Our Explicit Improvement Agenda

Student Voice and Agency

Planning for improved student learning

Celebrations of Learning

On Friday 3 February, our Year 6 students participated in the Aspire Higher Leadership Program.  The day long incursion focused on building positive peer relationships, what it means to lead with or without a badge, teamwork and students identifying their strengths and the strengths of others around them.  Below are some Year 6 student reflections on the day 

On Friday we had an incursion on leadership.  I learned that there is the prophet leader, the planner leader, and the people leader. The prophet leader is someone who mostly makes the ideas, the planner leader takes the ideas from the prophet leader and does the info and the people leader is very compassionate and includes people. Addison B (6-PF)

 Last Friday the Year 6 students had an incursion in the hall about being a leader with or without a badge. It was really fun because we got into different groups and most people that were in our groups probably wouldn't be people that we would usually work with but it was really interesting and fun. We learned all about the importance of Teamwork and how important it is to be a leader whether we are at school or not. Adiel B (6-PF)

Last Friday we had two people Jamie and Gill come and teach us about leadership. What I learned is that you’re a leader with or without a badge and to be a leader you have to be a good role model to the younger kids, even understand that your help can make a big impact in someone's life and they can remember it for all their life without you realizing.  Jaime and Gill also taught us about ASPIRE, where every letter has a meaning and we learned the meaning of each letter. ASPIRE stands for ACTION, SERVE, PERSISTENCE, INFLUENCE, RESPECT, ENCOURAGE.  They split us into groups with people we didn't usually bond with and we had a BFFT (best friend for today) and had to do different activities and games with them. Telina T (6-PF)

On Friday both 6MV and 6PF went to the hall and talked about leaders, the key message of Friday was we are leaders with and without a badge. Personally I do have a badge but Friday taught me about how we can still all be leaders and not miss out! We learned a lot about teamwork and working together with people who aren't your friends! This day told me lots about everyone else and getting to know others. We were told about how you are a role model and you are important with or without a badge, overall everyone should be proud of participating and working with people they usually don't work with! Sienna B  (6MV)

I think it was really fun and I absolutely had a ball.  I learnt a lot that just because I don't have a badge doesn't mean I don't have the same rights as the people who do have a badge. I really enjoyed all the activities and the jokes that the host made and I also think that everyone else had fun Jayden M (6MV)

On Friday the 3rd of February everyone in Grade 6 attended an all day incursion about Leadership. It was great to learn about how to be a leader with or without a badge and how to express your leadership skills inside and outside of school. Everyone in Grade 6 also did an epic race in groups ,expressing leadership and helping others through different leadership problems and troubles. This helped us to get to know other people and to also help people we don't know go through things that are their weakness and strengths. Amelia C (6-MV)

On Friday 3rd of February the Year 6s went to Allen Hall to learn about the importance of leadership and experiencing that extra responsibility over all. We got the true meaning behind what a leader is and learnt that like in rock paper scissors we all have different strengths and weaknesses, but we are still as imperfect and equal as one another. The whole incursion was held by two lovely people Jamie and Gilbert (Gil) and told us their stories of when they saw someone showing leadership in their past. Everybody seemed to love doing fun games and activities filled with bonding and encouragement for others. This was the best incursion ever! Lily C (6MV)

I think the program ' Aspire Higher ' was very good. It made us get out of our comfort zone, they challenged us and we embraced every moment. We had to use teamwork, we had fun and we learned how to be a proper leader and how to show qualities of a leader in the school. They helped us to find what type of leader we could be. So we thank Aspire Higher for helping us! - David O (6MV)

I really enjoyed the leadership incursion on Friday the 3rd of February. I would like to thank Gill and Jamie for being there and teaching us about leadership. I loved the idea of the BFFT -BEST FRIEND FOR TODAY-  and the groups. I wasn't very close with anyone in the group, or my BFFT and so I made some new friends. I loved the activities and especially the cup and jigsaw puzzle. The two activities really encouraged us to work together. Thanks to the teachers who organised this incursion as well. - Annabelle I (6 MV) 

Last Friday all the year 6’s had a leadership incursion. It was about being a leader with or without a badge. The instructors of the incursion really encouraged us to sit with someone that we don’t know very well. We split up into 8 different groups and completed different challenges. The teachers or instructors would give us bonus points based on if we used the aspire frame, the A stands for ACTION, The S was SERVE, The P was PERSIST, The I was INFLUENCE, The R was RESPECT and the E was ENCOURAGE. It was a really fun experience and we learnt a lot. Kate M (6MV)

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/f-10assessment/naplan/Pages/parents/index.aspx

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every student to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

The tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN tests are just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process; they do not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance.

NAPLAN tests also provide schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate in the annual NAPLAN tests.

If your child regularly utilises adjustments in their classroom, it may be possible for these to be used. Where applicable you are encouraged to discuss the use of disability adjustments for your child with your child’s teacher.

A formal exemption may be granted for a student with significant intellectual disability and/or significant coexisting conditions, or for a student who has recently arrived in Australia and has a non-english speaking background. Your school can give you more information on disability adjustments or the process required to gain a formal exemption.

2023 NAPLAN Information for Parents can be found in a range of languages. Please visit the website above for more information.

Staff Professional Learning - Bravehearts Training Webinar

Last Monday afternoon, Staff participated in Child Safety Training with a Bravehearts facilitator with the aim to Educate, Empower and Protect.  The Staff training covered types and indicators of child abuse, harmful sexual and offending behaviours, building a Child Safe Culture in our school and ongoing Child Safety awareness.  Staff were able to reflect on the Child Safety measures we have in place in our school including the important focus of empowering students - building their student voice and agency in this very important area.  We look forward to working with our Year 6 student leaders to revise and shape the Student Friendly version of our Child Safe Policy.

School Day

Just a reminder to parents that the school day begins at 8.45 am.  The Welcome Garden front gate and Lowry Court gate are open at 8.30 am.  We ask parents if they are dropping off their child before 8.30 am to use the YLV Before and After School Care facility located in the Lomas Gym.  The school day finishes at the new time of 3.10 pm.

Student Learning Conversations (Parent Teacher Interviews)

The beginning of the year Student Learning Conversations will be held on:

• Tuesday 7 March, 2023 from 3.40 pm - 6.20 pm
• Wednesday 8 March, 2023 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 2023 school year.  More information will be sent home to parents regarding the booking process for the Student Learning Conversations in the coming weeks.

Canteen - new opening day - Friday 17 February

The Canteen will be open for orders via CDF Pay -  Friday 17 February.  Thank you for your understanding.

Important Dates, School Events and Student Free days

The newsletter is published weekly each Thursday afternoon.  We strongly encourage you to subscribe to the Mary MacKillop SchoolZine App [SZApp] to receive the newsletter, school information, updates on school events, alerts and emergency information.

We look forward to an exciting year of learning and working in partnership with you.

Religious Education

First Reconciliation Enrolment and Parent Only Workshop

Parents are invited to enrol their children for the 2023 Sacrament of Reconciliation. Your child should have received the Sacrament of Baptism before enrolling for their First Reconciliation. The enrolment and parent only workshop is held tonight on Thursday 9th February and Wednesday 15th February at 7.00pm in the Church.  Please arrive at 6-45pm. Parents are required to only attend one of the enrolment nights. Attendance is mandatory if you wish to prepare your child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is a parent only workshop and children are not required to attend.  If for any reason you miss the enrolment night, or cannot make it to any other meeting/workshop, we request you to wait until the following year, as the parish is unable to offer any catch-up workshops for those who are unable to attend.  An enrolment levy of $50 is payable via CDF Pay https://olhc.cdfpay.org.au

Please bring your receipt number to the enrolment night.  Bookings open from Tuesday, 16th January 2023 at 10.00am and closes on Friday 17th February at 10.00am 2023.  For more information, please refer to the Sacrament Program Booklet 2023 on the parish website www.olhc.org.au or contact the Parish Office.

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, will be celebrated on Tuesday the 21st February 2023. It's always celebrated on the last day before Lent, preceding Ash Wednesday. Please complete the eForm by Friday 17 February 2023t. Children must have PAM permission to participate. Students with allergies to any of the listed ingredients or require special dietary requirements are asked to provide their own pre-prepared pancakes and toppings.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Matthew 5:17–37

I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them.

Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount with a three part instruction by Jesus on the Way of Life in the kingdom of heaven. Today’s reading is part one and deals with the Law. Part two deals with worship and religious practice and contains the Lord’s Prayer. Part three deals with trusting God and deeds of loving service to our neighbour. Jesus tells us in this Sunday’s Gospel that the best way to understand God’s Law of love, is to listen to Jesus and to live like him.

OLHC Parish

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. Fr Brendan Hogan is our Parish Priest and Fr Ajin Albarnas is our 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 2023 - Click on the link to access a copy of the 2023 Sacrament Program Booklet

https://www.olhc.org.au/parish-sacrament-program/

Parish Bulletin - Click on the link below to download the weekly newsletter.

https://www.olhc.org.au/parish-bulletin/

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

MMPS Child Safe Standards - CODE OF CONDUCT

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 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

Child Safe Standards and Parent 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.

Child Safe Resources to support Students, Parents/Carers

• eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
  • NEW online safety for every family.  The ‘Online safety for every family’ resources will give parents and carers the confidence to talk with their children about online safety. The resources also have important links and information to help if something bad does happen online. 
  • The videos and advice sheets cover:
  • Helping your family stay safe online
  • Getting started with social media 
  • Safer online gaming 
  • Getting help when your child is being bullied online
  • Downloadable resources to help you start the chat about online safety issues and strategies with your child.
• FOR FAMILIES https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/parent-resources/online-safety-for-every-family
• CCYP - Commission for Children and Young People https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/
• School TV https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news
• Bravehearts https://bravehearts.org.au/
• Parenting Ideas

2023 Pam Update - URGENT

Tomorrow we will be sending out permission forms via PAM for the forthcoming Shrove Tuesday celebrations.  If you have not  updated your login and password this year, you will be unable to access any permission forms for your child/ren. Children will be unable to have pancakes without this PAM permission.

Emails regarding PAM login for 2023 were sent to all families at the end of January.  Please ensure you update your PAM login and update your child/ren’s PAM profile if needed.

If you have not received the email from PAM (noreply@marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au) please check your spam/junk mail.  We have found that a lot of ‘Hotmail’ accounts go to junk folders!

Any further problems, please contact the office.

Fee Accounts

2023 Fee accounts will be emailled to all families by Friday 10th February.  Fee information for 2023 was sent home to all families in November 2022. If you do not have a cpy of our fee booklet, please check our website or PAM for this information.

Families that hold a current Centrelink  Concession Card and have not applied for CSEF Funding for 2023 are requested to complete a CSEF Application and Fee Concession Application to the school ASAP to be eligible for any fee concessions for 2023. 

Families who wish to utlise our direct debit payment arrangement for fee payments, please complete a direct debit arrangement form and email (jmeunier@marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au) or drop a copy into the office as soon as practical so we can set this up for you.

All current families on direct debits from 2022 do not need to complete a new direct debit arrangement, unless you wish to change bank details or payment frequency.

Direct Debit, CSEF and Fee Concession Applications for 2023 can be found  on our website or in PAM. Please contact the school office if you have any questions regarding your fee account.

The Foundation students have made a terrific start to school life. They settled in quickly and are establishing classroom routines to support a productive environment. Students have been successful at deciding classroom expectations and ensuring they follow these each day. Many new friendships are being formed and confidence levels are growing daily.

Here is what a few students thought of beginning school at MMPS:

• Rebal: I love the playground outside. My favourite is the big slide.
• Olivia: I like learning Japanese. We learnt what the rabbit is called in Japanese - it is ‘usagi’.
• Alexia: I love doing the drawings and I learnt about Milo the monkey /m/.
• TJ: I like playing on the playground and making friends. My new friend is Darcy.
• Dustin: I like playing with my friends and playing on the playground. I like counting how many days we have been at school.
• Talia: I like the /m/ things from the sound box. I can see Mentos, a Milo tin, milk and a mermaid.  

Thank you to all families for preparing students to begin Foundation successfully. We are looking forward to watching our students learn and grow on their journey at MMPS.   

こんにちは、

Our focus word for the start of the term is usagi - rabbit. 

Students created a wonderful display in the office to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. 

Grade 3 students drew usagi following a Japanese drawing song and practiced writing their names in Japanese.