Mary's Mount Primary School
Term 4, Week 6 - 19 November 2021
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Dear Parents, Carers and friends of Mary’s Mount Primary School
My son completed his year 11 exams this week. I experienced some parental angst as his study preparation was not the best. In the midst of me trying to manage his study schedule and set routines and boundaries around how much FIFA PS4 he could play, providing nutritious food, making sure he had enough sleep, fussing over him, basically he provided me some insight into his world. “Mum, all I need is a hug, some food and clean clothes!” This comment gave me the opportunity to reflect on my role as a parent of my growing boy. He is becoming his own person and mapping his path. The learnings from his childhood and the foundations we as a family have provided for him is what will support his journey. So, in the wise words of a special parent here at Mary’s Mount Primary School, I took a breath, cooled my jets and was at peace!
NATURE PLAYGROUND – STAGE 2 Opening
Let us go back in time to 2015 when the vision for this space first began. In 2016 a committee was formed and the vision started taking shape. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our main drivers, Mrs Kate MacRae and Mrs Fay Valli. The time and effort that has been given by these ladies is appreciated by us all. Many, many thanks to you Kate and Faye.
Stage 1 of the Loquat Grove was blessed in 2017 and on Monday we launched Stage 2 of the nature playground. It has been a long time coming and for those wonderful volunteers from the MMPS community who have been involved we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your drive, energy and perseverance do not go unnoticed.
I believe that we have created a place where we can reconnect with the outdoors via unstructured play and discover the fun and beauty of nature for themselves. Research tells us of the importance of play, being outside to connect with God’s earth in meaningful ways has a direct positive impact on our wellbeing and sense of joy. Students, thank you for your care and love of our Nature Playground to date. We know you will continue to enjoy this area and delight in the new play experiences.
Student Reflections
I can’t wait to play on the new equipment especially the spider web ropes and the new slippery slide. Also, my friends and I will be able to play lots of imaginary games in the tree house.
Ava Batten – Year 2
I am looking forward to playing with all my friends on the new nature play. I was lucky to be able to work on the playground with my family.
Amelie MacRae – Year 4
I am really looking forward to playing on the slide, it looks fabulous! I love playing in the nature playground because I get to play with some of my friends. The best part of the nature playground is the new space. When I play in the nature play I feel like I have heaps of energy and I want to thank everyone who helped!
Joe Giumelli – Year 3
PARLIAMENT HOUSE VISIT
Mr Matthew Hughes MLA for Kalamunda kindly sent an invitation to our school to visit him in Parliament and to be treated to a special lunch. The students who attended have written a reflection of the experience. I have shared Gabby and Max's reflection below. Mr Matthew Hughes is optimistic about continuing a positive relationship with our primary school and growing in his knowledge of our needs.
Parliament House Trip - Student Reflection
On the 17th November 2021 the learning ministry and one community leader went on a trip to Parliament House. When we arrived we were given a tour and were told a very interesting story about the black swan. The black swan is a figure of speech meaning very rare and surprising . After the polices 18 day search for Cleo Smith she was found alive and healthy. All around the world including in the New York Times and the Washington post this was known as a black swan.
After the tour we had a delicious lunch with Mr Mathew Hughes. the labour member for Kalamunda. He told us many stories about Parliament including how Michelle Roberts was the first female speaker in Australia. We were then taken to the public gallery where some of us saw The Honourable Mark McGowan in person for the first time. Beforehand however some of the girls saw Mr McGowan on the way back to the dining room. Things got heated in the public gallery as Mr Catania and Mr McGowan had an argument. Then Mrs Michelle Roberts stepped in and said, “Excuse Me but you haven’t have not even allowed Mr Premier to answer the question, and you’re already yelling, please allow him to answer the question.”
After having this great experience we headed back to school. We all had a great time at Parliament House.
By Gabby and Max - Year 6
YEAR 5 LEADERSHIP SPEECHES
Best of luck to the Year 5 students who will be delivering their leadership speeches on Friday. From the conversations, I have had with children in Year 5 it is evident that they are aware of the responsibilities involved in leadership and are keen to demonstrate what it takes to be a positive role model to others at Mary's Mount Primary School. We wish them all the best.
P&F and School Advisory Council AGM
Please come along on Tuesday evening for us to extend our gratitiute to you for your support of our school and to hear the wonderful contributions that parents and community members have made to our school over the past year. The thank you sundowner starts at 5.30pm and the AGM commences at 7pm.
God Bless.
Emma Bell
Principal
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4;13
TERM 4, WEEK 7 2021 CALENDAR
Saturday 20 November
- 3pm MMADs Dads & Kids Camp out
Monday 22 November
- 9am - Harmony Garden Opening - all welcome
- Year 4 Excursion to Constitutional Centre
Tuesday 23 November
- 5.30pm MMPS Thankyou Sundowner (please RSVP)
- 7pm AGM (Board/P&F)
Wednesday 24 November
Thursday 25 November
- 9am 4K 2022 Orientation
- Y6 Mission Day Fundraiser - Free dress, $5 donation, Y6 fun, sausage sizzle lunch
Friday 26 November
- 9am 2022 PP to Year 6 Orientation Day
P&F UPDATE
Next Tuesday 23 November is the MMPS P&F Association AGM, which will be held in the school hall from 7pm. We will be pleased to showcase the various events and initiatives that we have coordinated or participated in this year, and will also be outlining our key priorities and activities for 2022 and how our parents can be involved and support us.
With some of our P&F Executive Team having completed their maximum term at the end of the year, we are now looking for some fresh faces to continue the great work that our P&F does for our school. The time commitment is not high, but the outcomes and satisfaction levels are, so if you or a family member can help out in some small way next year we'd love you to join the team. Several great changes have been made to the way we undertake fundraising and friend-raising events now so being a Committee member is now less time-consuming and lots more enjoyable! If you would like more information on becoming a P&F team member please email us or contact Anna on 0418921462 for more information.
We look forward to being a part of the official opening of the school's Harmony Garden next Monday morning from 9am. We hope you can join us as we celebrate this beautiful new space in our school. Our P&F Committee have contributed funds towards this project and are so pleased the garden is now complete. Special thanks to Mrs Henderson, Ms Branche and all of the key personnel involved in this project.
Yours in education,
MMPS P&F Committee
CANTEEN NEWS
Thank you to my many volunteers who help out each week in the canteen. We could not operate without your assistance. We are always on the lookout for additional helpers and volunteers, so if you can help out at any time, please contact Angeline or email admin@mmps.wa.edu.au.
Be sure to check out the online menu each week when you order, as the items will change. There are lots of new drinks, and some new food additions too which will change over the term.
Thank you.
Angeline Biggin
COMMUNITY NEWS
VACSWIM Enrolments Now Open
Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays. VacSwim offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations. They are a great school holiday activity and they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.
Enrol at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim
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
Temp. 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