristen W Prep R: Harrison P 1/2F: Oliver M 1/2H: 1/2P: Scarlett J 1/2R: Noah S

3/4F: Lachy H 3/4C: Brandon Z 5/6B: Jessica H 5/6F: Mawson S 5/6P: Nathan E 5/6C: Caleb H-N/Tamara B

My prayers and best wishes for a lovely week.

Angela Glennie, Principal

Upcoming Information

School Assembly every Friday at 8.45am - ALL WELCOME

Summer UNIFORM required to be worn TERM 4 & 1

NO HAT NO PLAY Term 4 & Term 1 School Closure Day - Monday, 6th November (Day before Cup Day)

Change of date: Confirmation will now take place on Friday November 10th at 6:00pm.

MASS TIMES - St Mary’s Mt Evelyn Saturdays – 5.00 pm & Sundays 10.30 am & 5.00pm

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Monday, 23rd Oct Wednesday 25th Oct Thursday 26th Oct Friday, 27th October

3.30pm 9.00am 9-11am 3.30-5.30 9.15am 6.00pm 8.15am 8.45am

Staff Meeting Junior School Showcase Rehearsal Junior School Showcase Rehearsal – Whole School Working Bee Mission Mass St Patrick’s Cathedral-Mini Vinnie & Sat Team Junior School Showcase Junior School Showcase Grade 1/2 Excursion School Assembly

Week Day & Date Time Event

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Monday, 30th Oct Tuesday 31st Oct Wednesday 1st Nov Thursday 2nd Nov Friday, 3rd Nov

3.30pm 9.15am 3.30-4.30pm 3.30-4.30pm 12.00pm 2.00pm 8.45am

Staff Meeting Grade 5/6 Start Smart Incursion Prep Orientation A-K Prep Orientation L- Z Confirmation Visit - Monsignor Spirit Day School Assembly

UNIFORMS

NO HAT NO PLAY for Term 4 and Term 1

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’ Summer Uniform Boys’ Summer Uniform

St Mary’s uniform school dress Navy Shorts Length of dresses and tunics should (no jeans, jean style or cargo pants) not be above the knee St Mary’s polo shirt St Mary’s windcheater St Mary’s windcheater Navy socks Navy socks Black polished shoes Black polished shoes (no sneakers/runners) (no sneakers/runners) School hat School hat

Girls’ Summer Sports Uniform Boys’ Summer Sports Uniform

Navy track suit pants Navy track suit pants St Mary’s windcheater St Mary’s windcheater Navy unisex sports shorts Navy unisex sports shorts St Mary’s sports polo shirt St Mary’s sports polo top White St. Mary’s sports socks or plain White St. Mary’s sports socks or plain white socks and runners white socks and runners School hat School hat

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS TERM 4

Tuesday Afternoon 3.00pm - 3.30pm

Thursday Morning 8.45am – 9.15am

NO NUTS

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 I can appreciate that there may be children who just love to have their

peanut butter sandwiches or bars, I am sure that if it was your child with the allergy, you would also

appreciate people helping out in this way!

SCHOOL FEES Fee statements were sent out last term. Please check them carefully and contact the office immediately if you have

any queries. All rebates for working bee from doing tuckshop duty will be processed this term.

Internet Banking: St Marys Primary School BSB 083-347 Account Number 676054930 (Reference eldest child’s name). Payment options available at the office – EFTPOS/Cheque/Cash

FOR BPAY PAYMENTS PLEASE PUT YOUR CHILD AS A REFERENCE

STUDENT SAFETY When you are dropping off or picking your child/children up from school please ensure

that you allow them to exit or enter the car via the passenger side. This will ensure their safety.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK All Parents and Friends visiting St Marys must have a ‘Working With Children Check’. These are

available FREE to volunteers on line…….

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

uniform and hats.

SCHOOL FEE SCHEDULE ADVICE FOR 2018

School Fees and Levies for 2018 have been set for the next year in accordance with the Principal, Parish Priest Accountant and the advice of the School Advisory Council. Please find the following notification for the 2018 fee schedule.

Accounts will be billed and invoices sent home on 8th February 2018. Please contact the office if you would like to start paying 2018 school fees in advance.

The 2018 school fees will attract for the first time a $100.00 discount per family fee (7% discount for 1 child family) for fees paid in full by April 20th 2018.

FEE Schedule Prep to Grade 6

Family Fee: This charge covers a portion of re-current expenses, utilities, capital items and building maintenance. NB* $100.00 discount per family fee for fees paid in full by June 29th 2018.

Student Levy: This includes all classrooms materials, maintenance items, books, excursions and incursions (not the grade 6 camp).

Maintenance Levy Rebate: Your maintenance (working bee) levy will be rebated when: You have attended a scheduled Working Bee or if you commit to a role as a P&F committee member or elect to four tuckshop duties. (P&F rebates will be processed in October).

ADDITIONAL CHARGES Scheduled to Grade 4, 5 and 6

NB* Grade 6 Jacket: Per student grade 6 only – this will be billed separate to your fees ENROLMENT FEE (New Families Only)

Per family $100.00 on acceptance of your enrolment application. This will be credited to your account once enrolment commences.

CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund)

Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply.

$125 per year is paid for eligible primary school students, with $225 per year paid for eligible secondary

school students. Payments are made directly to the school and are tied to the student. Application forms

are available from the office and should be completed and returned no later than 1st March 2018.

IMMUNISATION

From 1 January 2016, families with children aged under 20 years need to have their children immunised (unless the child has an approved exemption) to be eligible to receive the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A end of year supplement and child care subsidies. (Note: This does not apply to children aged under 12 months for the purposes of the FTB Part A supplement only.) Vaccine objection is no longer an exemption category for immunisation. Families with children that have a medical exemption (medical contraindication or natural immunity certified by a general practitioner, or participants of an approved medical research study) continue to be eligible to receive Child Care Benefit (CCB), Child Care Rebate (CCR), and the FTB Part A end of year supplement for that child. SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Forms for periodical deductions weekly/fortnightly/monthly/quarterly either Direct Debit/BPAY or Credit Card will be sent home with your 2018 invoice.

Internet Banking: St Marys Primary School BSB 083-347 Account Number 676054930 (reference eldest child’s name)

Payment options available at the office – EFTPOS/Cheque/Cash

2018 *Family Fee Student Levy Rebate able Maintenance

Levy

TOTAL

1 Child Family $1,080.00 $274.00 $60.00 $1,414.00

2 Child Family $1,080.00 $548.00 $60.00 $1,688.00

3 Child Family $1,080.00 $822.00 $60.00 $1,962.00

2018 Camp Fee Bowling Hoop Time

*Grade 6 Jacket

Sporting Activities

TOTAL

Grade 6 $335.00 $50.00 $58.00 $20.00 $463.00

Grade 5 $50.00 $20.00 $ 70.00

Grade 4 $25.00 $ 25.00

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.

It should be unambiguous, widely disseminated and supported by supervision, 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

COMMUNITY NEWS Cire Children’s Outside School Hours Care Mt Evelyn Our Relocation to St Mary’s

We are very pleased to announce our move to St Mary’s, which will

commence on Monday 9th October, the start of Term 4. Our program will

be in the school hall. Feel free to drop in and have a look at our program.

All Bookings and Enquiries: Ph: 0407 695 528 or Email: oshc-mtevelyn@cire.org.au SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM WILL BE RUN BY CIRE. VENUE AND PROGRAMME TO BE

ADVISED

BEFORE SCHOOL TENNIS LESSONS AT ST MARY’S Platinum Tennis Coaching strives to provide a fun, positive and

challenging environment for your child to learn and enjoy tennis. Lessons are now being offered

at St Mary’s at a convenient time before school, which means a positive start to the day for

your child by engaging them in physical activity before they head into class. Also every student

who signs up for a Term of Coaching receives a free racquet!! Tennis is a fantastic sporting

activity and our coaching reflects the passion we have for everyone to learn and participate in it.

We feel very privileged to be able to conduct these lessons on the outdoor courts at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. I

look forward to seeing you out on the court! Matt O’Toole – Head Coach

www.platinumtenniscoaching.com.au E: matt@platinumtenniscoaching.com.au Ph: 0425 711 879 Before School Tennis Lessons at St Mary’s

Contact Matt O’Toole on 0425 711 879 for further information

DAY LIGHT SAVINGS ST MARY’S MASS TIMES Saturday 5.00pm & Sunday 10.30am & 5.00pm

St Mary’s Catholic Parish 58 Clegg Road, Mt Evelyn Mass: 5pm Saturdays, 10:30am & 5pm Sundays

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish Park Road, Warburton Mass: 4:30pm Sundays

St Thomas a Becket Church 40 Milners Road, Yarra Junction Mass: 9am Sundays

The Mt Evelyn Street Party The Mt Evelyn Street Party is only weeks away, and we

have another exciting competition for both kids and adults

to get involved in - the Colouring Competition! This is open

to kids from Pre-school all the way through to adults, with

two colouring in sheets for the different age groups. There

are great prizes, so get out the pencils, textas,

watercolours, pastels and crayons!

More details and these colouring sheets can be found at

St.Mary’s Office and the website:

https://mtevelynstreetparty.com/competitions/

Looking forward to seeing some creative entries!

Beef Pie 3.00 Nippies Milk (Choc or Strawberry) 1.50

Party Pie 1.00 Mineral Water (Orange, Cola, Apple Raspberry or Blue Heaven) 1.20

Party Sausage Roll 1.00 Just Juice (Apple or Paradise Punch) 1.20

Hot Dog 2.20

Dim Sims 0.80

Chicken Tenders 1.10

Party Pasties 1.00

Pizza Slices (Hawiian or Margarita) 2.50

Zooper Dooper 0.50

Dixie Cup 1.00

Jam Doughnut 1.10

Soy Sauce 0.30 Ring Doughnut (Chocolate or Strawberry) 0.90

Tomatoe Sauce 0.30 Choc Chip Cookie 0.80

Brown Paper Bags 0.20 Low Salt Popcorn 1.00

Vegie Chips (Salt & Vinegar) 1.20

Chips (Low Salt Plain or Honey Soy) 1.20

Buttered 1.00

Vegemite 0.30

Cheese 0.50 Red Skins 0.30

Mayonnaise 0.20 Milko Sticks 0.30

Lettuce 0.50 Ovalteenies 0.90

Tomato 0.50 Sundfruit Lolly Bag 0.90

ADD

SNACKS

SPECIAL TREATS

Limit 1 per order

ST. MARY'S TUCKSHOP Term 4 - 2017

ORDERING: On a paper bag please clearly put your child’s – Name

Grade

Items Ordered

Amount Due

Change Due

Please provide correct money if possible (wrap money in paper).

For families paying together, please write on each bag the name and grade of each child.

HOT FOOD DRINKS

EXTRAS

Please write as a separate item

BREAD ROLLS

White only

ICY POLES/ ICE-CREAM

School Vegetable Garden News It is time to prepare our veggie beds and plant seedlings for our summer veggies.

Donations needed: kids sized shovels, rakes and gardening gloves; veggie seedlings and herbs. Thank-you. This week there will be garden club on Wednesday 25th October from 10.45 till 11.30am. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. This week please bring shovels to move the soil into the beds. All helpers are required to have a working with children’s check. Also, 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

Religious Education news:

Class Mass: Thursday 26th October, 5/6P will attend the 9 a.m.

Mass in the church. All welcome to attend.

October is World Mission month. Catholic Mission are raising

funds for urgent and lifesaving medical supplies for people in

Uganda, Africa. Mini Vinnies will be prompting the Catholic

Mission event of SOCKTOBER on Friday 27th October. Please

wear brightly coloured socks with your school uniform. Gold

coin donation please.

Confirmation Friday 10 November, 6pm. Candidates please

continue to attend weekend Mass in preparation for this Sacrament

and please keep these children in your prayers.

Graduation Mass. Please place in your diaries the Grade 6

Graduation Mass will be on Wednesday 20th December at 4pm.

School Procedures for the Bushfire Season

Fire danger ratings and warnings are used in Victoria to provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life.

Schools and children’s services listed on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) will be closed when a Code Red fire danger rating day is determined in their Bureau of Meteorology district. Our school has been identified as being one of those at high bushfire risk and is listed on the BARR.

Where possible, we will provide parents with up to four days notice of a potential Code Red day closure by letter and SMS message. A Code Red day will be determined by the Emergency Management Commissioner no later than 1.00 pm the day before the potential closure. Once we are advised of the confirmation of the Code Red day we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.

Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child. It is also important to note that:

No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Code Red day.

School camps will be cancelled if a Code Red fire danger rating day is determined for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located.

All bus routes will be cancelled.

On these Code Red days families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan – on such days children should never be left at home or in the care of older children.

For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the CFA advise that when Code Red days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Code Red day.

As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan.

What can parents do?

Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is closed.

Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters and checking our website.

Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.

If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan.

You can access more information about school closures on the Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) and Department of Education and Training website – see <www.cecv.catholic.edu.au> and <http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx>.

For up-to-date information on this year’s fire season, visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the 24-hour Victorian Bushfires Information Line on 1800 240 667