Dear Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well as we come to the end of week 6 Term 3. The past week has been one of incredible learning and community engagement, and we have much to share with you.

Curriculum Day with Sue Larkey

Last Friday, our school had the privilege of hosting Sue Larkey, an esteemed educator with a wealth of experience in teaching students with autism spectrum disorder. With her extensive background in both mainstream and special education, Sue led us through an illuminating Curriculum Day. Her guidance was built upon the foundation of her Masters in Special Education and research contributions to a Doctorate in Education. This day was focused on creating a more inclusive learning environment for students on the Autism Spectrum and those with other learning difficulties.

The session was centered around the latest research in identifying Specific Learning Difficulties that impact reading, writing, and motor skills. Our objectives for the day included:

• Exploring how recent research deepens our understanding of diverse learning styles

• Learning about innovative formal and informal screening and assessment methods

• Identifying common deficits among these students and enhancing our strategies to support them

• Developing an array of practical interventions tailored to individual needs

• Exploring technological tools to bolster student support

We're immensely grateful to Sue Larkey for sharing her expertise and insights, empowering our educators to provide an even more inclusive and supportive educational experience for all students.

Upcoming Book Week Parade Friday August 25

As we march through the pages of the school calendar, we're excited to announce that our traditional Book Week Parade will culminate next Friday. This spirited event promises a day of excitement and fun, as students and their younger siblings are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite book characters. This celebration not only honors the enchanting world of literature but also reinforces our commitment to "Read, Grow, Inspire." We can't wait to see the creative and imaginative costumes that will fill our hall on this festive day.

Gratitude to Our Parent Volunteer Community

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated parent volunteer community. Your unwavering support enriches our school in countless ways. In recent times, your contributions have been especially remarkable:

• Parents have graciously dedicated time to read to our younger students in the afternoons, fostering a love for reading from an early age.

• Our Prep, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students enjoyed a memorable excursion to the Melbourne Museum, guided by parent helpers.

• The canteen volunteers ensure that our children's lunches are prepared and served punctually, ensuring their nourishment throughout the day.

• Your exceptional efforts during our Sports Day, from preparation to serving the delicious sausage sizzle, didn't go unnoticed.

• Looking ahead, we're gearing up for our Father's Day breakfast. If you're available to help make this event special, kindly contact Kate Mackintosh through the link provided in the 'Family Engagement' section below.

EduTECH

Three of our very own teachers , Aleisha Lewis, Kate Mackintosh and Sonia Mazzei, will be presenting at EduTECH next week in the Google Room. EduTECH is Australia's largest education event, bringing together the entire education ecosystem to discuss, debate, and evaluate the future of education. We are very proud of these educators and the work they do! 

Dogs on School Grounds

For a variety of reasons such as allergies, phobias and safety, it is the decision of MACS schools that no dogs (other than service dogs) are allowed on school grounds. I ask all families to please make sure that they comply with this request. While we understand that many of our families may have well-behaved and beloved canine companions, we kindly ask that you adhere to this decision to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone within our school community.

Reflective Practice 

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Survey:

As part of compliance with regulatory guidelines, all schools are expected to engage with, and gather feedback from, their communities as part of their school improvement cycle. In 2023, our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings of students, families and staff about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne. In the coming week you will be provided with more information about the process and how to participate. 

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) 360 Reflection Tool: 

In the coming weeks I will be asking for your support in providing me with valuable feedback about my practice here at STM. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) 360 Reflection Tool supports principals reflect and gather feedback on the leadership behaviours they exhibit in their daily practice. The tool itself is aligned to 15 attributes that interconnect the Leadership Requirements and Professional Practices set out in the Australian Professional Standard for Principals. The 360 Reflection Tool, through a statistical approach to its 5 point scale scoring, tally all responses (from myself and others) to provide an average score against each leadership behaviour. Additionally it enables me to see my results normed against the responses of more than 3000 Australian principals. Through the comments section, the tool also collates qualitative feedback.

We're profoundly grateful for your ongoing partnership, dedication, and the sense of community you bring to our school.

Warm regards,
David Hurn
Principal 

Click this link to subscribe directly to our STM Public Events Google Calendar

AUGUST

• Friday 25th - Book Week Parade dress-up day - see information below

• Thursday 31st - Father's Day Stall

SEPTEMBER

• Friday 1st - Father's Day breakfast

• Tuesday 12th - End of Term 3 Mass at 10.00am

• Wednesday 13th - STM Concert (Surnames A-K)

• Thursday 14th - STM Concert (Surnames L-Z))

• Friday 15th - End of Term 3 - 12.00pm finish; Casual clothes day - charity for gold coin donation TBC; canteen closed

• Saturday 30th -  School accounts to be finalised/paid by this date

OCTOBER

• Monday 2nd - 1st day back in Term 4 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.

Book Week Cookies 

As a special treat to celebrate Book Week next Friday the 25th of August, the canteen will have Book Week cookies on sale for $2.00 (cash only).

Cookies will only be available at 2nd break as an over the counter sale.

Children can choose from a Shortbread M&M cookie, Shortbread Smiley Face cookie, Gingerbread Person or Chocolate Chip Cookie for $2. 

There will also be a gluten free chocolate chip cookie option available. 

Awards will be published in next fortnight's newsletter