Filter Content
- Principal's Message Term 4 Week 2 2024
- World Teachers Day - Message from CE Director Ross Fox
- Kindergarten 2025 Orientation News Centre - Part 1, 2 & 3
- Religious Education News - Anne Leet
- Parish News
- Class Awards - Term 4 Week 2
- Student Highlights
- Ride Safely to School Week
- 2025 BYOD Years 4 - 6 Specification
- Transport NSW - Term 4 School Student Travel Newsletter
- Community Council News
- Extra Curricular Activities at MTS
- Local Community Events For Families and Students
Dear Parents,
Archdiocesan Assembly
Over 500 people across our Archdiocese participated in the Assembly which drew on the voice of the Holy Spirit about the direction of our Schools and Parish Communities. Fr Troy, Anne Leet, and myself represented our school and all felt empowered about the conversations that took place. You can read about the Assembly in the article by clicking this link Archdiocesan Assembly 2024
As we had 13 staff away today due to the Boorowa Carnival, personal commitments, or attending CE meetings, we will continue our Teachers' Day thanks to all the MTS staff on Monday 28 October.
Please encourage your child to make a card for their teacher or send in your own message of thanks. Thank you to the Community Council for covering the cost of providing the staff with breakfast on Monday morning as part of our well-being week activities.
Class Groups 2025 Concerns - Last call
Much care and deliberation occurs when forming our class groups. Teachers are highly professional and have the main responsibility for placing their current students in the most appropriate class for next year. For the first two weeks of Term 4, the teachers will be observing friendships to assist with class groupings. Children will be asked to identify five learning friends. Every endeavour is made to link a child with a friend in their class, however, the staff will also consider the best learning placement.
When forming class groups we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics. Every care will be taken to ensure that your child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development.
Confidential concerns should be brought to my attention in writing, by Friday 25 October, even if you have raised concerns in previous years. Please email directly to carmel.maguire@cg.catholic.edu.au. General concerns should be raised with your child's teacher. As Principal, I will make the final decision on all class placements. Late requests are very difficult to consider, once groups are finalised.
A teacher's grade allocation will not occur until there is certainty regarding staffing, which may not occur until Week 7 of this term.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Week
Beginning Monday we are going to celebrate Mental Health Week at MTS. While regular classroom learning will continue, we will also shine a spotlight on the important part that mental health plays in the everyday life of all people, regardless of age, gender, nationality or religion.
Throughout the week the staff and students will be participating in activities full of fun, laughter and reflection, reiterating the importance of having balance in our lives.
Some of the initiatives include:
- Morning Music at lineup
- Whole school buddy session
- Recess Roars (Joke competition)
- Just Dance at lunch in the hall
- Big Games at recess in the hall
- Menslink session for senior boys
- Fearless Women session for senior girls
- Teddy Bear's Picnic
- Ride to School and Healthy Breakfast on Friday
Canteen Trial - 5 days a week
Commencing on Monday 21 October our school Canteen will offer their lunchtime service every day. Orders to be placed via the Flexischool app.
MTS Dance Club
Cassie is running her dance club on Wednesdays, commencing this week.
Register via the link below:
Boorowa - Friday 25 October
Today, close to 150 children headed to Boorowa for the annual Netball and Touch Carnival. The 
following staff accompanied our squad to assist with supervision: Kieran Russell, Geoff Howarth, Catherine Blackwell, Kathleen McGuire, Bec Cartwright, Jodie Tancheski, Lauren Maher, Michelle Young, and Alice O'Brien.
Thank you to all the parents who helped make it a great day
Year 2 Excursion
Our Year 2 students are adventuring to Questacon next Friday for an excursion. We hope they enjoy a great day of discovery and fun learning.
Ride Safely to School Week
Next week on Friday 1 November is Ride Safely to School Week. We would like you to join with some teachers for a ‘bike bus’ journey to school. Please see flyer below for more details.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
For the next 4 weeks, all winter uniforms at the Second Hand Uniform Shop will be half price.
Year 1 Orientation
On Monday November 4 from 9:30am to 11am we are welcoming our new 2025 Year 1 students for a morning of activities. Letters have been sent inviting the children and parents.
Families Leaving MTS
A reminder that if your family is not returning to MTS in 2025 to please email the front office ASAP as we have waiting lists for many of our year levels.
God Bless,
Carmel Maguire & Craig Hart
Principal & Acting Principal
Director’s message to CECG teachers
World Teachers’ Day
25 October 2024
Theme for 2024: Hats off to teachers
Today, on World Teachers’ Day, I encourage everyone who cares about the future to recognise and celebrate our teachers for all that they do every day for students, their families and school communities.
During my eight years as Director of Catholic education, I’ve been privileged to see teachers work together to transform teaching and learning in schools in our Archdiocese. I’ve been constantly encouraged by the commitment of teachers to continuous improvement through high impact teaching practice that gives every student great learning opportunities.
I have always been impressed by the warm, inclusive communities’ teachers have created. I’ve seen teachers nurture and support students so that they grow in confidence and excel in their learning. The professionalism of teachers and their care for students has been reflected in the tremendously positive experiences related by students and parents. The effectiveness and professionalism of our teachers has been widely acknowledged in the broader community, with more families now seeking a Catholic education in our schools.
I’ve seen teachers embrace our mission of faith in learning, modelling our Catholic values and nurturing our students’ God-given potential. Teachers so often inspire students to grow in their understanding of themselves and the world around them together with deepening their sense of their own faith.
Thank you for instilling in our students a love of learning and allowing them to experience the truth, goodness, and beauty of Catholic education. It is truly a privilege to work with you in the great enterprise of Catholic education.
Good wishes
Ross Fox
DIRECTOR
Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn
Part 3 - Maths
At Mother Teresa School we use the Australian Curriculum and current research to ensure children grasp and apply concepts that are required by the end of the year. We use a hands-on approach with concrete materials to help embed these concepts as well as daily reviews.
How you can help – activities and games
Numeral recognition and counting
- point out numbers on letter boxes and houses.
- Play card or board games that involve numbers such as snakes and ladders.
- Counting races – forwards and backwards.
- Practise counting to 10 on your own portable number line your hands. Face your palms towards you with the left thumb always being number 1 and count all the way to the right thumb which is 10.
Subitizing
The capacity to visually recognise the size of a small set of objects without counting – dominoes and dice games.
Measurement
Kitchen work – which is heavier or lighter, which container holds more? How can we work this out?
Outside work – which stick is longer? Which tree is taller?
Who can build the tallest tower?
Patterns
Play with beads, blocks, and stamps. Create patterns with craft work. Look for patterns in nature.
Position
Play games using positional language such as Simon Says put your hands on top.
Part 2 - Literacy Ideas
Part 1 - Getting Ready
Welcome to the Mother Teresa School Kindergarten Orientation News Centre. We have set up this platform to reach out to all families, especially new families, with all the relevant information about our orientation process. We would love all members of the families to get involved in their child’s preparation for the first day of school. Over the coming weeks, there will be games and activities for the whole family to enjoy and information about the school, school readiness, and upcoming dates. Check the newsletter weekly via Compass or the school website.
Orientation Dates
I look forward to meeting you, please look out for our next update in our next newsletter.
Carmel Maguire
WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS
The Whole school focus theme for this year is ‘COME HOLY SPIRIT’
This term at Mother Teresa School we will use the theme that: We are called to inspire.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Our value for the next week is: PEACE
We can show this the Mother Teresa School way by:
- Christian Meditation
- Positive relationships
- Managing conflict
- Effective communication
- Identifying peaceful practices
- Reflecting on our behaviour
Holy Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation Program for 2025
For Parents of Year 2, 3, and 5 Students
We invite all parents of children in Year 2, 3, and 5 who will be preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation to attend an important Parish Sacramental Preparation Meeting. This meeting is essential for understanding the preparation process and requirements for these significant spiritual milestones.
Date: Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Holy Spirit Church, Burdekin Avenue, Amaroo
Please make it a priority to attend as we will be discussing important details regarding your child’s sacramental journey.
Something to Think About
Imagine for a moment that you are blind. Close your eyes.
What would it be like to have never seen colours?
How does it feel not to be able to see your surroundings?
The Story
Bartimaeus was a blind man who sat begging by the side of the road. But Bartimaeus could 'see' and understand the real Jesus. He asked Jesus for help and for healing. He believed in Jesus. He had total faith in Jesus and he could see again. And in the end, we are told, Bartimaeus followed Jesus!
Video
Click to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_00PM3bdCME
Peace and Best Wishes,
Anne Leet
Religious Education Co-ordinator
A message from the Parish:
Sacraments of First Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation in 2025
Dear Parents of Catholic students,
Holy Spirit Parish will hold a Parent Information Session
on Tuesday 12 November 2024 at 6.00pm
for the three (3) Sacraments offered to our students in 2025:
The Sacraments of First Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation
We invite you to attend this information session which will be presented by our Parish Priest Fr Troy, and the Religious Education Coordinators of our three (3) Parish Catholic Primary Schools, where you will receive important instructions regarding Sacrament planning for 2025.
In addition, please follow this link to a Google form to indicate which Sacrament your child will receive in 2025:
https://forms.gle/EfkV5q9ayunnS2EHA
Thank you for supporting your child receiving the Sacraments of our faith.
Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens Photo Competition
Congratulations to Siena Di Pietro for winning third prize in the Primary Colour category.
Readers Cup
16 of our students represented MTS in the Reader's Cup at St Monica's Primary School today. This involved reading 6 books within a 6 week period and then answering questions pertaining to the books read. Thanks to Mrs Matchett for coordinating this experience for our children.
Canberra Mathematics Talent Quest 2024
Congratulations to the following Year 5 students - Vritee P, Isabelle O, and Emma P who explored applied interdisciplinary Mathematics in their project: Gliese 12B. Their efforts and teamwork were rewarded with 1st place in the Year 5 Small Group category of The Canberra Mathematics Talent Quest 2024.
National Futsal School Championships
From 26-30 September, 3 students - Massimo M, Yianni S and Lena S played in the National Futsal School Championships. Massimo and Yianni represented the ACT in the under U8's schoolboys team and Lena represented the ACT in the U10's schoolgirls team. The ACT U8 boys team made it to the semi finals while the ACT U10 girls finished runners up. Wrapping up the tournament, Lena was selected in the 10/11 girls Australian futsal team touring Malaysia in April 2025.
More information about part-way travel can be found at:
BYOD - Bring your own device - Chromebook
A Chromebook is a kind of laptop running Chrome OS, an operating system made by Google. Chromebooks are made by a range of known technology brands like Lenovo and ASUS. There often is not a lot of difference between brands.
The preferred device is a Chromebook laptop. Unfortunately other makes like Samsung/Android tablets are not supported and do not reliably work with the Catholic Education systems.
You may like to shop around and see if there are student or education deals around or keep an eye out for upcoming shopping events like Black Friday (October/November), Cyber Monday (November), Boxing Day (December), event the January sales.
When purchasing, please be aware of the following specifications:
4GB Memory (RAM) minimum
- 32GB Storage for use in primary school is fine, many will have 64GB anyway
- 11-13 Inch screen minimum
- personal preference
- please consider the size and weight of the device - your child is transporting the device to and from school each day - not too heavy or large
- consider if the device fits into their school bag
- At least 8 hour battery life
- Must have the ability to connect to headphones, whether it be via a port or bluetooth - whatever your student has access to
- Must have a camera
- A touchscreen can be useful for some students (but it's optional)
- Please do NOT provide Samsung/Android tablets - these are not recommended and do not operate well on Catholic Education systems.
- In terms of price, don't spend too much on the Chromebook. A budget of up to $500 is reasonable. One of the deciding factors in moving from iPads to Chromebooks was the comparable/cheaper price.
- A protective case or cover for the Chromebook is required
- Headphones or earphones are required
- Some students have a mouse (optional)
- Warranty should be a consideration when purchasing a device
- We recommend that you consider adding the device to your insurance policy
Chromebooks do not require active firewalls, or anti-virus and anti-malware software. When the Chromebook is connected to the school network via specialised BYOD WiFi, it will utilise the online security settings set up by Catholic Education.
The life of most hardware is three years. Please be realistic when purchasing a device, especially regarding cost.
Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.
Students progressing from year 2 to year 3 and from year 6 to year 7 do not need to re-apply if they:
- are continuing at the same school, and
- are residing at the same address, and
- have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification.
Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification for their school travel entitlement need to renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, so their travel entitlement can remain valid for the start of the 2025 school year.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
Rural and Regional Students
Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may come via the school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Senior Secondary Student Concession Entitlement Card
Delivery of the Senior Secondary Student Concession Entitlement Card will be paused from Friday, 13 December 2024 and will recommence from 31 January 2025 (inclusive).
For delivery of cards to be received by or prior to 13 December 2024, application will need to be submitted by 6 December 2024 as cut off date.
Scholastic Book Club - Issue 7
The Issue 7 catalogue for 2024 is now available. The cut-off date for orders is on Thursday 31st October.
Parents can order online via the LOOP parent portal on the Scholastic website, no orders or cash will be accepted by the school. Late orders are charged a flat rate for home postage.
Books will be delivered to children in their classrooms, once they arrive at the school. MTS Community Council parent volunteers are running the Book Club, please ensure inquiries are directed to them via the office email. Parents concerned about possible missing, misplaced or damaged orders are advised to wait until the catalogue is closed and use the home postage option.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
The Second Hand Uniform shop is run by the MTS Community Council in the school hall.
This term the shop will be operating Wednesday and Friday from 8:45am to 9:15am, with payment by QKR! app and cash. The QKR! by Mastercard app can be dowloaded via Apple or Google store.
Please ensure your car is off the basketball court by 8.50am as we must close and lock the gates for safety.
Donations of uniforms that have no rips or stains and are freshly washed are always welcome to be dropped off at the front office.
