Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Next week, Mel Maria Catholic Primary School will proudly host its annual Open Night, a highlight on our community calendar and one of the most anticipated events of the year. Families, parishioners, community members and friends come together in support to celebrate the learning, creativity, and achievements of our students.

This year’s theme, “Innovate and Create,” captures the imagination of our school community. Classrooms are transformed into vibrant displays of student work, showcasing everything from inquiry projects and STEM innovations to creative arts, writing, and collaborative designs. Each display reflects the unique gifts and talents of our students and their ability to think critically, problem-solve, and express themselves in dynamic and original ways.

The evening provides parents and visitors with the opportunity to walk through classrooms, speak with teachers, and see first-hand how learning at Mel Maria is guided by curiosity, creativity, and innovation. It is interesting to see the depth of engagement evident in the projects, as well as the joy and pride displayed by the students as they share their work.

Such a night would not be possible without the dedication, creativity, and tireless effort of our teachers and staff. In the weeks leading up to the event, they worked diligently to prepare engaging displays, coordinate activities, and ensure every child’s achievements are showcased with care. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for education shines through, that creates an evening that reflects the heart and spirit of Mel Maria.

Beyond the classroom displays, Open Night is also a wonderful community gathering. Families enjoy reconnecting with one another, and visitors gained an inspiring glimpse into the rich and diverse learning experiences that make Mel Maria a vibrant Catholic school of choice.

“Open Night is more than a showcase—it is a celebration of who we are as a school community. The theme ‘Innovate and Create’ reminds us that education is not just about knowledge, but about preparing our children to be creative thinkers, collaborative problem-solvers, and compassionate contributors to the world around them.”

We are deeply grateful for the incredible support of our parents, families, and wider community. Together, we continue to make Mel Maria a place where learning is alive, faith is nurtured, and every child is encouraged to shine.

Father’s Day BBQ

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our P&F Association for hosting our Father’s Day BBQ last week. Despite the wet and miserable weather, their commitment, organisation, and hospitality ensured the event was another great success. From setting up early in the rain to serving the burgers and sausages with a smile, our P&F volunteers once again went above and beyond to create a welcoming occasion for our families.

It was truly tremendous to see so many dads, grandfathers, and father figures come along to share the morning with their children. The sense of joy and community spirit was evident, with children beaming as they proudly enjoyed the BBQ with their dads. Events like this remind us of the strength of our school community and the importance of celebrating the special people in our children’s lives.

Special thanks must be extended to the wonderful staff who volunteered their time to cook, serve, and assist many ways throughout the event. Their presence not only helped but also highlighted the strong sense of community and care that makes our school so special.

Tournament of Minds

Two teams participated in this event on Saturday 6 September. Both Teams did extremely well with the STEM Team winning the award for their section. They will now go into the State Finals in October. The Language and Literature Team also performed extremely well winning a Certificate of Excellence for their performance on the weekend.

Many thanks to Ms Teresa Marra for her efforts with the TOM Teams this year, and also to Mrs Ros Nichols for her support of the program and working with the teams over the weekend.

Robotics - Robocup

This weekend Mel Maria Robotic Teams will compete in Robocup Junior Competition at Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley.

We thank Mr Popadynec and Ms Marra for all the support with Robocup this year. Giving up their lunchtimes, after school and whole weekends to enable our students to participate in these events, it is certainly going above and beyond their roles as teachers in the school.

Enrolments Now Open

Enrolments Now Open

We are pleased to share that enrolments are still being taken across all year levels at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School. Interest in our school continues to grow, with many new families joining us after hearing such positive feedback from our current parents.

This year, we have been humbled by the number of families who have shared how much they value our welcoming community, dedicated staff, and the high-quality learning opportunities we provide. It is wonderful to see word of mouth and parent recommendations playing such a strong role in encouraging new families to consider Mel Maria for their children’s education.

If you know of any families considering schooling options for 2025 and beyond, please encourage them to contact our office for a tour or further information. We look forward to welcoming more children and their families into our thriving school community.

Paul Hille

Principal

#MakingADifferenceEveryday

Prayer for the Week

Christ, our Light,

We believe that you are here among us as you promised you would

be when we gather in your name.

With a trust that goes far deeper than our limited capacity to imagine, you have handed over to us responsibility to carry out your works and wishes in our world.

We ask you now to walk beside us on our journey, to fill our minds, memories and imaginations with hope and vision. Help us to see our lives and work within your Church with

strong creative clarity, so that we may serve more effectively, all who search

for faith and meaning in our world.

Amen

Thought for the Week

Money can buy a fine dog but only kindness will make him wag his tail

“Once Upon a Busy Term…”
What a whirlwind it’s been in Year One! Stories came alive, numbers danced, and fairy tales got a fun twist.

In English, we explored narratives—creating settings, characters, problems and solutions. Our young authors reimagined fairy tales, crafted colourful story maps, and shared their unique versions of classic tales.

Book Week brought even more magic with the theme “Reading is an Adventure!” Our little bookworms dressed up, and our assembly performance had everyone giggling—Cinderella definitely took a wrong turn!

In Maths, we’ve been busy spotting patterns and skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. Over in Edu-Dance, we’re grooving to “Quack Quack Wiggle” and “Boogie Shoes,” getting ready to shine on stage!

In HASS, we explored the features of places and how we can care for them—because even small hands can help make a big difference.

It’s been a fun, busy term full of creativity, curiosity and courage. Bring on the next adventure!

The Year One Team 🐤📚💃🌍

Year 6 Billy Carts Day

On Friday 5 September, our Year Six students held their much-anticipated annual Billy Carts Day. Working in teams, they designed and built some truly outstanding billy carts, making clever use of recycled and sustainable materials. It was wonderful to see their creativity, innovation, and teamwork shine through.

Race time brought a challenge with the rain, but spirits weren’t dampened—students pushed ahead with determination, cheered on enthusiastically by the Year 3–5 classes. In a thrilling finish, the Turbo Snails sped their way to victory, taking out the top spot in the Speed Demon kids’ race!

After the excitement, students and parents enjoyed a well-deserved sausage sizzle, rounding off a fantastic day of fun, teamwork, and community spirit.

A huge congratulations to all our Year Sixes for their incredible efforts and positive attitudes, and a heartfelt thank you to the parents who came along to support and celebrate the day. This was truly a day to remember!

AMC Awards

We would like to congratulate all the students who participated in the AMC competition.

This National Mathematics Competition was first run in Australia in 1978. The AMC contains unique problems designed each year by leading educators and academics to challenge and extend their problem-solving skills. We had many students receive high distinction, distinction and certificates of merit. Congratulations to Joshua Regnard who received “Best in School” .

Congratulations to our two TOM teams who performed at the Regionals at ECU Joondalup on the weekend. Both performances were outstanding, and the judges were impressed. Our Language Literature team received a certificate of merit, and our STEM team made the State finals.

The journey forward to the States is an entirely different process. The group is given an unseen challenge, to solve within three hours. Students have to engineer and build a STEM model, script write and perform their solutions to the judges. We are sure they will do Mel Maria proud.

The Power of Belonging: Why Feeling Connected at School Matters More Than You Think

Feeling connected at school isn’t just about friendships - it’s about a deep sense of school belonging that shapes a child’s confidence, motivation, and overall well-being. When kids feel seen, valued, and included, they’re more likely to thrive both academically and socially.

The Hidden Power of School Belonging

We all want our children to be happy and successful at school. We focus on their grades, their friendships, and their extracurricular activities. But one of the most important factors for their well-being, both now and in the future, is their sense of belonging.

What the Research Says About School Connection

A study from Monash University has shed light on the profound impact of school belonging on long-term mental health. Associate Professor Kelly-Ann Allen, the lead researcher, followed over 1500 individuals from adolescence to adulthood, examining the link between their feelings of connection at school and their mental well-being later in life.

How Belonging Affects Mental Health Long-Term

The findings were striking: those who felt a strong sense of belonging in high school experienced fewer mental health challenges in their twenties. This connection was evident even after accounting for other factors like academic achievement and family relationships. In other words, feeling like you fit in, that you matter, that your part of the school community, has a lasting positive impact on your mental health.

Why does belonging matter so much?

Think back to your own school days. Remember that feeling of walking into a classroom where you felt welcomed, valued, and supported? Or perhaps you recall the opposite—the sinking feeling of being an outsider, of not quite fitting in. These experiences shape not only our immediate well-being but also our long-term sense of self and our ability to navigate social and emotional challenges.

The Link Between School Connection and Success

Beyond mental health, a strong sense of belonging also contributes to academic achievement and personal growth.

Academic and Social Benefits of Feeling Connected

Students who feel connected to their school community are more likely to:

Engage in learning: They’re more motivated, attentive, and eager to participate in classroom activities.
Develop positive relationships: They feel more comfortable interacting with peers and teachers, fostering friendships and a sense of community.
Cope with stress: They have a support system to turn to when faced with academic or social challenges.
Build resilience: They develop a stronger sense of self-worth and the confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs.

The Role of Teachers and Parents in Fostering Belonging

Educators and parents play a crucial role in helping children feel valued and included at school. Simple actions - such as acknowledging students by name, encouraging participation, and creating inclusive environments - can make a significant difference.

How to Strengthen Your Child’s Sense of Belonging

If you want to ensure your child thrives in school, fostering a sense of belonging is key.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Educators

1. Partner with the school:

Open communication: Stay connected with your child’s teachers. Attend school events and parent-teacher meetings. Be an active participant in your child’s school life.
Advocate for your child: If your child is struggling socially or emotionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school counsellor.
Support school initiatives: Get involved in school activities and events that promote a sense of community and belonging.

2. Nurture connections at home:

Family time: Prioritise quality time together as a family. Share meals, play games, and engage in activities that foster connection and communication.
Emotional support: Create a safe and open environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns. Validate their emotions and offer unconditional love and support.
Social skills: Help your child develop strong social skills. Encourage them to engage in activities that foster friendships and positive peer relationships.

3. Champion their interests:

Encourage exploration: Support your child in exploring their interests and passions. This could involve extracurricular activities, hobbies, or simply pursuing their own unique curiosities.
Celebrate their strengths: Focus on their positive qualities and accomplishments. Help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
Foster autonomy: Give them age-appropriate choices and responsibilities. Allow them to make decisions and experience the consequences of their choices (within safe boundaries).

The Bottom Line:

School connection and belonging isn’t just about feeling happy and comfortable in the classroom; it’s a crucial ingredient for long-term mental health and well-being. By partnering with the school, nurturing connections at home, and championing our children’s interests, we can help them build a strong foundation for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Reference

Coulson, J. (2025, Mar 14). The Power of Belonging: Why Feeling Connected at School Matters More Than You Think. https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/the-power-of-belonging-school-connection

Sharlene Epis

sharlene.epis@cewa.edu.au