Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents

As we reach the conclusion of what has been a dynamic and exciting Term One, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to our entire school community for the incredible energy, support and commitment shown throughout the term. It has been a term filled with change, growth, and success—particularly as we have transitioned into our new model at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School.

The atmosphere at both campuses has been very positive. It has been tremendous to see staff, students and parents working collaboratively in many of the school activities. Most parents by now would have had the opportunity to meet with their child’s class teacher and discuss their progress. I acknowledge the efforts of the class teachers for making themselves available for this very important communication and reporting strategy.

To our dedicated staff, I extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations. Your unwavering commitment, adaptability, and passion for student learning have been instrumental in making this new model a reality. It is through your professionalism and deep care for our students that we have seen such a smooth and positive start to the year. Thank you for embracing this change with such grace and a forward-thinking mindset.

A significant focus this term was the commissioning of our Year 6 Leaders and their respective ministries at the Primary Campus, as well as our Year 2 Leaders at the ECE Campus. These special ceremonies marked an important milestone in the leadership journey of our students, as they embraced their roles with enthusiasm, pride and a deep sense of responsibility. It was pleasing to witness the reverence with which our leaders accepted their badges and the commitment they demonstrated to serving their peers and the wider school community. We are confident that they will be outstanding role models who embody our school values and contribute positively to the life of our school.

A highlight of the term has undoubtedly been the Year 6 Camp, which was a tremendous success! Our students returned with beaming smiles, new friendships, and stories of adventure and personal growth. I would like to sincerely thank all the staff who accompanied our students and gave so generously of their time and energy to make this experience both memorable and enriching. Your leadership and care are deeply appreciated.

As we enter Holy Week, we pause to reflect on the significance of Passion Sunday, a key moment in our Lenten journey. It invites us to contemplate the love and sacrifice of Jesus and to prepare our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection. May this sacred time offer us all the opportunity for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth.

As we journeyed through Holy Week, our Year 5 students led the Primary Campus in a moving and reverent presentation of the Stations of the Cross Tableau. This powerful reflection allowed us to prayerfully enter into the final moments of Jesus’ life, through thoughtful narration, prayerful silence, and symbolic movement. The students approached this significant responsibility with great maturity, respect, and reverence, bringing to life each station in a way that deeply resonated with all who attended. It was a beautiful and meaningful experience that encouraged quiet reflection and a deeper understanding of the Easter story.

A sincere thank you to our dedicated Year 5 teachers and support staff who guided and prepared the students so thoughtfully for this important liturgical event. Their commitment to ensuring a meaningful and prayerful experience was evident in every detail. We are also grateful to the entire Primary Campus community who participated with such respect, making this shared experience one of unity, faith, and reflection.

You have been able to enjoy the wonderful experience of meeting Jesus ...But the experience of this encounter must not remain locked up in your life or in a small group of your friends, your movement, or your community.

That would be like withholding oxygen from a flame that was burning strongly. Faith is a flame that grows stronger the more it is shared and passed on, so that everyone may know, love, and confess Jesus Christ, the Lord of life and history

ANZAC Day is a national public holiday and is considered by many Australians to be one of the most solemn days of the year. Marches held in cities and towns nationwide by veterans from all past wars, as well as current serving members of the Australian Defence Force and Reserves, with allied veterans and the Australian Defence Force Cadets and Australian Air League and supported by members of Scouts Australia, Guides Australia, and other uniformed service groups as well as schools and community groups.

ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. ANZAC Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand.

We will commemorate ANZAC Day on Tuesday 29 April on both campuses.

The school holidays offer a precious opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and spend meaningful time with your child. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to let those small but powerful moments of connection slip by unnoticed. The holiday break allows us to pause and truly engage with our children—not just in big adventures, but in the simple, everyday experiences that build strong relationships and lifelong memories.

These moments don’t need to be grand or expensive. Often, it’s the time spent chatting in the car, cooking together, or sharing a story at the end of the day that children remember most. The holidays present a chance to nurture curiosity, spark conversation, and foster a love of learning in relaxed, informal ways. Whether you’re heading off on a family getaway or enjoying a quieter break at home, there are countless ways to make this time special, enriching, and fun.

Below are some simple yet powerful ideas to help you make the most of the holiday period—strengthening your bond with your child and supporting their learning journey in enjoyable and meaningful ways.

• Talk with and to your child - promote and encourage conversation... try to find out as much as you can about your child’s day. Finding out even small things gives you a common experience to discuss.
• Find out what is happening at school ...e.g. the current topic/theme special event.
• Make the best use of time… play word games, have discussions in the car on the way to holiday activities, holiday destinations, sporting events etc.
• To make the best use of the holiday time - leave household chores until later if possible!
• Have an organised / expected time of the day / evening to share the experiences of the day, stories
• Use the holidays to ‘catch-up’ on literacy activities —e.g. visit or join the local library, visit the museum.
• If your job involves literacy in any way, try to make this a part of your child’s experience, e.g. visiting mum/dad’s workplace, watching mum/dad with the work that they bring home
• Involve children in everyday literacy activities, e.g. reading a recipe, instructions, labels on food items, menus, TV guides, the newspaper, making a shopping list, doing the shopping, writing a letter, sending a birthday card.

Enrolments are now being taken for new students wishing to commence Kindergarten at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School in 2026.

Mel Maria Catholic Primary School will continue to offer three, four or five days of Kindergarten in 2026.

Kindergarten places are limited so it is important that parents within the Mel Maria community submit their applications as soon as possible. Forms can be obtained from the office or on our website.

Looking ahead to Term Two, a gentle reminder that students will be transitioning to their Winter Uniform. We ask for your support in ensuring that students return next term wearing their correct winter attire with pride.

On behalf of all of us at Mel Maria, I would like to wish our staff, students, and families a holy and happy Easter. May this season bring you peace, joy, and the hope that Easter promises.

School resumes for all students on Monday 28 April.

Paul Hille

Principal

#MakingADifferenceEveryday

Prayer for the Week

As we end this term, we consider how we might have changed, grown and

become more like Jesus during this time.

Jesus said, ‘Everyone will know you are my friends if you love one another.’

Let us show our love by making peace and trying to make things better.

Let us show our love by caring about the happiness of others and by thanking them for their goodness to us.

Let us love one another as we share our meals and laugh and celebrate together.

Help us, Lord, to love one another as Jesus has loved us.

Amen.

Thought for the Week

Early Childhood Learning at Mel Maria.

Children are capable and are active participants in their learning.

Our Early Childhood team have enjoyed a term of high engagement with our students and families. I encourage you to talk with your child about their portfolio of learning and to celebrate their success and new discoveries.

Christie Burnette (2019) shares this quote by L. Stanley, “Children are natural researchers as they question what they see, hypothesise solutions, predict outcomes, experiment, and reflect on their discoveries. Children are not passive, empty vessels waiting to be filled; rather, they are self-motivated learners actively seeking to understand the complex world in which they live.”

It is from this very image of the child that shapes our philosophy on practice at Mel Maria Early Childhood Campus.

The Early Learning Framework (2008) asserts that “Families are the primary caregivers of children and have the most important role in promoting their children’s well-being, learning, and development in the context of supportive communities” (p,15).

Lent and Easter are the highlights of our liturgical year in Catholic communities. Our young students have a natural affinity with the concept of new life and new beginnings and have had so many opportunities to celebrate this through their learning this term. Our Year One students have visited our local aged care home and shared their presence with residents. Our Year Two students have collected cleaning products for St Patrick's Care Group.

Our integrated learning curriculum provides many opportunities for our learners to make connections, explore and to make new discoveries. It is such a privilege to be part of that each day.

Ros Nichols

Vice Principal - ECE Campus

This term, Year Two has been busy and engaged in a variety of exciting learning experiences!

In our Religion unit, we’ve been focusing on Church and Lent, opening our hearts and minds in preparation for the season. We’ve been reflecting on how we can grow and strengthen our faith.

In Math, our learning has been hands-on as we explore place value, addition, and subtraction. Using fun materials and interactive activities, students are gaining a deeper understanding of numbers and improving their problem-solving skills.

In English, we’ve been sharpening our writing skills, focusing on how to write a great recount. The students have been learning how to structure their ideas clearly, using descriptive language to engage their readers and share their experiences in a fun and organised way!

Finally, in Inquiry, we are acting as engineers, learning to problem-solve and design structures. Our current challenge is constructing boats and jetty’s, where the students are using creativity and critical thinking to design and build solutions to real-world problems.

It’s been a busy and rewarding start to the year, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store!

"Make the Most of Every Opportunity". We believe that every opportunity is a chance to grow and create something special. School is not just about textbooks and tests—it’s about stepping up, trying new things, and making memories. Whether it’s joining a club, participating in an event, or lending a hand to a friend, these moments help us grow.

Term One was filled with memorable experiences. We thank our dedicated staff for the success of the clubs, providing students with valuable opportunities to learn and grow. Year Five students completed their Mini Vinnies service commitment, learning the importance of giving back to the community. Year Four students continue to gain valuable insights into First Nations Peoples through their HASS studies.

NAPLAN has concluded, and we are proud of how our Year Three and Five students approached the challenge with perseverance and determination. Our swimming carnival was a great success, with the inclusion of Year Three students for the first time. Everyone enjoyed the day and showcased their skills.

As we are now in the 5th week of Lent, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how we can grow in faith and kindness. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Looking ahead to Term Two, we are excited for more opportunities to create memories!. Our Year Six students have just returned from their fantastic camp to Rottnest, where they had an amazing time building teamwork, strengthening friendships, and taking on new challenges in a beautiful setting. We are so proud of how they embraced the experience, making lasting memories along the way.

Our dedicated staff continue to uphold high standards, creating an environment where each student is encouraged to reach their full potential. They foster creativity, resilience, and kindness, empowering students to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate successes.

We look forward to more events that will inspire our students to take full advantage of the opportunities available, both in and outside the classroom. Let’s continue to embrace these moments and make the most of every opportunity.

So, remember: "Opportunity arises... Take it, make a memory" We are so proud of everything you’re achieving here at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School.

Cathleen Massimi

Vice Principal - Primary Campus

Last week, the Year Six students travelled to Rottnest Island for their 2025 Leadership Camp. They had the opportunity to explore the island’s rich history, ride bikes around the island, swim, snorkel, and see the famous quokkas up close. It was an unforgettable experience, with perfect weather and crystal-clear water helping to make the camp truly special. Students learned valuable life skills while being away from home, and although the early mornings and late nights made it a tiring experience for everyone, they wouldn’t change a second of it!

Our Year Four students have been diving into Japanese culture, learning about Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)—a special holiday in Japan that celebrates the happiness, health, and growth of children. A key tradition of this day is flying koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks), symbolising strength and perseverance.

To bring this to life, our students got creative with ink and fabric to design their own koi fish, each one unique and full of personality! The classroom is now a mesmerising display of colourful, swirling koi mobiles—a stunning fusion of art and cultural learning. This hands-on project has been a fantastic way to complement their knowledge with creativity, making the learning experience both meaningful and memorable. Check out the photos and videos to see our beautiful koi swimming through the air!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing Parents & Friends (P&F) Committee for their incredible efforts in organising this year’s Easter Raffle. From gathering donations to wrapping the prizes with care, your dedication brought so much joy and excitement to our school community.

We’d also like to thank every student, family, and staff member who participated by purchasing tickets, donating eggs, or simply spreading the Easter spirit. Your generosity helped make the event a truly special celebration for everyone.

Thanks to your support, we were able to share a little extra Easter cheer and the remaining chocolate eggs and goodies were kindly donated to Zonta House, an organisation that supports women in crisis. Congratulations to all of our raffle winners, we hope you enjoyed your prizes. A special shoutout to Gemma, who took home the IGA Raffle prize.

Mark your calendars for our SJP Annual High Tea!
Join us on Sunday, 25 May, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

As I have surveyed and worked with thousands of families over the years, there are a small handful of habits that I see parents practice that make their families happy. And they are astonishingly powerful. In this article I will share those habits by describing the principle, discussing how it works in practice, and offering a provocation to get you thinking.

1. Assume Positive Intent

Principle: Your children are not actually trying to ruin your life. They’re trying their best with limited skills and resources. Sometimes they can be clumsy. They only have their ‘L’ plates on.
In Practice: When your child does something upsetting, pause before reacting. Ask yourself, “What need is my child trying to meet?” Then, address the need rather than just the behaviour. “I can see you’re frustrated. Let’s figure this out together.”

Provocation: We wouldn’t assume your colleague intentionally sabotaged a project, yet we’re quick to believe our children are orchestrating psychological warfare against us. Your child isn’t a criminal mastermind plotting your demise. They’re just hungry, tired, or struggling to communicate. The fastest way to turn a good kid bad is to treat them like they already are.

2. Laugh Together

Principle: Shared joy creates bonds that withstand life’s challenges.
In Practice: Have family movie nights with comedies. Share funny stories. Play ridiculous games. Create inside jokes. Laugh at yourself when you make mistakes. Make silly faces, tell dad jokes, and celebrate the ridiculous moments of family life.
Provocation: Most families spend more time coordinating schedules than creating memories. The average household shares fewer than 20 minutes of laughter per week, yet we wonder why everyone feels disconnected. If your family hasn’t had a proper belly laugh together in the last few days, your family culture is in critical condition.

3. Fix Things Fast

Principle: Conflict is inevitable; prolonged disconnection is optional.
In Practice: Be the first to apologise, especially if you’re the parent. Name what went wrong. Take responsibility for your part. Ask what would help. End with physical connection. A hug, high five, or fist bump resets everyone’s nervous system.
Provocation: Your silent treatment isn’t “teaching them a lesson”. Nor is yelling or threatening. It’s teaching them that love is conditional. Every hour of unresolved tension between you and your child is rewiring their brain to expect conditional acceptance in future relationships. Your pride isn’t worth the therapy bills they’ll have later.

4. Stay Close

Principle: Children of all ages are biologically wired for connection with their parents.
In Practice: Create daily rituals of connection: bedtime stories, morning cuddles, after-school check-ins. Sit on their bed for five minutes at night. Drive them to school when possible. Find small ways to connect throughout the day that show you’re thinking of them.
Provocation: Your child’s push for independence is a façade. Behind it is a child desperately hoping you won’t believe the act. While you’re respecting their “independence” by backing off, they’re interpreting your distance as abandonment. Your children need you more, not less—they just need you differently as they grow. They want your involvement in a supportive, not a controlling, way.

5. Listen Fully

Principle: Being heard creates security and builds trust.
In Practice: Put down your phone when your child speaks. Make eye contact. Ask follow-up questions. Reflect back what you hear. Don’t immediately jump to solutions or lectures. Sometimes say, “Tell me more about that.”
Provocation: If your screen time report shows more hours on social media than minutes of eye contact with your children, you’re outsourcing the most important relationship they have right now to someone or something else. Your child will remember exactly zero of your “important” emails or Instagram reels, but they’ll never forget the times you chose your phone over their story.

6. Create Meaningful Traditions

Principle: Family rituals create stability and identity in an unpredictable world.
In Practice: Establish weekly family nights, seasonal celebrations, birthday traditions, or Sunday dinners. They don’t need to be elaborate—consistency matters more than complexity. Even simple traditions like Sunday morning pancakes create anchors of belonging.
Provocation: In a culture where kids construct identity through screens and peers, your family traditions are fighting for your children’s sense of self. Without these shared experiences, your family becomes little more than roommates who occasionally share Wi-Fi. The traditions you neglect creating today are the memories your children won’t have tomorrow.

7. Have the Hard Conversations

Principle: Children need parents who are brave enough to discuss difficult topics.
In Practice: Create an environment where no question is off-limits. Talk about bodies, relationships, disappointments, and fears in age-appropriate ways. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”. Use everyday opportunities to address important topics briefly and naturally.
Provocation: Your discomfort with difficult conversations doesn’t make them unnecessary. It makes them urgent. The conversations you avoid having with your children will be filled by Google, YouTube, or the kid on the bus with wildly inaccurate information. If you won’t have these conversations, someone else—or something else—will, and you probably won’t like their curriculum.

Christine Pittman

christine.pittman@cewa.edu.au

School Term Dates for 2025

Term 1: Wednesday 5 February - Friday 11 April

Term 2: Monday 28 April - Friday 4 July

Term 3: Monday 21 July - Friday 25 September

Term 4: Tuesday 14 October - Friday 12 December

Pupil Free Days for 2025

Term 1: Friday 28 February

Term 2: Tuesday 3 June

Term 3: Monday 25 August, Friday 26 September

Term 4: Monday 13 October