A word from the Principal

Dear Families,

In recent weeks, we have had the privilege of welcoming many visitors to our school community. Through Prep enrolment interviews, visits from school leaders and staff, family learning walks, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) personnel, kindergarten educators and, most recently, the Deputy Principal Network, our school has been showcased to a wide range of guests.

Following each of these visits, the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors have consistently commented on the calm and welcoming environment that exists throughout our school, the beauty and presentation of our learning spaces, and, most importantly, the respectful, kind and considerate behaviour of our students.

Hearing such affirming feedback fills us with great pride. While our facilities and grounds are certainly something to celebrate, it is the character of our children and the strength of our community that leave the most lasting impression on those who visit.

Throughout May and June, we have been interviewing prospective Prep families for enrolment at MQH in 2027. Throughout these conversations, one message has consistently emerged: our school is enjoying a wonderfully positive reputation within the Greenvale community.

Time and time again, families have described MQH as a warm, welcoming, safe, and nurturing school. Many parents have also commented on the confidence they have in our staff, noting that when concerns or incidents arise, our response is immediate, thorough, and focused on achieving positive outcomes for all involved.

Hearing this feedback has been both delightful and affirming. It reinforces that the practices, relationships, and culture we have worked so hard to establish are making a meaningful difference for our students and families.

We would like to sincerely thank all of you, our families, for the incredible role you play in promoting our school through positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Your advocacy is one of the greatest compliments we can receive and is invaluable in helping prospective families understand what makes our community so special.

Your support helps ensure our enrolments remain strong and, importantly, that the families joining our community share our values and vision for a school that is welcoming, inclusive, safe, and committed to the wellbeing and success of every child.

Thank you for being such wonderful ambassadors for MQH.

Today we bid farewell to Lisa Michelin as she begins her maternity leave. We wish Lisa and her family all the very best as they prepare to welcome their third child into the world.

We sincerely thank Lisa for her dedication and commitment to the Literacy Engagement Program. Her unwavering passion for ensuring every student grows and thrives has made a significant impact on our school community. We are grateful for the care, expertise and support she has provided to both students and staff, and we look forward to meeting the newest addition to her family.

As Lisa steps away, we are delighted to welcome back Amy Hodges, who will be taking on the role of Enhancement Educator. Amy is well known to many of our students and families, having built strong relationships through her previous classroom teaching role. Her knowledge, experience and commitment to student learning make her a wonderful addition to the team.

Welcome back, Amy. We are thrilled to have you rejoin the Mary Queen of Heaven community.

Reconciliation Week

Loving God,

As we reflect on Reconciliation Week, we thank You for the opportunity to learn about the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We thank You for the moments of listening, learning, and understanding that helped us grow as a community.

As people of faith, help us to carry the spirit of reconciliation beyond this week. Give us the courage to act with justice, the humility to listen deeply, and the compassion to build respectful relationships with others.

Guide us to be a community that welcomes everyone, values every voice, and walks together in peace and hope.

May we continue to learn from First Nations peoples and care for one another and our common home.

Help us to live as disciples of Jesus, showing love, respect, courage, and humility in all that we do.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Last week we acknowledged and highlighted Reconciliation Week.  Our collaborative art installation stands as a powerful symbol of our learning during Reconciliation Week. While the completed artwork is a remarkable representation of the journey we have taken together, it was the conversations that occurred throughout its creation that were most meaningful.

As students worked side by side, they engaged in thoughtful discussions about the history and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We heard children speaking about the Stolen Generations, the importance of truth-telling, and the ongoing need for recognition, understanding and reconciliation in Australia.

These conversations demonstrated a growing awareness that reconciliation is not simply about reflecting on the past, but about building a more just and respectful future together. Our students showed empathy, curiosity and a genuine desire to understand how we can all play a part in reconciliation.

We are incredibly proud of the maturity and respect our students displayed throughout the week. Their willingness to listen, learn and engage in meaningful dialogue gives us great hope for the future as we continue our journey towards reconciliation.

Emergency Management Drills

Each term, we conduct a range of emergency management drills, including evacuation, lockdown and shelter-in-place procedures. The regular practice of these drills helps ensure that both staff and students are prepared should an emergency ever affect our school community.

Through this ongoing repetition, our children have developed a strong understanding of the importance of being ready and responding appropriately in emergency situations. They consistently approach these drills with calmness, seriousness and respect, and they are to be commended for the mature manner in which they participate.

During our most recent drill, some families were temporarily stopped at the front gate as part of a realistic simulation of what would occur during a genuine emergency. We thank these families for their patience, understanding and cooperation. By working together, we can ensure that our procedures are effective and that our school community is well prepared for situations we hope will never arise.

The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and families remains our highest priority, and we appreciate the support of our community as we continue to practise and refine our emergency management procedures.

Behaviour Management and Our Continuum of Response

At Mary Queen of Heaven, we follow our Behaviour Management Policy to ensure that our approach to teaching, supporting and managing behaviour is fair, consistent and reasonable for all students.

An important component of this process is our Continuum of Response. This framework helps students understand when they are meeting expectations and provides clear reminders and redirections when they need support to make positive choices. By following this continuum, students are given multiple opportunities to reflect on and self-manage their behaviour before any consequences are implemented.

I have included a copy of the Continuum of Response below and encourage families to take the time to revisit it with their children. Our students are familiar with the continuum and understand both the rewards associated with positive behaviour and the consequences that may result when expectations are not met.

When families are contacted by the school regarding a student receiving four reminders or a behaviour sheet, please be assured that staff have followed a consistent process that has provided multiple opportunities for the student to regulate, redirect and improve their behaviour. Our goal is always to support students in making positive choices while maintaining a safe, respectful and productive learning environment for all.

We value the partnership between home and school and thank families for their ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations with their children.

Safety After School

Thank you to all of our families who collect their children and make their way promptly to cars, footpaths and designated exits at the end of each school day. With close to 1,000 people on site during dismissal, it is essential that we all work together and follow our school procedures to ensure the safety of every member of our community.

We ask families to please support us by reminding children that the adventure playgrounds and school ovals are not to be used after school. Due to the high volume of foot traffic and the inability to provide appropriate supervision at this time, activities such as playing on equipment or participating in ball games present a significant safety risk.

Making your way directly to the school gates helps to ensure children remain safe and allows traffic both within and around the school to flow more smoothly. We appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all students, families and staff.

Use of the Staff Car Park

Please be reminded that the staff car park is designated for staff use only and is not available for parent parking, drop-off or pick-up purposes.

There is no parent access from the staff car park into the school grounds. To ensure the safety of our students, staff and families, we ask that all parents and visitors refrain from entering or using the staff car park at any time.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping us maintain a safe and orderly environment for everyone in our school community.

Online Safety

Online safety is a priority at Mary Queen of Heaven and is something we take very seriously. Through our classroom curriculum and Inform & Empower sessions, students learn how to behave responsibly online, how to protect themselves in digital environments, and what to do if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Families play a vital role in supporting this learning at home. We encourage parents to monitor and limit screen time, engage in regular conversations about online activity, and ensure that primary school-aged children are not accessing social media platforms.

Unfortunately, many of the social issues we encounter at school have their origins in online interactions that occur outside of school hours. While we will always work with students and families to resolve these issues, prevention is by far the safest and most effective approach.

Platforms such as Messenger Kids and other social media applications can often be the catalyst for misunderstandings, conflicts and inappropriate interactions between children. We encourage families to carefully consider the suitability of these platforms and to actively supervise their children’s online engagement.

By working together, we can help our children develop positive digital habits and ensure they remain safe, respectful and responsible online citizens.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media app for creating, sharing and discovering short videos on any topic. Videos you record in TikTok can be anywhere from 1 second to 10 minutes long. Videos you record outside of TikTok, but upload to TikTok, can be up to 60 minutes. You can also add comments, ‘mention’ or tag other users on videos, send direct messages and use TikTok LIVE to live stream and co-create with your audience.

The short video format lends itself to lip-sync, comedy and talent videos, but it is increasingly used by influencers who gain an audience by offering advice, tips, promotions and informational videos on a range of topics including beauty, fashion, personal finance, cooking and politics. TikTok’s algorithm, which determines the videos that appear on your ‘for you’ page, works by analysing the intricate details of how you use TikTok, including what you like, comment on, how much of a video you watch and the kinds of content you most want to see.

Social media age restrictions for under-16s

As of 10 December 2025, Australians under 16 can no longer access their TikTok accounts or create a new account. This change is in response to the Australian Government’s social media age restrictions.

These links are provided by TikTok:

• About the changes
• External link
• 
  Find out about what this means for Australian users under 16.
• Report an underage user (in-app)
• External link
• 
  How to report an underage user in the TikTok app.
• Report an underage user (outside the app)
• External link
• 
  How to report an underage user with TikTok’s reporting form.
• About suspended accounts
• External link
• 
  How users can appeal if their account has been suspended in error.

Cross Country

Savannah Polos in Grade 6 participated in the Divisional Cross Country event on Thursday 4 June at Kilmore Racing Club, in rainy and freezing conditions.

We are incredibly proud of Savannah’s perseverance, determination, and resilience. Competing in such challenging weather is an achievement in itself, and Savannah not only progressed through to the divisional round from placing 7th in districts but also finished in an impressive 17th place, representing Mary Queen of Heaven with pride, courage, and sportsmanship.

Congratulations, Savannah! We are so proud of your outstanding effort and achievement.

A word from the Principal

Dear families,

As we move further into the term, we have been incredibly blessed with magnificent weather, with the cold and wet only just beginning to arrive. The sunshine has allowed our students and staff to fully enjoy our outdoor spaces and continue the exciting improvements taking place across our school grounds.

I hope families are beginning to notice the beautiful transformations occurring around the school. Our children are immensely proud of the work they have contributed towards creating and enhancing spaces such as our Friendship Tree, the Community Garden and, of course, our much-loved David Attenborough Garden. These projects not only brighten our environment but also foster student ownership, pride and connection to our community.

Slowly but surely, we are continuing to beautify the spaces we are so fortunate to share, creating welcoming environments that inspire learning, play and belonging for all.

Mother’s Day 

Thank you to all of the mums and motherly figures who attended our school’s Mother’s Day festivities. It was wonderful to see so many of you there in such large numbers. The buzz around the school during the classroom visits and Mother’s Day stall was truly beautiful to witness.

We hope you all felt spoiled, appreciated and loved,  just as you so deeply deserve. Thank you for the countless ways you nurture, support and care for our children and community each and every day.

HUGE thanks to BIG Childcare who always generously sponsor the morning tea to ensure they too spoil our mums. 

Family Engagement walks

This week, it has been a delight to welcome many families in for our Family Engagement Walks. These learning walks provide our families with a genuine insight into the running of our programs, the educational thinking and research behind them, and how the many parts of our day at school unfold.

The feedback we have received from families has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are so grateful for the partnership and support of our community. It has been wonderful to share the learning experiences of our students and celebrate the incredible work happening across our school each day.  The feedback from those who have attended has been so positive.

Family Engagement and volunteering

As a growing community, we rely on parent and family support to keep things going. At times, families are invited to help with excursions, in-school help, and compiling resources. All volunteers must have a current working with children check (WWCC). You can apply for a WWCC from https://service.vic.gov.au/services/working-with-children. Additionally, volunteers are expected to complete the MQH volunteer workshop (this is a simple, online process.)  If you are likely to volunteer at MQH, please complete these checks in advance to ensure you qualify to help.  Contact the office for assistance.

Prep interviews

This week, we began our Prep interviews for 2027. What a wonderful way to begin getting to know our incoming Prep students and to offer them a genuine Mary Queen of Heaven welcome.

Interestingly, this year almost two-thirds of our enrolments are siblings of current or past students, which is a beautiful reflection of the trust and connection families feel within our community. We will be offering a total of 78 Prep positions for 2027 and are excited to welcome these new families into the life of our school.

Sibling Photos

Following a technical issue on the day of our school photos earlier this term, sibling photos have been rescheduled for tomorrow Friday 22nd May 2026.

Please ensure that all children are wearing full winter uniform on the photo day. This includes any combination of the Winter tunic, jumper, puffer vest, short or long sleeve shirt, and long pants or shorts.

We are looking forward to everyone looking smart and ready for their photos, and to capturing some beautiful memories for our school community.

Homework

At Mary Queen of Heaven, all of our approaches to learning and teaching are evidence based. With this in mind, our Homework Policy focuses on fluency, repetition and meaningful learning experiences, rather than traditional homework sheets or large amounts of written work.

We strongly encourage all children to read every night, as regular reading is one of the most powerful ways to build confidence, comprehension and fluency. Students may also be asked to practise number skills, phonics, spelling or word work at home, depending on their individual learning needs.

Our approach recognises that learning also happens naturally through everyday family experiences. Activities such as cooking, shopping, gardening, playing games, building, writing lists or stories, and talking together about learning all provide rich opportunities for children to develop important lifelong skills.

Research shows that personalised home learning, supported by family and connected to classroom learning, is far more effective than a one-size-fits-all homework model. We value the important role families play as children’s first educators and aim to strengthen the partnership between home and school through ongoing communication and support.

Recommended daily home learning time is:

• Prep: 10–15 minutes
• Years 1–2: 15–20 minutes
• Years 3–6: 20–30 minutes

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning journey through regular reading, practice and meaningful family experiences.

Extended holidays

If you are planning an extended family holiday and require your children to be absent from school, we ask that this is communicated to the school in writing well prior to your departure.

As a school, we are mandated to maintain accurate attendance records, and this communication supports our data collection and attendance processes. Your cooperation in notifying the school ahead of time is greatly appreciated.

 Swimming

At Mary Queen of Heaven, we strongly encourage all families to participate in swimming lessons for their children. Australia has a strong culture of water sports and water-based activities, making it essential that our young people become confident and capable around water.

Each year, we are committed to delivering water awareness and water safety programs for all students, including our annual Water Safety Program facilitated by Life Saving Victoria. This valuable experience teaches children important water safety knowledge, how to manage themselves safely around water, and what to do if they ever find themselves in difficulty.

Water safety and learning to swim are crucial life skills for everyone living in Australia, and we strongly recommend that all children engage in regular swimming lessons.

In Term 4, we further support this learning through practical experiences. Our junior students attend excursions to the beach, where they participate in water safety activities and supervised water experiences, while our senior students attend swimming programs at local pools. These opportunities are designed to build upon students’ knowledge, confidence, and understanding of safe behaviours around water.

We encourage all families to ensure their children are enrolled in swimming lessons, or to consider this as an important option for their family.

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:

• Nail polish is not permitted
• Hair must be neatly tied up each day
• Jewellery should be kept to a minimum (small studs or sleeper earrings are acceptable; crucifixes may be worn under shirts or dresses)

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:

• uphold the school’s core beliefs and values
• behave respectfully, with courtesy and consideration for others
• refrain from all forms of bullying, harassment, or abusive language
• avoid communication or behaviour that could harm the reputation of the school, its staff, or students, including on social media
• respect the authority and direction of school staff
• follow school policies and procedures, including using the appropriate channels for addressing concerns

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:

• Our preps settled into school life and routine with ease
• All staff engaged and fully trained in First Aid 
• Over 140 families toured our school for Prep 2027 
• Our take home reading program is up and running in our junior grades
• Comprehensive data was collected across numeracy, literacy and inquiry to ensure we are data informed in our teaching and learning
• All children across P-6 engaged in our on site Water Safety program
• 5-6 Excursion attended the Melbourne Museum
• Student leaders engaged in leadership building opportunities
• Grade 6 students attended St Patrick’s Day mass at the Cathedral
• Grade 2s ran 3 amazing assemblies
• Children engaged in Harmony Day celebrations 
• Children engaged in St Patrick’s Day celebrations 

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

A word from the Principal;

Dear families,

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:

• Prayer – Deepening our relationship with God through conversation and quiet reflection.
• Fasting – Making small sacrifices that help us grow in self-discipline and gratitude.
• Almsgiving – Thinking beyond ourselves and supporting those in need through generosity and service.

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.

✝️ A Pilgrimage of Faith and Leadership

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.

Why a Pilgrimage?

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:

• Remain grounded in our Catholic identity
• Lead with Gospel values at the centre
• Nurture faith within our school community
• Keep Christ at the heart of all decision-making

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:

• What do you think you could try?
• Who could help you?
• What worked last time?

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.

How we can offer safe supported discomfort:

• Guide decision making rather than taking over
• Encourage self regulation and reflection of choices
• Support prioritising social and learning demands
• Refrain from emphasising your own perspective of discomfort on the child

When things go wrong:

• Pause and stay calm
• Maintain boundaries and expectations
• Allow natural consequences to occur
• Encourage your child to initiate problem solving of the situation in their own way
• It is OK for the resolution process to be uncomfortable 

🚗 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.

Important Car Safety Reminders:

• All children must be correctly secured in an approved child restraint or booster seat appropriate for their age and size.
• Children under 7 years old must use an approved child restraint or booster seat.
• Children under 4 years old must not sit in the front seat.
• Seatbelts must be worn correctly — across the shoulder and lap, not under the arm or behind the back.
• Children should remain seated at all times while the vehicle is moving.
• No child should lean out of windows or move around the 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.

📱 Supporting Safe and Healthy Online Habits at Home

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.

Key Reminders for Families

1. No devices in bedrooms overnight
   Phones, tablets, laptops and gaming devices should be charged overnight in a shared family space — not in bedrooms.
   Keeping devices out of bedrooms:

• Protects children from late-night messaging and exposure to inappropriate content
• Supports healthy sleep habits
• Allows parents to supervise online activity
• Reduces the risk of cyberbullying occurring unnoticed

2. Carefully monitor chat rooms, games and apps
   Many games and apps include chat features that allow children to communicate with strangers. Even platforms designed for children can expose them to inappropriate language, requests for personal information or harmful content.

We strongly recommend:

• Disabling chat functions where possible
• Regularly checking privacy settings
• Knowing which apps your child is using
• Setting age-appropriate restrictions
• Saying “no” to platforms that are not designed for primary-aged children

3. Delay access to social media
   Most social media platforms have a minimum age requirement of 13 years. Primary school children are not developmentally ready to navigate the complexities of social media safely and independently.
4. Keep communication open
   Encourage your child to speak with you if:

• Someone online makes them uncomfortable
• They are asked to share personal information or photos
• They see something that worries or confuses them

Children should know they will never be in trouble for telling a trusted adult.

🍫 Thank You for Supporting Our Chocolate Drive Fundraiser

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 are able to invest in resources that enrich learning.
• We can continue improving our facilities for our growing school.
• We strengthen the sense of belonging and shared purpose that makes our community so special.

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.

🚗 Important Parking Reminder – Hillview Road & French Road

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.

What this means:

• Parking is limited to 10 minutes maximum.
• Drivers must remain with their vehicle.
• These spaces are for quick drop-off or pick-up only.
• Vehicles parked for longer than 10 minutes may incur a fine.

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:

• Keep traffic moving safely
• Reduce congestion
• Protect children crossing near the school
• Ensure equitable access for all families

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.

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.

A Special Year of St Francis

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.

Important Start-of-Year Reminders

To ensure a smooth and successful start to 2026, please note the following:

• School begins at 8:45am. Parents must sign in students who arrive after this time.
• School gates open from 8:30am. Please ensure children arrive on time, as late arrivals can cause anxiety.
• Children are dropped off at the Hillview Road or French Road gates. Staff will be present to welcome students and assist any reluctant children to their class lines.
• School jumpers are not compulsory. In hot weather, it is best to leave them at home.
• School hats are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4. 
• Please label all belongings, including bags, lunch boxes, drink bottles, and jumpers.

Daily Routines & Expectations

• Zooper Doopers are sold on Mondays and Fridays for $1. Please place coins in the zip section of your child’s bag and show them where it is.  This is OPTIONAL.  In terms 2 and 3 we sell warm popcorn.
• We encourage students to develop independence by carrying, unpacking, and packing their own bags and water bottles.
• On your child’s birthday, they may wear casual clothes. Families may also provide goodie bags or muffins/cupcakes. Please avoid large cakes. Store-bought items are preferred to ensure ingredient lists are available.
• Families of children with allergies are asked to provide alternate treats to the classroom teacher to ensure no child misses out.
• In hot or wet weather, we move to an indoor timetable with passive play activities.
• Children are supervised at all times during the school day.

End-of-Day Procedures

• At dismissal, students will be brought to their collection area – except prep who are dismissed from their classrooms. If you are running late, please don’t worry — a staff member will remain with your child.
• Children not collected 15 minutes after the bell will be taken to BIG Childcare at the parents’ expense.
• For safety reasons, no play equipment may be used after school. This includes ovals, balls, the piano, playgrounds, and sandpits.
• Our school is a smoke- and vape-free zone AT ALL TIMES

Communication & Practical Information

• Staff are available for communication at pick-up, via email, or Audiri/nForma for important announcements.
• Seesaw is used for teaching, learning, and ongoing reporting only.
• Parking is available on Hillview Road, French Road, and surrounding side streets. Please note the 5-minute drop-off zone on Hillview Road is council-monitored.
• Lunch orders are available on Mondays Thursdays. Orders must be submitted by 8:00am the day before
• The school community calendar is available on the school website — please scroll to the bottom to view upcoming events.
• Class Mass is held fortnightly in the Sacred Space.  Each class hosts these throughout the school year
• Assemblies are hosted by classes on a roster every third Friday afternoon.

Student Collection Safety

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

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

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.

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.” 

Welcome Foundation Students and Families-2026

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.

🎁 Share the Joy This Christmas

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.

What’s changing?

• From 10 December 2025, many social media platforms that are designed primarily for user-to-user interaction (posting, sharing, linking) must take “reasonable steps” to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts. eSafety Commissioner+2Australian Cyber Security Magazine+2 
• These platforms include those like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube (among others) in Australia. eSafety Commissioner 
• Importantly: this is not a direct criminal penalty on children or parents, but rather a regulatory obligation on the platforms to act. eSafety Commissioner+1 
• If platforms don’t comply, they may face civil penalties (corporations could face fines up to ~AUD 49.5 million) under the legislation. eSafety Commissioner+1 

Why has this change been introduced?

The rationale behind this regulation includes:

• Protecting children and young adolescents from online risks associated with social-media style platforms: excessive screen time, exposure to harmful content, cyber-bullying, pressure on mental health and well-being. Beyond Blue 
• Giving parents, schools and communities a clearer “age-threshold” for high-risk social media use, and encouraging safer digital habits during the formative years. 

What does this mean for our students & families?

• If your child is under 16, they will likely no longer be able to create or keep an account on the platforms covered by this law, once the platforms have implemented their changes. eSafety Commissioner 
• Children under 16 will still be able to view public content (for example, videos, posts you can see without logging in) but using an account on these platforms will be restricted. eSafety Commissioner+1 
• For families, this change presents an opportunity to revisit how your child uses digital media: what platforms they use, how much time, what the purposes are (social connection? creative outlet? gaming?), and whether they are aware of online safety and privacy risks. 
• The school recognises that social media (or digital interaction more broadly) is a big part of children’s lives. Rather than simply banning usage, this law gives us a prompt to help our students build digital resilience, safe habits and good decision-making around online activities. 

What the school will do

To support our students and families we will:

• Continue to provide information & resources for parents on digital safety, social media habits and how to talk with children about these changes. 
• Integrate discussion of safe, responsible digital / online behaviour into our curriculum (e.g., cyber‐safety, screen-time balance, social
  • media literacy). 
  • Encourage and support students to use age-appropriate platforms, and to make informed choices about the online environments they engage in. 
  • Keep you updated on any further changes or guidance from the regulatory body eSafety Commissioner, which will publish FAQs and support materials. eSafety Commissioner 

  How you can help at home

  Here are some suggestions for supporting your child at home:

  • Have an open conversation about the upcoming changes: what they already use online, how they feel about it, and what habits they have. 
  • Review together the apps/platforms your child uses: check whether they’re age-appropriate, what kinds of interactions your child engages in, whether privacy settings are enabled. 
  • Set clear boundaries and routines around screen time: e.g., times when screens are off (before bed, during meals), using devices for school/learning vs leisure, and encouraging offline activities. 
  • Encourage your child to let you or another trusted adult know if they see or experience something online that makes them uncomfortable, worried or unsafe. 
  • Use this change as an opportunity: explore alternative digital activities (educational apps, creative outlets, managed gaming, learning about code, design, digital creation) that are age-appropriate and positive.

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.

🎁 Share the Joy This Christmas

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:

• Remind your child never to share personal information (name, address, school, passwords) online.
• Encourage open conversations about what they see and do on devices.
• Set healthy screen time limits and ensure devices are used in shared family spaces.
• Remind children to treat others with kindness online, just as they would face-to-face.

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:

• Inappropriate or harmful content
• Online bullying or peer pressure
• Sharing personal information too early
• 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.

Social media age restrictions hub

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:

• Prep – Digital Agency: Exploring screen time and personal agency, recognising comfortable and uncomfortable feelings, and learning ways to manage online challenges.
• Year 1/2 – Digital Detectives: Building critical thinking and digital literacy skills while learning how to be kind and respectful digital citizens.
• Year 3/4 – Being Safe & Secure: Understanding how to keep information private, recognise unsafe online interactions, and identify digital red flags.
• Year 5/6 – Critical Thinking in the Digital World: Exploring AI, influencers, and personal values while learning how to navigate scams, hackers, media messages, and evaluate online credibility.

These lessons empower students to use technology with curiosity, care, and confidence.

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:

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:

• Remind your child never to share personal information (name, address, school, passwords) online.
• Encourage open conversations about what they see and do on devices.
• Set healthy screen time limits and ensure devices are used in shared family spaces.
• Remind children to treat others with kindness online, just as they would face-to-face.

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:

• Inappropriate or harmful content
• Online bullying or peer pressure
• Sharing personal information too early

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.