Dear Families,

I am very excited to be given the privilege to lead this fabulous community for the remainder of 2024. The last few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind with lots of exciting events across the school and parish community. We started the term with Parent/Teacher/Student meetings, Grandparents/Special Friends Day, Sex Education for 3-6 students; Year 3/4 Excursion to Scienceworks and the first day of our VRQA (Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority) Compliance School Review. We have also farewelled Lynda O’Donnell in true St Catherine’s style. 

Farewell and Thank you Lynda

The students made a photobook, a beautiful thumb platter, wrote and sang a special song and also performed a special flash mob dance on her last day. Thanks to Natalie Taffe and Julia Runci for their lovely words of thanks on behalf of the parent community. Lynda will have great memories of her last week at St Catherine’s, see photos below. I have included the words I read at the parent afternoon tea for Lynda last Thursday for any families that could not attend. 

St Catherine’s families and friends,

Today we gather to bid farewell to an extraordinary leader, an incredible mentor, and a cherished member of our community. Lynda, over the past eight and a half years , you have not just been a staff member at St Catherine’s; you have been the heart and soul of our school. 

From the moment she joined us , Lynda has brought with her a spirit of collaboration. Her dedication to working closely with staff, students and families has created a nurturing and inclusive environment for us all. Her open door policy was not just a phrase; it was a genuine invitation for everyone to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. It’s through this openness that many of us found a trusted advisor and great listener.

Lynda’s restorative manner has been a cornerstone of her leadership. She has always believed in the power of dialogue and understanding, helping us to resolve conflicts and grow stronger as a community.  Her ability to listen, understand, and offer guidance has made a profound impact on countless lives.

As she embarks on a new journey with Macs, we know that they are gaining not just a staff member, but a visionary leader who will bring the same dedication, empathy, and collaborative spirit that she brought to St Catherine’s. While we are excited for her new opportunities, we cannot help but feel a deep sense of loss.

Lynda, your presence will be missed by the entire St Catherine’s community. You have left a lasting mark on our hearts and our school. We are grateful for your years of service, your unwavering commitment, and the positive changes you have brought to our lives.

As you step into this new chapter, we wish you nothing but success and happiness. Thank you for everything you have done for us. You will always be a part of the St Catherine's family.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL 2024

Carlo Piccolo has stepped down from his seat on the School Advisory Council. We are seeking a new member to join the team. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service on the board. We will formally acknowledge and thank Carlo at our next meeting on Wednesday, 14th August (6pm in the P & F room)

We are seeking a new member for our School Advisory Council.

The following are some examples of ways the School Advisory Council may support the school and the Principal:

• articulating and enacting the school’s vision and mission
• promoting the school’s Catholic ethos and culture
• promoting faith formation and development
• supporting school policies as required
• giving advice to the principal on issues such as school improvement plans and enrolment trends
• engaging in discussion with the principal about the annual school budget and other financial matters
• giving advice to the principal about the school master plan
• providing capital resource planning and maintenance support to the principal.

As an advisory body, the school advisory council develops processes of consultation that are an important expression of the educational relationship that exists between parents, schools, parishes and the wider parish community to support all students in the enhancement of their outcomes.

Please download and complete the application form and email it to: 

principal@scmoorabbin.catholic.edu.au

Foundation 2025 Transition Events/Dates

Detailed information has been emailed to 2025 Foundation families.

St Catherine’s Science Fair- 2.15-3.15pm Friday, 16th August

Our school Science Expo will take place on Friday, August 16th, from 2:15 to 3:15 PM in the hall, the 1/2 classrooms, and the Learning Hub. This year's Science Week theme is "Species Survival: More Than Just Sustainability." We look forward to welcoming you to our school to explore what we have been learning about this important topic. Everyone is welcome! 

Upcoming Events over Weeks 5-7

Week 5 SCIENCE WEEK ‘Species Survival’

Week 5 Tuesday 9.00 13 August Playgroup

Week 5 Wednesday 6.00pm 14 August School Advisory Council Meeting

Week 5 Thursday 9.00 15 August Playgroup

Week 5 Thursday 10.00am 15 August Parish Mass August F-6 Feast of the Assumption

Week 5 Friday 2.15-3.15pm  16 August F-6 Science Expo

Week 6 BOOK WEEK

Week 6 Monday 9.00am 19 August Book Character Parade & 10.00-1.30pm Multi Age activities

Week 6 Tuesday 9.00am 20 August Playgroup

Week 6 Wednesday 21 August SCHOOL REVIEW Day 1- Christine Wakeling

Week 6 Thursday 9.00 22 August Playgroup

Week 6 Friday 9.00am 23 August ‘Reading is Magic’ Incursion 

Week 7 Sunday 10.30am 25 August First Eucharist

Week 7 Tuesday 9.00am 27 August Playgroup

Week 7 Wednesday 10.00am Parish Mass 28 August 1/2AT & 5JH

Week 7 Thursday 9.00am 29 August Playgroup

Week 7 Thursday REVIEW DAY 2- Christine Wakeling

The Morning

As I arrived at school I noticed that there were traffic cones on the asphalt. That made me realize that it was GRANDPARENTS DAY! As soon as we got inside we split up into groups to go do the activities. All of our siblings met us with their grandparents and special friends. Before I knew it the room was full of grandparents and grandchildren. We started  by reading a book called, ‘What Do You Call Your Grandparents?’ which was a really good book. As we wrapped up with reading the book, the teachers started explaining the activity that we would do with our grandparents.

We got a square piece of fabric and drew ourselves and our grandparents with words and symbols around it about what we do and share with our grandparents and families. It was a very fun activity and looked so good in the end, especially once we added the decorations. Ding! “Good morning everyone it is time to head down to mass,” exclaimed the announcement.

By Lachie 6MR

On Wednesday the 24th of July 2024 at 9:00 it was Grandparents and Special friends day! I was in Miss Hall's classroom. We then went into Mrs Moore’s class to read a grandparents book. The book was about all different types of names people call their grandparents. After that we looked at a slideshow on how to do the activity. I didn't have anyone come so I got to work with Miss Hall's grandparents. Then we did a family art activity. The activity was called family square and we got to decorate it! You had to write something you do with your grandparents. I said Math, smile, fun and funny. Then I colored in to make it look pretty. I drew some people to make it look like I was in the grass looking at some flowers with my sister and grandma. Then I added sparkles, felt hearts and of course some diamantes. After that we all headed over to the church!

By Maggie 5JH

The Mass

At 9:45 we walked up the street and went to Mass. Father spoke a lot about the special connection we have with our grandparents and the connection they have with us as we prayed to God. We thanked our grandparents for all they did for us and they thanked us for bringing joy to their lives . We shared a beautiful moment during the Mass where we embraced our grandparents, holding their hands and saying thank you for all that they do for us. Our grandparents then embraced us, thanking us for being in their lives. We then shared a hug. It was a beautiful moment.

After the Mass we walked back down the path we came up on, and we said goodbye to our grandparents and they went off to the learning hub for a cup of tea and some biscuits.

By Gus 6MR

Why do we celebrate Grandparents and Special Friends Day?

We celebrated Grandparents day this week as this week was the feast day of St Joachim and St Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.

It’s important to celebrate with our grandparents because we can learn a lot from them and they can pass on their wisdom and knowledge. It’s also important to spend time with grandparents because you don’t know how much time you have left together and you should make memories with them and cherish all the time spent with them. I love having grandparents with me. I cannot wait till next grandparents day.

By Benjamin 5JH

I think Grandparents Day is special for my Grandparents because it is a chance for all of my siblings to make something for my Grandparents that they will keep forever and it is a chance for my Grandparents to see me and my siblings at school. I believe grandparents day is a day to show our love for our grandparents because they love us.

By Lily Mae 6MR

Eucharist 2024

Eucharist Reflection Day- 9.00-3.30 Wednesday, 7th August (Learning Hub)

All year 4 students will be part of this day. Students may wear appropriate casual clothes.

Lord Jesus, Bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time.

May this day be an initial step into a life-long love of the Eucharist.

Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to You for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship.

Classes attending Parish Mass- 10am Wednesday

Wednesday  7th August - 3/4JB & 3/4DK

Thursday 15th August - Whole School- Feast of the Assumption

Wednesday 28th August - 1/2AT & 5JH

Wednesday 4th September - FMH & 6MR

Families are invited to attend.

Save the date: 6pm Wednesday, 4th September

‘Foundation Students in Pyjamas’ Prayer Family Faith Night’

Venue - Learning Hub

More information to follow soon.

Maree Hills- Religious Education Leader

Email: maree.hills@scmoorabbin.catholic.edu.au

Feast of St Mary of the Cross

On Thursday 8th August we celebrate the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the first Australian saint. Mary was a person of great faith and hope. She believed that God would look after her and provide her with the things she needed to help others. Mary didn’t worry because she was a person of hope and courage. 

St Mary of the Cross shared many inspirational quotes.

"Never see a need without doing something about it." Mary MacKillop

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” Mary MacKillop 1907 

"See and be grateful.” Mary MacKillop 1884 

“Let us thank God that we are as we are". Mary MacKillop 1874 

“Is not God doing a great deal of what is wonderful in you?” Mary MacKillop 1869 “We have much for which to be thankful.” Mary MacKillop 1873

The following link is for the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre. https://www.mmhc.org.au/

Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre (MMHC) East Melbourne a place of inspiration and vitality, manifests and promotes the spirit and charism of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

MMHC provides, through education and hospitality, opportunities for all to experience and be challenged by the creative spirit and dynamism of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s life and work and the contribution of the Sisters of Saint Joseph to our heritage.

The Feast of the Assumption 15th August falls on a Thursday this year so the whole school will be celebrating this holy day of obligation on Thursday 15th August. An invitation is open for all. This celebration reminds us of Mary’s entrance into heaven. It tells us too, that we human beings are destined to live, like Mary, in heaven, in the presence of God. Mary’s great faith helps us to live our life as Jesus followers.

I have included a few more GEM chat questions and ideas from The Resilience Project Program for you and your family to share at home during the month of August. Practising Gratitude, Empathy, mindfulness and Emotional Literacy through GEM chats on a regular basis helps everyone to focus on their health and wellbeing.

GREEN AND GOLD DAY

FMH

This term in Maths we have been learning about counting, place value and data. On 100 days of school we each counted 100 different objects to see what 100 looks like. We counted the objects into groups of 10 and then by 10’s to 100.

We have been learning about the Olympics and have gathered data when competing in events such as the javelin using a foam javelin and discus using decorated paper plates. We recorded our results and entered the data in tables before making graphs. We have been using tally marks to count by 5’s.

Year 1/2

In Mathematics in 1/2 HB, we have been learning all about Australian money. We have been learning how to recognise, describe and order Australian coins and notes according to their value, understanding that the value of a coin is not related to its size. We created money monsters that used Australian coins and identified the least and highest value coin we used. 

This week, we will learn to count small collections of coins to make a particular value and identify equivalent values in coins through rich problem solving activities and a play shop.

Year 3/4

In Grade 3/4 this week the students have been focusing on naming and measuring angles. The students were able to identify the angles within their names and create angle art. Students were able to measure the angles and compare different sizes of angles using a protractor. 

Year 5 & 6 

In grade 5 and 6, students have been developing their knowledge and familiarity with using algorithms to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division equations. The students have practiced using these algorithms, ranging in difficulty, to become familiar with more efficient strategies for solving equations. The four operations and use of efficient strategies are fundamental in mathematics units in the senior school. Students will continue practicing and using these strategies throughout the remainder of the year,

The beginning of the Olympic Games has allowed for the highly anticipated ‘Potato Olympics!’ The students have each been allocated a country and a potato. They were tasked with designing a uniform, flag and name for their potato. As part of this process, students had to measure the various characteristics of their athlete, including the weight and length. 

After the initial stages, we launched into the Opening Ceremony and events. Our athletes would participate in a range of events to determine a winner. The events included break dancing, 25m sprint, skiing, diving, potato and spoon, basketball and long jump. Each of the events incorporate mathematical skills and understanding. The students have been measuring distances, comparing data, calculating scores and determining averages from the events. The students have loved participating in these events.

Dear Parents and Friends,
Don’t forget that Weeks 8/9 of this term is the time to showcase
Japanese language and culture at St Catherine’s with our…
日本祭り (Nihon Matsuri) or Japanese Festival!
 
Our theme for the festival is 
「面白い」(Omoshiroi) which means “That’s interesting!”.

On Wednesday, September 11, we will have our 日本コンサート
(Nihon Konsaato) or Japanese Concert. And you are all invited!
At the concert, you will be able to see the children singing, dancing,
acting, playing music and more! They can’t wait to show you what
they have been practising. 
 
It will be held in the hall from 9am.  
In celebration of the day, the children have been asked to wear
something ‘Japanese-y’ such as a martial arts robe (gi) or a kimono,
If they don’t have anything ‘Japanese-y’, they can wear the
Japanese colours which are red, white, black and gold (yellow).
 
See you all on Wednesday, September 11!

リオナキス先生　
(Rionakisu Sensei)　
Lionakis Sensei

Scan the QR code or click on the image to visit our website

For more information or to register, click on the image

Click on the image for more highlights

Presenting our upcoming production of Mamma Mia!

Click on the image or scan the QR code to book

Click on the image to visit Sam's website