Mary's Mount Primary School
Term 4, Week 9 - 10 December 2021
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Dear Parents, Carers and friends of Mary’s Mount Primary School
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021
Congratulations to our year 6 students and their families on their Graduation on Tuesday evening. It has been pleasing to see the growth these students have made this year. We wish them well for high school and thank them for their contributions to our school.
I would like to farewell the following families from MMPS who have in 2021, finished their primary school years with us and will walk out of the school gates for the last time -
To the Avila, Cable, Carney, Gelmi, Hainsworth, Hall, Ierace, Ingleton, Peters, Sorgiovanni, Tallon, Underwood, Wakeman and Zarris families - many blessings for the future and your journey to high school. In addition, thank you for your contibution to our school community duing your time with us.
GOODBYE & THANK YOU
This year we say goodbye to a number of staff who will be leaving our school community. Firstly, Tamara Ellenbroek has worked as our Kindy teacher for 8 years. We applaud her dedicated service and her passion for Early Childhood education and wish her all the very best in her new role at Salvado College.
Next is Devina Branche who has served our school community for 5 years. Devina has worked as a classroom teacher with an enthusiasm for nurturing the development of the whole child. We wish Devina all the very best in her new role at Salvado College.
Thank you to Lindsay Crompton who joined us in Term 2 of this year and supported the Year 3 students on a Friday.
Michelle Sanderson came to our aid in Term 1 this year. She filled a void and made sure the children had canteen on a Friday each week. We wish her all the best for 2022.
And finally, Jo DeBarro who has served at MMPS for 12 years. We wish her all the best in her retirement and spending lots of time with her family and grandchildren.
AN IRISH BLESSING
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,
And may the land of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
WELCOME
We welcome three new staff members for 2022. Firstly, Julie Merrell who will be with us on a Tuesday and Wednesday as our school Social Worker. We welcome her with enthusiasm as we are optimistic in how she will value add to our vision to nurture the whole child here at MMPS.
Adam Palmer joins our team next year as a classroom teacher and he is a keen cricket enthusiast, so I am sure we will see him bowling a ball or two at lunchtime!
And finally, Dianne Hansen who will be our Kindy teacher. Dianne comes with a rich educational history and her wisdom and passion for early childhood marries beautifully with our school vision.
We welcome back Sarah Skrzypek and Nicole Smith from maternity leave and Kristine Williams from LSL. I have every confidence that our staff of 2022 will live our vision.
STUDENT LEADERS 2022
All students in Year 6, in 2022 will be involved in levels of student leadership across the school. The 2022 School Leaders, as elected by peers and staff were announced this morning. Congratulations, future leaders of Mary’s Mount Primary School. As with the leaders this year, the commitment of these new leaders is to leave their role in a better position than when they received it. To respect what the leaders did before them and develop and improve the role for the next leader.
2021 SEMESTER 2 STUDENT REPORTS
Student reports will be distributed via SEQTA this Friday 10 December. When discussing and sharing these with your child, celebrate some strengths and growth and identify and area of focus for 2022. Acknowledging the effort your child has put into each area, not focusing simply on the grade is important. Please remember, if you need to discuss anything in your child's report, email your class teacher to make a time to meet. Teachers will be available until Thursday 16th for a meeting if required.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND 2022 PLANNED WORK
Due to the age of our school, a large portion of our school budget is allocated to maintenance and ongoing work.
In addition to the regular cleaning around the school including carpets, windows and furniture that takes place each school holidays, in 2022 the following work is also planned:
- Upgrade of the Admin Workroom
- Refurbishment of the staff and visitors toilets
- Rejuvenation of our school oval
- New furniture in PP and Kindy
- Relocation of Year One class to the CLH and vice versa
- Relocation of our 100 Year archive display back into the Cottage
TERM PLANNER 2022
The Term 1, 2022 Planner will be sent home during next week, with the full calendar being uploaded to the school website before Friday 17 December. Please be aware that this may change over the coming months and that it is important to continue to check for updates in the weekly newsletter and the website during the year. Whole year start and end of term dates, along with the Pupil Free Days being held during 2022 can be found on our website.
ENROLMENTS 2023
- Enrolments for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2023 are filling quickly. Please note interviews take place in Term 1 next year for 2023 start (note the earlier timing of interviews).
- Pre-Kindy 2023 – children born between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020.
- Kindergarten 2023 – children born between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019.
- If you have younger children in these age brackets and have not submitted an application, please ensure this is completed at your earliest convenience. Application forms can be obtained from the school office or via our website.
2023 WINTER UNIFORM CHANGE
Thank you for the abundant and positive feedback I have received in regards to our school uniform. I am pleased to confirm, we will be introducing the option of cullottes for Winter 2022 for students in Year 2 to Year 6, except Year 1 who will transition next year to the new cullottes as they move for the first time into the full school uniform. Full details on this transition will be communicated at the start of next year.
OUT OF SCHOOL CARE
We are still investigating the option of an Out of School Care program at MMPS for next year. The process and evaluation is quite lengthy and detailed, hence the delay in providing you with an update. If we meet all the requirements, the program would be rolled out in Semester Two of next year. Please rest assured, we are working and completing our due diligence.
P&F CHANGEOVER
This week the P&F held their last meeting for the year. I would like to thank the outgoing 2021 P&F - Anna Oakley, Richard Bailiff and Mellissa Antoine - for their work and contribution to the school this year, and for welcoming me so warmly into the MMPS community. A special thank you to Anna Oakley who joined the P&F last year during her very first year at Mary's Mount. Anna was new to our school and the hills, having arrived with four children at the beginning of 2020. That took courage, and so I thank you Anna, for the enthusiam you brought with you, and the new ideas and initiatives you have implemented during your time on the P&F.
I would also like to welcome and thank the new P&F committee who will be taking over next year. I am looking forward to working with you all, and continuing the wonderful work the P&F does to support our school and families.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
We are in the second week of Advent. A time in the Christian church calendar of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a preparation of His Second Coming. I think that opportunities to reflect on how to live the best possible life should always be taken, and the end of the year seems as appropriate a time as any. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and for entrusting your beautiful children to our care. It is my greatest honour to walk the journey with you in nurturing the children of Mary’s Mount Primary School.
Can I take this opportunity to thank you one and all for the support, love, gracious feedback, prayers and gifts you offer the staff at this time. It is uplifting and quite special. May your Advent be one of joy, love and peace, your outlook be positive and your family time remind you of the things that really matter in our lives.
God Bless.
Emma Bell
Principal
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4;13
2022 TERM DATES & PUPIL FREE DAYS
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)
PRE-SCHOOL 2022 UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES
2.00pm - 4.00pm
FRIDAY 28 JANUARY 2022
9.00am - 11.00am
WE RECOMMEND YOU PRE-ORDER ONLINE TO AVOID EXTENDED WAITING via www.quickcliq.com.au
2022 STAFF LISTING
CLASS TEACHERS
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 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
THE ISSUE WITH iPad SUPPLIES
If you child has a damaged iPad or a loan iPad, we are still waiting on stock, and the order that was placed in September for the 2022 Year 4 class, is apparently not scheduled to arrive until February next year.
We would just like to reassure you, we are not the only school in this situation, and as such will prioritise and manage the allocation of devices as we deem appropriate.
Many thanks for your understanding on this matter, and know that we are doing all that we can.
Gabby Hoffmann & Sinead Muscat
IT Co-ordinator & Digital Literacy Co-ordinator
P&F UPDATE
This week we held our final P&F Meeting for the year and are now pleased to announce we will be funding the construction of a long jump pit on the oval in 2022, and the expansion of the ‘Make a Move’ program into Kindy, which means all students from Kindy to Year 6 will now have access to the program. We also provided a 100 year commemorative medal to each student as a gift from the P&F in celebration of 100 years of excellence in schooling at Mary’s Mount.
A very big thank you to those parents who have stepped up to join the P&F Committee for 2022. We are so pleased to see such a great team come together! Our Executive team will consist of Linzi Moore, Kirsty O’Hehir and Victoria Murphy, while other important roles have been filled by Liz Appleby, Rebecca Haley, Mandy Lowe and Rachel Grainger. We are still looking to fill the President’s role so any mum's or dad’s that are keen are encouraged to contact us for more details.
Special thanks to outgoing P&F Committee members, Anna Oakley, Richard Bailiff and Mellissa Antoine, who have all served a two year term on the P&F Committee. We thank them for their contributions, efforts and enthusiasm and wish them well.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. We also thank each family for their wonderful contributions to the school and the P&F this year and look forward to an exciting and successful school year in 2022.
Yours in education,
MMPS P&F Committee
CANTEEN NEWS
To anyone who has helped out in the canteen this year, thank you for your support. It has been a joy meeting many of you for the first time, and I hope you have had some fun too!
The canteen will be closed on Friday 10 December as we will have depleted our stock for the year however a small number of over the counter cold drinks and ice-creams will be available for purchase by students.
I look forward to seeing you again next year, and please know you are always welcome to join me in the canteen on a Friday, even if only for an hour or two.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Angeline Biggin
COMMUNITY NEWS
CALLING ALL STUDENTS TO DESIGN SOME SIGNS
As you know, the Kalamunda Central Mall is having a transformation!
Work will commence onsite in January 2022 as part of the City’s Activity Centre Plan to incorporate opportunities to live, work and play in the Central Mall.
While construction work is underway, it is important to have clear signage which not only protects the safety of all people in and around the area but also encourages people to continue visiting the shops we all know and love, which will remain open and accessible throughout all stages of construction.
That’s where we have an opportunity for our children to showcase their artistic talent and design some of the signs for the area, specifically the floor stickers promoting that the “Central Mall is open for business”.
The invitation is for students to enter their artwork and our local artists will select designs that will then be placed in and around the Central Mall walkways. This is a wonderful way for our children to be actively involved in the project and have pride in seeing their designs, or that of their peers, in their local community.
Designs will need to be submitted by 17th December 2021 so that they can be produced in time for construction commencement early next year.
If your school would like to participate please contact news@kalamunda.wa.gov.au Feel free to email any artwork through with contact details, name of student artist and best contact at school.
Kind regards,
Amberley Bradley
Acting Coordinator Community Services
T 9257 9968
www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au
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