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.
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
