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This year our School Improvement Agenda for 2025 is:
- Student Voice and Agency
- Planning for Improved Student Learning - key focus on Mathematics and Reading
This week I was in a classroom teaching for a short time and I had the opportunity to commence a Close reading lesson which had been prepared by the classroom teacher. The students used highlighters to locate unfamiliar words as I read the text very slowly to them. We then reviewed the unfamiliar words by re-reading the sentence to help us gain clues about the definition of the word within the sentence. This process allowed the students to understand the text in a more active way (as a reader) and to learn some new vocabulary. Our teachers are learning from each other about Close reading and using each other’s increasing expertise in this area. Ask your child about Close reading and see what they say!
R U Okay Day
Yesterday was R U Ok Day. Caitlin McLeod has put something in the newsletter about this but don’t forget to reach out to someone and ask them if they are ok. If life is hard for you don’t forget you can access low cost psychological support through your GP also.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Stefanya who recently competed in the state-level CHEERCON hip hop dancing competition and was awarded State Champion in her category.
Congratulations also, to all students who attended and competed at the District Athletics last week. Eleven students will attend Division Athletics next Wednesday - a great result for MMPS!
Staff Collective Feedback to Students
Well done to all students who represented MMPS at District last Friday! We are so proud of MMPS values you continued to demonstrate while participating in your sporting events. Your great sportsmanship, encouragement of one another, and perseverance were clearly on display. You should all be very proud of the way you represented yourselves and our school community. Well done!
Fantastic work to the Year 4 students who used their mindfulness time to create class posters about ‘capacity’. It’s so wonderful to see your enthusiasm towards your learning and make posters for the class to refer to!
Congratulations 1BC! When your teacher was away last week, you did an amazing job showing our school values. You followed class routines and treated your teacher with great respect. Well done, superstars! ?
Well done 5LT! You all did a great job being reverent and respectful during our class Reconciliation. The jigsaw dove was a fine way to display how each member of our class brings meaning and understanding of the importance to reconcile.
It is great to see how 3CM is being respectful and thoughtful when using the library. Many students have said that they really enjoy the quiet atmosphere and how enjoyable it is to read.A huge thank you to all students, staff and families and our school community for supporting the Year 6 students in their Write a Book in a Day experience. Together we raised $1022.60 !!! for this wonderful cause, showcasing the creativity, generosity, and community spirit that makes our school so special.
Bravehearts Day – Friday 12th September
Today, 12 September, our school recognises Bravehearts Day, a national day raising awareness and support for child protection programs across Australia. It was great to see so many students wearing a splash of purple to show their support. Donations can be made directly via the Bravehearts website: www.bravehearts.org.au
Child Safety Week 2025 & National Child Protection Week
This week we recognise Child Safety Week and National Child Protection Week — a time to renew our commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Together, as a school community, we continue to place the safety and wellbeing of all children at the heart of everything we do.
Child Safety Week: In-School Picture Competition
To celebrate Child Safety Week, our school will be running a Child Safety Picture Competition. Students are invited to create illustrations or images that could be featured in the 2026 Child Friendly Edition of our Child Safety Policy. This is a meaningful opportunity for students to share their voice and creativity in shaping an important school document. Teachers are encouraged to involve their classes and celebrate their ideas. Each class will help select entries that best reflect the policy, which will then be submitted for consideration. Entry forms are available for students. Due date: 17 September 2025
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sunday, September 14, 2025
John 3:13–17
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
God the Father has given the greatest gift — Jesus. Following Jesus means showing love, living with faith, and acting in ways that reflect His example. Through Jesus comes freedom from sin and the gift of eternal life in heaven. Giving thanks for the gift of Jesus reminds us that God’s love is constant and God’s presence is always near. As a family pray a prayer of thanks and praise for God’s greatest gift, his only Son, Jesus Christ. Pray together the Sign of the Cross.
Mothers Who Pray for Their Children
Mothers Who Pray for Their Children is a movement dedicated to supporting Catholic families through prayer and faith. The group provides mothers with a welcoming community to grow spiritually while interceding for their children and families. This is a wonderful opportunity to find encouragement, connection, and the power of prayer together. A short information piece has been attached, and further details can be provided if needed.
Here are a few photos from last week's Father's Day Breakfast. Thank you to all the families who came along to support this event.
Kangaroo on Site – Safety Precaution
Just after 9.00am yesterday, a kangaroo was sighted on the big oval. Staff were immediately alerted, and access to the oval was minimised. By 9.30am, the kangaroo had moved on to a neighbouring property, and Statewide Wildlife Advisory Services (DEECA) were contacted for advice.
As a precaution, students remained indoors at recess. Normal outdoor play resumed at lunchtime once it was safe to do so.
DEECA has advised that:
- If the kangaroo returns, students and staff should not approach it.
- A lone male kangaroo resting is common at this time of year, as they may be moving between mobs or recovering from minor injuries.
- Attempts to ‘shoo’ a kangaroo away pose a safety risk and may trigger defensive behaviour.
- It is illegal to disturb or harass kangaroos under the Wildlife Act 1975 without authorisation.
A brochure provided by DEECA will be shared with students to support their understanding of how to stay safe around wildlife and is attached below for your information..
Congratulations to Chris Downing from 2JE who has been a highly commended participant of the 2025 National Families Week Art Competition in the under 8 years age category. An exhibition to showcase a selection of entries, and a special book featuring winning and selected artworks is also being developed. Chris’ artwork will be displayed in both of these things.
Judges provided Chris the feedback -
“A cosy, safe and warm home where everyone can be together. A great use of the space to show this story.”
There were so many creative and thoughtful artworks from children across Victoria and Tasmania who entered this competition as well as 5 students from each year level at Mary MacKillop. Each entry told a unique story about what family means. While not every entry could receive an award, we want every participant to know how much we value their effort and imagination. Together, these artworks create a powerful reminder of the many ways families nurture and care for children.
Reading - Close Reading and Vocabulary
This term the whole school is focusing on Close Reading, which involves reading a short text with rich language several times. Each time, students concentrate on different aspects of the language and answer questions such as what the text says and why the author chose certain words. Reading a text several times enables students’ thinking to go deeper, helping them notice new details and understand the meaning more fully.
We are also building students’ vocabulary knowledge across all subjects.
- In Geography, students are learning words such as city and landmarks. They write a child-friendly definition, then use “Show Me” boards to show their understanding — by writing the meaning and drawing a picture of what the word represents.
- In Mathematics, the focus is on vocabulary linked to data. Students are learning how words such as and change the meaning of a question, and how phrases like how many more involve finding the difference between two numbers.
“We read the same text and Mrs Butler asks us different questions at the end.” – Myles
“I learnt what landmarks are and I can name some landmarks like Luna Park and the MCG.” – Tiana
“I learnt what the word city means. I can draw a city with lots of cars and tall buildings and traffic.” – Leo
“I can put the new words in a sentence. My family go to the MCG. It is a landmark in the city.” – Ariana
Teaching Strategy - Cold Calling
In Year One, we have been using the strategy Cold Calling. This means that instead of asking for volunteers, the teacher sometimes calls on students by name to answer questions or share their thinking. Students know they may be called on at any time, which helps them stay engaged and ready to participate. Cold Calling is not about putting students “on the spot” but about making sure everyone has the chance to contribute, not just the most confident hands that go up.
“It helps me think about the answer because I might get chosen.”
“I like when the teacher asks me, because I get to share my ideas.”
Student Voice
Students are given opportunities to share their ideas and make choices in their learning. In Mathematics, students chose an area they would like to collect data on. This gives them ownership of their investigations and makes the learning meaningful and engaging. In Geography, students are taking part in creating their own city with landmarks. They choose the materials, decide which part of the city to design, select the landmark to include, and choose who they would like to work with.
“I collected data about our favourite animals — guinea pigs won!”
“I collected data about our favourite food - sushi was the favourite!”
“I worked with my friends to build the MCG.”
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 Live Webinars.
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 provide parenting education and support for a wide variety of traditional and contemporary parenting challenges.
Here is your weekly Insights Article:
Supporting Children in Making New Friendships
Forming new friendships is an important part of childhood development. It requires confidence, courage, and social skills, and learning how to approach new peers helps children develop resilience, empathy, and effective communication. Research shows that children who are guided and supported in forming new connections are more likely to feel socially competent and develop a sense of belonging in school and community settings.
Parents and carers can play a key role in supporting their child to make new friends:
Practise conversation starters:
Role-play simple, friendly questions such as “What’s your favourite game?” or “Do you like drawing?” This gives children confidence to initiate interactions in real-life situations.
Encourage inclusive language:
Phrases like “Can I join in?” or “Want to play?” teach children how to invite others and include peers, helping them to develop positive social interactions.
Reflect on being a kind friend:
Discuss what it means to be supportive, respectful, and fair in friendships. Children who understand kindness are more likely to attract and maintain positive friendships.
Organise low-pressure social opportunities:
Simple playdates or small group activities can help children practise social skills in a safe and supportive environment, particularly if they are shy or unsure socially.
Empower your child to use their voice:
Encourage children to speak up if someone is doing something that hurts them or others. Practising phrases like “Stop, I don’t like that” or “That’s not okay” helps them assert boundaries respectfully and safely.
Supporting children as they form new friendships helps them develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, these are some key foundations for happy and healthy social development.
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)
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.
Webinars for parents and carers
Join one of the free webinars for parents and carers.
- The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025
- Cyberbullying is evolving, with the use of AI-powered tactics, coded emoji language, and the covert manipulation that many adults may miss. This 45-minute webinar helps parents spot the signs, build support at home and guide children on how to respond and stay safe. It’s suitable for parents and carers of primary and high school students. Term 3 (AEST) 5 August at 12.30pm
- Register here - https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2536814565012663130
- Cyberbullying is evolving, with the use of AI-powered tactics, coded emoji language, and the covert manipulation that many adults may miss. This 45-minute webinar helps parents spot the signs, build support at home and guide children on how to respond and stay safe. It’s suitable for parents and carers of primary and high school students. Term 3 (AEST) 5 August at 12.30pm
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
- Multilingual videos now available on SchoolTV!
- Because wellbeing shouldn’t get lost in translation, SchoolTV has introduced a powerful new feature — multilingual videos.
- Until now, families could access written content in more than 60 languages. Now, expert-led videos are also available in Chinese, Hindi and Arabic, with more languages to be added next year.
- This new feature ensures every family can access trusted, practical guidance in a way that feels familiar, inclusive, and easy to understand.
- Explore this feature for yourself by clicking the link below to view SchoolTV content in your preferred language.
- http://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/stv-multilingual-feature
- SPECIAL REPORT: R U OK?Day
- Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
- R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"
- Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions. Here is the link to your Special Report: https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day
BRAVEHEARTS - https://bravehearts.org.au
Child Safety Week & National Child Protection Week
From 7–14 September, we join with DOSCEL in promoting Child Safety Week, which aligns with NAPCAN’s National Child Protection Week (7–13 September). The 2025 theme “Every Conversation Matters” reminds us that every interaction with children and young people is an opportunity to listen, show care, and build trust. Together, we can create safe and supportive environments where all children can grow, learn, and thrive.
This important focus concludes with Safeguarding Sunday on 14 September, a time for our community to reflect on our shared responsibility to keep children safe. Families are encouraged to continue these conversations at home and to visit the NAPCAN website for ideas and resources that support children’s safety and wellbeing.
