Week 4, Term 1 2025

Dear Parents and Friends of Mary MacKillop Memorial School,

As we venture into Week 5 at the beginning of next week, it is extremely exciting to see and hear the rigorous teaching and learning happening in each room.

The R/1s are on their InitiaLit journey and have been for a few weeks now. They have been counting collections in Maths and finding the most efficient way to do this. The Year 2/3s have created print matrix for their collograph prints using different materials in Visual Arts. The Year 4/5s are learning about what it means to be a Super Digital Citizen, with a focus on the ins and outs of coding games using algorithms. The focus on Safer Internet Day assists all students to recognise the importance of being savvy when using the internet. The Yr 6 class produced some beautiful nature mandalas, and wrote gratitude prayers.

This week and next week students will continue to have conferences with their classroom teachers setting their learning goals for Semester 1. These conversations are accompanied by sharing the beginning of year assessments and shaping together goals that will assist each student in their endeavor to learn and grow. The students' learning goals will be shared on Seesaw and at Learning Conversations in Week 6.

Learning Conversations

During Week 6 of this Term, 3rd – 6th March Learning Conversations will take place, giving you and your child the opportunity to meet and discuss your child’s learning goals and their progress thus far with their class teacher/s. Learning Conversations are a required part of our Reporting Policy.

You should have received a letter, where you are able to indicate times and days preferred. Please return this form to your child’s classroom teacher by no later than Tuesday 25th February.

WELLBEING AS AN IMPERATIVE: THE RESILIENCE PROJECT

Mary MacKillop Memorial School fosters a supportive and resilient learning community, with wellbeing at its core. By promoting confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence, we empower students to excel academically, build strong relationships, and lead responsible, fulfilling lives.

We view wellbeing as a broad concept encompassing various aspects of life, but at its core, it means feeling positive and functioning effectively. For us, resilience is the ability to adapt and thrive when faced with challenges, adversity, trauma, or stress. It’s not just about overcoming difficulties but also about developing the strength to grow and move forward with confidence.

This year we are engaging in two wellbeing initiatives: The Resilience Project and Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support (PBIS). In each newsletter I will share a little more about how we are enacting and helping our students to thrive in the space of wellbeing, utilising both The Resilience Project and PBIS.

Why are resilience and wellbeing important?

Research shows that there is a direct link between wellbeing and academics, therefore children who are not emotionally healthy will have difficulty learning. When we are stressed, the part of our brain responsible for learning does not function effectively.

Calm children can focus and retain more information
Resilience enables children to take safe risks without fear of failure

If you would like to know more, please have a chat to your child’s classroom teacher or myself.

School Board 2025

At the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 19, Chairperson Tom Pearce chaired the meeting, and the 2024 Annual School Report was presented to the community. Nominations were presented for vacancies on the School Board.

We acknowledge Tom Pearce, Chairperson of the School Board, for his service on the board for the past six years. Tom has been instrumental in guiding new initiatives, working collaboratively, and always having what is best for the children, families and school at the core of any decision making and discussions. We thank Tom for his outstanding commitment.

We also thank Jodi Strother and Micko Gruetzner for their involvement on School Board in 2024 and Amanda Flint for undertaking the role of secretary for the past two years.

Congratulations to the following members who were re-elected: Amanda Flint, who accepted her third two year term. Cath Kidman, Liz Rymill and Tom Giles, who have accepted their second two year term.

We congratulate Joe Cory and Mick Lynn, our newest board members, who have accepted a two year term. We acknowledge the leadership of the Board members for 2025.

2025 Board Members

Ex-Officio Members:

President: Fr Peter Zwanns, Principal: Mrs Nicole Coote

School Representative: Danni Heazlewood

Parish Representative: Sr Loreto O’Connor

Elected Members:

Chairperson: Glenn Tucker

Deputy Chairperson: Cath Kidman

Secretary: Jess Malone

Finance Chairperson: Leticia Gosse

Board Members:

Amanda Flint, Tom Giles, Liz Rymill, Joe Cory and Mick Lynn

You are able to view the Annual School Report for 2024 on our website or request a hard copy from the front office.

Wishing all a wonderful weekend and good luck to those participating in Grand Finals!

God Bless

Nicole

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

In Week 6 we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Our school is looking for donations of flour, sugar, and lemons to bring to school before Tuesday the fourth of March. We will lead the Penola community in the Ash Wednesday Mass. All families are welcome to the Ash Wednesday Mass at 9.15am on 5th March.

Project Compassion

Mary MacKillop Memorial School Values:

Love, Presence, Courage and Service

Our values underpin who we are and what we do at Mary MacKillop Memorial School. These values are based on the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels, the life and work of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the continued work of the Sisters of St Joseph and what it is that we as a community stand for. Importantly, the students of MMMS feel that these values represent them, and their voice should be heard. As a school we have connected our values to the Crossways Religious Education Curriculum, however, our values are taught explicitly and noticed and acknowledged every day in every way.

Maintaining Friendships

As parents, we often hear about the negative things that happen at school rather than the positive, and many of these concerns involve friendship issues. Navigating how to maintain friendships at school can be challenging for both children and parents. Here are some ways parents can explain to their children how to maintain friendships, even when disagreements occur:

• Encourage Open Communication

Teach your child to calmly express their feelings, like saying, “I feel upset when…” instead of blaming.

• Problem-Solving Together

Explain that solving problems together shows they care. Encourage them to ask, “How can we fix this?” Empathy and Understanding Help your child think about how the other person might feel. Ask, “How would you feel if you were them?”

• Take Time to Cool Off

Let them know it’s okay to take a break when emotions are high. A moment away helps everyone think clearly.

• Teach Forgiveness

Teach them that forgiving mistakes helps the friendship grow. Holding onto anger can hurt both friends.

• Respect Differences

Explain that it’s okay to disagree with friends. Different opinions don’t end friendships. Model Healthy Conflict Resolution Show your child how you handle disagreements calmly.

These tips will help your child handle friendship challenges more effectively, whilst allowing you some peace of mind.

Regards,

Bec Baker 

School Counsellor

Positive Parenting Conference in the South East

We are excited to announce that the Catholic Schools Parent Association of South Australia have chosen the South East of SA for their next Parenting Conference!

The conference is designed specifically for parents, providing a unique opportunity to learn from some of the country’s leading parenting experts. You will gain valuable insights on navigating the modern-day challenges affecting children and teenagers, with actionable strategies to support your family’s journey.

Guest speakers: Madhavi Nawana Parker – One of Australia’s foremost experts on mental health and wellbeing, Madhavi will share her expertise on how families and children can thrive together. Nathan ‘Dubsy’ Want – With over 18 years’ experience in empowering teens and parents, Nathan will provide practical advice and strategies for navigating life’s ups and downs.

Locations: Two locations to choose from on two different evenings makes it even more accessible and FREE to all Penola families in lieu of travelling!

PLEASE NOTE: OUR SCHOOL VAN WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE MILLICENT CONFERENCE Please contact the office should you wish to access the van travel option.

Tenison Woods College Mount Gambier on Monday 17 March 6pm – 7.30pm St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School Millicent on Tuesday 18 March 6pm – 7.30pm.

Click here to register

This is an event you won’t want to miss. A wonderful chance to learn, connect, and grow with other families, all while gaining essential tools to support your children’s development.