We are now well over halfway through the term with staff and students working hard and enjoying school. We are very mindful of the importance of continuing our learning and teaching practice ensuring any interruptions are minimal and don’t significantly impact on the learning of students. I must congratulate all students on the level of courtesy and manners on display as I walk through the grounds of the school. It is great to be part of a happy school community where there is a positive vibe in all that we do. 

Teachers have been busy organising Learning Showcase sessions. These have been well attended and as always, we invite you to come and join us in your child's/children's Learning Showcase. This is a great opportunity for you to come and learn alongside your child at school. Information regarding sessions are below. 

Fr Giang has asked to please be mindful when parking in the church carpark. There have been instances where parents are parking their cars in front of the church. This needs to be kept clear as there are times when parish staff need to access the driveway area. 

Thank you to Julie Hanna who facilitated the Year 1 Reading Workshops on Thursday morning and evening. There were two meetings offered and it was great to see so many parents attend these sessions. 

Learning Conversations will happen in Week 9 (week beginning Monday June 19).  Interviews will be offered either face to face or online. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 20th of June and Wednesday 21st June from 12.15 - 4.30pm and our students will be dismissed at 12:00pm on these two days. Reports will be accessible to families from Monday 19th June. 

We are excited to announce that the STM concert is back in 2023! It's been a long time since our last concert and we cannot express how thrilled we are to finally be able to bring back this wonderful event. The staff and students have already commenced their dance lessons and rehearsals are in full swing. It will be great to see us come together and attend this event. 

This week our children have continued to focus on being respectful at school, which means we will be playing safely with our friends. Our children are encouraged to realise that when playing at school the results of the game do not matter, it is the way we play the game that is important. We encourage our children to follow our expectations, accept going out or missing a goal or not getting the ball passed to them. Even though there are times this can be difficult for some of our children. I am pleased that many of our children are showing how responsible and respectful they can be playing in the school yard and enjoying themselves with their friends. At home you can reinforce this positive behaviour with your children, by reminding them that winning is not as important as the way they play the game showing positive sportsmanship.

Applications for CSEF close on 23rd June 2023

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is $125 for primary school students.

HOW TO APPLY:
New applicants should complete the CSEF application form (located in the office) or download from the CSEF website www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund and return it to the school office.

If you qualified for CSEF in 2022, you do not need to complete an application form in 2023 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:

• new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools in 2023 or you did not apply in 2022 

• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2023.

If you are unsure, please contact the school office.

Currently we have been facing staff shortages due to illness and a decreased casual replacement teacher workforce. Where possible we will replace teachers with familiar staff. At times, classes may need to be split across year levels when a replacement teacher is not available.

Warm Regards, 

David Hurn 

Principal 

JUNE

• Thursday 1st -        Yr Prep & Year 1 Parent Reading workshop (see info below)

• Monday 12th -       King's Birthday Public Holiday  - No students at school

• Monday 19th -       Semester 1 Reports available to families

• Tuesday 20th -       Students dismissed at 12.00pm - Learning Conversations - Report Interviews from 12.15pm

• Wednesday 21st -  Students dismissed at 12.00pm - Learning Conversations - Report Interviews from 12.15pm

• Friday 23rd -           Last day term 2 2023; 12.00pm finish; Canteen closed; Gold coin donation (Charity TBC)

JULY

• Monday 10th - First day back term 3 2023

**'Public Events' are listed on our website under 'News and Events', the link being; https://www.stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au/news-events

On the bottom right hand side there is a blue box with a + symbol. If you have a google account, you can link the 'Public Events' calendar to your own personal Google calendar and keep up to date with the most current events and times.

Please don't hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.

Learning Showcases

Once again, it has been wonderful to see parents and family members coming to school to engage in children's learning. The children are excited and proud to share their learning with you. We hope that you experience strategies that we use across different areas of the curriculum in order to engage the children in learning skills and content knowledge. 

Learning Conversations ( formerly known as Parent Teacher Conferences)

Next week, you will receive and email with a link to make a booking for Learning Conversations, what was previously referred to as Parent Teacher Conferences. 

These learning conversations will be held on:
Tuesday 20th June from 12.00 - 4.30pm
Wednesday 21st June, from 12.00 - 4.30pm.
The focus of these conversations will be based on your child's Semester 1 Report.
We would like to offer you the choice of a face to face meeting at school, in your child's classroom or a Google Meet. If you choose a Google Meet, you will receive an email from your child's teacher with the link in Week 8.
You can choose whichever option suits you best. 

Your child's Report will be available for you to download from a portal on Monday 19th  June.  We encourage you to download it and read it prior to the Learning Conversation.

More information about how to do this will be sent to you in an email in Week 8.

Learning and Teaching Leader          

Rita Totino           

Thank you to all of the families that attended the Early Years Reading Workshop this morning. It was wonderful meet you all. We recognise the importance of working in partnership with you to achieve the best outcomes for our students. We look forward to our second session this evening.

Powerful Writing

Across  the school we continue to work on the power of words in our writing. 

Please enjoy the following examples:

Kind Regards

Julie Hanna

Literacy leader

If you are interested in becoming a Parent Rep for your child's class, joining the STMPA, or volunteering for fundraisers and events throughout the year, please fill out your details in this document.  We would love to welcome you!

Regards,
Kate Mackintosh