Welcome back to Term Two!

We hope you all had a wonderful and restful Easter break, filled with joy, chocolate eggs, and quality time with loved ones. It’s lovely to see everyone’s smiling faces back at school, ready for an exciting new term ahead!

This week we remember Pope Francis, a kind and humble man who dedicated his life to helping others and spreading messages of love, peace, and kindness. He encouraged people all over the world—no matter their background—to look after the poor, care for our planet, and treat one another with respect and compassion.

At school, we will be taking time to reflect on the many ways he inspired us to live out our values. We offer thanks for his leadership and pray for him and for those who loved him.

Teaching and Learning news/updates:

We are excited to announce that our school is implementing the Explicit Mathematics Program (EMP), a comprehensive and research-based curriculum designed to enhance mathematical understanding in Prep to Year 2.​

In Week 10, Term One all our P-2 staff were trained in the EMP program alongside the majority of our learning support officers. EMP offers a structured approach to teaching Mathematics. It includes explicit lessons, daily reviews, student workbooks, assessment, daily fluency tasks and is all aligned to the Victoria Curriculum. The program has been successfully trialled in schools across Australia, with promising results indicating significant improvements in student outcomes.

EMP is currently the only Mathematics program in Australia offering a research based explicit direct instruction program. It was launched earlier this year and St Mary’s are lucky to be one of few schools in Victoria rolling out the program.

Once we settle into the program we hope to hold an open morning where you will be able to come in and see it in action.

We are now heading into our second term of the Spelling Mastery program in our Years 1-6 classrooms. We would love to welcome all families into the school on Monday 12th May between 8:45am-9:15am for an open classroom visit followed by the opportunity to watch a 15-20minute Spelling Mastery session. 

We are very close to launching our implementation of the Nessy Reading and Spelling program, a structured literacy tool designed to support students in developing strong reading and spelling skills. This online program will be mainly used at home. The program utilizes engaging, game-based learning to motivate students and reinforce concepts taught in class. Each student begins with a personalised assessment, ensuring that lessons are tailored to their individual needs and learning pace.

The program is designed for students in Years Prep-4 with some students in 5/6 accessing. Currently, students are completing/finalising their personalised assessments. Next week, I will send home a parent information letter which will outline more about the program and how often students should be logging in to take full advantage of the program. It’s an exciting opportunity to have our students accessing a research based online learning tool at home that supports all the work we are doing in the classroom.

A reminder that Friday, 25th April is ANZAC Day and therefore a school closure day.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Let’s make this term a fantastic one!

Warm wishes,

Laura Graham

Acting Principal

Meet our Year 2 Teachers

Name: Michelle Ebinger

How long have you worked at St Mary’s?  I have been at St Mary’s for 17 years and have had the opportunity to teach every year level.

Photo: Waiting for the Pope to arrive at the Vatican City last year.

What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 2?

My favourite thing about our school is the strong sense of community and the warmth that comes from being in such a welcoming and supportive environment. Living and working in Williamstown has given me the chance to meet so many wonderful and interesting people over the years. Plus, there's no traffic in the morning, which is a huge bonus!

Teaching Year 2 is incredibly rewarding. The children’s curiosity is boundless, and they are eager to explore and learn. As they begin to develop a sense of responsibility and leadership, watching their growth is both inspiring and fulfilling. It’s truly a privilege to be part of their journey!

What’s an interesting fact about you?

I love to snow ski, especially in Japan! I’ve been lucky enough to go three times and it’s my favourite kind of family holiday. The snow is incredible, the scenery is breathtaking and there’s nothing better than spending the day on the slopes and then warming up with a bowl of ramen!

Name: James Howat

Photo: Me with my two sisters

How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I started working at St. Mary’s in 2022, as a Year 5 classroom teacher. More recently, I have taught Year 4 as well as Year 2.

What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 2?

The Year 2 students have such a keen desire to learn new topics, and a strong determination to get even better at what they already know. On top of this, they are very kind and respectful towards their peers and teachers. The school community, from the staff, other students and parents have been also so welcoming since joining.

What’s an interesting fact about you?

I’ve been a basketball referee for over 13 years now, and have been fortunate to referee at state level, national championships and even a few NBA players.

What’s happening in Year 2

The children have settled in well to the routines, expectations and demands of Year 2. Every morning begins with Spelling Mastery and it’s been wonderful to see their spelling knowledge develop. Our Literacy block then continues with a mixture of Daily Review, Phonics, Grammar, Vocabulary and Writing - there’s certainly no time to rest in Year 2!

Maths is always a favourite part of the day and we are beginning our new Explicit Maths Program (EMP) which will be challenging for both children and teachers alike!

We are especially excited about our Term 2 Inquiry Unit on Light and Sound. This hands-on learning experience will culminate in an excursion to Science Works in Week 4, where the students will deepen their understanding through interactive exhibits and activities.

We are incredibly impressed with how well the children have settled into the rhythm of Year 2, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and development!

Michelle & James

The Year 2 Children Hard At Work and Play!