Embedded Files
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we gather today -
The Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Information in this Week's Newsletter
Information in this Week's Newsletter
Prayer
Prayer
Dear Lord, we express our gratitude for all Your blessings. Thank You for the gift of life, love, and the beauty of the world around us.
We thank You for the gifts of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. May we use these gifts, inspired by The Resilience Project, to build resilience, find joy, and live fulfilling lives.
We pray for peace, love, and understanding for all people.
May we strive to be kind and compassionate towards one another.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Important Dates - Events for Term 4
Important Dates - Events for Term 4
Click this link to subscribe directly to our STM Public Events Google Calendar for web or Android users.
Click this link to subscribe if you are an iPhone user.
TERM 4
NOVEMBER
Friday 22nd - Curriculum Day - Student free day
Friday 29th - 2025 Prep Transition Day - 9.15-10.45am (Day 3 of 3)
DECEMBER
Wednesday 4th - Carols evening 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Thursday 12th - Bookings open for Begining of the year testing @10.00am
Thursday 12th - Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday 17th - Last Day term 4 - 12.00pm finish time. Canteen closed. Casual clothes day - charity 'Very Special Kids' https://vsk.org.au/
**'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.
2025
2025
Monday 27th January - Australia Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 28th January - Staff Planning Day
Wednesday 29th January - Staff Planning Day
Thursday 30th January - Student testing by appointment only for all students including preps
Friday 31st January - Student testing by appointment only for all students including preps
Monday 03rd February - First day back at school for all students
Wednesday 05th February - Preps have Wednesdays off in the month of February
Bookings for testing days open Thursday 12th December at 10.00am.
Visit website: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/
For Thursday 30th January and Friday 31st January (all students including preps) use event code: phdx3
For Prep testing on Wednesdays in February use event code: mmuem
Please note that preps commencing in 2025 will need to book for two testing days in the new year.
One for either Thursday 30th or Friday 31st January and the other, a Wednesday in February, either 05th, 12th or 19th.
News from our Principal
News from our Principal
Dear Families,
We are now halfway through Term 4, and as we approach the end of the year, we enter an exciting and busy period filled with special events. Here are some important updates and upcoming dates to mark in your calendars:
Prep 2025 Orientation Success
We are thrilled to announce that our Prep 2025 orientation sessions have been a great success! It has been wonderful to see our incoming Prep students coming together, getting a head start on their educational journey, and familiarising themselves with their new school environment.
School Fees and Levies Update
Tomorrow morning, you will receive a letter in your email regarding school fees and levies for the upcoming academic year. This letter will provide details on payment plans, as well as contact information should you have any questions or need assistance. Our goal is to ensure clear communication and transparency around financial matters for all our families.
GEM / Colour Run Day – Thursday, 21 November
Our GEM / Colour Run Day is coming up soon, and we are aiming to raise $25,000 for our school. I would like to thank our Community for their overwhelming support. Your contributions and time volunteered are essential in making this event a success. A big thank you to Lisa for coordinating this event, as well as to the wonderful staff who have volunteered to be “slimed” in the lead-up to the big day!
Annual Christmas Carols – Wednesday, 4 December
Our annual Christmas Carols will be held on Wednesday, 4 December, beginning at 5:30 pm. We will gather on the senior green (weather permitting) to celebrate this festive occasion together. Families are encouraged to bring outdoor chairs or a picnic rug to make yourselves comfortable during the performances. Students will be seated in their class groups. It promises to be a beautiful evening, and we look forward to seeing you there!
2025 Start Dates and Testing Days
As we approach the new school year, we look forward to welcoming our students back. The year will begin with two testing days on Thursday, 30 January, and Friday, 31 January, by appointment only. Links for booking these appointments are indicated above and will open on Thursday 12th December at 10.00am. Classes will officially commence on Monday, 3 February.
Class Placement Requests for 2025
In previous newsletters, I shared that families may submit requests for student placements. If you would like to make a request, please email me at dhurn@stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au by this Friday, 15 November. Our priority is to create balanced class lists that address the social, emotional, and educational needs of all students. While we will consider all requests carefully, we may not be able to meet every specific preference due to the complex nature of this task. Thank you for your understanding and trust in this process.
2025 Swimming Program
In 2025, the Intensive Swimming Program will be offered exclusively to students in Prep through Year 2. This program, subsidised by the Victorian Government, is a mandatory requirement for all schools as part of the initiative to ensure water safety and swimming proficiency for young students. The Victorian Government's swimming policy aims to equip children with essential water safety skills and knowledge, including basic swimming techniques and survival skills, which are crucial for fostering confidence and safety in and around water.
Celebrating Aiden – Our New Taekwondo Medalist!
I am incredibly proud to congratulate Aiden in Year 3, who recently travelled to Brisbane to compete in taekwondo. He is now an Australian National Medalist! The entire STM community is so proud of you, Aiden—congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work together to make the remainder of the term a wonderful experience for our students and community.
Kind regards
David Hurn
Learning and Teaching
Learning and Teaching
Wellbeing News
Wellbeing News
Dear families,
We are excited to announce that our school will be celebrating A GEM (gratitude, empathy and mindfulness) Wellbeing Day on Thursday 21st November. As part of the festivities, we're planning a special activity called "Gratitude Jars."
To participate, we kindly request that each student brings a small, clear jar to school by Friday 15th November. These jars will be used to collect positive affirmations, inspiring quotes, or simply things that make the students and their families feel grateful.
By creating gratitude jars, students will have the opportunity to reflect on the good things in their lives and foster a sense of wellbeing.
As part of our celebration day we warmly invite parents to attend from 11:30am for a Sausage sizzle and to participate in GEM activities in the classroom. The day will conclude with the Colour Run at 2:30pm. More information will be coming soon!
Thank you for your support in making the day a memorable and enriching experience for our students.
Melanie Langtry
Acting Deputy Principal
Student Wellbeing Leader
English
English
Author's Corner
Our Year 6 students have embarked on a historical journey, delving into the fascinating world of the First Fleet and the convict era. Immersed in this rich period, students have creatively crafted historical fiction narratives, stepping into the shoes of convicts and experiencing the trials and tribulations of life in early colonial Australia. Through firsthand accounts, they've brought history to life, offering a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in our nation's past.
Here is a snippet from Eliana's historical narrative.
The sirens quickly appear as I sprint out of the store. I ran as fast as I could while the rattling bag of bread and water slams against my leg, as I rushed towards my mother slouching against a brick wall in a graffitied alley way. Suddenly, I tripped over a rock on the footpath and I lose full control over my legs. The officers hurried to approach me. A tear ran down my eye as the officers placed me in handcuffs and searched my body while I am just a few meters behind my mother. She screams in horror as she sees me walking in handcuffs with the officers. "Rose" she yells as she runs after me. "What have I done?" One week later, on the first of May, 1787, my mother and I attended court in England. I stared at the judge as he decides on my fate. "Rose Walker, you have been declared guilty of committing the crime of theft, therefore you are now a convict." I sigh in disappointment.
It is the 13th May, 1787 when I step onto the enormous ship 'so called' Friendship. The ship was overcrowded and the seasickness rushed fast into my body. The weather conditons were terrible, the wind was so violent and the ocean waves strong. I didn't feel safe. I sat alone in the corner of the boat. Other convicts and I consumed a minimal amount of food. We were fed salted meat, flour, biscuits, peas or rice. All of a sudden a teen girl who looks around the same age as me walked towards me. She had light brown hair and big brown eyes. She was quite tall but petite. She sits next to me "Hi, I'm Tatum. What's your name?"
Eliana (year 6)
Religion & Faith Information
Religion & Faith Information
Library News
Library News
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to STM!
It will arrive on the 12th of November and run till the 19th of November.
This is a great opportunity to support our school whilst getting your hands on the best new children’s books!
The fair will be open:
Tuesday 12th Nov : 3.20-3.40pm
Wednesday 13th Nov : 8.30-9.00am and 3.20-3.40pm
Thursday 14th Nov : 8.30-9.00am and 3.20-3.40pm
Friday 15th Nov : 8.30-9.00am and 3.20-3.40pm
Monday 18th Nov : 8.30-9.00am and 3.20-3.40pm
Tuesday 19th Nov : 8.30-9.00am
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Wednesday 4th December
5:30 - 7pm on the sports green
6pm: CAROLS begin
STUDENT:
remain seated with their year levels in front of the stage
wear Christmas colours or decorations
BYO picnic rug, chairs, food & drink
Students are encouraged to eat before the Carols begin
PLEASE NOTE:
play space, junior green and quadrangle is out of bounds
there are NO bikes, balls/ball games permitted on the school premises
in accordance with our Child Safe Standards, this is an alcohol-free event
siblings need to be supervised by parents/caregivers
North Street access only on the night
Digital Safety
Digital Safety
Are your children playing Roblox? Have you checked crucial settings to make sure your child is safe online? Please read this article by the Cyber Safety Project for important information and instructions on how you can limit what games your children have access to and who they can communicate with.
Please remember, Roblox is a gaming platform where 'amateur' game creators can create and upload games with content inappropriate for young children.
Roblox can be a safe platform when parental controls are used, and children are monitored while playing.
If you need any assistance, please email kmackintosh@stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au
Check out our online safety hub here for parent advice, online safety tech info and app reviews.
Create your parent account here.
Following our recent communication regarding Student Digital Wellbeing, we're excited to share that the Qustodio Parent app is now available! We're thrilled to invite you to join us in promoting healthy digital habits and ensuring a secure and safe online environment for your child.
By creating your parent account and linking it to your child, you'll be able to join us in fostering positive student online behaviours. These tools offer insights and visibility, empowering you to better understand your child's interactions with their school device and other personal devices you wish to protect as part of this offering.
Please refer to the email that was sent by Kate Mackintosh for more information.
Awards
Awards
Samuel G - for persisting with writing tasks and generating ideas for a sentence all on your own! I have loved witnessed you growing and learning so much!
Sara S - for displaying more independence in writing tasks. Well done for counting how many words are in a sentence and trying your best to record all the sounds you have heard in the words. Keep it up!
Zac T - for approaching all learning tasks with a positive attitude and showing determination and persistence. Keep up the great work!
Devika M - for settling back into Term 4 from your holiday and remaining focused during learning time. Well done Devika! Keep up the good work.
Vanessa S - for showing kindness by offering your help to classmates and teachers. Fantastic Vanessa!
At excursion on Assembly day.
Esteban WM - for your commitment and dedication to improving your writing. Well done for stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new writing techniques!
Juliet W - for showing the school values of respectect and resilience when solving problems
Luka B - for demonstrating persistence and attention to detail in crafting his convict diary entry. Well done on a fantastic piece of writing!
Sophia D - for using descriptive vocabulaty and figurative language effectively in her snapshot writing. Well done on a brilliant piece of writing!
Aras G - for demonstrating responsibility and persistence in his learning, particualrly in Maths where he has worked hard to add, subtract and multiply money. Great work!
Liam P - for using interesting and descriptive language in her snapshot writing piece. You set the scene perfectly, I felt like I was really there!
Emma P - for using interesting and descriptive language in her snapshot writing piece. You set the scene perfectly, I felt like I was really there!
John G - For showing excellent budgeting skills, using a specified monetary value to purchase items from the supermarket.
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