Newsletter - Friday, 29th August, 2025
Prayer for Finals and Athletics Carnival
Loving God,
Bless all students competing in the finals and at our athletics carnival.
Give them strength, courage and joy as they do their best.
Help us to play fairly, cheer each other on,
and show kindness and respect in every race and event.
Amen.
From the Principals
Dear Families,
We would like to let you know that the Kowree Athletics Day has been postponed due to the recent wet weather. The event will now be held on Wednesday, 3rd September. We look forward to a great day of participation and school spirit once the conditions are better suited.
We will celebrating Father's Day next Friday, the 5th of September from 9-10 a.m. Invitations have been sent home with students outlining more details.
From the 27th of August to the 13th of September, you will be able to view students' artworks at the Red Tail Gallery.
As we move through the term, we are both settling well into our roles as Principals and are really enjoying working alongside our wonderful students, staff and families. The support from the school community has been greatly appreciated and has helped make the transition into our positions very smooth.
We would also like to gently remind families that if you have any questions, concerns or matters you wish to raise, please come to either of us directly. We are here to listen, support and work with you to ensure the very best for our students.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support of our school.
Warm regards,
- Gorgia + Sherryn
Around the rooms
Foundation class - Mrs. Craig
We have been looking at the Daintree Rainforest and last week, we made our own animals inspired by real animals that live in the forest. Check out what our animals could look like if they were real based on our descriptions and drawings.
Year 1/2 class - Mrs. Stringer
The Year 1/2 students have had a wonderful two weeks of learning and fun!
In Literacy, we have been reading Matilda by Roald Dahl. The class has really enjoyed following along with Matilda’s clever adventures and her tricky family. We have also been building our own sentences using nouns, adjectives, and verbs, making our writing more exciting and descriptive.
In Numeracy, students have been exploring multiplication and division. They have also been practising different mental maths strategies to solve problems quickly. One highlight has been playing simple addition games with playing cards, which has helped students build their fluency in a fun and engaging way.
In Inquiry, we have been discovering the amazing landmarks of Australia. Students have enjoyed learning about these special places and thinking about why they are important to our country.
It has been a busy and exciting time in Year 1/2 and we are so proud of the students for their effort and enthusiasm across all subjects.
Year 3/4 class - Mrs. Robinson
In Year 3/4, we have been writing an explanation on how waterfalls are formed. We are reading about bunyips and the mysterious Min Min Lights. We are also continuing to travel around Australia through several Roland Harvey books. In maths, we have been working on fractions.
Year 5/6 class - Ms. Simpson
In the senior class, we have started combining poetry and song to form compilations. When analysing poems and song, we look for similar structure, meaning, language and rhyme. Students have then performed for the class. A great example of what we are aiming for is the Adam Hills 'Clancy of the Overflow' and 'Under the Milky Way' performance. We are working to writing our own poem and combining it with a song of choice. In Maths, we have moved into a practical application of multiplication and division by exploring area and volume. In R.E., students are working in teams to organise some hospitality projects.
Red Tail Gallery art exhibition
St. Malachy's Edenhope has taken the opportunity to display all the artwork our students have worked on for the past year at the Red Tail Gallery. Our main focus was on nature landscapes such as aerial farm paintings and the Great Barrier Reef. We are so fortunate to have such a generous local gallery that allows us to show everyone in our close knit community the hard work our students put into their artwork. We would like to thank Mrs. Craig for all the time and effort she has put into helping unlock our students' creative potential, we couldn't have done it without her. Everyone is more than welcome to come to the Red Tail Cockatoo Art Gallery to see all the amazing artwork that is displayed there.
- Written by Milly and Lizzie
Father's Day celebration
Fathers, Uncles and Grandpas,
We would love for you to come and celebrate Fathers' Day with our St. Malachy's students
Date: Friday, 5th September - 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
We would love for you to come and participate in our fun activities and we will provide hot smoko.
2026 Information/Transition evening
All families of 2026 Foundation students and any families that are interested in having a look at the school are invited to St. Malachy’s for afternoon tea on Tuesday, 9th September, 4:30 p.m. The Year 5 & 6 leaders are looking forward to providing you afternoon tea and some activities. Formal invitations will be sent shortly.
From Carine - Mental Health & Wellbeing
Anxiety & Young People
(This refreshed topic replaces the earlier Youth Anxiety edition and features updated resources, new expert interviews, and highlights from our original contributors.)
Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate them to study for a test, practise before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.
The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media can all contribute to heightened stress and worry.
When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That's why it's so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
This edition of SchoolTV raises awareness and provides families with practical strategies to help young people manage anxiety in healthy, constructive ways.
Here is the link to your edition: http://smedenhope.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/anxiety-young-people-au
Susan McLean and Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg Webinar
All families and carers are invited to join us in person at the school for the upcoming SchoolTV exclusive, one-off webinar on the 3rd of September, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. We believe our families will greatly benefit from the insights of two of Australia’s leading experts, Susan McLean and Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg when they share invaluable insights on how to empower our young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. (SchoolTV does not record this webinar for later viewing.)
Topics in this webinar include:
- New Social Media Regulations
- Digital Footprint and Reputation
- Screen Time and Brain Development
- Parental Controls
Please RS.V.P. by Monday, the 1st of September, 2025 at 9 a.m., to enable us to prepare for supper. You can do this by ringing the school office or email Sherryn or Carine: ssimpson@smedenhope.catholic.edu.au, cbezuidenhout@smedenhope.catholic.edu.au
Child safety
What's coming up this Term?
- Wednesday, 3rd September - Kowree School Sports (rescheduled)
- Friday, 5th September - Fathers' Day celebration
- Wednesday, 10th September - Little Desert Athletics @ Stawell (Years 3-6 qualifying students only)
- Thursday, 18th September - Last day of term for students
- Friday, 19th September - Staff P.D. Structured Literacy - PUPIL FREE DAY
St. Malachy's Mass times are:
1st Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
2nd Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
3rd Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
4th Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
5th Sunday: 11.15 a.m.
St. Malachy's welcomes everyone to join us.