A word from the Principal;
Dear Families,
Welcome to term 2. A term filled with consolidating learning and lots of new experiences for our children. We hope you have had the opportunity to enjoy our recent bout of magnificent weather.
Official Opening and Blessing of Stage 2
Last week, our school community celebrated a truly significant milestone in the history of our school—the official Grand Opening and Blessing of Stage 2 of our new building. This special occasion marked not only the completion of an important phase of our development, but also the continued growth and future vision of our school. 
We were deeply honoured to host the Deputy Premier, the Minister for Education Ben Carroll, Dr Ed Simons (Director of MACS), along with many other distinguished guests and dignitaries. Their presence made the occasion all the more meaningful and highlighted the importance of education within our community.
The event was a wonderful celebration of all that our school represents. Our new learning spaces were warmly received and widely praised for their design, functionality, and the opportunities they provide for our students. As always, our school environment reflected a strong sense of pride, care, and excellence.
Of particular note was the feedback from our guests regarding our students. They were highly impressed by the exemplary behaviour, engagement, and respect shown throughout the event. Our students truly embodied the spirit and values of our school, and we could not be prouder of the way they represented our community.
Many visitors also commented on the welcoming, warm, and inclusive atmosphere that defines our school. It is this sense of belonging and connection that continues to make our school such a special place for all.
This milestone is one that we will remember for many years to come, and we thank all members of our community who contributed to making the day such a success.
Unveiling of ‘Mary Queen of Heaven’ art work by Elio Rulli
On this special day, we were also proud to unveil a magnificent mosaic artwork titled ‘Mary Queen of Heaven’ created by Elio Rulli, the grandfather of Emily in Year 2. This exceptional piece now adorns the walls of our downstairs corridor and has already become a treasured feature of our school.
The artwork serves as a daily reminder of Mary’s presence, watching over us and guiding us in all that we do. Its beauty and symbolism enrich our learning environment and strengthen the faith-filled identity of our school.
We are incredibly grateful to Elio for sharing his remarkable artistic talent and for creating our community such a meaningful and enduring piece. It is both a precious and inspiring addition that will be appreciated for many years to come.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service -Glenroy RSL
Last Saturday, many members of the Mary Queen of Heaven community gathered for the Dawn Service at the Glenroy RSL. This occasion is quickly becoming an important and meaningful part of our school’s history and tradition.
It is a time when we come together in quiet reflection to honour and remember those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. The reverence shown by our community was deeply moving and a powerful reminder of the significance of this national commemoration.
We were especially proud of Monica, our School Captain, who represented our school with great dignity. She read the Ode with a level of reverence and respect that was truly exceptional, making it a moment of pride for all who were present.
Feast of The Good Shepherd
Last Monday our year 5/6 students travelled down to Good Shepherd Parish where they joined students from St Carlo’s and The Good Shepherd for Mass and fun activities for the Parish Feast Day.
During Mass, the reverence, responsibility, and respect our students demonstrated was truly outstanding. The manner in which they conducted yourselves reflected a deep understanding of the significance of the occasion and was a credit to all of our senior students.
This excellence continued throughout the day in their participation in the organised activities. Their sportsmanship, kindness, and respect for one another was evident at every turn. It was wonderful to see them engaging with such enthusiasm, supporting peers, and embracing the day with both energy and joy.
We are incredibly blessed at Mary Queen of Heaven to have students who consistently make us proud when representing our school in the wider community. Monday was a perfect example of that.
School Photos Update
In recent weeks, we welcomed our annual school photo sessions for 2026. We value our long-standing partnership with Advanced Life, who have supported Mary Queen of Heaven since the school’s inception. They have always been open to feedback, suggestion and are willing to work with us.
Unfortunately, due to an issue with the booking system on the day, some sibling photo requests were not successfully processed. As a result, we will need to reschedule sibling photographs. We understand that this has caused inconvenience for some families and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this matter.
The new Sibling Photo date will be announced ASAP.
We would like to sincerely thank the many families who took the time to reach out and provide constructive and timely feedback. Your input has been invaluable, and we have shared this feedback comprehensively with Advanced Life to ensure improvements are made ahead of the rescheduled sibling photo sessions.
On a positive note, we have previewed the individual student photographs, and they are truly beautiful. We look forward to ensuring the same high quality experience when sibling photos are retaken in the coming weeks.
School Uniform
With the magnificent weather we are currently enjoying, students may continue to wear either the summer or winter uniform until the end of Week 4 (Friday, 15 May). From this date onward, all students will be expected to transition fully into the winter uniform.
School uniform plays an important role in fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and unity within our community. When all students dress consistently, it promotes equality, reduces distractions, and helps maintain a focused learning environment. Wearing the uniform correctly reflects our shared values and reinforces high standards across the school.
A reminder that the Physical Education (PE) uniform is to be worn only on designated PE days and on Fridays.
We also ask families to support the following uniform expectations:
Thank you for your continued support in maintaining our school’s standards and sense of community.
Communication
As our school community continues to grow, we are pleased to introduce a number of new and exciting initiatives. With this growth has come an increase in communication to ensure families remain informed and connected.
In addition, our transition this year from Audiri to nForma has contributed to some inconsistencies in how information has been shared. We acknowledge that, at times, this may have resulted in communication feeling unclear or confusing, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
We would like to thank the parents and carers who have taken the time to provide valuable feedback. In response, we have implemented a number of strategies to streamline our communication processes and improve clarity moving forward.
We appreciate your patience and ongoing support as we continue to refine and strengthen our communication practices.
For clarity, Seesaw is ONLY used to communicate Learning & Teaching, nForma is used for general community communication, Social Media will often support what is sent on nForma.
Parent Whats App Groups
WhatsApp groups can be an excellent way for parents and carers to connect, share information, and support one another within our school community. They provide a convenient platform for reminders, coordination, and building positive relationships.
However, it is important that all communication within these groups reflects the values and expectations of our school. We ask families to be mindful of the content that is shared and the tone in which messages are communicated. As a school community, we all share a responsibility to ensure that our interactions—both in person and online—are respectful, appropriate, and aligned with our standards.
Upon enrolment, all families agreed to uphold the Parent/Guardian/Carer Code of Conduct. This includes expectations to:
We remind families that WhatsApp groups are not an official communication channel of the school. Should any concerns or issues arise, we strongly encourage parents and carers to follow the school’s Complaints Handling Policy to ensure matters are addressed appropriately and constructively.
By working together and maintaining respectful, positive communication, we can continue to foster a supportive and inclusive community for all.
School Fees
Thank you to all of the families who have made a concerted effort to attend to paying their school fees. Please ensure school fee payments are met prior to the termly cut off date.
Mother’s Day Morning Tea and stall
Friday 8th May, we’re delighted to host a special Mother’s Day morning tea, followed by time in the classrooms. We warmly invite all mums and motherly figures to join us for a relaxed and joyful morning as we celebrate and spoil you—you truly deserve it.
Morning Tea will be from 9-9:30am after which mums are invited into classrooms from 9:30-10:15am. After the classroom visits, our Mother’s Day stall will be open, where children can choose from a range of thoughtful, unique gifts—many lovingly handcrafted. If you’re able, please send your child along with $5–$15 so they can pick out something special to spoil the important motherly figures in their lives.
A word from the Principal
Dear Families,
It’s hard to believe the term has come to an end, with only a week left together before the Easter School Holiday break. It has been a wonderful term with so much achieved. Here are just a few things to ‘shine the light’ on this term:
As we approach this Sunday, 29th March, we are reminded that it is Palm Sunday—an important and sacred moment in our Church calendar as we begin Holy Week.
Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ joyful entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with great excitement and hope. Crowds gathered, waving palm branches and praising Him, recognising something special in His presence. Yet, we also know that this moment marks the beginning of a journey toward the cross—a powerful reminder of both joy and sacrifice.
For our community, this is a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect on what it means to truly follow Jesus. We are invited to consider how we bring peace, hope, and kindness into our everyday lives—through our words, our actions, and the way we care for one another.
As a school grounded in faith, we continue to encourage our students to walk in the footsteps of Jesus—showing compassion, seeking understanding, and building strong, respectful relationships with those around them.
Prayer
Loving God,
As we enter this holy time,
help us to walk closely with Jesus.
Open our hearts to recognise Him in our daily lives,
in moments of joy, in acts of kindness,
and in the quiet opportunities to do good.
Guide us to be people of peace and hope,
who welcome others with love and understanding.
May we continue to grow as a community of faith,
walking together in Your light.
Amen.
Reconciliation
Congratulations to the children in Grade 3 who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week. This is a special step in their faith journey, and we are very proud of the reverence and understanding they showed. May God continue to guide and strengthen them along their Faith journey.
Week 10 events
Next week begins a super exciting and busy time at MQH. From Monday we have our Stations of the Cross exhibition open to families after school and all through the Parent Teacher Interview times. Please ensure you visit these beautiful installations that our staff and students have worked so hard to prepare.
Scholastic Book Fair
Our Book Fair also remains open next week in the mornings, afternoons and all through Parent teacher Interviews. Parents are welcome to visit and purchase a wide range of books. Cash and card options available.
Caritas walk and House colours
On Tuesday, children are invited to come to school in sports uniform or in the colour of their sports house. Please see the RE Section of this newsletter for further information.
Easter Bonnet Parade
On Wednesday morning we will host our exciting Easter Bonnet Parade at 9:15am. All families are welcome to attend. Children are invited to wear a bonnet – it need not be anything super fancy! Please see your child’s Seesaw for bonnet ideas.
School Advisory Council
This term we welcomed a new member to the School Advisory Council Emily Ward Pahl. Emily comes to us with a great deal of experience, we look forward to her contributions to our school.
E scooters
In recent days I was contacted by a representative from VicPol with this reminder in relation to E scooters and safe play in school holidays
This is just a friendly reminder that you must be 16 years of age to ride an e-scooter, and that e-bikes must be pedal assisted and follow the same rules as a non-powered bicycle. Children of primary school age and the adult accompanying them can ride their bikes or regular unpowered scooters on the footpath. Anyone over the age of 12 (not including an adult accompanying a child) must ride on the side of the road or on a bike path. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding a bike or scooter.
Communication | Keep Up To Date with School News
To ensure you are kept up to date with school happenings, School Notices are shared via nForma.
Download nforma app for parents for all communication
A reminder that Term 1 ends on Wednesday at 1pm. Please ensure your child is picked up promptly by this time. The school will be closed for Learning Conversations on Thursday. Learning Conversations will take place from 1-6pm on Wednesday and 9-1pm on Thursday. Please see nForma for details on how to book an appointment with your child(ren)’s Educator for a Learning Conversation. Term 2 commences on Monday 20 April.
We thank you for all your support throughout the term. Wishing you all a blessed Easter and a lovely holiday break.
Renae
In this Issue: |
A word from the Principal;
The season of Lent is well and truly upon us. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, we gathered as a school community to celebrate Mass, marking the start of this sacred time in the Church’s year. Together, we received ashes as a sign of reflection, renewal and our commitment to grow closer to God.
Lent is a season that calls us to pause, to pray and to prepare our hearts for Easter. It invites us to turn our attention more intentionally toward living as Christ calls us to live — with compassion, humility and love.
Throughout these forty days, we focus on three key pillars:
At school, students will participate in prayer experiences, classroom reflections and opportunities for outreach that help them understand Lent in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home — whether through simple family prayers, acts of kindness, or discussing ways to give to others.
As a Catholic community, Lent reminds us of our core purpose: to keep Christ at the centre of all we do. May this season be one of renewal, peace and growth for each of our families as we journey together towards the joy of Easter.
Lord Jesus,
As we journey through Lent, help us to grow closer to You.
Teach us to be kind in our words, generous in our actions,
and loving in our hearts.
Help us to pray each day, to make good choices,
and to care for those in need.
May this Lenten season bring us closer to You
and prepare our hearts for Easter.
In the coming weeks, I have been blessed with the opportunity to participate in a pilgrimage alongside fellow Catholic Primary School Principals from the north-west of Melbourne. Together, we will be travelling to Greece and Turkey, following in the footsteps of Saint Paul.
This pilgrimage will take us to significant early Christian sites such as Philippi, Ephesus and other places where Saint Paul preached, taught and formed some of the earliest Christian communities. Walking where he walked and reflecting on his courage, faith and missionary zeal will be a powerful experience.
This enrichment leave is not simply travel — it is an opportunity for deep spiritual renewal and formation as Catholic leaders. As principals, our core business is always the flourishing of our children — academically, socially and spiritually. To lead a Catholic school authentically, we too must continue to grow in faith and understanding.
Time spent in prayer, reflection and learning alongside other Catholic leaders strengthens our capacity to:
Pilgrimage invites us to pause, reflect and reconnect with the foundations of our faith. In retracing the missionary journeys of Saint Paul, we are reminded of the importance of courage, hope and unwavering commitment to Christ — qualities that continue to guide our work in Catholic education today.
I look forward to returning enriched, renewed and inspired, ready to continue leading our community with clarity of purpose and deepened faith.
I thank you for your prayers during this special time and for your continued partnership in ensuring our school remains proudly and authentically Catholic.
Dani will lead our school in my absence as Acting Principal and Loretta as acting Deputy Principal, thank you for supporting them in these roles.
It has been so lovely to see our students settling into the school year. We have worked really hard to prepare our children for the new start and fresh classes and spaces.
Our Wellbeing programme for the first week so term 1 is all around relationships, building friendships and connection. Our Prep children are a real highlight during this time. We spend time role playing friendship scenarios, our staff buddy them up in pairs or small groups so they go out onto the year together and we have more staff out on yard duty during these first weeks to ensure children feel safe and secure. Lunchtime clubs also began this week to ensure our children have an alternative each day to outside play.
With all of this in place however, some children do find settling into the yard challenging. Please continue to speak to our staff about this and we can work with you on ways we can further support. A ‘Friendship Garden’ has been suggested by our student leadership group, this is an idea we are working towards at present… watch this space!
Helping Children Grow Through Challenge
As parents and educators, it is completely natural to want to step in and rescue our children when they face challenges. We never like to see them upset, worried, or struggling. Our instinct is to protect.
However, it is important to pause and reflect on what our children truly need in those moments.
When we consistently step in and solve problems for children, we can unintentionally send the message that the situation is something to fear — or that they are not capable of handling it themselves. Over time, this can reduce their confidence and resilience.
Challenges, disagreements, friendship hiccups, tricky learning tasks, and even small disappointments are all part of growing up. These experiences help children develop problem-solving skills, perseverance, and courage. Each time a child works through something difficult, they build a stronger belief in themselves.
This does not mean we step away or ignore their needs. Rather, we stand beside them instead of in front of them. We guide with questions like:
By doing this, we empower our children to develop independence and confidence, knowing they are supported but also capable.
At school, we are committed to nurturing resilient learners who are brave enough to try, to make mistakes, and to grow. Together, as a partnership between home
and school, we can help our children see challenges not as something to fear, but as opportunities to become stronger.
Boundaries will sometimes make children uncomfortable and that is OK.
| Support | Rescue |
| Support helps children to learn from challenges
Support helps children to cope Safe discomfort helps build resilience, independence and confidence The role of parents and teachers is to provide guidance, not removal of difficulty |
Rescue stops a child from developing a sense of accountability
Rescue hinders opportunities to become resilient Rescue teaches a child that they do not need to stay within expectations or boundaries Rescue assumes that their opinion is not important |
How we can offer safe supported discomfort:
When things go wrong:
🚗 Keeping Our Children Safe in Cars
In recent weeks we sent home some information in relation to safety in the car.
The safety of our children is always our highest priority — and that responsibility extends beyond the school gates.
We kindly remind all families of the importance of ensuring that every child travels safely and legally in a vehicle.
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury in children. Correct use of car restraints dramatically reduces the risk of injury or death.
As a community, we share a collective responsibility to model and uphold safe behaviours for our children. Even short trips require proper restraints. There are no exceptions when it comes to safety.
If you are unsure whether your child’s restraint is appropriate or correctly fitted, professional fitting services are available across Victoria.
Thank you for working with us to ensure every child arrives at school — and returns home — safely each day.
Together, we can protect what matters most.
At school, we work hard to teach our students how to be safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens. However, the most important learning and supervision happens at home.
With increasing access to devices, online games, social media and chat platforms, we are asking families to remain vigilant in supporting safe technology use.
We strongly recommend:
Children should know they will never be in trouble for telling a trusted adult.
What an incredible community we are!
A heartfelt thank you to all our families who embraced our recent Chocolate Drive Fundraiser with such generosity and enthusiasm. Your willingness to support this initiative speaks volumes about the strength of our school community and the shared commitment we have to the common good of our children.
Fundraising is never just about selling chocolates — it is about partnership. It is about families and school working side by side to create improved opportunities, better resources and enhanced facilities for every child in our care.
Your support truly means the world.
Because of you:
We understand that fundraising requires time, effort and generosity, and we never take that for granted. The way our families continually step up reflects a deep belief in what we are building together.
When we work in partnership, with a shared vision for our children’s future, amazing things happen.
Thank you for your commitment, your energy and your unwavering support. Together, we are creating something truly special for our children — and that is something worth celebrating.
To ensure the safety of our students and the smooth flow of traffic at busy times, we would like to remind families of the parking restrictions directly outside the school on Hillview Road and French Road.
The spaces at the front of the school are strictly “Drop and Go” zones.
Please note that this is a Council-enforced restriction, not a school-based rule. Council officers will be patrolling the area during school drop-off and pick-up times. Fines may be issued to vehicles that exceed the time limit or do not comply with signage.
These restrictions are in place to:
We ask all families to be mindful of signage, observe time limits carefully, and model respectful and lawful behaviour for our children.
If you require longer parking, please use surrounding streets where unrestricted parking is available (while always checking signage).
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our school community safe and respectful. When we all do our part, drop-off and pick-up can run smoothly for everyone.
In this Issue: |
A word from the Principal;
Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2026 school year. We are so delighted to be back with you and ready for another year of connection, learning, and growth.
Last fortnight, we welcomed many of our Year 1–6 students for their 1:1 testing sessions. It was wonderful to make these early connections and gather key learning data before the formal school year begins.
Our Preps also had a fantastic start last Friday, filled with smiles, laughter, and very few tears. We are so proud of how confidently they began their school journey.
Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 a “Special Year of St Francis”, honouring the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. In his decree, the Pope asked that every Christian, “following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.” Pope Leo XIV noted that the example of St Francis is needed now more than ever.
St Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 and, after living a life of extravagance as a young man, chose a life of poverty. He founded the Order of Friars Minor, more commonly known as the Franciscans. His spirituality has inspired many religious orders throughout history, and he remains one of the most influential saints in the life of the Church.
St Francis died on 3 October 1226 and was declared a saint just two years later. From 22 February to 26 March, his body will be on display at the Basilica of St Francis for the first time.
Fittingly, this year we have launched our four school house colours. Last year, our student leaders had the opportunity to vote on house names inspired by key Christian influences. We are very proud to announce that St Francis of Assisi features prominently in the students’ choices.
To ensure a smooth and successful start to 2026, please note the following:
To ensure student safety, please email the office if your child is being collected by anyone other than parents or guardians. This applies to one-off and ongoing arrangements. We cannot rely on messages passed on by children. These names will be added to our system, if they do not appear on our system, they cannot go home with another family. Thank you for your support in helping us keep all students safe.
Today our Acceptable User Agreement was sent home for families to read over and be familiar with. Included in this policy is for all mobile phones and smart watches to be handed into the office in the mornings and collected in the afternoons. They will be stored safely in the school safe. There is no need for a child to have a phone or smart watch at school – this includes smart watches with settings turned off. They are a distraction and communication can still be made with settings disabled. Please support us with this.
School Fees
Thank you to those families who have begun making arrangements to either pay their school fees or set up a direct debit arrangement. Your attendance to this is very much appreciated.
Yesterday we shared with you our first fundraiser for the school year. We thank all of the families in advance for getting behind this and showing your support to our school.
At our school, we are deeply committed to supporting not only your children, but your entire family. Please know that our staff are always here to help in any way we can. We encourage you to reach out whenever needed — no concern is too small.
A strong and positive partnership between home and school is essential, and by working closely together, we can ensure the very best outcomes for every child.
Renae
In this Issue: |
A word from the Principal
Dear families,
As we reach the close of this school year, we pause in gratitude for all we have shared and all we have learned.
Loving God, we ask Your blessing upon our children—may they find rest, joy, and renewal in the weeks ahead. Keep their hearts curious, their spirits peaceful, and their paths safe as they grow in wisdom and love.
We lift up our educators, whose dedication and care have guided our students each day. Grant them the deep rest they deserve, refresh their minds and spirits, and fill them with renewed strength for the year to come.
We pray for our families, who support, nurture, and encourage our children in countless ways. May their homes be places of harmony, laughter, and connection throughout the break.
God, be with us all as we step into a season of rest. Rejuvenate our hearts and prepare us for a wonderful, meaningful, and productive 2026.
May we return renewed, hopeful, and ready for the blessings ahead.
Mary Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.
As our school year draws to a close, we look back with pride and gratitude on the wonderful learning we have shared as a community. What began as something of a construction zone has now come full circle. We are fortunate to stand in a magnificent new building, filled with beautiful spaces that nurture creativity, curiosity, and growth. These learning environments have inspired our students to explore, inquire, and discover in ways that truly reflect the spirit of our school.
Throughout the year, we have welcomed many new families and staff members, embracing the richness that each person brings to our community. Together, we have celebrated the uniqueness, achievements, and ongoing growth of every learner.
It has been a year full of memorable experiences. We celebrated Carnevale with colour, joy, and a strong sense of togetherness. Our amazing Inquiry spaces have been alive with projects, provocations, and encounters that encouraged students to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and collaborate with enthusiasm. From hands-on investigations to creative explorations, these projects have highlighted the wonder and curiosity that drives our learning.
Beyond the classroom, we have ventured into the world through excursions and camps that provided invaluable opportunities to connect, challenge ourselves, and build confidence. Whether it was experiencing the snow or exploring the beauty of the Surf Coast, our students embraced each adventure with excitement and resilience, creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.
As we close this chapter, we celebrate not only what we have accomplished but also who we have become together. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your energy, commitment, and partnership. We look forward to another year of learning, laughing, and growing as a strong and vibrant school community.
Personally, I thank you for all of the support offered to me throughout the school year. I feel truly blessed to work in a community with such positive and supportive families. I wish you every happiness for a blessed and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Renae
Christmas Carols thanks
Thank you to all of the families who came along last night to celebrate our annual Christmas Carols. The children always do an exceptional job bringing joy to us all in their performance of Christmas carols. To our staff who worked so hard to prepare and support the event, we extend our heartfelt thanks. What a fabulous night it was.
Classes and staffing for 2026
Sadly each year we need to say goodbye to some of our much loved and dedicated staff. This year we are saying goodbye to Tameka, Gabbi, Amy and Kate.
Tameka left last week to begin her maternity leave, Tameka is expecting her third baby due early in January. We wish Tameka every success with the birth of her little treasure and thank her for the positive impact she had on our school especially the area of STEM.
Gabbi is returning to her family home of Blairgowrie after some years of living away. We wish Gabbi every success for her future and thank her for all that she has brought to MQH
Amy is stepping away from teaching for the year to explore some travel and settle into her newly built home. We hope to see Amy around MQH throughout the year as an active CRT. Amy, a foundation member of MQH, has brought so much to our school, building quality relationships with all she has come across.
Kate is leaving us to return to her family in Western Australia. Kate brought so much to MQH in her short time with us, of particular note was the exceptional job she did in leading our very first Carnevale.
Kate, Amy, Gabbi and Tameka are much loved and will be missed.
Below is our staff structure for 2026
| Prep | Prep | Prep |
| Ed: Cheryl Langford | Ed: Alysha McLean | Ed: Tanikah O’Dwyer |
| Coed: Julia Xuereb | Coed:Kerry Morris | Coed: Attamjit Kaur |
| Year 1 | Year 1 | Year 1 |
| Ed: Kim Gray | Ed: Sarah Kay | Ed: Laura DiLizia/Dana Millsteed |
| Coed: Diyana Mousa | Coed: Belinda Ribera | Coed: Jaye Hall |
| Year 2 | Year 2 | Year 2 |
| Ed: Vanessa Simiele | Ed: Madeleine Psaltis | Ed: Natalie Duma |
| Coed: Bree Baccari | Coed: Chantelle Taylor | Coed: Jess Hawkes |
| Year 3/4 | Year 3/4 | Year 3/4 |
| Ed: Maryam Mikheal | Ed: Alishah Poston | Ed: Ella Soloczynskyj |
| Coed: Gen Allison | Coed: Seamus Mulchay | Coed: Michael Baccari/Chantelle Taylor |
| Year 5/6 | ||
| Eds: Pauline Boyle/Leanne Cribbin | ||
| Coed: Natalie Bonafede/Chantal Luvara | ||
| Specialists
Visual Arts: Cathy Lyons/Laura Di Lizia STEM: Kate Williamson PE: Felicity Valetini LOTE: Rebecca Ramondetta |
||
| Enhancement
Literacy: Lisa Michielin Numeracy: Michelle Hewitt |
||
Helping your child to cope with change in readiness for finding out their new class and teacher for 2026 is crucial. Disappointment is an emotion we all feel at regular times in our lives, children need to learn to feel the emotion and to learn how to deal with the emotion. All children have been allocated at least ONE friend from the list they provided us with. Please begin the conversation at home about the possibilities of teachers the children might have and explore in a really positive way all of the opportunities that a new teacher can offer. The children will find out their new class and teachers on Monday next week. Please don’t contact the school about the classlists, they have been completed and will not be changed.
In this Issue: |
Dear families,
In the Roman Catholic tradition, the feast of All Saints is celebrated on 1st of November followed by the feast of All Souls on 2nd of November. The celebrations of All Saints and All Souls recalls those who now share in the gift of eternal life those who now see God face to face. Saints are those formally recognised by the Catholic Church as living lives faithful to the gospel.
The Feast of All Souls remembers all the departed recognising their gift of new life. Within the Catholic tradition, life after death is changed but not ended. During the month of November, we recall those who have died.
“Let us pray for all of those who have gone before us.” 
In recent weeks we welcomed our new Prep students and families for their first transition session to Mary Queen of Heaven. During this month, the new Prep students will come to school for three transition sessions to spend time in the learning spaces and to experience different aspects of school life. During these sessions the parents will meet with members of the leadership team to hear about Literacy, Numeracy, Wellbeing and other aspects of life at Mary Queen of Heaven. We warmly welcome all of new preps and our new families to our school community.
Please join us tonight for…
Thursday 20th November
3:15pm-4:00 Stage 2 Open Afternoon
Gold Coin Donation to support Y2 Architectures charity: Lautem Public Secondary School in Timor-Leste.
As we head into the festive season, we’re asking for your help to make Christmas brighter for others. We’ve set up a donation box in the school office to collect donations of Colour Run prizes for underprivileged children in our wider community. Please chat with your children about the possibility of them donating ONE of the items they receive as a prize through the Colour Run.
Together we can make a big difference and help every child experience the magic of Christmas.
Late arrival to school
If your child arrives later than 9am to school please ensure you walk them into the front foyer and sign them in. We really encourage all families to try and be at school by 8:45am as this reduces your child anxiety and ensures a smoother start to their school day. Please don’t ride bikes or scooters to school if you are late as this causes more issues with the locking of gates and the bike shed – it can be very disruptive.
Parent Code of Conduct Respect for All at Mary Queen of Heaven
At MQH, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected. Our Parent Code of Conduct helps us work together to make our school a welcoming place where everyone can learn and grow.
Showing respect for all is at the heart of everything we do. This means being kind in our words and actions, listening to others, and celebrating our differences. Whether it’s in the classroom, the playground, or during school activities, treating others with respect helps create a positive and caring environment for everyone.
When we follow our Code of Conduct, we help make our school a place where everyone feels comfortable, included, and safe. Simple acts—like sharing, using good manners, waiting our turn, and helping others—make a big difference each day.
We encourage families to talk at home about what respect looks like and how small actions can have a big impact. By working together, we can continue to make Mary Queen of Heaven a community where kindness and respect shine through in all we do.
Let’s keep showing respect for all—because everyone deserves to feel they belong. I have linked the Code of Conduct for your perusal.
Car and Road Safety
Part of our duty in the mornings and afternoons on French Rd and Hillview Gate is to ensure the safety of all in our community, this includes car and road safety. In recent weeks we have been horrified to witness children not wearing seatbelts, children not strapped into car seats, children overcrowded in the back seats without enough seatbelts and on one occasion a very young child in the front seat with no seatbelt. Please be reminded of the importance of car and road safety and always ensure your children are safely strapped into the car seat before it moves off. We will be reporting any unsafe car behaviour to the police in the interest of safety for all.
Social Media and kids don’t mix!
The Australian Government has introduced new regulations regarding social media use by children under the age of 16. Below is a summary of what is changing, what it means for families, and what we as a school will be doing to support you.
The rationale behind this regulation includes:
To support our students and families we will:
Here are some suggestions for supporting your child at home:
In this Issue: |
Dear families,
October is the Month of Mary. A month where we acknowledge and remember the wonderful model we have. A woman of courage, respect, humility and love. A woman who answered God’s call and delivered us our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We call on Mary’s intercession to protect and guide us always.
New Building
We are thrilled to share that Stage 2 of our school’s building project is now complete and open for learning! These new, purpose-built spaces have already brought fresh energy and opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and connection across our community.
The journey to this moment has been a true team effort. From the initial design concepts to the finishing touches, an incredible amount of care, expertise, and hard work has gone into creating spaces that reflect our school’s values and vision for the future. We extend our sincere thanks to Y2 Architecture, Jardon Group our builders, and everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.
Our staff and students have embraced the new facilities with enthusiasm and pride. Already, classrooms are buzzing with activity, flexible learning zones are being explored in new ways, and the sense of excitement is unmistakable. It’s inspiring to see how quickly these spaces have become part of our daily rhythm of teaching and learning.
To celebrate this milestone, we will be hosting an Open Afternoon in the coming weeks. Families are warmly invited to tour the new facilities, chat with staff and students, and see firsthand how these spaces are enhancing our learning community. This opportunity will also serve as a fundraiser for a charity supported by our architects Y2 Architects – raising funds to build three much-needed classrooms at Lautem Public Secondary School in Timor-Leste.
Thursday 20th November
3:15pm-4:00 Stage 2 Open Afternoon
Gold Coin Donation to support Y2 Architectures charity: Lautem Public Secondary School in Timor-Leste.
Colour Fun Run thanks
What an incredible day we had at our recent Colour Run! A huge thank you to all our amazing students, families, and staff who participated, volunteered, and cheered us on. Your enthusiasm, teamwork, and school spirit made the event a huge success. Felicity’s organisation was simply brilliant.
We’re so proud of the joy and energy shared throughout the day — it truly showed what a wonderful community we have here at Mary Queen of Heaven.
As we head into the festive season, we’re asking for your help to make Christmas brighter for others. We’ve set up a donation box in the school office to collect donations of prizes for underprivileged children in our wider community. Please chat with your children about the possibility of them donating ONE of the items they receive as a prize through the Colour Run.
Together we can make a big difference and help every child experience the magic of Christmas.
Late arrival to school
If your child arrives later than 9am to school please ensure you walk them into the front foyer and sign them in. We really encourage all families to try and be at school by 8:45am as this reduces your child anxiety and ensures a smoother start to their school day. Please don’t ride bikes or scooters to school if you are late as this causes more issues with the locking of gates and the bike shed – it can be very disruptive.
ICT use at home
We are seeing an increasing amount of issues coming to school from the inappropriate use of ICT at home. This seems to be centered around Roblox and children’s messenger.
As we guide our children to grow in wisdom and faith, it’s also important to help them stay safe online. Please take time this week to:
Did you know that most social media platforms—including Instagram, TikTok, Roblox, Snapchat and Facebook—have a minimum age requirement of 13 years old? This rule is in place to help protect children from risks such as:
We encourage families to be aware of these age limits and to talk with their children about safe and positive ways to use technology. Children under 13 are best supported by using age-appropriate apps, educational tools, and supervised communication platforms.
Together, as family and school, we can nurture safe and respectful digital citizens. Please be reminded that upon enrolment all families (children) signed an ‘Acceptable User Agreement.’ Any breaches of this agreement will see your child’s access to IT at school denied for a period of time.
The Australian Government is protecting young Australians at a critical stage of their development, through world-first social media age restrictions taking effect on 10 December. Find information in this hub to help you understand and prepare for the change.
Please visit https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub for more information.
Inform and Empower
Each term, students engage in online digital learning lessons designed to help them become confident, safe, and responsible digital citizens.
This term’s focus areas are:
These lessons empower students to use technology with curiosity, care, and confidence.
In this Issue: |
Dear families,
Welcome to term 4! It has been so lovely to welcome our students back with some sun and warmer days. Their smiles and giggles as they enter the gates this week have been so delightful to witness. School is indeed a really happy place for our MQH learners.
I share with you at the beginning of term 4 The Beatitudes. A lovely prayer to remind us to practice gratitude, to turn to our God for comfort, for protection, for love and for support. I encourage you to pray this prayer as a family.
Term 4 is an exciting and busy term. We have so much to work through and celebrate and we of course have 2026 to look towards. In planning for next year, I share with you today some staffing changes.
Gabbi Stickland will be leaving MQH at the end of the school year. Gabbi has been an instrumental member of our team, a foundational member. Gabbi has spent the past three years commuting from her home in Blairgowrie – not a small task! She has decided to return to be closer to her family and pursue her teaching career on the Peninsula. Gabbi will certainly be missed.
Tameka Robertson is expecting her third child and will be finishing up at MQH at the end of the school year to begin her maternity leave. We wish Tameka every success and know that she will return to us in some capacity in the coming years.
We are still working on our staffing for 2026, with many new members joining our growing team. I hope to be able to share this with you in the coming weeks. Today we can share with our Prep team for 2026:
| Prep A | Prep B | Prep C |
| Tenikah O’Dwyer
Chantal Luvara |
Alysha McLean
Attamjit Kaur |
Cheryl Langford
Julia Xuereb |
New Building
The new school term has seen the completion of our stage 2 building. We are absolutely delighted with the 2 classrooms, the two shared spaces, and some break out spaces for our children to utilise. The landscaping works and natural play space is still being worked on, we hope to be able to access some of these spaces in the coming weeks.
This morning we gathered for a morning tea with members of the Jardon Group team to acknowledge and thank them for their amazing efforts. From the very beginning, this build has been such a positive experience. Any little bumps along the way were handled with such great communication and professionalism that it always felt seamless. They have gone above and beyond to support the day-to-day running of our school, working alongside us in what is a very busy, live environment.
Jardon Group always showed such respect and understanding that this isn’t just a building site — it’s our workplace and a learning space for our children. Their safety and wellbeing have always been front of mind, and we really appreciate that.
We absolutely love the beautiful spaces they have created for our students and staff. We thank them sincerely for the care, attention, and pride they have brought to every stage of this project.
Colour Fun Run
Next week we will be hosting our Colour Fun Run, such a fun day that our children really enjoy. So much fundraising has been done by our generous families and community.
The Leaderboard currently shows:
Prep B – $1,960
Grade 1C – $1,045
Prep A – $920
Prep C – $860
Grade 1B – $665
Grade 2A – $610
Grade 1A – $555
Grade 4/5/6 – $400
Grade 2B – $255
Grade 3/4 – $245
Please continue to get as many people behind this initiative as you can for the betterment of our schools outdoor play areas.
School Fees
Tomorrow, we will be sharing with our community the new fee structure for 2026. There have been some increases to meet the needs of our growing community and the increasing costs of running a school. Please read over the material that will be shared with you tomorrow to fully understand the fee structure for 2026.
Late arrival to school
If your child arrives later than 9am to school please ensure you walk them into the front foyer and sign them in. We really encourage all families to try and be at school by 8:45am as this reduces your child anxiety and ensures a smoother start to their school day. Please don’t ride bikes or scooters to school if you are late as this causes more issues with the locking of gates and the bike shed – it can be very disruptive.
ICT use at home
We are seeing an increasing amount of issues coming to school from the inappropriate use of ICT at home. This seems to be centered around Roblox and children’s messenger.
As we guide our children to grow in wisdom and faith, it’s also important to help them stay safe online. Please take time this week to:
Did you know that most social media platforms—including Instagram, TikTok, Roblox, Snapchat and Facebook—have a minimum age requirement of 13 years old? This rule is in place to help protect children from risks such as:
Contact with strangers
We encourage families to be aware of these age limits and to talk with their children about safe and positive ways to use technology. Children under 13 are best supported by using age-appropriate apps, educational tools, and supervised communication platforms.
Together, as family and school, we can nurture safe and respectful digital citizens. Please be reminded that upon enrolment all families (children) signed an ‘Acceptable User Agreement.’ Any breaches of this agreement will see your child’s access to IT at school denied for a period of time.
In this Issue: |
Dear families,
Last week our Parish School Advisory Board met for a rich learning experience with neighbouring Parishes. The session was titled
The Vibrant Parish
Evangelisation: Bridging the gap between Parish and School
Our learning was centered around enhancing Catholic Identity and building trusting relationships with staff, parents and children. We were reminded that faith formation happens through every conversation, every act of kindness – when we encounter Christ in one another. We need to teach our children to see God in themselves and in one another. The school and the parish must work together in ministry. Church needs to be experienced via school and via the family. The latter is much more difficult.
“Let us all continue to encounter Christ in one another.”
WOW what a month it has been! Family engagement is alive and well at Mary Queen of Heaven.
HUGE thanks to all of the dads, grand dads and special male mentors who attended our Father’s Day morning tea and classroom visits. As expressed on the day, your children are so influenced by your role in their life and the joy on their faces when they saw their dad or special person in classrooms was truly heartwarming. Thank you to everyone who turned out to support the event. Special thanks to BIG Childcare who fully sponsored our morning tea.
We recently celebrated CoEducator Appreciation Week. Our CoEductors at Mary Queen of Heaven are quite remarkable. Individually and as a team they support our learners, support our staff and help build the amazing learning community we enjoy at MQH. We are blessed with a group of educators who are passionate about student learning, wellbeing and growth. We thank all of them from the bottom of our hearts.
Last week we celebrated ‘Carenvale’ an expo of the amazing learning your children are engaged in in LOTE – Italian. It was a remarkable community event. We are so proud to share that not only was it a hive of energy and community spirit, we also raised $6117. The whole event was coordinated and lead by our BRILLIANT Kate Abbott our LOTE Educator. A remarkably passionate and dedicated educator.
HUGE thanks to our major sponsor of the night, Andrew Khoshbakht from JESSIE’S PIZZA GREENVALE. Thank you to each and every family who came along to support this event. Special thanks to Stefan Stella who once again supported our school by offering his services as our Auctioneer.
Thank you to all of the families who have completed the MACSISS Survey. The survey is still open, we encourage all of our families to log on and share your views, your voice and your ideas on the future direction of our school YOUR VOICE MATTERS.
We are hoping to secure a brilliant addition to our school play area with this GA GA Pit. A super fun, super interactive game for all age groups. Please visit the link and vote for our school. Each vote counts – invite family and friends to support us! Help us win a Ga Ga Pit
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16535pjS1E/
In this Issue: |
Dear Families,
Last week I spent an amazing week in Cairns immersed in the FNQ commitment to land and country. The Indigenous perspective and indigenous respect in all aspects of life is authentic and remarkable – it’s effortless. The Australian Catholic Education Conference was insightful and inspiring.
One of the key takeaways I was reminded about from one of the presenters at the conference was around the benefits of family engagement. It is the number one indicator of student achievement. He aptly explained that this can be invisible engagement (not dependent on families physically being at school – those days have gone with so many of our families working.) I was excited by this prospect and his reassurance that family engagement is not ‘more’ work but ‘different’ work. Fittingly, our Family Learning walks for Literacy began this week – these are a really great invitation for families to be engaged with learning. As a leadership team, we are constantly looking at ways we can improve our family engagement so you all feel very much part of your children’s journey at school. I dedicate our prayer this week to family engagement.
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the gift of this school community and for the unique talents of every child, parent, and staff member.
Unite us in love, truth, and courage, creating a strong bond between home and school, so we may support the children’s learning and well-being together.
Bless families with wisdom to prioritise their children’s education, and help them find joy and fulfilment in participating in school life.
Inspire us all to be a “light” to one another, and guide us to create a welcoming and supportive environment for every family.
May our combined efforts foster a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect, ensuring that every child thrives and reaches their full potential.
Lord, empower us all strive for true and authentic family engagement.
Amen.
We are so excited to be offering many events in the coming weeks to really capitalise on our Family Engagement, while offering the ‘invisible engagement’ through our Seesaw Platform, Social Media platforms and curriculum newsletters.
We are super excited about our upcoming Carnevale. A great deal of work is happening in the backgrounds from both our staff and children in preparation for this amazing event. Please add this to your calendar and invite family members and friends to come along.
District Athletics
Last week a group of our senior students represented our school in the District Athletics. Our team was prepared and supported by Felicity and she accompanied them on the day. The feedback from our staff and from a neighbouring school staff member was that our students really loved our school values, showing respect to fellow competitors, resilience and real kindness. Congratulations to Felicity on the team, not only for competing with courage and determination but for being humble in winning and gracious in defeat. So proud of you all!
Cyber Safety Reminder
As we guide our children to grow in wisdom and faith, it’s also important to help them stay safe online. Please take time this week to:
Did you know that most social media platforms—including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook—have a minimum age requirement of 13 years old? This rule is in place to help protect children from risks such as:
We encourage families to be aware of these age limits and to talk with their children about safe and positive ways to use technology. Children under 13 are best supported by using age-appropriate apps, educational tools, and supervised communication platforms.
Together, as family and school, we can nurture safe and respectful digital citizens. Please be reminded that upon enrolment all families (children) signed an ‘Acceptable User Agreement.’ Any breaches of this agreement will see your child’s access to IT at school denied for a period of time.
Arriving to school on time
Please be reminded that our school day begins at 8:45am. It is an excellent life skill to teach children to be on time from an early age. Being on time or arriving before the bell gives the children time to socialise with their friends, time to be calm and ready to learn and time to engage in the morning routine of the day with their peers. Arriving late can increase anxiety as the children walk into a learning space that has already begun the morning routine of the day. Arriving late is also quite disruptive to the rest of the class, who are settled and engaged in ready to learn practices. Please make a concerted effort to get the children to school on time. If this is an ongoing issue for your family, please reach out to Sarah, our Wellbeing Leader, and we can share some strategies with your family.
Homework
At Mary Queen of Heaven we don’t offer traditional homework. This decision is based on world wide research. There is no research to indicate that homework for 5-12 year olds has any impact on learning. What we do encourage is for families to have conversations with their children around what they are learning at school, capitalise on the Curriculum Newsletters we share each term and the Seesaw posts we make regularly reflecting what the children are working on. We encourage children to read each night and at times to work on number knowledge and word/sound work. Sometimes home practice of a skill will be encouraged, especially for those children attending enhancement programs. Please don’t ask our staff for worksheets to be sent home as this goes against our school policy.
Traffic Safety
It has been fantastic to see our families using our newly installed crossing of Hillview Rd. This is by far the safest way to cross Hillview Rd and you‘ll always be reminded to use this safe route by our staff.
A quick reminder to all parents: please drive slowly and carefully in our school zone during drop-off and pick-up. Taking a little extra time to park and move off safely helps protect all the children in our school community and prevents accidents.
Bringing Personal Items to school
Please be reminded that we discourage bringing personal items such as balls and toys to school. They often get lost, swapped or stolen and can cause real issues on the playground which then eats into learning time. We have ample equipment for the children to play with, there is no need for them to bring items from home.
School Bag keyrings are becoming more and more of a collectors item. This too is causing issues with items going missing, unhealthy competition and a heavy burden for your children when carrying their bags. If your child has a keyring on their school bag we ask that it is limited to one. All others need to be removed and left at home please. We will remind the children of this as they come in and out each school day.
In this Issue: |
Book Week Parade – Friday 29th August, 9:15am
Fathers Day Morning Tea & Classroom Visits – Friday 5th September, 9am
Prep Mass – Friday 5th September, 12pm
Carnevale – Thursday 11th September, early school finish 2:30pm. Event commences at 3:30pm
Parent Teacher Interviews – Thursday 18th September and Friday 19th September
Confirmation – Sunday 14th September, 2pm
Colour Fun Run – Friday 17th October, 2:20pm
Engaging families in their child’s learning through Learning Walks – focus on Reading
This week, we welcomed families to our third learning walk for the year. The focus was on exploring our Reading approach in Prep-6. We spoke about the importance of engaging families as partners in their child’s learning and the impact this can have on student achievement and success.
We understand that we have many working families for whom learning walks may be difficult to attend. We are grateful to those who made the time to come. For those that could not, here are the slides shared with families on the day:
We shared resources with tips for supporting your child’s reading at home:
How You Can Help Support Your Child’s reading at home
Book Week 2025
Book Week Parade – Friday, 29th August
Book Week is here! This Friday, students will be enjoying a variety of activities celebrating reading and storytelling.
We are excited to invite families to our Book Week Parade on Friday, 29th August at 9:15 am. This is always a highlight of the year, as students dress up as their favourite book character or in a costume inspired by this year’s theme: “Book an Adventure!”. We can’t wait to see the creativity on parade and to share in the joy of celebrating reading together!
On Friday, all students will take part in a special session with children’s author Kylie Allen. Kylie Allen is a primary school teacher, owner of Inspiring Minds Studio and author of Brave As Can Be.
Brave As Can Be is written by primary school teacher and Inspiring Minds Studio Director, Kylie Allen and illustrated by Carmen Rocha. It shares real life examples of bravery that children can relate to. It’s about pushing through fear and self doubt, whilst encouraging children to recognise their own strength and courage to feel empowered. It
also includes teaching points and great conversation starters for parents.
Kylie is offering our families a $5 discount on the purchase of her book. You have the option of having a personalised copy delivered to the school on the day of her visit. Please see Audiri for a form with details about how to make this purchase.
We look forward to a day of fun and celebration of Literature!
Notice and Wonder Routine
Maths is all around us. Notice and Wonder is a great routine that you can use at home with images or everyday objects.
Notice and Wonder Routine
For more information here is a link: https://www.numeracyteachersacademy.com/blog/notice-and-wonder
Queenship of Mary Feast Day Celebrations
Alleluia, alleluia!
Hail Mary full of grace,
The Lord is with thee
Blessed are you among women
Alleluia!
Last Thursday our school community came together to celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. As Renae shared, it was a day that truly marked part of the history and fabric of our story as an emerging and growing school. The way staff and students supported each other reflected our shared commitment to community.
Thank you to our 3-6 students and educators, Natalie & Alishah for leading such a meaningful Mass and for all the coordination behind the scenes. It was wonderful to see so many families attend and be part of the day. A special thank you to our visiting Priest Fr. Auerlio who expressed his joy in being welcomed to our community and partaking in such a special celebration.
Following mass students in mixed year levels enjoyed engaging in creative and Mary themed activities where Mary’s values of humility, love, courage and respect were visible throughout all classrooms.
It was a joy-filled day that captured the spirit of who we are, and who we are becoming together.
Upcoming Class Masses – All families are welcome
Friday 5th September – Prep Father’s Day mass.
Please keep Isabella from year 6 in your prayers as she prepares to make her Confirmation on Sunday 14th September. Isabella, we pray that as you prepare for your Confirmation, may the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the strengthening of your faith, and the gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, and Awe help you live as a disciple of Christ and be witnesses to His love.
Our Inquiry This Term: Exploring Matter, Forces & EnergyThis term, our learners are embarking on a rich inquiry into the science of matter, forces, and energy, and the many ways these concepts connect us to the world around us. As Inquirers, students are researching the changes in states of matter, transforming materials in the environment, and physical forces such as push, pull, and gravity. They are exploring how matter behaves and interacts within both natural and human-made systems, while also noticing the role of forces and energy in influencing motion. Our inquiry is enriched by the wisdom of the Wurundjeri people, whose custodial practices demonstrate a deep understanding of how forces, energy, and matter sustain Country. Across the school, the learning looks different at each year level:
Through this inquiry, children are developing not only their scientific knowledge but also their sense of wonder, creativity, and responsibility in how science connects us all. |
What Is the Berry Street Education Model?
The Berry Street Education Model (BSEM)—a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach that supports both wellbeing and learning. BSEM gives teachers practical strategies such as explicit instruction, brain breaks, reflection routines, and process-based praise to help students stay engaged, regulate emotions, and build confidence.
Research shows that BSEM creates calmer classrooms, stronger teacher-student relationships, and improved academic outcomes. Most importantly, it ensures every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
At Mary Queen of Heaven, this is just one of the many wellbeing approaches we have in place to ensure our students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Here is a link to an article with more information about BSEM: https://www.berrystreet.org.au/news/berry-street-education-model-trauma-informed-instructional-strategies
Child safety before and after school:
Please note that the new crossing on French Rd is not yet supervised by a crossing guard. Please ensure you walk with your child across this crossing. Please do not encourage children to cross the road on their own.
Respectful Communities:
Are you a Cyber safe family? We remind children that the online world is an extension of our community where the same principles of respect, responsibility, and safety apply.
As technology continues to play a significant role in our lives, it’s essential to equip our children with the skills to navigate the online world responsibly and safely. As a school, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our children online. By fostering open communication, setting boundaries, and imparting essential digital literacy skills, we can empower them to navigate the digital world responsibly and confidently.
Recently, we have noticed that more students are communicating on social media platforms. Parents need to understand the importance of promoting online safety. To support parents, the eSafety Commission has some excellent resources, tips and webinars to help parents navigate the online world with their children. They use research, evidence and experience to lead and advise parents and educators on online safety issues. The eSafety Commission educates Australians about online safety risks. It helps to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse and intimate images or videos shared without consent.
Below are some more helpful tips and links to support parents in keeping their children safe:
| GET | Get Devices out of bedrooms & Bathrooms |
| RULES | Have a family online contract & rules for home and for socialising online. |
| KNOW | Know your child’s passwords and passcodes.
Also, know which apps and games your children are using and downloading. |
| TALK | Talk with your children about online safety, and talk often |
| FILTERING | Use a filter to limit inappropriate content |
| SCREEN TIME | Look at what they are doing online.
Limit screen time. |
| BE THERE | Learn about the sites and apps they are using, and be present with them when using them |
| USE | Use all security settings and parental controls for the apps and devices that are available to you |
| FRIEND | Only add friends or people that your child knows in real life.
Check their friend list often to see if any new friends have been added. |
| LOCATION | Know where your child is online. |
Find out more here: eSafety for parents – issues and advice
Remember, a safe online experience begins with a foundation of knowledge, communication, and shared values. Stay safe, stay connected!
Program Support Group Meetings (PSG)
At this time in the Term, MQH holds Program support group meetings with families for students who have Personalised Learning Plans (PLP)
A Program Support Group (PSG) brings together key people involved in a child’s holistic education. It is a partnership between parents/guardians, school representatives and educators and where relevant; invited professionals. The PSG works together to guide the implementation of inclusive educational practices for a child.
The PSG collaboratively establishes shared goals for the student’s social, emotional and educational development. The focus on the child’s individual learning journey and personal growth is celebrated.
A PSG may be established if a child:
The Art Room has been buzzing with colour, imagination, sequins, glitter and excitement as students have been busy designing and decorating their own masks in preparation for our upcoming Carnevale celebration in Week 8.
Inspired by the traditions of the famous Venetian festival, children explored a range of artistic techniques, from bold patterns to feathers, sequins, and vibrant paintwork. Each mask is a unique reflection of the student’s creativity and personality, making them as diverse and joyful as the festival itself.
They are all very excited to proudly display their masks for the school community during the day on the 11th September. The children will then take their masks home and are encouraged to wear them when they return to school for the carnevale celebrations.
MACSSIS Survey 2025
Dear families,
At this time of year, schools within the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools gather perception data to help evaluate their current practice as a school community and help make decisions about the coming year. This is referred to as the MACSSIS Survey.
Staff, Families, and children from Years 4-6 will be invited to participate in the MACSSIS Survey (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Survey). Children will be provided with supervised sessions, where educators are on hand to help and answer any questions. The survey opens on 1 September and runs until 19 September 2025.
The MACSSIS Survey provides invaluable feedback to us as a school, enabling us to support our planning for 2026. Our hope is to gather as many voices as possible from within our Community about their experience of school at Mary Queen of Heaven. All participation is invited and welcomed. The surveys are not a test; they are an inclusive way to support the work we are already doing to improve our school.
All families that participate will go in the running to win a Coles $200 voucher! Please send a screenshot of completed survey to kmitchell@mqhgreenvale.catholic.edu.au
Please keep an eye out for an email with your individual login details.
Warm regards,
Renae Gentile
