Week 3 Term 1 2025

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Thank-you for your support in transitioning children back into the school year. It has been wonderful to see how settled the students are in their class routines and in their positive interactions with teachers and each other. The first two weeks of Ready, Set, Learn has set a strong foundation of positive school culture on which to build.

This week we look forward to seeing you at Book-A-Chat, the chance for parents/caregivers and families to meet with teachers and talk about each child’s strengths, interests, and goals.

Knowing your child deeply, is at the heart of IHM’s values and we appreciate the opportunity to engage with you to deepen our understanding of them and work in partnership throughout the year. If you’re unable to make a time for Book-A-Chat this week please contact your child’s teacher for an alternate time or even a phone conversation so we can don’t miss this important connection to start the year off well.

School Board AGM & Parent Forum

Wednesday 19^th February from 6.30 - 8.00pm in the hall.

All families welcome to attend. Creche provided. Platters and refreshments served.
Pleae RSVP your attendance and if you require the creche for your chilren via School Stream.
Come and hear about the 2025 Strategic Directions and provide feedback on important initiatives.

Student Leadership

Congratulations to the following students on their leadership positions at IHM as voted by their peers. We look forward to hearing their voices, building their leadership capacities and engaging them in social justice and fun events that will strengthen student agency.

House Leaders

SRC (Student Representative Council)

Swimming Lessons - 17th - 21st February

Next week is swimming week at Thebarton Pool for all students from Reception to Year 5. Classes are seeking volunteers who are registered to help during the week. Please inform your child’s class teacher if you can help. Parents are able to attend the pool themselves and support their own child to change in individual toilet cubicles but unable to assist the class in the change room without volunteer clearances.

Pleae ensure all consent forms are completed, signed and returned by Tuesday 11th February.

__files/d/18418/Swimming_Lessons_2025.pdf

__files/d/18419/Aquatic_Consent_Form.pdf

Volunteers

This year we will be inducting all volunteers according to Catholic Education SA’s volunteer procedures. This will take time to complete but ensures the safeguarding of children at school. If you are a current volunteer with a Police clearance (WWCC) and RRHAN (Responding to Abuse and Neglect), you are able to continue helping whilst completing the package by the end of Term 1. New volunteers will need to complete the new induction package available from Julie Hansen.

School Uniform Update

Due to the increased supplier costs, we have had to increase the cost of our uniform items.  There has not been a price increase since 2017; we are however, still competitive with other schools. 

__files/d/18420/School_Uniform_and_Price_List_2025.pdf

Coloured House Tops - Orders

We have introduced polo tops (with our emblem) in our house colours, and families will be able order these tops for $25.00 each. We will be placing orders twice a term with the first orders to be in by Friday 21st February. See the office for sizing. We currently have some tops in stock in Sizes 4, 6 & 8. Students will be able to wear their tops to our upcoming Sports Day on Friday 14th March (3:30 - 6:30pm)

Reminder - Beginning of Year Mass

This Wednesday 12th February everyone is invited to attend our Beginning of Year Mass here at IHM at 9:00am. it will be led by our SRCs and Father Santhosh.

Reminder - 2025 Commissioning Mass

On Sunday 16th February at 9:00am, our staff together with staff from St Joseph's School, Hindmarsh will be commissioned at the Sacred Heart Church, 252 Port Road, Hindmarsh. Everyone is welcome.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School has a proud history of producing many Mayoral Make-A-Book winners, and we’re excited to launch this year’s challenge!

The Mayoral Make-A-Book Literacy Challenge is a creative writing and book-making competition for young authors and illustrators in the City of Charles Sturt. Open to all preschool and primary-aged students, this competition runs from February to May and has been inspiring young storytellers since 1979!

How to Participate:

Create an original book in any format:
✅ Story, graphic novel, poetry, or informational text
✅ English or multilingual
✅ Physical book, eBook, or audiobook
✅ Individual, group, or class project (max 1000 words)

Judging Criteria:

🏆 Originality – Unique ideas and creative language
📖 Story Structure – Engaging beginning, middle & end
🎨 Design & Illustrations – Complementary visuals (if applicable)
✍️ Grammar & Presentation – Well-edited and neat

Key Dates & Submission:

📅 Submissions Open: February 1, 2025
📅 Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Submit to your class teacher 3 days earlier or submit at the Woodville Library))
🏅 Winners Announced: August
🎉 Award Ceremony: September 5, 2025, at Woodville Town Hall

All participants are recognised, with outstanding entries winning a $30.00 store voucher.

To enter, complete the Make a Book Entry Form and submit at a Charles Sturt Library or via the online form for digital submissions.

🔗 More Info: Mayoral Make-A-Book Challenge          

Get creative and start writing—we can’t wait to see your stories! ✨📚

Number Ninjas

IHM is excited to introduce Number Ninjas, a targeted school-based intervention program designed to strengthen maths fact fluency for Year 2 students. This small-group program runs twice weekly, focusing on developing number fluency—the ability to quickly and accurately work with numbers - a crucial foundation for future mathematical success.

Through engaging, hands-on activities, structured practice, and a games-based approach, Number Ninjas helps students build confidence, improve number sense, and master essential skills such as counting, subitising, and basic addition and subtraction. This program ensures all students develop a strong numeracy foundation, setting them up for future success.

Families can support their children’s early numeracy development by incorporating simple activities at home. Encourage counting everyday objects, playing number games, using dice and dominoes, and practicing recognising numbers in daily routines. Making maths fun and interactive helps build confidence and fluency, preparing children for lifelong mathematical learning.

Planning on sending your child’s younger sibling to IHM in 2026 or 2027?

To support classroom planning, we would appreciate receiving your child’s enrolment this term as demand is high and siblings take priority. Don’t miss out!

Application forms are available on our website or from the front Office.

For assistance, our new Enrolment Officer, Sheridan Morgan is available on enrolment@ihm.catholic.edu.au or call 8115 7600.

Thank you for your cooperation.