LAST DAY OF TERM 3 TODAY - TERM 4 COMMENCES MONDAY 2 OCTOBER

As another term comes to an end, we take time to think back on all the amazing learning opportunities provided in Term 3. The Three Good Things from each grade are summarized in the encouraging graphic below. The children use the quick and easy strategy known as "Three Good Things" to reflect on their term's highlights and express their gratitude. As a staff we are very thankful for working in partnership with students and families in our school community. Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful school holidays. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

Term 3 Student Learning Portfolios

The Term 3 Student Learning Portfolios were distributed yesterday.  We encourage parents to write feedback for your child’s learning in Term 3 on the feedback sheet provided in your child’s Student Learning Portfolio.  Please return the Student Learning Portfolio at the beginning of Term 4 so your child can continue documenting their learning journey. 

EMP Evacuation Drill

As part of our Emergency Management Plan and Student Safety, this week our school practiced 'Shelter in Place EMP' led by and Lize Privitera Chief Warden and Sarah Fisher.  The plan for the Evacuation was to safely assemble in the Allen Hall and to account for all student, staff and visitors in an efficient and timely manner. The Allen hall is our designated Shelter in Place area.  A whole school community practice of Shelter In Place [SIP] Drill is to ensure we can account for all staff, students, visitors in the school and assemble at our on-site, designated SIP area in the Allen Hall in the event of an Emergency Incident. 

Student Chromebooks will be stored at school over the holiday break. All student email accounts and access will be disabled as a risk mitigation strategy and enabled on the morning of the first day of Term 4.

School Dates and Events

Student Learning Portfolios were distributed 13/9/2023

Thursday 14 September - Last day of Term 3 for students

Friday 15 September - Staff Term 3 Planning Day

Monday 2 October July - Term 4 begins

Year 5 Camp Toolangi – 5th & 6th October

Athletics Day – Friday 13th October

Grandparents Mass and Special Morning Tea – Friday 20th October 11.00am

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus teaches that we must forgive one another as God has forgiven us.

Next Sunday’s Gospel Reading begins with a question from Peter, and a strange one at that. Jesus’ answer may seem equally strange. Peter asks Jesus how many times one ought to forgive another person. Jesus puts a number on his answer to Peter, but that is only to make a point. The parable isn't about the quantity of times to forgive, the parable teaches about the quality of forgiveness and how one ought to behave once God has forgiven you. Jesus' answer to Peter's question is found at the end of the parable. The number of times that we forgive another is less important than the depth of our forgiveness. We must forgive one another from the heart. 

Trinity Family - Our fundraiser at the Father's Day Breakfast collected $186.00. Thank you for your donations.

Save the Date – Grandparents morning tea and Mass celebration - Friday, 20th October 11.30am. Over the holidays you may wish to gather photos of grandparents and family members and/or grandparents are invited to record a 10 sec video message. These will be shown during the special mass celebration – more information in early Term 4.

Confirmation - In 2018 Pope Francis stated, “Everyone who has received the sacrament of confirmation has received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides them and gives them the strength to follow God’s will.  Every one of us has the Spirit within us. The Spirit is in our heart, our soul,” The sacrament of confirmation, he said, is about confirming the grace of baptism and anointing people with the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Christ in the world.

We wish our Confirmation Candidates every grace and blessing as you are confirmed.

Term 4 School/Class Mass and Class Reconciliation Celebrations - Schedule attached below:

Foundation Paramedic Visit 

Last Friday the Foundation students were very lucky to have paramedics and an ambulance visit us at school. This valuable lesson not only taught messages of first aid and safety, but also made a real connection to Term 3 learning about what and who is in our community to help us. All students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially the sound of the emergency siren! Special thanks to Kellie and Amy for their time and enthusiasm.

Here are a few pictures from today's festivities...

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

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

Parent Education - Rescources to support parents and carers

• eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
• For Families https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/parent-resources/online-safety-for-every-family
  • Online safety for every family 
    • Express learning for busy families 
      • eSafety's express learning series provides parents and carers with practical tips and advice on common online safety concerns. The videos are 5 to 10 minutes long and cover four important topics, including
        •  Setting up parental controls
        •  Digital technologies and mental health
        • Cyberbullying and online drama
        • Online sexual harassment and image-based abuse
• CCYP - Commission for Children and Young People https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/
• School TV https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news
  • 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? contributes to suicide prevention year round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify 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. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.
    • 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/
• Happy Families https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/mmnwn
  • Password: happymmnwn

Child Safety & Wellbeing

R U OK? Day 2023 is today - Thursday 14 September. Wear a splash of yellow

It is a national day of action, when we are all reminded that every day is the day to ask, are you OK?

• R U OK? Day encourages people to stay connected and to let the people in your world know you are really there through meaningful conversations. A simple conversation could change a life.