Hail Mary, full of grace,

The Lord is with you.

Blessed are you amongst women,

And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you are all traveling well during what has been a fast paced and busy term.

We have begun our journey with our Year 4 students with a Eucharistic celebration on 3 consecutive Sundays. During this time, as our Year 4 students receive their First Eucharist, I have been reflecting on the incredible story of Danny and Leila Abdallah. Their experience of radical forgiveness after the tragic loss of their children provides powerful lessons that connect directly to this special milestone in our children's faith journey.

The word "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving," and the Abdallah family's ability to find peace and thankfulness amidst their pain is a profound example of this. Their story also highlights the core call of the Eucharist: to become like Christ. When our children receive Jesus in the Eucharist, they are called to reflect His love, kindness, and—most importantly—His forgiveness in their daily lives. The Abdallah's act of forgiving the driver, Samuel Davidson, shows us how true this call is.

Finally, their story beautifully illustrates the theme of transformation. Just as bread and wine are transformed into Christ's body and blood, the Abdallah family transformed their unimaginable tragedy into a source of hope for others through their example and the establishment of  "i4give Day."

In our daily lives, we can find Eucharistic moments by recognising God's presence in acts of love, kindness, and forgiveness. These are instances where we become more aware of God's grace and are inspired to give thanks, just as we do in the celebration of the Eucharist. We invite you to discuss noticing these themes of love, kindness and forgiveness at home as a family.  

Mary’s Feast Day Monday 8 September Just as the Abdallah family's grace and forgiveness demonstrate the Eucharist's power in our modern world, Mary's grace provides a timeless model of perfect thanksgiving, becoming a Christ-bearer, and allowing God's transforming power to work in her life. On Monday 8 September we will be having a whole school liturgy at 9 am for Mary’s Feast day followed by a cake to celebrate. You are welcome to attend.

MACSSIS surveys reminder It is the time of year as we enter Spring, for us to call on our entire learning community to fill out a brief up to 10 minute survey. Research shows surveys ensure all stakeholders are heard and contribute to a better educational environment. 

For Staff, these surveys support identifying training needs, improving the curriculum, enhancing the work environment and shaping school policies.

For students these surveys support measuring engagement, monitoring well-being and safety, refining teaching methods and empowering student voices.

For parents and carers these surveys support increasing involvement, improving communication, addressing satisfaction and concerns and informing school policies.

The Overall Benefits Informed decision-making, support continuous improvement, Building community and Fostering transparency and trust.

We are requesting less than 10 minutes of your time to complete the  MACSSIS surveys. This is a very important task you can do that takes less than 10 minutes. These surveys bring clarity to how well the school is meeting the needs of the children, parents and staff  as well as providing insights as to the areas for improvement moving forward. We really value this data and last year we had 119 parents/ carers out the survey which made a huge difference to our low number of 47 the year before. We would like to continue this momentum. Please look out for an email from Paul Anderson on Monday 1 September. Each survey is anonymous and has a unique pin for your family. Please refer to  Paul Anderson’s MACSSIS piece below and respond to the email you will receive.The window officially opens on 1st September and will close 19 September.

Bogan Bingo: Many thnks to our PFA particularly Amanda Brown, Mel Kelsall and Hayley Bennett for bringing such a fabulous night to our parent community. Your tireless efforts are so greatly appreciated. Many thanks to all the families who came along and supported. Special thanks to the following businesses who donated prizes:

The funds raised totalled approximately $3,473.88. These funds will go towards the purchasing of mentor texts across year levels which support our students engagement in their learning and reading and writing.

School Drop off and use of external classroom doors between 8.30-8.50am: Just a reminder to our community that our morning routine with our students is to drop their bag into the classroom via the external doors from 8.30am and head straight out to the yard until 8.50am. The music plays from 8.50am and children come in and get ready for the day. Using external doors and following this routine enables teachers to continue to get ready for the day and be present with the students from 8.50am. Please continue to have conversations with your child about the importance of not lingering in classrooms and making the most of this important time for outdoor play with their friends. Your support helps reinforce this positive routine.

Traffic conditions at BASC entrance: We have  a few traffic and pedestrian concerns that  have been observed over the last few weeks particularly with recent works at BASC and reduced parking and traffic flow.

• A high number of our students are coming in and exiting the school via this area and riding across a high transit area. A few have then been riding through the school with still a number of families on site and have nearly hit a staff member exiting their classroom. Please talk with your children if you know they enter the school this way. We are reminding also at school level.
• There is also  an increased number of parents parking on the nature strip area outside of the tennis courts. Please do not park there if you have been.

In light of this and, recent tragic events, please continue the importance of road safety and traffic awareness with your children.  

Footy colours day: In conjunction with Footy Colours Day to be held on September 19th the Fire Carriers have suggested the fabulous fundraising idea for Open the Doors Foundation https://www.openingthedoors.org.au/. Students are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation to help support this important cause.

Wishing you a wonderful beginning of Spring fortnight ahead.

Kerryn

Term 3 Week 7 - Red Hub Prep News

Term 3 Week 7 - Blue Hub Yr 1 News

Term 3 Week 7 - Green Hub Yr 2 News

Term 3 Week 7 - Purple Hub Yr 3 News

Term 3 Week 7 - Yellow Hub Yr 4 News

Term 3 Week 7 - Purple Hub Yr 5 News

Term 3 Week 7 - Orange Hub Yr 6 News

We wish the following students many blessings for receiving the upcoming Sacrament of First Eucharist on Sunday 7th and 14th of September:

Indiana Brown, Maggie Davis, Sadie Jackson, Jack Miller, Jacob Mills, Maeve Pemberton, Ivy Piwonski, Blair Quinn, Daisy Warlond, Lucy Francis, Oscar Hill, Samuel La Terra, Oliver McLeish, Oscar Miller, Jasper Rippon, Heidi Birrell, Harper Briscoe, Phoenix Brown, Peggy Butters, Tex Duggan, Augustus Hinch, Shelby Lehmann, Lennox Perkins, Henry Spolding, Amelia Fay, Ruby Kelsall-Ralph, Elsie Kelso, Isabel Kerr, Mackenzie Worland, Amelie Gay, Leo Baldwinson, Charlise Bapaume, Charles Dyer, Ned Hall, Eva Jobling, Angus Monteleone, Emanuella Robins, Maddison Sparks, Chloe Gay, Grace Burchell, Grace Casamento , Nicholas Cosier, Ned Due, Louis Grantham, Sylvie Hardwick, Maya Mackay, Ines McCaffrey, Oliver McQuitty, Ava Radley, Sienna Scott, Peyton Lewis, Harvey Salter, Isabelle Sinnott, Zoe Toscano, Angus Carter, Oliver Moody, Max Mullers, Edward Partridge, Amble Ryan, Eadie Stevens, Molly Thompson, Patrick Turner, Lucy Vanderkley, Fraser Wallis, Patrick White.

Sustainability update Term 3 Week 7

There will be a sale of Recycled Uniforms before, during and after assembly on 12 September, 8:30am - 10:30am.

The sale will be set up on the top basketball court, directly outside the gym. 

Term 3 2025

15th-17th September: Yr 5 camp

18th September: Yr 5 rest day

19th September: Assembly, Footy colours day, End of term (early finish 2.30pm)

Term 4 2025

6th October: Term 4 begins

10th October: Assembly 4 LG

16th October: Arts Trail 4-7pm

17th October: Assembly Yr 2RP

24th October: Assembly Prep MR

31st October: Assembly Yr 3CL

3rd November: Student Free day

4th November: Melbourne Cup Public holiday

7th November: Mission Fete/Mass

14th November: Assembly Yr 2MG

21st November: Assembly Yr 5 BC

24th November: PFA AGM 7.00-8.30pm

28th November: Diversity Day Assembly 

2nd December: 9-1.30pm Prep Orientation in small groups

2nd December: School concert 5-7.30pm

3rd December: 9-1.30pm Prep Orientation in small groups

5th December: Student free day 

9th December: Whole school orientation 9-10am, Prep orientation 9.30-11am

12th December: Assembly Yr 6PK Farewell and Thank you

17th December: Assembly Yr 6 Graduation, End of term (early finish 2.30pm)

Please note: Please refer to the Parent Calendar for all dates

Term 1

Thursday 30 January: Students return - Friday 4 April 

Easter: Friday 18 April - Monday 21 April 2025

Term 2 

Tuesday 22 April - Friday 4 July 

Term 3 

Monday 21 July - Friday 19 September

Term 4 

Monday 6 October - Wednesday 17 December 2.30 pm 2025

Please see below information regarding the new OSHC provider MACSEYE.

MACSEYE Introductory Article

• This includes an overview of our approach to child safety and compliance.

MACSEYE OSHC Brochure

• Including program and enrolment information, details regarding child care subsidy, operating hours and fees. 

If families have queries, please encourage them to call our Customer Service Team via contact@macseye.vic.edu.au or 1300 501 029.