Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents and Carers

As another busy and rewarding school term draws to a close, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the many enriching, memorable and successful experiences that have taken place across Mel Maria Catholic Primary School during Semester One. Throughout the semester, the school community has embraced the 2026 theme, ‘Called to Excellence’, with students, staff and parents working together to create a vibrant, welcoming and faith-filled learning environment. The generosity, commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by so many members of the community, who so willingly give their time and talents, continue to make Mel Maria Catholic Primary School a truly special place.

Congratulations to all students for their outstanding efforts throughout the semester. Those who have consistently worked hard, embraced challenges, demonstrated resilience and always given their very best should be extremely proud of their achievements. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through the arts, STEM initiatives, leadership opportunities or faith celebrations, students have represented the school with pride. They continue to demonstrate the school values each day and truly embody what it means to #MakeADifferenceEveryDay.

Semester One has also provided many wonderful opportunities for the community to come together. Through Sacramental celebrations, the Cross Country Carnival, Interschool Swimming Championship, school tours, STEM initiatives, performances and countless learning experiences across both campuses, students have grown academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. The continued success of the Dual Campus Model has further reinforced the many benefits of providing age-appropriate learning environments where every child is known, valued and supported to flourish.

Special acknowledgement is extended to the Leadership Team for its outstanding work throughout the semester. Mrs Ros Nichols and Mrs Danielle Damjanovic, together with Assistant Principals Ms Teresa Marra, Miss Stephanie Figueira and Mr Roman Popadynec, have provided exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to the continual improvement of the school. Their collective efforts behind the scenes ensure Mel Maria Catholic Primary School continues to move forward with confidence, purpose and a shared commitment to excellence.

Sincere appreciation is also extended to the outstanding administration team, Mrs Cathy Cowcher, Mrs Mardi Dodgson, Mrs Sylvia Tamigi and Mrs Lyn Dowie, whose professionalism, efficiency and meticulous attention to detail ensure the many operational aspects of the school run so smoothly. Their contribution is often unseen but is deeply valued by the entire school community.

As the school holidays begin, every family is encouraged to take the opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together and enjoy a well-earned rest. May this holiday period provide moments of peace, renewal and gratitude as God's presence continues to guide and strengthen each family. The commencement of Semester Two will bring many new opportunities for learning, growth and celebration, and the return of students and families is eagerly anticipated.

May God continue to bless every family within the Mel Maria Catholic Primary School community, and may the holiday break be safe, restful and filled with joy.

We pray,

Slow me down Lord

Hold me still in Your arms

Empty me of all

That is not of You

And fill me with your love.

Make my heart Your home

A wide and patient land

Where time hangs around

And distance is never too far,

Where we can sit around a fire

And tell stories

That draw close, our lives.

(Noel Davis – Heart gone Walkabout)

All parents will receive their child’s/children’s report this week. It is important, as parents are undoubtedly aware, to take the time to discuss the report with their child. Teachers’ comments are important and should be used as ‘indicators’ in areas which a child may work towards improving.

I encourage parents to arrange interviews with class teachers if there is some area of concern, so as to develop a collaborative approach towards assisting the child with their schooling.

Reading through every child’s report is always a deeply humbling experience. As I mentioned in our recent assembly, it's wonderful to see the tremendous progress our students have made in the first half of the year. It's clear that every child has put in significant effort and engaged deeply in their learning journey this semester. I extend my thanks to our dedicated teachers who have spent countless hours completing these reports.

As parents and guardians, it's natural to compare our children with others. However, it's crucial to focus on each child's individual progress and potential. Every child has their unique strengths and talents, whether it's in math, music, athletics, or hospitality, making others feel welcome and special. We should celebrate this diversity and appreciate the wonderful differences among our students. Let's continue to support and encourage our children to do their personal best, recognising and valuing each one's unique gifts. Reports will be posted online in SEQTA on Friday 3 July after 4pm.

As Semester One comes to a close, I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Gemma McGinnity for the outstanding work she has undertaken teaching Kindergarten Blue throughout the semester.

Gemma has provided exceptional care, warmth and professionalism, creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child has felt safe, valued and encouraged to grow. She has built strong relationships with the students and their families and has worked collaboratively with the Early Childhood team to ensure continuity of learning and a positive start to each child's educational journey. Gemma’s contribution has been greatly appreciated, and we are delighted that she will continue to be part of the Mel Maria team next term.

We also extend our very best wishes to Mrs Kylie Kerrigan as she commences Long Service Leave for the remainder of the year. This period of leave is thoroughly deserved and provides Kylie with a wonderful opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy some well-earned time away from school. We thank Kylie for her ongoing dedication and valued contribution to our school community and look forward to welcoming her back in 2027.

Enrolments are now being taken for new students wishing to commence Kindergarten at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School in 2027.

Mel Maria Catholic Primary School will continue to offer three, four or five days of Kindergarten in 2027.

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.

School resumes for all students on Tuesday, 21 July.

Best Wishes

Paul Hille

Principal

#MakingADifferenceEveryDay

We hope that everyone will have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break, spending time with their families and friends.

Lord, bless each member of our families.

As we begin our holidays, watch over us and

protect us.

Grant us your wisdom,

your grace

and the strength to live lives of goodness.

Help us to honour each other with words of

respect, forgiveness and love.

To listen with the heart as well as the head.

To give and not count the cost.

To be patient and persevering when all seems lost.

Bless my family, Lord, each one of us this day.

Bless and protect us.

Amen

Thought for the Week

Celebrate yourself for all the good things you’ve done, all the kind things you’ve said and all the beautiful things you are and give thanks to God.

Dear Early Childhood Families,

As we reflect on a busy and rewarding first semester at our Early Childhood Campus, we are grateful for the many experiences that have strengthened our learning, faith and friendships.

Our Year Two students embraced leadership opportunities across the campus, confidently leading Early Childhood Share Assemblies and a beautiful Pentecost Assembly. They also hosted a cupcake sale to support Life Link and guided younger peers during our NAIDOC Week celebrations. Their early connections with their Year Five buddies through our cross-campus transition program, reflects the strong sense of community and the enduring Mel Maria legacy across our dual campus.

A strong sense of belonging was evident during Harmony Day, with the parade and faction activities celebrating diversity, teamwork, and school spirit. Together, we celebrated our faith through the Palm Sunday and Easter Liturgy, regular class attendance at our Pater Noster Parish Masses, and the St Patrick's Day Dance Showcase. The launch of our URSTRONG friendship program has been a significant milestone, empowering students with a shared language for positive relationships. Families also enjoyed our Year 1 URSTRONG Assembly and the delightful Pre-Primary We're Going on a Bear Hunt performance.

Beyond the classroom, students enthusiastically participated in outdoor play opportunities, increased Innovation Space games, Running Club, before and after school clubs, the FIFA World Cup Celebration Day with Junior Goals, Pyjama Day, Crazy Hair Day for Life Link, and attended various curriculum aligned excursions.

Guided by their teachers and working alongside their faction peers, students embraced a range of engaging NAIDOC Week learning experiences. As they explored and celebrated the rich histories, cultures, and achievements of the Noongar people, they deepened the connections to their classroom learning with Mrs Irene Windsor. Their learning journey culminated in a vibrant cross-class collaborative display, proudly showcasing their creativity, growing understanding, and respect for Australia's First Nations cultures.

We deeply value the strong partnerships we share with our families. Thank you to everyone who attended our Parent Sundowner, Information Evenings, URSTRONG presentation, Parent Morning Teas, the Mother's Day community event, and to our new Parents and Friends Committee for their commitment to strengthening our school community. Your ongoing support helps make our Early Childhood Campus a wonderful place for every child to thrive.

As the holidays begin, this is a gentle reminder that children learn best through play, exploration, and everyday family experiences. Maintaining simple routines while allowing plenty of uninterrupted time spent together to recharge and reconnect supports wellbeing. As Dr Suess reminds us; ‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.’

May you all enjoy a safe, happy, and restful mid-year break and we look forward to welcoming you back for Semester Two.

Warm Regards,

Danielle Damjanovic

Head of Early Childhood Campus

This week, our Kindy children have been celebrating NAIDOC Week through stories, creative experiences and hands-on play. Together, we've been learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, listening to stories, creating meaningful artworks and talking about the importance of caring for Country.

Our play has been filled with nature, as the children explored and created using honkey nuts, leaves, sticks and other natural treasures. These open-ended experiences inspired imaginative play, problem-solving and lots of wonderful conversations as the children discovered the many ways nature can be used to create, build and explore.

It has been a joyful week of learning, creativity and connection as we celebrated the world's oldest continuing cultures through play and discovery.

Our Year Six students have been living out our Mel Maria spirit of Service in Semester One.

Our Service-learning program is a versatile pedagogy to instruct our Mel Maria students within the framework of integration of catholic faith, life and culture experiences for the betterment of people, communities and society.

It is particularly pertinent in helping to achieve the Church’s mission on social justice teachings that involve becoming global citizens. A global citizen is aware of, and understands, the wider world and their place in it. It is a person who takes an active role in their community and works together with others to make the world more equal and sustainable.

A global citizen is an agent of change and is able to:

· Develop the knowledge, skills, and values they need to engage with the world

· Understands and respects other perspectives, cultures and diversity

· Believes that they can make a difference

· Build their own understanding of world events

· Think about their values and what is important to them

· Take learning into the real world

· Challenge ignorance and intolerance

· Get involved in their local, national, and global communities

· Develop an argument and voice their opinions.

· See that they have the power to act and influence the world around them

· Inspire and informs others

The Archbishops Catholic Life link charities are a focus for our school community fundraising. Year six students have organised a Cup Cake Fundraiser that involves many students to collectively bake and sell cupcakes for a great cause.

Speak for Faith Award

Year Five and Year Six students were asked to prepare a three- minute speech, drawing on the teachings of Jesus in preparation for the Catholic Schools Performing Arts.

· A story in the Bible that teaches people about God and God’s love for all.

· The importance of prayer in people’s lives.

· Why Christians show acts of kindness and service.

· Why Catholics find participating in the sacraments important in their lives.

Two students were selected to represent Mel Maria at the Catholic Education Performing Arts festival.

Seryn Jankey and Tyler Bui. We congratulate them on their insightful speeches and wish them well as they represent Mel Maria for the first time in this section.

As part of the Year Five and Year 6 Six English program at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School, students participate in our annual Future Voices Awards public speaking competition. This event provides students with the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their communication skills and develop effective public speaking techniques as they present a prepared speech to an audience. Congratulations to all students who participated and demonstrated courage, preparation and enthusiasm throughout the competition. A special thank you to our judges, Jenny Baker, Lisa Alston and Michelle Fanowrios.

1st Gianluca Colalillo - Year Five

2nd Hugo Reid - Year Six

3rd Juliette Lombardi - Year Five

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Six months after Australia introduced a minimum-age law banning under-16s from major social media platforms, many parents are asking the same question: Is this actually working? The law shifts responsibility from families to tech companies, aiming to limit children’s exposure to algorithm-driven content designed to capture attention and collect data, rather than foster genuine social interaction.

Some early positives are emerging. Many accounts belonging to underage users have been removed, though this is not entirely reliable as children can create new ones. More meaningfully, some families report reduced anxiety, increased outdoor activity, and a sense of relief among both parents and children. A gradual cultural shift is also occurring, with unrestricted social media use becoming less expected for younger children.

However, challenges remain. Many children are moving to alternative platforms with weaker moderation, and some parents are bypassing restrictions by helping children access social media. This undermines the law’s intent and sends mixed messages about

rules and wellbeing. While the intention may be to keep the peace, the cost is high. When parents bypass protections, children learn two things:

· their wellbeing is negotiable

· rules don’t matter when they’re inconvenient

Three Things Parents Can Do Right Now

1. Have the WHY conversation

Don’t rely on “it’s the law” or “because I said so.” That approach creates resistance. Instead, explain:

• How platforms make money
• Why algorithms push emotionally charged content
• How this affects mood, attention and self‑worth

Make it clear: this isn’t about banning friendships — it’s about protecting brains.

2. Offer real alternatives

Nature hates a vacuum. If you remove social media without replacing it, frustration will follow. Helpful alternatives include:

• offline or local multiplayer games
• face‑to‑face catch‑ups and play

Connection still matters — it just doesn’t need an algorithm.

3. Model the behaviour you want to see

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. If parents are doom‑scrolling in bed, complaining about the ban, or glued to screens, children notice.

A play‑based childhood needs play‑based adults — curiosity, hobbies, movement, and connection that doesn’t depend on a phone.

If we do the work alongside the legislation — explaining, replacing, and modelling — we give our children something far better than social media access… we give them space to grow.

For the full article click on the below link:

How the Social Media Ban Is Really Going (And What Parents Should Do Now) – Happy Families

Sharlene Epis

Social Worker

BEd, MSW

sharlene.epis@cewa.edu.au

School Term Dates for 2026

• Term 1 (Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April)
• Break (Friday 3 April – Sunday 19 April)
• Term 2 (Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July)
• Break (Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19July)
• Term 3 (20 July – 25 September)
• Break (Saturday 27 September to Sunday 11 October)
• Term 4 (Monday 12 October to 11 December)

Pupil Free Days for 2026

• Term 1 – Friday 27 February
• Term 2 – Friday 29 May
• Term 3 – Monday 20 July and Friday 25 September
• Term 4 – Monday 12 October