Dear Families,
As we continue through Term 4, there is already so much to celebrate across our Mary Queen of Heaven community. Thank you for the way you continue to support our school, contribute to our learning experiences and help us create a community where every child is encouraged to shine their light.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
October is traditionally recognised as the Month of Mary, a special time in the Catholic Church when we reflect on Mary’s faith, courage and willingness to say yes to God.
Mary reminds us of the importance of trusting in God, caring for others and responding with love, even when the path ahead is not always clear. Throughout the month, we will continue to provide opportunities for our children to reflect on Mary’s example and deepen their understanding of prayer, faith and our Catholic identity.
As a community, may we be inspired by Mary’s gentle strength and her willingness to bring Christ’s light to others.
A huge thank you to our families for your incredible support of this year’s Colour Fun Run! Together, we raised an amazing $14,184. What a wonderful effort!
The funds raised will go towards purchasing additional resources to support our children’s learning and growth. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed, whether through donations, fundraising efforts or helping to make the day such a memorable experience for our children.
Whilst children are offered the opportunity to select prizes based on the amount of money they have raised, we strongly encourage children to make a donation (which is an option when selecting prizes) or, donate their prizes to Helping Hands through the school.
Thank you for helping us turn such a fun day into something that will have a lasting impact on our children.
A heartfelt thank you to the families who joined us for our Maths Family Afternoon. It was wonderful to see our learning spaces filled with families engaging in mathematical thinking, exploring problems and sharing in the learning taking place at MQH.
These opportunities are a valuable way to strengthen the partnership between home and school, while giving families a glimpse into how we support children to develop their mathematical understanding, confidence and problem-solving skills.
Thank you for making the time to be part of this experience. We look forward to welcoming families into our learning spaces again soon!
Thank you to the families who have been adhering to our Kiss and Drop arrangements along Hillview Road and French Road. Your cooperation helps us keep traffic moving safely and ensures a smoother, safer arrival for all children.
A reminder that these areas are strictly for Kiss and Drop during morning arrival and afternoon pick up. Please do not park or leave your vehicle unattended in these zones. Staff may ask drivers to move along if these arrangements are not being followed.
We appreciate that mornings can be busy, but these expectations are in place to support the safety of our children and the wider community. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.
Our external building works continue to be an important part of the growth and development of Mary Queen of Heaven. We are grateful for the patience and flexibility of our families as we continue to navigate the changes and developments around our school environment.
In exciting news, our village green will be re-opened and available for children to play from week 3!
We are looking forward to welcoming families into our learning spaces for our upcoming Inquiry Learning Walks on 12th and 13th November in the morning.
These walks provide an opportunity for families to see our children’s learning in action, explore the questions and ideas driving their inquiries, and gain a deeper understanding of how curiosity, collaboration and problem-solving are embedded in learning at MQH.
More information about arrangements and timings will be shared closer to the date. For now, please save the date in your calendars. We look forward to sharing this learning with you!
We would like to take this opportunity to wish Cheryl every blessing as she prepares to embark on her pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of St Paul, over the next few weeks.
A pilgrimage offers a special opportunity to pause, reflect and deepen one’s relationship with God. We hope this experience brings Cheryl moments of spiritual renewal, meaningful encounters and many lasting memories.
We look forward to hearing about her journey and the experiences she brings back to share with our community. We keep Cheryl in our prayers as she prepares for this special time away.
Aitken College’s Annual Open Evening is almost here!
Wednesday 21 October ⏰
Come join anytime between 4.00pm – 7.00 pm.
What’s on?
Student guided College tours; speak to staff and students about the many
opportunities we have at the College
Hear from our Principal
Join a farm adventure and meet our animals
Take on the Open Evening Challenge! Complete a set of activities and collect a
prize at the end
Visit our science labs and learn something fun
View our live student Art Exhibition
Grab an ice-cream, sausage or a drink and enjoy the live student performances.
There will be plenty more activities and giveaways, so please join us and visit anytime between 4.00pm and 7.00pm.
Share with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you next week.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET NOW!
Social Media Reminders and E-Safety
Social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, have an age restriction of 13+.
Research shows that early use of these apps can increase risks such as cyberbullying, anxiety, and disrupted sleep.
As of 10 December 2025, these age limits were increased to 16+ to better protect young people online.
We encourage families to support this change to help keep our students safe and promote healthy, balanced technology use.
Online safety book
This online safety guide is for parents and carers supporting children and young people.
It covers key online safety topics – from gaming and social media, to cyberbullying and AI-generated content – and provides practical ways to support your child to have more positive online experiences.
You can start with a section or topic that seems relevant right now, or dip in and out as needed. Either way, it will help you:
School Uniform and Hats
All children are encouraged to wear full summer uniform from Monday 19th October. In saying that, we know that Melbourne weather can be unpredictable!
‘No Hat, No Play.’ Please ensure your child has a school hat for outdoor play and activities. Uniforms can be ordered online from Noone.
Have your circumstances changed? Are you not returning to Mary Queen of Heaven in 2027? Please contact the office as soon as possible to discuss your intentions.
As always, thank you for being such an important part of our MQH community. The partnership we share with our families is central to the growth and flourishing of our children. Together, we continue to nurture a community where every child is known, loved and encouraged to let their light shine.
Warm regards,
Dani De Luca
Acting Principal
Orders are placed online. Orders are due by Monday 19th October: https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/issue-preview/
Maths Family Afternoon
A huge thank you to all our families who joined us for our Maths is Everywhere afternoon!
It was wonderful to see families learning, exploring and having fun with maths together. Thank you for your enthusiasm, participation and support of our students’ mathematical learning. We loved having you with us!
Maths doesn’t just happen in the classroom—it is part of our everyday lives! Families can support children’s mathematical thinking through simple, meaningful activities at home. You don’t need to be a maths expert; instead, encourage your child to think, explain their ideas, ask questions and explore different strategies.
7 Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids with Maths:
Most importantly, give children time to think, make mistakes and try again. By making maths practical, meaningful and fun, we can help children develop confidence and see that Maths really is everywhere!
On the 12th of October, we celebrated the Feast Day of Saint Carlo Acutis, a young saint who reminds us that holiness can be found in everyday life.
Carlo had a deep love for Jesus, particularly through the Eucharist, and used his passion for technology to share his faith with others. He was known for his kindness, generosity and willingness to stand up for what he believed in.
At Mary Queen of Heaven, Saint Carlo Acutis is especially meaningful as one of our House Saints, representing our school value of Courage. Carlo demonstrated courage by proudly living his faith, making positive choices and using his gifts to inspire others, even when it meant being different.
His example reminds us that courage is not always about doing something extraordinary. Sometimes it is simply having the confidence to do what is right, show kindness, stand up for others and remain true to our values.
As we celebrate his feast day, may Saint Carlo inspire us all to live with faith, courage and compassion, allowing our light to shine in the world.
Prayer to St Carlo Acutis
Response: St Carlo, pray for us.
We thank the Lord for the gift of St Carlo Acutis,
a young person who showed us that holiness is not something reserved for a special few,
but something we can live each day through the choices we make,
the people we care for, and the way we use our gifts.
St Carlo, pray for us.
Carlo loved God deeply and found joy in the Eucharist.
Help us, as a school community, to keep Christ at the centre of all that we do.
May our classrooms, our conversations, our decisions and our relationships
reflect the love and compassion of Jesus.
St Carlo, pray for us.
Help our school to be like you. May we be a school that welcomes everyone,
recognising the dignity and worth of every child and every person.
St Carlo, pray for us.
May we be a school that sees those who may be overlooked,
reaching out to students who are lonely, struggling or finding it difficult to belong.
St Carlo, pray for us.
Just as you used technology to share your faith and tell others about the Eucharist. May we encourage our students to use technology wisely,
As a means of connecting, creating, learning and making a positive difference.
St Carlo, pray for us.
May we be a school that does not seek perfection, but strives for goodness,
remembering that small acts of kindness, patience and service
can make a great difference in another person’s life.
St Carlo, pray for us.
St Carlo Acutis, patron of young people and the internet, pray for us.
Amen.
Thank You and Farewell to Fr Samuel Pearson
On Sunday, I had the privilege of attending Fr Samuel’s last Mass at the Parish of the Good Shepherd. The immense impact of his ministry on our faith community was evident in the full church and the celebration luncheon afterwards. These gatherings were a beautiful reflection of the relationships Fr Samuel has nurtured and the warmth, kindness and care he has shared with so many.
On behalf of our Mary Queen of Heaven community, Renae and I sincerely thank Fr Samuel for his service, faith and care for our students, staff and families. His presence at our school Masses, liturgies and celebrations has helped nurture our students’ faith and strengthen our connection with the parish.
As Fr Samuel begins a new chapter of his ministry, we wish him every blessing in his new parish. May he continue to inspire others through his faith, compassion and commitment to serving God’s people.
Thank you, Fr Samuel, for being such a valued part of our community. Please don’t be a stranger—when you are in Greenvale, come back and visit us! You will always be warmly welcomed at Mary Queen of Heaven and remain in our prayers.
As we farewell Fr Samuel, we warmly welcome Fr Jean Sebastien Gery, the parish’s new assistant priest. We look forward to getting to know him and sharing in the faith life of our Mary Queen of Heaven community. May he feel welcomed and supported as he begins his ministry in the Parish of the Good Shepherd.
Fete News – Saturday 14th November
In recent weeks information has been shared on Nforma about our upcoming Parish fete. Volunteers are always needed please contact the Parish office on 9338 2840.
Students will bring home a book of raffle tickets this week. There are some great prizes to be won! Thank you for supporting our school community—we appreciate your generosity and participation!
Term 4 Class Masses – Growing Together in Faith
This term, we warmly invite our families to join us as we celebrate our Grade Level Masses and continue to strengthen the partnership between home, school and parish.
With our parish community continuing to grow and now serving three Catholic primary schools, our class Masses have moved to Tuesday mornings to allow all schools the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist throughout the term. We are grateful to our Parish of the Good Shepherd for making these celebrations possible and look forward to gathering together in prayer.
Term 4 Mass schedule
Tuesday 6th October – Grade 1
Tuesday 20th October – Grade 5/6
Tuesday 10th November – Prep
Tuesday 1st December – Combined Grade 2 & 3/4
Friday 11th December – Whole school end of year/Graduation Mass
This term, our children are engaging in the Geography Curriculum through our project “Lines of Country”.
As Inquirers, we explore the places and spaces around us with curiosity and care. We investigate how natural and human features shape the character of places in Australia and the wider world and how these places change over time. We examine how people interact with environments, influence them, and depend on them to meet their needs.
We investigate how resources such as water, energy, food and materials are used, distributed and managed. By studying examples like the Greenvale Reservoir, we explore the relationship between natural systems and human-made decisions, recognising the environmental impacts of these choices. We learn to gather, interpret and represent geographical data to deepen our understanding of patterns, connections and changes in our landscapes.
We learn from First Nations knowledge systems whose custodianship of Country reflects sustainable resource use, deep interconnection and long-term care for the land.
Together, we imagine how we can design, innovate and advocate for
more sustainable and equitable futures, recognising our role as
active stewards of the places we belong to and the environments we depend on.
Feature piece: “My special place – The Hills and the Church” by Crystal in Grade 5/6
At Mary Queen of Heaven, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, respected and heard. During Children’s Week and as we recognise Day for Daniel, we are reminded of the importance of protecting children, listening to their voices and empowering them to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Children’s Week celebrates the rights of children and the importance of creating environments where every child can learn, grow, belong and thrive. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we can ensure every child’s voice is valued and their rights are respected.
Day for Daniel raises awareness about child safety and encourages conversations about personal safety, recognising unsafe situations and knowing what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
As part of this important focus, students will be participating in wellbeing lessons that explore personal safety, children’s rights, trusted adults and the importance of speaking up. These age-appropriate lessons will support students to recognise when something doesn’t feel right, understand that their voice matters, and identify who they can turn to for help.
An important message we reinforce with our students is Speak Up. We encourage children to:
Families play an important role in helping children feel confident to share their worries. You can support this at home by creating calm opportunities to talk, listening without judgement, reassuring your child that they will be taken seriously, and helping them identify trusted adults they can turn to.
Together, through open conversations, strong relationships and a shared commitment to child safety, we can help every child know that their voice matters and that they have the right to feel safe.
Every child has a right to be a child. Every voice matters. Every child deserves to be safe.
For more information, visit:
October is Dyslexia awareness month
Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects the development of reading and spelling skills. Children with dyslexia may find it difficult to recognise words, connect letters with their sounds, read fluently or spell familiar words. These challenges can occur even when a child is bright, curious, creative and eager to learn.
Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence, laziness or a lack of effort. Children with dyslexia may need more time, explicit teaching and opportunities to practise particular skills. With the right support, they can make meaningful progress and experience success at school.
Early identification and targeted support can make a significant difference. Children benefit from explicit, systematic teaching that helps them understand the relationship between letters and sounds, recognise words and develop spelling skills. Regular practice, clear instructions, encouragement and opportunities to experience success are also important.
At school, teachers can provide adjustments that help students access learning. These might include additional time for reading and writing tasks, having instructions read aloud, using audiobooks or text-to-speech tools, and allowing students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways when appropriate.
At home, families can support their child by sharing books, listening to audiobooks together, playing word and sound games, and celebrating effort and progress. Reading together should be an enjoyable experience rather than a source of pressure. Most importantly, children need to know that their worth is not measured by how quickly they read or how accurately they spell.
A strong partnership between families and school is essential. If you have concerns about your child’s reading, spelling or writing development, please speak with your child’s teacher. Working together allows us to share observations, identify strengths and challenges, and plan the most appropriate support. Where needed, further assessment or advice from a suitably qualified professional may help clarify a child’s learning needs.
Children with dyslexia have individual interests, talents and strengths, just like all children. Some may excel in creative thinking, problem-solving, practical activities, storytelling or visual tasks, while others will have different areas of strength. There is no single profile that describes every child with dyslexia.
Our role as educators and families is to recognise each child’s strengths, understand their learning needs and provide the support they need to thrive.
More information about dyslexia and how it is recognised during the month of October can be found at: https://codereadnetwork.org/
A heartfelt thank you to all of our educators, children and families who joined us for our recent Art Show.
It was wonderful to see such an incredible turnout as our community came together to celebrate the creativity, imagination and artistic talents of our children. The pride on their faces as they shared their work was a beautiful reminder of just how powerful the arts can be in giving children a voice and an opportunity to express themselves.
Thank you to our dedicated educators for nurturing and supporting our young artists, to our children for sharing their creativity so proudly, and to our families for coming along and making the evening such a special celebration.
We hope you enjoy a few snapshots from this wonderful event!
