Term 2, Week 1 Friday 2nd May 2025

Dear Families

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you enjoyed a lovely, hope filled Easter and were able to find some time to relax.

It was great to see the children back at school, ready to learn and excited to see their friends.

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. His Holiness dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and His Church, embodying the values of the Gospel with unwavering fidelity, courage, and universal love. Pope Francis was especially known for his compassion towards the poorest and most marginalised among us. As Catholics worldwide mourn his loss, let us remember his teachings and strive to live by his example. May he rest in eternal peace.

Transition to Foundation (Mid-Year Reception)
The newest members of our school community also joined us on Wednesday as we welcomed the first group of children in the Transition to Foundation program. We have 2 groups of children visiting us each alternate Wednesday this term and then starting school full time for Term 3 and 4. The children visit us with their classroom set up in the Library, with their teacher Nikki McDonald, and with the support of Vicky Manalo. We welcome Nikki McDonald as the newest member of our staff.

Welcome Fr Olek
On Thursday we also had a very special visitor, one of our new Parish Priests Fr Olek. Fr Olek came in to have a look around our school, meet our staff and children for the first time. The children were very excited to meet Fr Olek and enjoyed answering his questions and getting to know him. We look forward to spending more time with Fr Olek and Monsignor Minh-Tam within our school and parish community. Fr Olek is pictured above.

Carpark Redevelopment
Another new and exciting development this week was the commencement of the redevelopment of the carpark at 11 Eldon Street. We are thankful for the way that everyone has been able to navigate the parking changes so far, and we thank you for your on-going patience and observance of street signage and parking restrictions. We will look forward to 18 fantastic new resurfaced car parks with trees and garden beds due to be completed towards the end of this term. You will see some images below of the carpark development.

Catholic Education Week & School Tours #ShineWithOpenHearts
It is Catholic Education Week coming up from 12 – 18 May.  This year the theme is ‘Shine with Open Hearts’ an opportunity to highlight and celebrate all of the ways we shine, live and lead with open hearts in our school. We will share more about Catholic Education Week on Facebook and in our Newsletter in Week 3.

To celebrate our wonderful Catholic School Community at St Margaret Mary’s School, we are offering 2 school tours for families who may be considering a Catholic education for their child/ren. I will be hosting school tours on Monday 12 May at 9.15am and 5.15pm. If you know anyone who may be interested in finding out more about our educational and wellbeing programs, they can book a place on a school tour by contacting Angela in the office 8245 5800.

Federal Election
Catholic Education has released a Federal Election scorecard to highlight where political parties stand on issues of importance for Catholic schools. The scorecard has been developed for families and staff to easily identify the education policies and commitments of these parties.

If you are interested in reading more visit: https://ncec.catholic.edu.au/2025-federal-election/federal-election-scorecard/

Please note: There will be a Student Free Day for Preschool to Year 6 on Friday 6 June (Week 6).

Wishing all of our Mums and Grandmas a very Happy Mother’s Day for next Sunday 🌷We hope you are suitably spoilt and get to enjoy a relaxing day.

Best wishes for the week ahead,

Belinda

Dear Parents and Caregivers,  

Welcome back to Term 2. This week we had the pleasure of welcoming our new Assistant Parish Priest Fr Olek Sirrat to St Margaret Mary’s School. Fr Olek, comes to us from Mount Gambier and we look forward to future visits to the school and gatherings that we will share together.

Pope Francis
We were all saddened by the passing of Pope Francis during the Term 1 holidays. Upon our return, each of our classes prayed for Pope Francis; a kind and gentle leader, who love loved people and loved the Earth. As a staff, we also offered our prayers for Pope Francis; a teacher of truth, a friend of the poor and a shepherd who walked with courage and joy.

Community Prayer
On Friday 2 May, we gathered for Community Prayer to celebrate the Resurrection and the second week of the Season of Easter. We prayed that the joy and hope of the Resurrection helps us to show forgiveness, mercy and compassion to others. We also prayed that the Resurrection helps us to offer peace, comfort and love to those who are hurting or in need.

Sacramental Program
On Wednesday 7 May, there will be a Confirmation Information Meeting from 7:00pm at Whitefriars School, 45 Beaufort Street, Woodville Park. Please note that this meeting will be held in the Caritas Building (not the Mary Mackillop Hall). Families can enter via the front gate of the school, where there will be a sign to direct you into the building. We look forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions, please email the parish Sacramental Coordinator Kirsty Power sacramental.coordinator@croydonparkparish.com.au

Term 2 Friday Gatherings

Term 2 Masses and Liturgies of the Word

Have a good weekend everyone.

Matthew Harrison 

Dear Families,
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope you all had a lovely Easter and were able to enjoy some quality time together over the school holidays. We trust your children had a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning. It has been wonderful reconnecting with students and families this week. I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with our school community over the coming weeks.

Uniform Reminders
As the weather turns cooler, please take a moment to check that your child has appropriate uniform items to keep warm. Long-sleeved tops, jackets, and tracksuit pants are available, along with school beanies.

Please note:

• Only St Margaret Mary’s beanies are to be worn at school.
• Additional clothing such as visible skivvies, t-shirts, vests, or jackets should not be worn unless they are part of the official school uniform.

The uniform shop is open:

• Tuesdays: 2:30–3:30 PM
• Fridays: 8:30–10:00 AM

Rosie will be happy to assist with any uniform needs to help your child stay warm this autumn and winter.

🧢 Hats
Our Skin Protection Policy states that hats are to be worn between 1 August and 30 April, or whenever the UV index is 3 or above. We will continue to monitor the UV index daily and provide an update on whether hats are required.

Mother’s Day Stall 💐
On Thursday 8 May, students will have the opportunity to visit our Mother’s Day Stall to purchase a small gift for their mum or carer. Each class will attend during the school day, so please ensure your child brings $2–$5 cash. Most gifts are $5 and include a wide variety of thoughtful items such as earrings, necklaces, candles, stationery, mugs, and more.

We will have the gifts for sale again on Friday 9 May for students who may have missed the opportunity to purchase a gift on Thursday.

🌸🌷🌸 Wishing all our Mums a wonderful Mother’s Day on Sunday 11 May 🌸🌷🌸

Transition – Term 3 Receptions (Foundation)
This week we welcomed our first group of Term 3 Reception (Foundation) students and their families for the beginning of their transition program.

Each Wednesday from 8:45 AM – 2:45 PM, children attend sessions with Ms Nikki McDonald in our library space. The two groups will attend on a fortnightly basis.

Transition is a vital step in supporting young children as they adjust to new routines, build confidence, and begin forming connections with their teachers and new environment.

We look forward to seeing the children grow in confidence, build relationships, and begin to feel a genuine sense of belonging as they become more familiar with their new learning environment over the coming weeks.

❄️🧤 Buddy Blanket Initiative – Recycling for a Purpose ❄️🧤
Our preschool is proud to be part of the Buddy Blanket Initiative, where we are learning how everyday actions can make a big difference. We’re collecting empty chip packets, which will be cleaned and transformed into emergency relief blankets for people in need this winter. These special blankets reflect heat and provide warmth, all while reducing waste. This project connects beautifully with our inquiry learning as children explore how recycling can help both people and the planet.

We would love support from our community by collecting your washed chip packets.

Please drop off your clean chip packets into our collection box located in the front office by Thursday 30 May – every packet counts!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB 

Book Club Issue 3, 2025 is out now!
Due date for orders is 13^th May.
ALL orders done online via Book Club LOOP.
Find out how on Page 31 of your magazine (payments will not be accepted at school).