Newsletter - Friday, 10th October, 2025

Prayer

Loving God,
We thank You for keeping our families safe during the school holidays.
Thank You for the fun we had, the places we visited, and the new things we tried.
We are grateful for the time we spent with the people we love.
Bless our school as we begin a new term together.
Help us to learn, grow, and care for one another every day.

- Amen  

From the Principals

Dear Families,

Welcome to Term 4!  We have so many exciting things happening this term including our whole school production, F–2 excursion, transition visits, Cockies for Kids seed planting, Feast Day, talent show, bike education and swimming programs, Graduation Mass and more!  Stay tuned for more information about these events.

We also welcome Jayne Brumby to the school for a few visits this term as she gets to know the school and our students.  Jayne is very excited about her role as St. Malachy’s Principal in 2026.

The school mower has had a breakdown so we'd like to say a big thank you to Sally Williams for bringing in her mower and mowing the grounds; we really appreciate it.

We welcome a new addition to the St. Malachy's community and congratulations to Brooke, Robbie, Zara and Elsie on the arrival of their daughter and little sister, Margot Lou, born on 26th September, weighing 3.5 kg.

A few reminders as we get back into the swing of things for Term 4: hats must be worn, any library books borrowed before the holidays should please be returned, library day is on Thursdays, names on school uniforms, please check if you have someone else's and any changes to transport such as regular sports like basketball need to be communicated so rolls can be updated for the term.  

Kind regards, 

- Gorgia + Sherryn

Around the rooms

Year 1/2 - Mrs. Stringer

It’s shaping up to be a very exciting and busy Term 4 in Year 1/2!

In Writing, we’ll be exploring persuasive texts, learning how to share our opinions and convince others using strong reasons and powerful words.  We’ll also be focusing on making our sentences more interesting by adding adjectives and descriptive language to paint vivid pictures for our readers.

In Numeracy, we’re revisiting some important concepts including place value, money, time, and measurement.  Students will have lots of hands-on opportunities to explore these topics through games, problem-solving and real-life connections.

Our Inquiry unit will take us on an adventure around the world, as we visit each continent and discover some of the incredible natural and man-made wonders that make our planet so special.  Students will investigate what makes these places unique and why people choose to care for and protect them.

In Music, excitement is building as we continue to prepare for our school production of King Arthur!  The students are busy learning songs, movements and lines to bring this magical story to life on stage.

Our homework focus will continue to be nightly reading, as well as some fun literacy and numeracy games to help reinforce key skills and build confidence with base concepts.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic final term of learning, creativity, and celebration together!

Year 5/6 - Ms. Simpson

Term 4 is going to be very busy for Years 5 & 6.  The Year 6 students will be participating in transition, and Year 5s will be preparing for full leadership.  On top of the whole school events like Production, Bike Ed and Swimming, we will be studying the following:

In Literacy, we are reading "Around the world in 80 days' a classic story of human endeavour and the industrial revolution, as well as 'Attack of the Black Triangles' a coming of age story about a boy who also challenges the control of information.

In Maths, fractions and decimals and manipulating them with the four processes as well as capacity, and statistics and probability.

In R.E., we will investigate the theme of 'openness', the characteristic of being imaginative, curious and receptive to new ideas and experiences.

In Science, we are doing biology.

In Phys Ed, cricket and tennis.

In Inquiry, itinerary planning for our own trip around the world including learning about the places we visit.

Production

Rehearsals are revving up, and costumes and props are planned and beginning to take shape.   All students in Years Foundation, One, Two, Three and Four will need to wear black long pants and black long sleeve top.  This needs to be brought from home (closer to the date but please check to ensure you have them).  We will then have costumes which these students can put on over the top making costume changes easy.  The Year 5 & 6 students will have costumes lent to them for their main roles for the night.  They will have time to change completely into this costume before the play begins.

From Carine - Mental Health & Wellbeing

We are very proud to be part, as a school and parent community, of SchoolTV.  It was announced last week that SchoolTV has been awarded Mental Health Organisation of the Year 2025, by the Mental Health Foundation Australia for recognising their outstanding contribution to youth mental health and wellbeing.

This prestigious award reflects the remarkable impact SchoolTV has made in transforming the mental health literacy of school communities.

SPECIAL REPORT: World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10th October as a reminder of the importance of mental health to our overall wellbeing.  It is a day that encourages families, schools, workplaces and communities across the globe to start conversations, reduce stigma and highlight the support available for those who may be struggling.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone: children, teens, and adults alike.  Recognising this helps us create more compassionate and supportive environments.

Parents and caregivers play a central role in shaping the mental health of their children.  World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the pressures young people face in today's world and how we can best support them.  Whether it's helping children find balance between school, technology, and rest; encouraging open conversations about feelings; or modelling healthy coping strategies ourselves - small steps at home can make a big difference.

By engaging with resources and discussions on this day, families can strengthen their understanding of mental health and contribute to a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

This Special Report highlights the importance of World Mental Health Day and offers practical suggestions for how your family can acknowledge and support it together.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://smedenhope.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-world-mental-health-day-au

Child safety - Thunderstorm asthma

St. Malachy's School reminds our wider community that grass pollen season brings an increased risk of asthma and hay fever.  

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm (typically between October and end December).  It can result in people wheezing, feeling short of breath, and tight in the chest with coughing.  This can be sudden, serious, and even life threatening. 

Anyone can be affected, even if they don’t have a history of asthma.  

If your child has current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever they are at risk of thunderstorm asthma.  Don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.   

St. Malachy's School encourages families to communicate any updated asthma action plans with staff.  Our staff will monitor the Vic Emergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings, and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify a greater level of risk. 

Protect your family this pollen season 

For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who wheeze and sneeze during spring, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening. 

There are things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and those in your care: 

• It’s important for everyone in the community to know the four steps of asthma first aid so they know what to do if they or someone is having an asthma attack.  

• Avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October through December – especially in the wind gusts that come before the storm.  Go inside and close your doors and windows.  Turn off any air conditioner that brings outside air in (e.g. evaporative air conditioners).  

• If your child has ever had asthma – talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating their asthma action plan.  Remember, taking an asthma preventer as prescribed is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.  

• If your child has ever had hay fever – see your GP to make sure they don’t also have asthma and discuss how to stay safe during grass pollen season.   

• Asthma reliever medication is available over the counter at pharmacies.  Ideally, this should be used with a spacer, for both children and adults.  If your child is needing to use their reliever medication more than usual, this may mean that their asthma management plan needs updating – see your GP and make sure that you communicate updated asthma action plans with your child’s school.  

• Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the Vic Emergency thunderstorm asthma forecast webpage or download the Vic Emergency app (App Store or Google Play) – you can set up a 'watch zone' for your location to receive advice and warnings about potential epidemic thunderstorm asthma events during the grass pollen season. 

Protect yourself and those in your care this pollen season – preventing and managing asthma matters.  There are a range of videos for caregivers on the Asthma Australia website https://asthma.org.au/resources/videos 

What's coming up

• Wednesday, 22nd October - Little Desert Cricket @ Horsham (Year 5/6)
• Monday, 3rd November - PUPIL FREE DAY - staff P.D.
• Tuesday, 4th November - Melbourne Cup Day - PUPIL FREE DAY
• Wednesday, 5th November - Feast Day (pet blessing/Mission Day)
• Thursday, 6th - Friday, 7th November - F-2 Naracoorte excursion and sleepover @ school
• Friday, 7th November - Talent Show @ 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, 11th November - Remembrance Day
• Thursday, 20th November - School Production @ Apsley
• Thursday, 4th December - Year 3/4 Cultural Day
• Friday, 5th December - F-2 Lake Bike Ride, 3-4 Big Bike Bonanza Ride, 5-6 T.B.C.
• Tuesday, 9th December - Statewide Transition Day
• Friday, 12th December - Year 5 Leadership Speeches
• Tuesday, 16th December - End of Year Mass @ 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, 17th December - F-2 Sports @ Apsley
• Thursday, 18th December - Last day for students
  

St. Malachy's Mass times are:
1st Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
2nd Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
3rd Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
4th Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
5th Sunday: 11.15 a.m.

St. Malachy's welcomes everyone to join us.

C.D.F. Community Fund

The Nurtured Village Donation Drive

The Nurtured Village Hampers – West Wimmera is a local, volunteer-led, not-for-profit group that provides practical and emotional support to mums and families in our community.  Each month, community members come together to donate items such as home-cooked meals, pantry staples, vouchers, and small gifts, which are packed into a hamper and personally delivered to a nominated mother and her family.
Over the past year, The Nurtured Village West Wimmera has proudly delivered nine hampers to local families -  thanks to the generosity of people just like you!

What’s new?
From October 1st, The Nurtured Village is introducing a new model across all regions.  Instead of relying on monthly items to be donated, we’ll now aim to gather enough donations to prepare six months’ worth of hampers, called Care Kits, by holding two donation drives a year.

How you can help?
Your family can support this wonderful initiative by:
1. Donating items from the Care Kit list (attached).
2. Dropping donations to one of the local collection points listed below or your school/Kindergarten for the month of October.
3. Helping spread the word by encouraging friends and family to get involved!
4. Join our Facebook Group – The Nurtured Village Hampers West Wimmera (Must be above 18 to join)

Collection Points:
APSLEY – The Corner Shop Apsley
EDENHOPE – Edenhope Shire Office, Edenhope Dine Inn
HARROW – The Harrow Post (Café), Harrow Bush Nursing Centre
GOROKE – Goroke IGA
KANIVA – Kaniva LINK Neighbourhood House

Why it matters
Your donations help build a strong foundation of support for mums and families in our community — so our volunteers can focus on what truly matters: connecting with families and providing care, not scrambling for supplies.
Together, we can make a real difference. Every item, big or small, helps bring comfort and kindness to a family who needs it most.

Thank you for being part of our village.

For more information:
westwimmera@thenurturedvillage.org
Facebook: The Nurtured Village Hampers – West Wimmera

Bush Beats & B.B.Q.

Hot Shots Tennis

Pumpkins on the Run Book Launch & W.R.S.A.