Term 4, Week 3 Friday 3rd November 2023

Celebrations!

Our Year 2-4 extension maths group (part of our Gifted and Talented Program) were recently awarded STATE WINNERS for their category with their investigation, “Would you Rather?” in the Mathematics and Numeracy Challenge.  The 5/6 entry in the group category was also awarded HIGHLY COMMENDED.  This is a fantastic achievement as this is a student led inquiry that is supported by teachers.  Thank you to Greg Parker and Lucy Centofanti for supporting the students in their entries. We are looking forward to the presentation ceremony where students will be awarded their prize by Minister Blair Boyer on November 10^th.

This year we have 25 students graduating from the Children’s University Program on Monday 13^th November at the University of Adelaide.  I’d like to thank Pennie Blazely for her coordination and promotion of this program, we have had a significant increase in participants and graduates over the past 2 years.

Vy from Year 6 has also been nominated for an Arch D podcasting award with her work from the recent podcasting leader’s day. Gia, Isabella, Celeste, Yalda and Mia were awarded the Principal’s Award and all award nominees invited to the ArchD Podcasting Award event at Sacred Heart College. We will continue with this program in 2024 for our Year 6 students.

We look forward to celebrating Diwali as a community this Friday (3^rd November).  Thank you Yashoda and Veena for your organisation!

Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support (PBIS)
Our school is working through a process of implementing PBIS to support student behaviour and wellbeing.  It is a whole school approach that is based upon our school values. Throughout this process, staff, students and parents will have the opportunity for input.  This term we are focussing on some safety procedures and are starting with ‘the stairs’.  All students will practice safely using the stairs and have lots of reminders and positive affirmations for safe behaviour!

Future Enrolments
Please contact Angela in the office if you know of any family members or friends that may be interested in enrolling at St Margaret Mary’s School or Preschool.

We have some vacancies in our Term 3 Reception intake, as we will be offering an additional class.

We are currently enrolling for 2025 in all other year levels and Preschool.

Thank you for your continued support,

Kelly Campbell

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Throughout the month of November, the Church remembers our loved ones who have recently passed. In the entrance of the St Margaret Mary’s Church a book has been displayed to add names of those we hold in our hearts and who we would like the parish to keep in their prayers.  On Saturday 11 November, we also commemorate Remembrance Day, we remember those who have passed in conflicts and we pray for peace in our world and in our lives.

Liturgies of the Word
On Wednesday 1 November, our Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 classes gathered for a Liturgy of the Word to celebrate the feast of All Saints. In the Spirit of Saints such as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop we spoke about Jesus’ teaching of the ‘Beatitudes’ and the ways in which we can be the best version of ourselves, in words and in deeds. Next week, our Year 1 and Year 2 classes will host a Liturgy of the Word in preparation for Remembrance Day. Please note the date of this liturgy has changed to Thursday 9 November in St Margaret Mary’s Church at 11:45am. We welcome all who are able to join us.

Journey to Emmaus
On Friday 27 October, our St Margaret Mary’s Year 6 students hosted the Year 6 students from Whitefriars as part of the Journey to Emmaus Service Leadership Program. We gathered in the Parish Hall for prayer and Alexis, Gia and Yalda shared reflections on our Term 3 soup making contributions to the Moore Street Soup Run. In middle part of the day, the students focused on the upcoming Outreach Day and shared in a pizza lunch. Further information will be distributed over the coming weeks as our Year 5/6 classes prepare their Term 4 focus of raising awareness and funds in support of the international Josephite programs known as Mary MacKillop Today.

Community Garden Beds
Later that afternoon, on Friday 27 October, Sr. Catherine came to visit our community beds. Our Year 3/4 Student Leadership Team representatives were on hand to help pick some fresh lettuce and spinach for volunteers to distribute that evening. Sr. Catherine was very appreciative of the great work of our students to support the broader community, especially those in need. Our tomatoes are just starting the change to a bright red colour and our carrots are now above the soil line and growing well.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Matthew Harrison