Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents and Caregivers

A very warm welcome back to all members of the Mel Maria Catholic Primary School community as we commence Term Three. It is hoped that the recent holiday break provided families with an opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy valuable time together. As always, it is wonderful to see our students return with enthusiasm, eager to reconnect with their friends, teachers and learning.

Term Three promises to be another exciting, productive and rewarding period in the life of our school. There are many important events, learning opportunities, faith celebrations, excursions, sporting carnivals and community activities planned over the coming weeks. Families are encouraged to regularly refer to the School Calendar, available on the school website, as this provides the most up-to-date information regarding the many events and activities currently scheduled.

The commencement of a new semester also provides an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed purpose. Students are encouraged to continue striving for personal excellence by consistently applying themselves to their learning, embracing new challenges, demonstrating resilience and taking pride in both their achievements and their contribution to our school community. Every child has the capacity to grow, improve and flourish, and every day presents another opportunity to become the very best version of themselves.

At Mel Maria Catholic Primary School, education is built upon a genuine partnership between home and school. Research consistently demonstrates that when parents and teachers work together in a spirit of trust, collaboration and mutual respect, students experience higher levels of achievement, wellbeing and engagement. Open communication, shared expectations and a collective commitment to each child's success remain fundamental to ensuring every student is known, valued and supported throughout their educational journey. Thank you to all families for the ongoing encouragement, trust and support shown to our staff. Together, we continue to create a learning community where every child can thrive.

During the recent Semester Two Staff Development Day, all staff participated in a significant professional learning workshop centred on our 2026 theme, Called to Excellence, and the official launch of the new Mel Maria Catholic Primary School Prospectus and Educational Philosophy. This important milestone represents the culmination of almost two years of reflection, consultation, research and strategic planning as we continue to shape the future direction of our school.

The Prospectus is far more than an enrolment publication. It articulates what Mel Maria Catholic Primary School believes about children, learning, teaching and leadership, and clearly expresses the promises we make to every family who entrusts their child to our care. It reflects our commitment to providing Excellence in Catholic Primary Education through high-quality teaching, contemporary learning environments, strong partnerships with families and an unwavering focus on ensuring that

Every Child. Every Classroom. Every Day, this is a mantra we live by.

Families are encouraged to take the time to read the new Prospectus, which is now available on the school website. It provides a comprehensive overview of our educational philosophy, our distinctive Dual Campus Model, our vision for learning and the values that guide every aspect of school life. It is hoped that, through this document, parents gain an even deeper understanding of what makes Mel Maria Catholic Primary School such a unique and vibrant learning community, and the exciting future that continues to unfold for every child.

NAPLAN is a national assessment that provides information about your child's literacy and numeracy skills and how these compare with national proficiency standards. The report should be considered alongside school-based assessments, classroom observations, and semester reports to build a comprehensive picture of your child's learning progress.

We encourage parents and carers to use the NAPLAN report as a starting point for discussions with their child's teacher. Teachers are best placed to explain the results and provide insight into your child's strengths, areas for growth, and overall educational progress.

NAPLAN is the only national assessment undertaken by students across Australia and provides valuable information about the development of essential literacy and numeracy skills, which form the foundation for future learning.

In March 2026, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia participated in the national literacy and numeracy assessments. This report outlines your child's achievement in those assessments against nationally agreed proficiency standards.

As with all assessment data, NAPLAN results should be interpreted carefully. NAPLAN provides a snapshot of achievement at a particular point in time and should be viewed as one part of a broader assessment picture.

If you have any questions about your child's results, please contact your child's teacher, who can provide further context and guidance. Copies of the NAPLAN reports have been uploaded to SEQTA.

At Mel Maria Catholic Primary School, every member of our community has a shared responsibility to foster a culture of respect, trust and partnership, ensuring every child can flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The new CEWA Parent and Carer Code of Conduct has been developed to strengthen this partnership by clearly outlining the expectations for positive, respectful and constructive interactions between parents, carers and school staff.

Grounded in the values of Catholic education, the Code promotes respectful communication, collaboration and mutual understanding, recognising that students achieve their greatest success when families and schools work together with a shared commitment to their wellbeing and learning. By embracing these shared expectations, we continue to build a welcoming, inclusive and safe school community where every person is treated with dignity and respect, and where every child is known, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

The WA Student Assistance Payment helps parents and carers with cost-of-living pressures associated with sending their children to school.

All Western Australian school students with an active enrolment at a public school, non-government school or registered for home education are eligible for the WA Student Assistance Payment.

You can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for students attending primary school or Kindergarten.

The fastest and most convenient way to claim is through the ServiceWA app. More information on how to claim through the ServiceWA app is available at WA.gov.au/WASAP2026

To complete the claim, you will require your child’s student ID. This can be found in the SEQTA portal under the “Reports” tab.

All claims must be received by Friday 25 September 2026.

Please note that local Rangers regularly patrol the area. To help avoid fines or inconvenience, please be mindful of where you park and ensure safety at all times.

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.

Best Wishes

Paul Hille

Principal

#MakingADifferenceEveryDay

Prayer for the Week ~ Beginning of Semester

Loving God,

As we begin a new semester, we give You thanks for the gift of our school community and for the opportunity to learn, grow and serve together.

Bless our students as they return to their classrooms with open hearts, curious minds and a desire to always do their very best. May they embrace new challenges with courage, persevere through difficulties with resilience, and treat one another with kindness, compassion and respect.

Bless our teachers and staff as they continue their important vocation of nurturing, inspiring and guiding each child entrusted to their care. May they lead with wisdom, patience and generosity, always reflecting Your love through their words and actions.

Bless our parents and families, whose encouragement and partnership play such a vital role in the success and wellbeing of every child. Strengthen the bonds between home and school so that, together, we continue to create a community where every child is known, valued and supported.

As we continue to live our 2026 theme, Called to Excellence, remind us that excellence is not about perfection, but about faithfully using the gifts You have given us in service of others. Help us to strive each day to become the people You call us to be, ensuring that Every Child. Every Classroom. Every Day. experiences the love, hope and promise of a Catholic education.

May Mary, Mother of Mercy, watch over our school, and may Jesus, the greatest Teacher of all, walk beside us throughout this semester.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Thought for the Week

"Excellence is not about being better than others. It is about becoming the very best version of yourself and using your gifts to make a difference in the lives of others."

Dear Early Childhood Families,

Welcome back to Term 3.

As we begin this exciting and busy term, we do so with renewed enthusiasm, embracing every opportunity to learn, grow and make a positive difference each day. Our focus this term is on ensuring that every child in every classroom, everyday, experiences success. Across our Early Childhood Campus, we are committed to creating engaging, inclusive and meaningful learning experiences that empower every student to flourish.

Term 3 promises to be a vibrant and memorable period of learning, connection and celebration across our Early Childhood Campus. Throughout the term, students will participate in a rich variety of experiences, including Masses and liturgies, Mercy Day celebrations, Book Week, Open Night, the Early Childhood Cross Country, Edu Dance performances, excursions, class Share Assemblies, the Colour Run, Father's Day celebrations, the always highly anticipated school disco, and not forgetting our ongoing Running Club and a range of after-school offerings.

These opportunities extend learning beyond the classroom, nurturing each child's confidence, creativity, sense of belonging and school spirit. Whether performing on stage, celebrating our faith, connecting with family and friends, or challenging themselves in new ways, our students will continue to learn, grow and flourish. We look forward to sharing these special moments with our families and creating lasting memories together as we continue to build confidence, strengthen relationships and do the best we can to make a difference every day.

The 2026 Early Childhood Cross Country

Congratulations to our PP-Year 2 students on their fantastic participation in the 2026 Cross Country Carnival, held on Friday July 24. The students showed wonderful sportsperson ship as they completed the course whilst encouraging their friends to ‘run like the wind.’ A massive thank you to Mr Damian Williams for providing such a beautiful opportunity for enhanced physical wellbeing and community connection in the company of our supportive staff and parents on the day. Well done to all!

With grey hair, glasses, walking canes and plenty of character, our "tiny seniors" brought smiles and laughter as they strolled around the campus in their creative costumes to celebrate their 100th day of school for 2026.

The celebration was a wonderful milestone, celebrating 100 bright days of learning, growing and making memories together. Well done to our Year One students and teachers for making the day so special!

Research conducted by Dana Kerford, Founder of URSTRONG, reveals that the experiences and feelings related to friendships are remarkably similar for both boys and girls. According to Kerford, “Children, regardless of gender, share common desires and challenges in their friendships. They want to feel liked, cool, and accepted by their peers. This desire transcends gender, race, socioeconomic status, and all other factors. It’s a universal truth – all kids want to get along and belong.”

All children seek connection and acceptance and every child experiences emotional ups and downs in their friendships. Kerford emphasizes that “Boys and girls experience similar Friendship Fires®, the term we coined at URSTRONG for conflict in a friendship,” illustrating how their struggles in relationships are more alike than different. Despite these similarities, historical socialisation based on gender has led to some noteworthy differences in how some children navigate friendships. The impact of gender stereotyping and other cultural influences tend to present themselves as children approach adolescence. The damaging messages surrounding gender roles can significantly influence how children build and engage in their relationships.

Through Friendology, URSTRONG’s friendship skills curriculum for schools, these stereotypes are challenged. The program encourages discussions that provide children with a common language to express themselves and understand their friendships better. By fostering an environment that celebrates individuality rather than conforming to gender norms, students learn to honor and appreciate their unique differences. The Friendology curriculum provides language and strategies to support children in creating healthy friendships and, ultimately, healthy relationships.

Nearly two decades of research from URSTRONG underscores the importance of recognising the similarities in children’s friendship experiences, while also addressing the societal pressures that shape their interactions. As Dana Kerford states, “When we empower all children to appreciate their differences, we pave the way for healthier, more inclusive friendships.” This understanding is essential for educators and parents alike, as we strive to nurture the next generation’s relational skills.

Click here to learn more about the impact URSTRONG Schools are having on children’s friendships.

As we begin another exciting term together, we thank our families for your ongoing partnership and support. By working together, we create a nurturing and faith-filled environment where every child is known, valued and empowered to thrive.

With God’s blessings,

Danielle Damjanovic

Head of the Early Childhood Campus

What a wonderful week of learning and creativity in Year 3! Our students have been busy exploring, designing, problem-solving and working together across a range of exciting experiences.

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, students have been exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through art, creating beautiful pieces inspired by culture, stories and connections to Country.

Our How to Train Your Dragon novel study has come to life as students designed and crafted their very own paper maché dragons. This hands-on project has allowed students to combine their creativity, imagination and design skills.

In Mathematics, students have been tackling problem-solving challenges, working as a team to share ideas, test strategies and explain their thinking. We have also begun our new novel, Swiss Family Robinson, with a STEM challenge where students designed and built rafts using only sticks and wool. They tested their creations, made improvements and demonstrated fantastic teamwork and resilience.

It has been fantastic to see our Year 3 students showing curiosity, creativity and a willingness to take on new challenges!

Congratulations to Genevieve Blakeway, the winner of our Canteen Survey voucher! Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey.

Next Fortnight's Specials (available for two weeks from 3–11 August)
Recess: Vegemite & Cheese Scrolls
Lunch: Butter Chicken & Rice

Specials will be available: Monday at EC Campus & Tuesday at Primary Campus

Reminder: Orders on the QKR! app now close at 8:30am, so please make sure orders are placed before the cut-off time.

From the people who brought you “an hour or less per day,” we now have…new screen guidelines! The American Academy of Paediatrics updated its guidance last month, and the biggest change? No more emphasis on “screen time.”

Instead, we’ve got a much more comprehensive set of recommendations. The focus has shifted from counting minutes to understanding how screens fit into your child’s whole life.

The 5 Cs Framework:

1. Child - Every child responds differently to screens. Your child's unique strengths and challenges are becoming clear. Whether they’re great at art, struggle with attention, or are obsessed with science facts, carve out time to build on these interests beyond screens.

2. Content - Not all screen time is created equal. High-quality, age-appropriate, educational programs like Sesame Street or Bluey (for Preschoolers) teach facts, healthy behaviours, and emotional regulation. They are slow-paced and much better for your child’s brain.

Many school-aged children love video games and YouTube at this age, but can easily access inappropriate content (violent, sexual, or rude). Use Common Sense Media to check reviews, set up parental controls, and watch shows or play games together to see if you like the messages.

3. Calm - Many children want a mental break after school – that’s fine. Just ensure it doesn’t crowd out homework, family meals, or other activities.

4. Crowding Out - Monitor screen time so there’s enough time to sleep, read, play sports, do homework, and chat with family and friends in analogue mode (face to face).

5. Communication - This is prime time for conversations about advertising, privacy, right vs. wrong. Regular open-minded talks build critical thinking and become the “voice in their head”. Let them know they can tell you about anything creepy or negative they see online.

Getting screen usage right matters enormously. Consider your child. Consider the context. Consider the content. But also consider whether they’re creating, connecting, or just consuming.

For the full article, click on the link below:

https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/how-to-know-if-screens-are-a-problem

Reference

Coulson, J. (2026, June 1). How to Know if Screens are a Problem. Happy Families.

https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/how-to-know-if-screens-are-a-problem

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