Term 2 Week 9 - Friday 14th June 2024
From Our Principal
Dear families,
Yesterday, Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll announced a policy mandating that all Victorian government schools will teach reading lessons based on systematic synthetic phonics.
As you would be aware, at St Mary’s, we already have an embedded approach to teaching phonics. There is an overwhelming body of research supporting an explicit, sequential approach to teaching reading and literacy, of which phonics is an integral part. We not only implement phonics, we also have a structured approach to literacy throughout the school.
We ensure that:
- all students are taught reading according to the best evidence
- students are are taught to read using a structured approach to literacy
- students at risk of falling behind receive targeted intervention
- teachers receive high quality professional development
- we have a whole school approach to literacy instruction
- students are provided with regular speech support if they need it
- we have a multi-tiered system of support available for all students
The evidence is clear: there should be a strong focus on phonics-based decoding skills in the early years. Students also need a knowledge-rich curriculum to build the vocabulary and background knowledge that are critical for successful reading comprehension all through school. And schools need to track student progress, so they can intervene early to help struggling students to catch-up. ––Grattan, Feb 2024
We will continue a steadfast approach to quality literacy learning and teaching!
Our building project is due to commence in the term break. This week, we have continued to clear and relocate furniture and resources in the demolition and refurbishment zones. Our 5/6 team have relocated to the Parish Centre. Next week we will endeavour to relocate the front office to the current multi-purpose room. It’s all a bit of a juggle and I have been so proud of the manner in which our staff and students have embraced the change. If there are any parents who have any time to help out at any stage we would welcome the assistance.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Roxanne
SLC - Parish Centre Photos
The Parish Centre is all set up for learning in SLC. Well done to all staff and students for their hard work moving over the past few days. Today SLC students enjoyed a hot chip lunch for their efforts!
JLC - Term 2 PE Fun
FREE UNIFORM
ONE WEEK ONLY - UNIFORM CLEARANCE IN THE MPR.
Please help yourself to any items you require!
Whole School Musical Showcase
Our performing arts teacher Elissa is excited to present our whole school musical showcase on the last day of term, Friday 28th June at 1.30pm, concluding at 2.15pm when school finishes.
All families welcome!
Volunteers Needed!
BUSH DANCE WORKING GROUP
We are excited to announce that we will once again be hosting the Billy Tea Bush Band to lead us in a community bush dance on the evening of Thursday the 19th of September.
If you would like to be part of the working group involved in making this event a success, please let us know! Please tell our office staff Jess or Jane if you're interested, or email our Performing Arts teacher Elissa: egault@smararat.catholic.edu.
Important Reminder
BEFORE SCHOOL DROP OFF
A friendly reminder to families that the school gate opens at 8.30am each morning. Students are not to enter the main school building when they are dropped off - they must enter through the gate.
Thank you for your co-operation.
SchoolTV Latest Edition
In this edition of SchoolTV - FRIENDSHIP & BELONGING
Learning how to make new friends and keep them involves a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally, allowing them to easily move between different friendship groups, sharing their experiences and opening up to new people. For others, this can be much harder to navigate. Belonging to a group that is like-minded with similar interests is highly beneficial to a young person’s wellbeing. It gives them a sense of security helping them feel valued which in turn builds their confidence.
Positive friendships are an important part of the journey to adulthood. Adult carers can support their child or teenager by providing guidance in the many social and emotional skills required for a healthy relationship. This will help them to obtain, retain and maintain friendships. However, not all friendships are regarded as positive. Sometimes young people develop negative or toxic friendships. Therefore it is also important for them to learn how to identify, avoid or deal with such a friendship.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to support their young person’s friendships so that they experience a sense of belonging.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact their class teacher.
Here is the link to the Friendship & Belonging edition of SchoolTV:
https://smararat.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/friendship-belonging
You can now access SchoolTv via the widget on our school website - just click on the SchoolTV icon on the home page!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to the following students for this week:
NO BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK!
UPCOMING DATES
TERM 2
WEEK 10
Thursday 20th June
GWR Soccer Tournament - Ballarat (please note change of date)
WEEK 11
Friday 28th June
Last Day of Term 2
St Mary's Choir visit to Gorrin Village
Whole School Musical Showcase from 1.30pm
Early finish at 2.15pm
TERM 3 DATES
WEEK 1
Monday 15th July
Students Return
Tuesday 16th July
Student Free Day
Whole School Prayer Dates
TERM 2
Please note there will be no whole school prayer for the remainder of Term 2, due to preparation for our building works.
2024 Student Free Days
TUESDAY 16TH JULY
MONDAY 4TH NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER
(STUDENTS LAST DAY TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER)