Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Mercy Week: Celebrating Who We Are

This week, as a school community, we celebrate Mercy Week, a very special time in the life of Mel Maria. It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our beginnings, celebrate our Mercy heritage and, importantly, consider what it means to live the Mercy charism in our lives today.

Our Mercy tradition has its origins in the extraordinary work of Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin in 1831. Catherine had a deep concern for those experiencing poverty, disadvantage and hardship, particularly women and children. She believed that faith needed to be expressed through action and that each of us has a responsibility to recognise the needs of others and respond with compassion, dignity and practical support.

That same spirit of Mercy remains very much a part of who we are at Mel Maria today. Our school values of Respect, Compassion, Justice and Service are not simply words that appear on our walls. They call us to action. They challenge us to consider how we treat one another, how we respond when someone needs our help, how we stand up for what is right and how we use our gifts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mercy Week also reminds us that our school today stands on the shoulders of those who came before us. The traditions established by the Sisters of Mercy continue to influence the Catholic identity, culture and spirit of Mel Maria. While our school has grown and changed considerably over the years, the call to serve others and to recognise the dignity of every person remains at the heart of our community.

Throughout this week, our students will have opportunities to celebrate and learn more about our Mercy story and what it means for us today. More importantly, we want our children to understand that Mercy is something we do. It can be found in a kind word, including someone who feels left out, helping someone in need, standing up for another person, showing forgiveness or simply noticing when someone needs our care.

As we celebrate Mercy Week, may we continue to honour our beginnings while bringing the Mercy charism to life in our own time. In doing so, we continue Catherine McAuley’s legacy and our commitment to

#Making a Difference Every Day.

One School. Two Campuses. One Vision.

United in Mercy.

Following on from last week’s Newsletter, this week our Year Three students reached another important milestone in their faith journey as they received the Sacrament of Penance for the first time.

This is a very personal and special Sacrament in the life of our Church. It invites our children to reflect on their choices, to recognise those times when they may have fallen short, to ask for forgiveness and, most importantly, to experience God’s unconditional love, mercy and forgiveness. At such a young age, these are significant understandings to begin developing and ones that will continue to grow throughout their lives.

Our sincere thanks go to Fr Don Kettle and Fr Joseph Lee for the gentle and pastoral way in which they guided our students through this very intimate Sacrament. Their presence, reassurance and spiritual guidance helped make the occasion a meaningful and positive experience for our children.

I would also like to acknowledge our Year Three teachers, Mrs Faulkner, Mrs Robinson, Mrs McGinnity and Mrs Papaphotis, for the care and commitment they have shown in preparing the students. Preparing children for a Sacrament extends well beyond the lessons taught in the classroom. It involves helping them understand, at their level, the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, compassion and making choices that reflect the teachings of Jesus.

We also extend our appreciation to our Parish Sacramental Team and catechesis teachers, whose support and partnership with our school and families continues to be such an important part of the Sacramental journey.

Congratulations to all our Year Three students. We hope that receiving the Sacrament of Penance has helped them understand that our faith is not about being perfect, but about recognising when we get things wrong, seeking forgiveness, making amends and knowing that God always welcomes us back with love.

May this special occasion be another important step in their continuing journey of faith.

The use of technology in schools, and particularly the amount of time children spend in front of screens, has again become a significant topic of discussion across Australia. Recent announcements from the NSW Government have added to this conversation, with new guidelines from 2027 recommending limits on individual device use in NSW public schools. Importantly, even the NSW approach acknowledges that this is not about removing technology from education, but about ensuring that technology adds genuine educational value when it is used.

At Mel Maria, we welcome this conversation. As educators and parents, we should continually ask whether the practices we have in place are serving our children well.

Our approach is one of balance and purpose

An iPad, on its own, does not improve learning or lead to better educational outcomes. What makes the difference is the quality of teaching, the purpose behind its use and how effectively technology is integrated into the learning experience. There will always be times when a book, pencil and paper, conversation, concrete materials, practical activity or hands on experience is the most appropriate and effective way for a child to learn. Equally, there are times when an iPad can enhance that learning by providing opportunities for students to research, create, collaborate, receive immediate feedback, record and reflect on their learning, code, communicate and access resources that may not otherwise be readily available. The key is not using technology simply because it is there, but ensuring that the right tool is chosen for the right learning purpose at the right time.

The question, therefore, should not simply be “How much screen time?” It should also be “What is the child doing with the screen, and is it adding value to their learning?”

We certainly recognise that screen time matters. Children need opportunities to read physical books, write by hand, play, exercise, talk with one another, create, problem solve and interact face to face. Technology should sit alongside these experiences, not replace them. This is why our approach at Mel Maria is focused on technology being purposeful rather than pervasive.

It is also important to understand the broader meaning of screen time. A child's total exposure to screens does not begin when they walk through the school gate and end when they leave. It can include television, gaming, tablets, computers and mobile phones. Australian health guidance recommends that children aged 5 to 17 have no more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time each day, and importantly, this does not include screen use associated with school activities.

This highlights the importance of a genuine partnership between school and home. At school, we have a responsibility to ensure that technology is used deliberately, appropriately and for a clear educational purpose. At home, parents also have an important role in establishing healthy boundaries around recreational screen use, particularly gaming, television, phones, streaming and social media.

Our commitment at Mel Maria is not to defend technology simply because we have used it for many years. We will continue to examine the research, listen to experts and refine our practices where appropriate. Our commitment to families is that technology at Mel Maria will remain purposeful, balanced, age appropriate, teacher directed, safe and educationally justified.

Ultimately, our focus is not on the device in a child's hands. Our focus is on the learning taking place, the quality of the teaching and the child sitting in front of us.

We have scheduled a Parent Information Session for Thursday, 5 November at 3.30pm for all Year Two parents regarding Mel Maria’s BYOD Program. A letter has been sent to Year 2 families this week with further details about the session.

The Information Session will provide parents with an overview of the BYOD Program and, importantly, explain the educational rationale that underpins the use of iPads at Mel Maria. Our approach is not about increasing the amount of time children spend on screens. Rather, technology is used purposefully when it enhances, supports or extends learning, alongside explicit teaching, handwriting, reading, discussion, practical experiences, physical activity and face to face collaboration.

During the session, Mel Maria staff will explain how and why iPads are used in the classroom, including examples of their use across different Learning Areas. We will also discuss how device use is monitored and managed by teachers, screen time at school and at home, parental controls, recommended equipment and accessories, device management at school and the various applications students use to support their learning.

We hope the session will provide an opportunity to answer many of the questions parents may have and give families a clearer understanding of our approach to the purposeful and balanced use of technology at Mel Maria.

Term Dates

Term 1 (Thursday 28 January to Friday 9 April)

Break (Saturday 10 April – Sunday 25 April

Term 2 (Monday 26 April to Friday 25 June)

Break (Saturday 26 June to Sunday 18 July)

Term 3 (Monday 19 July – 24 September)

Break (Saturday 26 September to Sunday 10 October)

Term 4 (Monday 11 October to Friday 10 December)

Pupil Free Days

Term 2 - Friday, 4 June

Term 2: Monday, 28 June

Term 3 - Monday, 19 July

Term 3 - Monday, 23 August

Term 3, Friday, 24 September

Term 4, Monday, 11 October

Kindergarten 2027 – Applications are Now Due

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.

There will certainly be plenty of purple around Perth this week as the Fremantle Dockers prepare for the 2026 AFL Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG this Saturday. It is a significant moment for the club, with Fremantle reaching just the second Grand Final in its history, following its first appearance in 2013.

Regardless of which AFL team we normally support, I am sure many within our Mel Maria community will be getting behind the Dockers as they represent Fremantle and Western Australia on the national stage.

Reaching a Grand Final is a wonderful achievement and reflects many of the qualities we encourage in our own students: teamwork, perseverance, resilience, commitment and believing in what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal.

To all the passionate Dockers supporters within our school community, enjoy what promises to be a very exciting week.

From everyone at Mel Maria Catholic Primary School, we wish the Fremantle Football Club all the very best for Saturday.

Go Freo! ⚓💜

As we begin the school holidays, I encourage every family to take the opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together and enjoy a well-earned rest. May these holidays provide moments of peace, renewal and gratitude as we continue to listen for God's presence in our lives.

For the families and staff who are travelling, be safe.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning, growth and opportunity.

May God bless you and your families, and I wish you all a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break.

Kind regards

Paul Hille

Principal

#MakingADifferenceEveryDay

Loving God,

As we come to the end of another busy school term,

we give thanks for all that we have shared, learned and achieved together.

We thank You for our students, staff and families,

As the holidays begin, may this be a time of rest, renewal and reconnection.

Give us time to slow down, to enjoy the company of family and friends, and to appreciate the simple blessings that can sometimes be overlooked in the busyness of everyday life.

Watch over those who are travelling and keep them safe.

May we return next term refreshed, renewed and ready to continue our journey together, always striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us.

Amen.

Thought for the Week

‘Love one another as I have loved you,’ should be engraved on our… souls, and shown in

our whole conduct.

Sr Catherine McAuley

Please find attached information for the Athletics Carnival on Friday, 16 October.

Dear Early Childhood Families

As we come to the end of another vibrant term, we celebrate the many learning experiences, achievements and special moments that have united our flourishing Early Childhood Campus community and continue to shape life at Mel Maria.

It is often said that the pulse of a school is found in the moments that bind connection, build legacy and nurture a love of lifelong learning. Throughout this term, we have witnessed these moments in abundance. Whether through acts of kindness, shared celebrations, collaborative learning experiences or opportunities to showcase student growth, our community spirit has continued to flourish.

At Mel Maria, our motto, Unity is Strength, remains at the heart of all we do. Together, we create an environment where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive. As we reflect on a wonderful term, we give thanks for the partnership of our families and the dedication of our staff, whose collective efforts ensure that every child experiences meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference every day.

Our Early Childhood students took to the stage with energy, enthusiasm and confidence as they showcased their EduDance performances learned throughout the term. Students from Kindergarten to Year 2 delighted families and staff with their vibrant routines, demonstrating not only their growing dance skills but also their teamwork, perseverance and creativity.

As a school committed to Making a Difference Every Day, it was inspiring to see our students challenge themselves, build confidence and share their unique gifts through the creative language of dance. We are incredibly proud of every performer for bringing joy, energy and imagination to the stage.

Our Open Night was a wonderful celebration of the outstanding learning and achievements of our students. One of the highlights of the evening was seeing our students confidently guiding their families through their classrooms and proudly showcasing their work. Their enthusiasm and sense of ownership were truly inspiring. Open Night provided a valuable opportunity for families to witness firsthand the creativity, collaboration, curiosity and deep thinking demonstrated by our students, while celebrating the diverse and meaningful learning experiences that make Mel Maria such a vibrant place to learn and grow. It was a wonderful reflection of our commitment to Every Child, Every Class, Every Day, with each learner given the opportunity to shine and share their unique journey of growth and discovery.

Our Pre-Primary to Year 2 students were delighted to spend a joyful and faith-filled day with Catholic musician Andrew Chinn. The hall was filled with singing, joy, laughter and wonder as Andrew brought our faith to life in an age-appropriate and meaningful way. His vibrant energy and inspiring message created a wonderful sense of togetherness across our Early Childhood Campus, reminding us that faith can be shared through music, creativity and connection.

Our Early Childhood Campus was bursting with colour, laughter and excitement as students from Kindergarten to Year 2 took part in our much-anticipated Colour Run. With smiles on their faces and colour from head to toe, students welcomed the opportunity to run, play and, of course, get wonderfully grotty! A special mention for Mr Hille who embraced the spirit of the day by getting slimed with such grace and composure! The Colour Run was a joyful celebration of belonging and community spirit, creating memories that our staff and students will treasure long after the colours have faded.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 2 came together to share in a range of learning experiences that fostered the spirit of Mercy through the lens of Catherine McAuley. After learning about the life and special role of the Sisters of Mercy, led by Catherine Mc Auley in championing education for all children many years ago, the students participated in activities that brought to life our school values of service, justice, respect and compassion. The day provided a wonderful opportunity for celebration and collaboration, strengthening students’ sense of belonging within the Mel Maria community and creating a memorable and fun-filled conclusion to our term.

Wishing all our students and families a safe and restful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4 and sharing another exciting chapter together at Mel Maria, filled with learning, growth, celebration and opportunities to continue making a difference every day.

With God’s Blessings,

Danielle Damjanovic

Head of the Early Childhood Campus

Term 3 has been filled with wonderful experiences in Kindy. Each day has offered opportunities for play, discovery and growth as the children explored new ideas, built friendships, developed their independence and made sense of the world around them through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

Edu-Dance was a highlight of the term, with the children enthusiastically finding their rhythm and growing in confidence each week. It was such a joy watching the children find their rhythm, shine on the dance floor and grow in confidence each week. Along the way, they also developed their fitness, coordination and teamwork — all while having a whole lot of fun and enjoying a good old boogie!"

Over the past few weeks, our Kindy children and staff have been busy preparing for Open Night, culminating in beautiful displays throughout our classrooms. It was wonderful to see the children's faces beaming with pride as they showed their families their work and shared all they had been learning. Open Night provided a lovely opportunity for the children to celebrate their learning and achievements with the people who are most important to them, while showcasing the many experiences that have filled our term.

We also enjoyed celebrating our wonderful dads and father figures during a special extended entry into Kindy. The children were excited to welcome their Dads into the classroom, share their favourite activities, play & create together and present the gifts they had made. It was a special opportunity to celebrate the important role our dads and father figures play in our children’s lives.

We are so looking forward to another exciting term of exploration, growth and discovery in Kindy. 💛

Mercy Day Mass was celebrated this week in honour of our legacy to the Sisters of Mercy who celebrate 180th year Anniversary in Western Australia in 2026.

Ursula Frayne came to Perth to establish Mercedes college on behalf of our foundress Catherine McAuley 180 years ago. Mel Mari ais a proud Mercy School as we live out our values of Service, Justice, Compassion and Respect.

Sr Marie Fitzgerald a past principal of Mel Maria and Sr Delores Coffey joined us for a whole-school Mass to celebrate their thriving legacy.

Our Year Two students joined their Year five buddies for Mass and to acclimatise to their new campus for next year by staying for activities and recess.

Edu-Dance provided the spark of joy and energy to end a busy and engaging term at Mel Maria. Our Primary students will encore their performances at our end of year concert on Thursday 3rd of December.

Ros Nichols

Head of Primary Campus

This term, our Year 6 students took part in our Billy Cart STEM Project, a much-loved tradition and highlight of the school calendar. Working in teams, students designed, tested, and refined their Billy Carts, learning from successes and setbacks along the way as they tackled a range of design challenges.

A highlight of the project was our Billy Cart Day in Week 7, where parents joined students to bring their carts to life before racing them around the track. The day was the culmination of weeks of hard work and the incredible support of families who attended team meetings, sourced materials and shared their time and expertise throughout the process. With perfect weather and plenty of excitement, the F5 team sped to victory as our Speed Demon Champions. We thank all of our parents and the wider school community for helping make this special Year 6 tradition such a memorable success.

Congratulations! These students received an award for their performances in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival- Primary Piano section.

This section runs the entire week with multiple sessions a day and a high number of children participating.

PIANO SOLO (YR 4)
-------------------------------
EXCELLENCE
Maria Almeida

MERIT
Dominic O' Leary
Otto Simmons
Victoria Yeow

PIANO SOLO (YR 5)
-------------------------------
OUTSTANDING
Hayden Lam

EXCELLENCE
Tyler Bui
Hannah Lu

MERIT
Joshua Regnard
Isla Hood

PIANO SOLO (YR 6)
-------------------------------
EXCELLENCE
Sophie Banks
Luisa Platel
Hugo Reid

MERIT
Georgina MacMillan

PIANO DUET (YRS 4-6)
------------------------------------
EXCELLENCE
Maria Almeida & Victoria Yeow
Sophie Banks & Luisa Platel

MERIT
Dominic O' Leary & Otto Simmons
Tyler Bui & Joshua Regnard

Eddie’s School Clinics – Term 4, 2026 – Eddie's Futbol Clinic

Getting everyone out the door in the morning is a challenge for lots of families. For children with mental health or learning difficulties, it can be even harder. Children with ADHD may have trouble following instructions or focusing on what needs to get done. Children with mental health challenges may have a hard time getting out of bed or managing their worries about school. And for neurodiverse children, small changes in routine can be challenging.

Whether or not your child is neurodiverse or has a mental health diagnosis, there are ways to make mornings easier and avoid conflict. A few simple strategies can help:

• Plan ahead by preparing lunches, packing bags, and laying out clothes the night before. For younger children, it’s helpful to break tasks down into small steps and praise them when they do them successfully. Older children can use checklists. And visual prompts like posted schedules can help children, especially those with ADHD and/or Autism.
• Focus on essentials such as getting dressed, eating breakfast, and brushing teeth. For example, you might want your child to make their bed in the morning, but they can still have a good day at school if that doesn’t happen.
• Use visual reminders or checklists to help children remember their routine.
• Create positive incentives to encourage independence and cooperation.
• Stay calm and positive, praising effort and focusing on the next step rather than mistakes.

Remember, successful mornings don't need to be perfect. Consistent routines, realistic expectations, and positive reinforcement can help reduce stress and build independence over time.

For the full article, click on the link below:

https://childmind.org/article/school-mornings-without-the-stress/

Sharlene Epis

sharlene.epis@cewa.edu.au

Reference

Arky, B. (2025, February 4). School Mornings Without the Stress. Child Mind Institute.

https://childmind.org/article/school-mornings-without-the-stress/

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