Mary's Mount Primary School
Welcome to 2022
GRATITUDE PRAYER
Dear Lord
Thank you.
I dwell upon the goodness in my life.
Thank you.
I cherish in my heart Your gift to me.
Thank you.
I notice the blessings of life,
breath, loving and sharing.
I am so very grateful.
Thank you, Lord.
Amen
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Over the holiday's I was fortunate to spend such lovely quality time with my family on our annual camping trip to Yallingup caravan park. I made it my mission to be totally present during these two weeks. I cherished every minute of my time there because I knew I was rejuvenating myself for a challenging year ahead. Above is an image of the Yallingup coastline. A picture I took on one of my daily walks.
Camping is good for the soul! Family bonding, simplicity, and many a card game. This year was a game-changer. My daughter Abi has been asking for an Air Fryer for a while now. I was reluctant and said we have an oven, why do we need an air fryer. After some research and speaking with friends, my husband and I decided it would be our family Christmas present. I am converted.
The air fryer came camping with us, along with my fairy lights.
I cooked up a storm in my camp kitchen. Chicken schnitzel and bacon BLT's, roasted sweet potato and beetroot salad, to name a few, and the crowd favourite potato gems. It was a huge hit. Thanks to Abi for her perseverance.
Welcome back to most of you and a special welcome to our new families and their children who join us for the first time on Monday. 2022 will hopefully be a wonderful year on many fronts, but my greatest hope is that it sees the end of this pandemic.
I will continue to do my best, and with your help and goodwill and the help of my colleagues, I’m sure we can deliver as seamless, safe and enjoyable school experience for your beautiful children as possible. As I write to you, we find ourselves facing uncertainty once again. However, we are well- placed due to the preparation and planning undertaken by the School both last year and throughout the first weeks of 2022.
This year, our focus is on two things: firstly, the well-being and safety of the students, staff and families that make up our school community. And secondly, maintaining continuity of teaching and learning. As much as possible, the school year will be normal and routine for students.
We have delayed sending out information to families regarding COVID-19 until the ‘Western Australia’s Safe Return to School Plan for 2022’ briefing from Catholic Education Western Australia to avoid any confusion. Mary's Mount Primary School follows advice from the Western Australian Government, Department of Health Western Australia (DOHWA), Department of Education Western Australia and Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA).
Please see below the link to a message for all families of Mary's Mount Primary School from Dr Debra Sayce, Director of Catholic Education.
Wellbeing
Optimism, connectedness, and a sense of belonging are important focus areas for wellbeing in our school this year.
Parents and Carers
You can help by:
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Letting the school know if your child is unwell.
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Making sure we have the correct contact details for your family.
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Making sure you check regularly for communication from Mary's Mount Primary School.
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Encouraging your child to practice good hygiene, at home and at school.
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When talking about coronavirus to your child, make sure it’s in a way that suits their age and development. When you do talk, listen to what’s worrying them and address their concerns. CEWA has provided helpful resources here: https://covid19.cewa.edu.au/wellbeing/
More Information
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Visit the Healthy WA COVID-19 website for more information and details about the Novel coronavirus
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Call the Novel coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
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For general or travel related queries about Novel coronavirus please go to the healthdirect website
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You can also visit the World Health Organisation website for more information about the Novel coronavirus and for updates
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Talk to your local GP or Community Health Centre
Additional support services include:
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Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
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Headspace – 1800 650 890
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Parent Helpline – 1300 1300 52
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Beyond Blue – 1300 22 463
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Lifeline – 13 11 14
Thank you for the trust you place in us and please let me know if there is anything at all that is causing anxiety for you and/or your child/children and we will do our very best to alleviate the worry.
Enjoy the weekend and we look forward to seeing you on Monday.
God bless.
Emma Bell
Principal
Be the best part of someone else's day - Ben Crowe
COVID -19 UPDATE
MMPS COVID-19 GUIDELINES 2022
At the outset of the 2022 school year, it is important that we reflect on the extraordinary challenges our school faced over the past few years – learning to operate within stringent guidelines, rapidly pivoting to remote teaching and learning, and finding creative and inspired ways to maintain a sense of community through the disruptions that COVID-19 brought. The commitment of the Mary's Mount Primary School community enabled students to navigate through a challenging school year with gratitude, kindness, and resilience.
Welcome to the School Year - 2022
Pre Kindy - Pre-Primary
- Children can be walked to class by a parent or carer.
- Educators will meet you outside the classroom.
- Children will be able to spend time saying goodbye before educators move children into the room.
- Parents and carers are encouraged to move on once your child is in the care of the MMPS educators.
- We are all responsible in our response to physical distancing in the congested space of a classroom drop-off zone.
Year 1-6
- Children can be walked to the classroom or dropped at kiss and drive.
- Educators will meet you at the door and children will say goodbye and proceed inside.
- Parents and carers are encouraged to move on once your child is in the care of the MMPS educators.
- At pick-up time, where possible, please utilise the kiss and drive areas to minimise the number of parents on site.
Late arrivals, early departures, day appointments, or delivery of forgotten lunches
- All late arrivals after 8.50am and early departures before 3.10pm are to present to the school office. Where previously advised, we will aim to have your child waiting in the school office.
- Parents are requested to not visit the classrooms during the school day, but present to the office to sign in as a visitor and for direction from staff depending on the circumstances of your visit.
Mary's Mount Primary School follows good personal hygiene practices and additional cleaning regimes:
- High-frequency cleaning continues throughout the school day to ensure all high-use areas, such as benchtops, desks, doorknobs, taps, and handrails are regularly cleaned and surfaces disinfected.
- Supplies of soap, hand sanitiser, and other cleaning agents are on hand when required in every learning area.
- Students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser as often as possible.
Ventilation
A licensed contractor will conduct a ventilation audit in early 2022. This will be reconciled with our own internal audit completed in December 2021. Where possible, windows and doors will be left open, and some classes will be held outdoors. All the classrooms have air-conditioning as well as a fresh air source. Our staff are committed to providing the safest and most well-ventilated learning area for your children.
Water Bottles
Each student is required to bring a water bottle to school each day labelled with their name which they can fill at the drinking fountains. School drinking fountains will not be used to drink from due to the risk of transmission.
Confirmed COVID-19 Students or Staff
In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19, any temporary school closure will be advised by the DOHWA and the school will enact its Six-Step Response Plan before it reopens. All Catholic schools in Western Australia have dedicated School Response Plans which contain detailed information about how they are to respond to a confirmed case in their school or school community. Mary's Mount Primary School has formed an Incident Response Team and has been provided with a detailed resource pack to help them deal with a confirmed case.
There will be a designated isolation space at school for symptomatic students where they will be supervised by a staff member in PPE until they are collected by a parent or carer.
Students or Staff Isolating/Close Contacts
In the event that students or staff are required to isolate for any length of time, the school will adapt teaching and learning practices with a flexible model to maintain continuity of learning.
Absences
It is important for students to be physically connected with their school, staff, and classmates. Every day away from engaged learning has a negative impact on student outcomes. All students should attend school unless they are unwell, have a medical referral to learn from home, or have been advised to do so by State Government Authorities. Parents are asked to seek medical advice if their child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 and are encouraged to notify the school if they have to undergo testing. Normal processes for advising the school of a child’s absence will apply. We will work with students and families on a case-by-case basis if there are anxieties, concerns, or medical conditions that require an individualised approach.
School Events
School events will proceed wherever they can be undertaken safely. Some calendared events will look different or may be cancelled. The school Leadership Team meets regularly so that all decisions are based on the latest directives and guidelines.
Visitors
All visitors are asked to sign in using the SafeWA or ServiceWA app, or the manual register, maintain physical distancing where possible and wear a mask unless exempt. Parents and carers, visitors, external providers, and volunteers who visit the school on an ad-hoc basis during school hours are not required to be vaccinated, eg for parent-teacher interviews, assemblies, sports carnivals, performances.
If you have any questions about these processes, please contact the school office.
TERM 1, WEEK 1 2022 CALENDAR
- 8.30am classes open
- 8.50am school starts
Tuesday 1 February
Wednesday 2 February
Thursday 3 February
Friday 4 February
- Canteen Open
- No Assembly
KEY DATES FOR 2022
TERM DATES 2022
Term 1 Monday 31 January – Friday 8 April
Term 2 Tuesday 26 April – Friday 1 July
Term 3 Monday 18 July – Friday 23 September
Term 4 Monday 10 October – Friday 9 December
PUPIL FREE DAYS 2022
Term 1 Friday 18 February, Tuesday 8 March
Term 2 Thursday 2 June, Friday 3 June
Term 3 Monday 22 August
Term 4 (n/a)
KEY DATES FOR TERM 1, 2022
Week 1 - Friday 4 February - Canteen Open
Week 2 - Tuesday 8 February - Whole School Mass & Welcome Morning Tea
Week 3 - Tuesday 15 February - Parent Information Session, 5pm start. Multiple Sessions.
Week 4 - Friday 18 February - Pupil Free Day
Week 4 - Saturday 19 February - P&F Welcome Big Splash event, 3pm - 6pm
2022 STAFF LISTING
WELCOME
A very big warm welcome to our new teachers for 2022.
Adam Palmer - Year 5
Dianne Hansen - 3K & 4K
Julie Merrells - Social Worker
And welcome back to Nicole Smith, Sarah Skrzypek, Stephanie Freeman and Kristine Williams - who have all returned to MMPS from maternity leave or long service leave.
CLASS TEACHERS
Pre-Kindy - Mrs Dianne Hansen
Kindergarten - Mrs Dianne Hansen
Pre Primary - Miss Samantha Romeo
Year 1 - Miss Teagan Thresher
Year 2 - Mrs Kristine Williams
Year 3 - Mrs Nicole Smith – (2 days) / Mrs Sarah Skrzypek – (3 days)
Year 4 - Miss Karlie DeMarte
Year 5 - Mr Adam Palmer
Year 6 - Mr Stephen Sorgiovanni
Relief - Mrs Michelle Retel
SUPPORT
Mrs Carolyn Gamble
Mr Christopher Smith/Mrs Sinead Muscat
Mrs Angela Smith
Mrs Veronica Giancono
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Physical Education – Teresa Curulli
Art – Mrs Wendy Hull Deane
Music – Mrs Stephanie Freeman
Italian – TBC
TEACHER ASSISTANTS
Mrs Allyson Bignell
Mrs Belinda Henderson (& Sustainability Coordinator)
Mrs Nancy Wratten
Mrs Angela Smith
Mrs Veronica Giancono
Mrs Karen Forster
Mrs Fiona Wittenbaker
ADMINISTRATION
Finance - Mrs Jane Taylor
Enrolments, IT & Marketing - Mrs Gabby Hoffmann
Administation - Mrs Deanna Grabski
GROUNDS
Mr Derek Gair
Mr Joe Sorgiovanni
CLEANING
Maria Bonomi
Brayden Bonomi
Assunta Giovinazzo
CANTEEN
Mrs Angelina Biggin
SOCIAL WORKER
Mrs Julie Merrells
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mrs Emma Bell
Mr Christopher Smith (Long Service Leave Term 1)
Ms Erin Leech
Mrs Sinead Muscat
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
A special welcome to all of our new families joining us this year at MMPS. We are excited to have you in our school community. Please reach out via the school office if you have any questions over the next few weeks.
Newsletters are emailed home weekly and are the primary source of information at our school. Please ensure you read them to stay informed.
PP-Y6 School Times:
- 8.30am Classes Open
- 8.50am School Starts
- 10.50am - 11.10am Recess
- 12.40pm - 1pm Students Free Play
- 1.00pm - 1.20pm Lunch
- 3.10pm School Ends
Student absences, late arrivals, early departures or appointments should be emailed to absentees@mmps.wa.edu.au so a record can be maintained to meet our compliance requirements.
A number of permission forms will be sent home next week with the eldest child at school. Families are to sign and return these forms to school by the due date on the letter.
Remember to keep your contact details up to date with the school office. Any changes to your email, address or phone number should be notified in writing via email to admin@mmps.wa.edu.au.
Please contact the school office with any enquiries you may have at any time via 9290 5200 or admin@mmps.wa.edu.au
We are looking forward to welcoming you back for 2022 and are available and happy to answer any questions you may have.
School Administration
UNIFORM SHOP - 2022 (uniform@mmps.wa.edu.au)
And orders placed and not collected prior to school starting on Monday will be sent to your child's class on Monday for them to take home.
New families are invited to register to Quickcliq and select Mary's Mount Primary School.
Any families who need to contact the uniform shop, or will need to try on sizing, please email us so arrangements can be made.
EMAIL -> uniform@mmps.wa.edu.au
ORDER ONLINE HERE -> https://quickcliq.com.au/Default.aspx
UNIFORM PRICE LIST -> https://marysmount.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Uniform-Price-List-2021_2022.pdf
WELCOME BACK FROM THE P&F P&F
Welcome back! We hope that you have all had a wonderful summer break, and are returning rested and ready for 2022, which already looks set to be an interesting year! Welcome also to all of the new staff and families that are joining our MMPS community this year.
Last year, being the school’s 100th year, was an incredibly busy year. The P&F Committee was able to take full advantage of the hard work and efforts that they had made in fundraising activities in the previous year to help make it a truly spectacular celebration of our school.
Special thanks to the Executive Committee members for the last two years for your exceptional contribution.
Our first event of the year will be our 'Big Splash Welcome Back' party on Saturday 19th February from 3-6pm at the School Oval. This event is FREE to attend for all families. A sausage sizzle dinner, drinks and ice-blocks will be available to purchase on the day so come on down for some fun and to meet other MMPS families. It's sure to be a great afternoon out.
At this stage, Breakfast in the Park 2022(BIP) is still set to go ahead on Sunday 13th March. Thanks to Covid disruptions, it has been a couple of years since we have been able to run BIP, which has historically been our largest fundraiser for the year. We are excited at the prospect of once again being able to come together for this fabulous community event. More information and how you can be involved will be sent out to all families in the coming weeks.
We need you! If you are looking to do something new and interesting, actively contribute to your child's education, meet new people and have some fun... then the P&F is for you! We're a positive and proactive bunch, and we'd love for you to join us! We still have a position available on our Executive Committee for anyone interested, but if you just want to see what it’s all about and get involved where you can, then simply turn up to one of the meetings. Little ones are welcome to join us and we will be exploring the option of attending the meetings online as well.
Wishing you all the very best for a wonderful 2022!
MMPS P&F Committee
CANTEEN NEWS
Please note, the school canteen will not be open during Week 1.
Thanks for your understanding.
HOLY FAMILY PARISH
Mary’s Mount Primary School is the parish school for Holy Family Church in Kalamunda.
Fr Suresh celebrates mass at the beginning of each term, for solemnities and special feast days and offers reconciliation to students who are preparing to receive their Sacraments.
Parish Priest : Fr Antony Suresh
Parish Secretary : Mary Syme
Email: kalamunda@perthcatholic.org.au
Website: www.holyfamilykalamunda.org.au
Location: 2 Burt Street, Kalamunda WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9293 1646
Facebook: facebook.com/holyfamily
MARY'S MOUNT PRIMARY SCHOOL
Email: admin@mmps.wa.edu.au
Website: www.mmps.wa.edu.au
Location: 47 Davies Crescent, Gooseberry Hill WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9290 5200
Facebook: facebook.com/marysmount