Term 2 - Week 6 - Friday, 30th May, 2025

Happy Catholic Education Week 2025

Our Catholic Education Week theme for this week. “From Little Things Big Things Grow”

Best wishes to all 63 Catholic school communities in Catholic Education Week 2025.

Bringing opportunities for ‘fullness of life’ to more than 18,500 students from Mildura in the north, Portland in the south, and west to Edenhope and Nhill.

We pray together:

Loving God,

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you guide and nurture the minds and hearts of the young.

May the God of hope grant you wisdom to teach with truth, patience to lead with compassion, and faith to inspire with love.

May you always find strength in the mission to reflect Christ’s light in your service,

and may your work bear lasting fruit in the lives of those you serve.

Amen.

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

Over the past week, we’ve had several wonderful opportunities to come together and celebrate as a Parish, School, and as part of our wider Western Trinity Catholic Schools Network, this year including St. Joseph’s Penshurst as well.

On Friday, eight of our students received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time at St. Malachy’s Church. It was a beautiful celebration involving the whole school and their families.  A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Cay for his support and guidance in preparing and leading this special occasion.

Sunday’s Woodcut Fundraiser was a fantastic community event.  Thank you to Emily and Warren Holland for the generous donation of red gum wood and to Damian Merrett and Warren for co-ordinating the day - 41 tonne of wood was cut.  We were blessed with good weather and a great turnout from families.  Your help, both on the day and in preparation, is truly appreciated.

On Monday, we joined with the other small schools to celebrate the beginning of Catholic Education Week.  A special thank you to St. Joseph’s in Coleraine for hosting this joyful and faith-filled event.  We’ll let the photos tell the story of the day!

Catholic Education Week is an annual opportunity for Catholic schools across the Diocese of Ballarat to reflect on and celebrate our shared mission, values, and commitment to faith, learning, and community.

Warm regards,
John

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Wood cut

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Ballarat facts

• Number of Schools: 63 Catholic schools, comprising 52 primary schools and 11 secondary colleges.
• Student Population: Over 18,600 students are educated across the diocese.
• Staff: Almost 3,000 teachers and staff are employed throughout the diocese.
• Geographical Reach: The Diocese spans from Mildura in the north, to Portland in the south, and west to Edenhope and Nhill.
• "we pursue the fullness of life for all.” 

Baby news

We're excited to share the news that Gabi and Ben welcomed their daughter, Isla Mae born on 10th May weighing 3.1 kg. and Rosina, Nick and Ella welcomed their son and little brother, William (Will) Matthew born on 23rd May weighing 4.09 kg.  All are doing well and we're looking forward to meeting Isla and Will.

Around the classrooms

Foundation room - Mrs. Craig

Foundation have been working on lots of things the last few weeks.  From re-creating Mr. Twit's filthy beard to using number lines for subtraction in Maths.  In History, we have been looking at what life was like for children 100 years ago.  We have also learnt that teachers used to write on "big green thingys" (blackboards) and they did not have laptops!!! 

Year 1/2 room - Mrs. Stringer

The Year 1/2 class has had an exciting and enriching few weeks!  We’ve been enjoying our weekly martial arts sessions, building focus and confidence while having lots of fun.  Charlie T said "I really enjoyed learning how to kick."  A special highlight has been the visits from the Indonesian ambassador, which gave us a fascinating insight into Indonesian culture including a session of cooking Nasi Goreng.  The students thought it was incredible even though it was a little spicy!  We also had a fantastic time learning a hip hop dance during a visit from the Freestyle Dance Ministry!  "It was very fun because we jumped around like animals." - Audrey B.   In the classroom, we’ve been working on addition and subtraction in numeracy, and exploring adjectives in literacy to make our writing more exciting and engaging. 

Year 3/4 room - Mrs. Robinson

In grade 3/4 we have been enjoying lots of activities.  In Maths, we have been working on multiplication and times tables using arrays.  We have been reading and writing about how circuses treat animals in captivity.  We have been reading the book The One and Only Ivan.  Nellie enjoyed it when Ivan told Ruby that all the other elephants in the new sanctuary will like her like Stella.  In Indonesian, our class cooked nasi goreng with Pak Fikri.  In art, we have been making paper beads.  We have finished our dioramas and reports to show what it used to be like before settlement.  They are on display in the corridor.
- written by Grade 3/4

Year 5/6 room - Ms. Simpson

It's been a busy week squeezing classwork in between martial arts, sports days, and celebrations.  We had Dani Irving come into class and teach us a Filipino dance which we will be performing at the Multi-cultural Event.  Students have blown me away with their persuasive writing this last week.  There was some incredible vocabulary and thought put into their writing.  We have been working on applying addition and subtraction strategies to real world situations such as money and time. 

From the sports desk

Winter sports @ Horsham

On Wednesday, Year 5 and 6 ventured to Horsham to play in their choice of A.F.L., Soccer and Netball.  We combined with the other Kowree schools to create teams.  It was a windy, cool day but goals were scored and smiles were on faces on the way home.  Students' reports next week.

Winter school uniform

The weather is getting colder and Terms 2 and 3 is time for winter school uniform.  Students must wear long pants, with the school polo (long sleeve or short), school rugby top, school fleece vest and/or school jacket.  There is the option for girls to wear stockings and tunic.  White socks are part of the school uniform.

The school does have a supply of the polo tops, rugby tops, vests and some school jackets.  There are more jackets arriving soon.  There's also a container of second-hand school uniform clothing where families have donated their outgrown uniforms and families are welcome to have a look at and make a donation to the school to purchase them.  Send a message through if you'd like anything sent home with your child; this saves parents having to call in to the school to purchase.

Short Sleeve Polo $33.00 :: Long Sleeve Polo $36.00 :: Rugby Jumper $68.00                                                                                 
Polar Fleece Vest $36.00 :: Jacket $69.00

(limited supply of sizes)

Indonesian lessons with Pak Fikri

During Term 2, we have been very lucky to have Pak Fikri visit our school for four visits.  During the visits we have been immersed in Indonesian culture.  We have learned about the country of Indonesia, learned a dance called Tari Piring (plate dance), listened to an Indonesian fable called Bawang Merah Bawang  Putih, using puppets and tasted some nasi goreng.  We all have loved having lots of fun.  Terima Kasih Pak Fikri.

“Nasi Goreng” Recipe 

(Resep Memasak Nasi Goreng)

Ingredients (Bahan-Bahan) 

• ⁠Cooked rice/long-grain rice (Nasi putih yang sudah dimasak)
• Eggs: 2-3 pcs (Telur: 2-3 butir)
• Chilli: 1-2 pcs, depends on spicy level (Cabai: 1-2 buah, sesuai level kepedasan)
• Red onion/shallot: 2-3 pcs (Bawang merah: 2-3 buah) 
• Garlic: 3-4 pcs (Bawang putih: 3-4 siung) 
• Nasi goreng spice (Bumbu Nasi Goreng)
• Diced chicken (Ayam potong dadu)
• Mix vegies (Sayur-sayuran)
• Salt (Garam)
• Sugar (Gula) 
• Soy sauce (Saus kedelai)
• Sweet soy sauce (Kecap)
• Chilli sauce (Saus sambal)
• Margarine (Margarin)
• Mushroom powder (Totole)
• Additional: Meat ball & crab stick (Tambahan: Bakso dan stik kepiting)
• Additional: “Tempe” crisps (Tambahan: Keripik tempe) 

Steps (Langkah-langkah)

• Puree and sauté the shallots, garlic, and chilies until fragrant and cooked (Haluskan dan tumis bawang merah, bawang putih dan cabai hingga harum dan matang)
• Then prepare white rice (it will be tastier if you use cold rice) ((Kemudian siapkan nasi putih (akan lebih enak jika memakai nasi dingin))
• Once the spices are ready and the rice is ready, heat the pan for cooking. Add butter/oil, wait until it is hot (Setelah bumbu halus sudah siap dan nasi sudah siap, panaskan wajan untuk memasak. Tambahkan mentega/minyak, tunggu smpai panas)
• Once hot, add the ground spices/fried rice seasoning, salt/sugar, and mushroom powder. Fry until it smells good, add chili sauce, soy sauce, then add the eggs, while scrambling the eggs (Setelah panas, masukkan bumbu halus/bumbu nasi goreng, garam/gula, dan totole. Gongso sampai berbau sedap, tambahkan saus sambal, saus kedelai, kemudian masukkan telur, sambil orak arik telur)
• Add diced chicken, mixed veggies, and other additional ingredients (meatball and crab stick) ((Tambahkan ayam potong dadu, sayuran, dan bahan tambahan lainnya (bakso dan stik kepiting))
• Once everything is slightly cooked, add the white rice. Keep stirring until everything is evenly mixed (Setelah semuanya agak matang masukkan nasi putih. Aduk terus sampai semuanya merata)
• Then add sweet soy sauce to taste. Keep stirring for 10 minutes. And the fried rice is ready to be served (Kemudian tambahkan kecap manis sesuai selera. Orak arik terus selama 10mnt. Dan nasi goreng sudah siap untuk disajikan)
• Eat with soy cake crisps to enhance the taste (Makan dengan kriprik Tempe untuk sensasi rasa yang lebih enak)

Source: Cookpad and my experience ☺ 

Cyber safety agreements - parents and students

Last week, a copy of the Acceptable Use and Cyber Safety Agreement was sent home to the families that hadn't returned their signed copy.  Could you please read, sign and return to the school as soon as possible.  Thank you to the families that have returned their signed agreements.

Students that hadn't signed their individual Digital Technologies Agreement forms were also given another form to read, sign and return.

It's important that families and students understand the agreements and with the everchanging technology, this will help to keep us all safe with our use of computers, internet, technology, etc.

Mobile dental van

Last week, families will have received a Consent and Medical History Form for the Australian Smile Group.  The mobile van will be visiting the school next week and it's optional for your child/ren to see the dentist.  If you want your child/ren to have an appointment, please fill in the details on the form and return to the school as soon as possible.

From Carine - Mental Health & Wellbeing

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Keep an eye out for your treat in the next few days to ‘give you sustenance’ and support you while completing our Mental Health Survey🍭 (See previous newsletter for more information.)

Here is the link again if you want to start on it before receiving your 🍭

https://smedenhope.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au

Please remember to let Barb know that you have done yours for each of your children at school.

Digital media literacy and safety free webinar

Below, you'll find the details of Part II of Digital media literacy and safety free webinar.  Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.

Participants must register prior to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.

Child safety

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At St. Malachy's, the safety and dignity of each child in our community will be recognised, respected and affirmed.

Cultural Fusion

Come and join in on 12th June and see dance performances by the students and enjoy a Filipino banquet lunch.  For catering purposes, please text through your pre-order to 0409 215 696 by 10th June.

Horsham Lanes and Games lockin session

Horsham Lanes and Games are having a Lockin session on Friday, 30th May.  Details are below.

Mum's cuppa

Time to put the kettle on next Tuesday, 3rd June @ 8.30 a.m. and catch up for our long overdue cuppa.

Feel free to bring a friend or  someone who might be thinking about enrolling at St. Malachy's for 2026 and they can join us when we do Sneak a Peek.

What's coming up this Term?

• Monday, 2nd June - Dental van here this week
• Tuesday, 3rd June - Mum's cuppa @ 8.30 a.m.
• Friday, 6th June - Edenhope College pupil free day
• Monday, 9th June - King's Birthday public holiday
• Thursday, 26th June - Reports go home
• Friday, 27th June - Jump Off Day
• Friday, 4th July - end of Term 2