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Our Explicit Improvement Agenda
Student Voice and Agency
Planning for Improved Student Learning - key focus in Mathematics
Celebrations of Learning and Student Feedback
In this week’s newsletter we celebrate our students’, in Years 3 to 6, participation in School Sports Victoria (SSV) Swimming Trials. Congratulations to all students on their efforts in the pool, and most importantly, for the way they represented our school with such pride in their events. We look forward to the upcoming SSV District Swimming event on Friday 1 March and wish those students participating all the very best.
Each week we celebrate and publish our student feedback, please refer to this section of the newsletter to read all about our students efforts!
NAPLAN
Online NAPLAN testing for students in Years 3 and 5 will begin on Wednesday 13 March - NAPLAN Writing, Friday 15 March - NAPLAN Reading, Monday 18 March - NAPLAN Language Conventions and Wednesday 20 March - NAPLAN Numeracy. The 2024 NAPLAN Information for Parents brochure is attached to this newsletter for parents of students in Years 3 and 5.
Student Learning Conversations (Parent Teacher Interviews)
The beginning of the year Student Learning Conversations will be held on:
- Wednesday 6 March, 2024 from 3.40 pm - 6.20 pm
- Thursday 7 March, 2024 from 3.40 pm - 6.20 pm
The purpose of this time is to acquaint yourself with your child’s teacher and for your child to share their learning data, goals and strategies for the Term. As a school we value the opportunity for students to be active in their learning, to meet with parents and to establish a positive working partnership for the 2024 school year. More information will be sent home to parents regarding the booking process for the Student Learning Conversations in the coming weeks.
Easter Raffle
2025 Student Enrolments
Enrolments are now open for Foundation 2025 and filling fast. If you have a child starting school next year, please collect an enrolment appplication from the office ASAP. For those families who have already taken an aplication form, please ensure that it is returned to the office well before Open Days when new famiilies will begin enrolling.
econd Sunday of Lent, Cycle B
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Mark 9:2-10
Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John.
On the second Sunday of Lent in each Lectionary cycle, the Gospel reading proclaims the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. This event is reported in each of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This year, in Lectionary Cycle B, we hear Mark’s report of this event. God affirmed that Jesus is his Son, and that we are to listen to him. What are some ways that you can listen to Jesus.
Project Compassion
Spanning across the six weeks of Lent, Project Compassion brings many schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for the most marginalised communities around the world.
The Project Compassion theme reminds us that what we do today can have an impact for all future generations. This message invites us to step up for those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival and those whose needs at this time are far beyond ours.
During the Ash Wednesday Mass held last week each grade received a Project Compassion Box which linked saying ‘Amen’ to the Body of Christ and ‘being’ the Body of Christ in the world today. Families and students are invited to make a donation by dropping a few coins in the class Project Compassion box during Lent. By putting compassion into action, we can make a difference today, for all future generations. Your generous support is appreciated.
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Information
Mary MacKillop Primary School is one of the three Parish Primary Schools belonging to the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren within the Diocese of Sale. We welcome Fr Michael Willensen our new Parish Priest and Fr Ajin Albarnas continues be the Assistant Priest. We are grateful for their ongoing prayers, involvement and support of the students, families and staff of Mary MacKillop School.
Parish Sacramental Program 204
FIRST RECONCILIATION Online booking for the Parent & Child Workshop and Celebration will be available on www.schoolinterviews.com.au starting Monday, 19th February at 10 a.m. and ending Monday, 26th February at 10 a.m. If you have any questions, please contact Vea, Sacrament Coordinator, by phone (03) 9704 7935 or email sacraments@olhc.org.au
Click on the link to access a copy of the 2024 Sacrament Program Booklet:
https://www.olhc.org.au/parish-sacrament-program/
Parish Bulletin
Click on the link below to download the weekly newsletter.
Term 1 - Week 4
- Well done to Middle level students who are completing their homestudy and remembering to bring their books in each Friday.
- Well done to all students in demonstrating eagerness towards the Resilience Project and working towards being G.E.M’s (Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness).
- Fantastic work Year 3’s with your enthusiasm towards ‘Dis Moments’.
- Well done to the students in Years 3 - 6 who participated in the School Sports Victoria Swimming Trials on Wednesday - congratulations on your efforts and talents in the water as well as the way you represented our school with pride.
- Thank you to 4FW for continuing with their task, and not being distracted when Mrs Lane walked in to chat with a few students. It is great seeing every one of you engaged and doing a fantastic job!
- A huge thanks to our Foundation students who have established class routines within a few weeks. It’s amazing to see students get ready for an activity without the teacher even asking (such as morning prayer, changing daily reader book and sitting ready to begin Little Learners Love Literacy each morning). Your teachers are so proud of you!
- Congratulations to all students who shared their homestudy books with Mrs Fourna today - it was amazing to see the workbooks with many different types of tasks attempted and how well your work was presented - Thank You.
SWIMMING TRIALS
Yesterday, 35 students from years 4-6 attended our school swimming trials. The students showed outstanding effort and behaviour throughout the session.
Congratulations to the following students who have now qualified for the school swimming team who will compete in the Berwick District Carnival on March 1 at Doveton Pool:
Liana B, Layla M, Milana M, Isabel M, Noah C, Toby W, Chloe , Fleur I, Coral K, Jasmine P, Raf P, Tyler S, Cruz , Jayden C, Alannah X, Dior I, Imogen D, Wendall N.
The cost for District Swimming is $20 and must be paid VIA CDFPay by 29 February, otherwise students are unable to attend. An information letter and timetable will be sent home to these families tomorrow via PAM.
| Name | Class | Learning Award |
| Akos | F-LL | Learning Award - Be Compassionate |
| Ariana | F-GN | Learning Awards - Be Responsible |
| Arya | 1-BC | Learning Awards - Be Courageous |
| Bailey | 5-JB | Learning Award - Be Compassionate |
| Catherine | 1-BC | Learning Award - Be Respectful |
| Chase | 3-CN | Learning Awards - Be Problem Solvers |
| Milania | 6-MV | Learning Award - Be Respectful |
| Peter | F-GN | Learning Award - Be Respectful |
| Yenny | F-LL | Learning Awards - Be Responsible |
Child Safe Standards
Our school is safe, student centred and animated by our school values.
We aim to Inspire Hearts and Minds.
"Children are the future of the human family: all of us are expected to promote their growth, health and tranquillity." Pope Francis 2021
At Mary MacKillop Primary School, we believe that ensuring the safety of the students in our care is an integral part of who we are as a Catholic faith community. We adhere to Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 1359. We embed a culture of child safety and the matter is taken very seriously.
MMPS Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Policy
Child friendly version of Child Safe Policy (updated June 2022) Congratulations to our Year 6 Student Leaders on their creation of the student friendly version of the Child Safe Policy. This policy has been uploaded to our website. Child Safe page and can be found in the following link https://www.marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au/child-safety-standards
Parental Use of Mobile Phones (Privacy Laws)
We ask all parents to be mindful of their mobile phone usage, child safety and privacy laws when visiting our school. During such times as morning Prayer time, Mass, Assemblies and school events/gatherings, we ask parents to turn off or put away their mobile phones and to respect the privacy of all students. Photographs and video footage cannot be taken of students without parental permission. Reminders of safe mobile phone usage will be shared with the school community at morning prayer times and assemblies. On special occasions such as student awards at assemblies or student graduations, space will be made available for parents to photograph their child in a child safe way. We thank you for working in partnership with us to respect the privacy of all our students.
Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV)
The updated CECV Statement of Commitment to Child Safety - A safe, nurturing and empowering culture for all children and young people in Catholic schools, is attached to this newsletter. This statement has been updated in light of the revised Child Safe Standards coming into effect from 1 July 2022 and the supporting Ministerial Order No. 1359
Child Safe Resources to support Students, Parents/Carers
eSafety Commissioner
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
For families:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/parent-resources/online-safety-for-every-family
What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces. This worldwide initiative is celebrating 20 years in 2023, making it a great time to reflect as well as look forward. Technology has evolved dramatically in the past two decades and the benefits have been huge. These developments have also exposed us to many risks with real-world impacts, making online safety awareness even more important.
That's why we are calling on Australians to Connect. Reflect. Protect.
- Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways.
- Reflect before we act – by taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may affect others.
- Protect ourselves and others by taking action – by telling family, friends or colleagues about eSafety and how we can help.
Mary MacKillop School was proud to support Safer Internet Day on 6 February 2024. Together, we can all #ConnectReflectProtect. Our school is committed to raising online safety awareness and helping students build positive online relationships. By using eSafety resources, our school is helping our students have safer, more positive experiences online.
All families at Mary MacKillop School are encouraged to take an active part by doing these simple things - Connect Reflect Protect. We can work towards making every day a Safer Internet Day. Further information can be found in a separate letter sent to families via email earlier in the week.
CCYP - Commission for Children and Young People
https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/
School TV
https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news
Today parents face a multitude of modern-day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance. SchoolTV addresses this as a new online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. All SchoolTV topics are divided into series. The number of topics relating to a series will differ and over time new topics will be added. Every month from February to November, a new topic is published for you to review. Take the time to explore each series and topic and make sure you visit the resources section. Here you will find useful factsheets, apps, books, websites and other additional videos - all on one single topic!
SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer 2024
The Wellbeing Barometer survey has proven to be an invaluable tool for schools, providing insights into the state of youth mental health and wellbeing. Whilst last year’s results focussed the spotlight on areas of concern, there were also many highlights that demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of students and emphasised the necessity of prevention strategies. Participating in this year's survey, will assist in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention. Previously gathered information has helped support families as they navigate difficult conversations that enable understanding and foster connections to build relationships.
This survey is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study, with the results being instrumental in tailoring support for students and their families. Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year. Its aim is to capture a comprehensive picture of young people's lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.
We encourage you to take a few moments to complete a survey for each of your children. This will help us determine the nature and extent of your concerns and how best to support families in the months ahead. Responses remain anonymous and will only be reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in the last 12 months.
Acquiring the skills for future independence, taking healthy risks, and giving young people the opportunity to emancipate from parents, are key developmental tasks that are essential if we are to stave off the impact of mental illness in the future. Please reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you or your child, please reach out to the school or seek professional medical advice.
Here is the link to your special report: https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2024-au
Bravehearts https://bravehearts.org.au/
We are a Happy Families School!
Our school is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership! Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources. We will regularly share resources available through our membership with you, including Insight Articles and Webinars. You can also access your resources at any time using the below URL (unique to our school) and password.
Unique URL - https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/mmnwn
Password - happymmnwn
We recommend bookmarking this link. You should only need to put the password in once and the site will remember you.
Insights Articles
A new Insights article is released weekly during the term, and we will include these with the school newsletter. Insights articles are written by Dr Justin Coulson and other leading experts and provide parenting education and support for a wide variety of traditional and contemporary parenting challenges. You can also access 300+ previous Insights articles on our school’s URL.
Here is the latest weekly Insight Article (attached) - Low Effort, High Pay-off Parenting
Parent Webinars
You have access to 4 live webinars a year (one per term). We will announce upcoming webinar details in the Insights articles. You’ll have access to the recording via our school’s URL but as the webinars are live, we recommend you watch them in real time so that you can ask Dr Justin and / or the guest presenter any questions you may have.
We hope you enjoy the Insights and webinars!