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What an amazing day it was on Friday at the Southern Metro Regional Championships out at Casey Fields. The sun was shining, slight drizzle and windy but and the atmosphere was electric as our students competed in many track and field events throughout the day. It was very scary to come up against some strong competitors, state athletes and also follow friends from all over the region but Mt Martha Primary was very proud of the way everyone performed showed great pride in trying their best!!

We did have 2 students progress through the State Championships in November:

·       Joel H – 11yr Hurdles placed 2nd

·       Lincoln F – 9/10 Triple Jump placed 2nd

Congratulations to Joel who also managed to get on the podium in the 11yr long jump placing 3rd. We also had our 9/10yr Boys Relay Team: Harvey, Zac, Lincoln & Jack who finished 14th but gave it their best effort.

Thank you to the parents for also supporting our students. Its much appreciated.

Good Luck to Joel and Lincoln at the State Championships.

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Our school athletics team compete at the Mornington District Athletics Carnival at the Mornington Civic Track against other schools in Mornington at the end of last term. Our extremely strong and determined team of 41 athletes performed exceptionally well. We had pleasing results in all areas of the event on both track and field with our students representing Mt Martha in a high standard and perfect sportsmanship. They all braved the rain, wind and freezing cold air throughout the day which is also a remarkable effort.

Congratulations to the following students who placed 1st and 2nd and are now competing at the Southern Peninsula Division Athletics:

Zoe F, Sienna W, Harvey C, Joel H, Zahli McG, Jessica C, Lincoln F, Scarlett F, Brooke P

Our Reay Teams:

·       9/10 Relay Girls                           Zoe F, Bella H, Billie LVB, Luika H

·       9/10 Relay Boys/Mixed            Zac A, Lincoln F, Jack R, Harvey C

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Our current Smiling Mind focus is on optimism. Students are learning how an optimistic mindset can boost confidence, build resilience, and support positive thinking when faced with challenges. This links closely to our learning in Zones of Regulation and The Animals in My Brain, where children are developing awareness of their emotions and learning strategies to return to the “green zone” — a calm, focused state that helps them think clearly and approach situations with a “can-do” attitude.

You might like to ask your child, “What’s something you’re really looking forward to?” to spark a positive conversation at home. Take a few minutes to explore the take-home sheet together — it’s a great way to reinforce the optimism and emotional awareness we’re practising at school.

Together, let’s help our children grow into hopeful, confident, and resilient thinkers!

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Japanese mascots, known as yuru-chara, are popular characters created to represent regions, businesses, or events, often with cute and quirky designs that incorporate local culture. The Year 3 and 4 students looked at some popular Japanese mascots such as Kumamon and the Tokyo Olympic 2020 mascots Miraitowa and Someity for some inspiration and common design features and then designed our own mascots for the 2025 Colour Run. I have added some photos from a few of our sessions and some student designed mascots, as well as some student work that I transformed into kawaii mascot cartoons!

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Our Wagashi table for students who have finished their work earlier than others has been exceptionally popular this term. This extension activity gives students the opportunity to recreate or even design their own wagashi treats using play dough. Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese sweets that are typically enjoyed in combination with a cup of green tea. Wagashi are considered an art form, reflecting the Japanese reverence for nature and the changing seasons through their shapes, colours, and ingredients. Enjoy some of the students fabulous designs in the video.

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This term, we are excited to introduce the children to a special topic called “The Animals in My Brain.” 🧠🦁🐘🐢

This is a fun and engaging way to help children understand how their brains work—especially when it comes to emotions, reactions, and self-regulation. By using animal characters to represent different parts of the brain, we can teach children about feelings, behavior, and how to make thoughtful choices in a way that’s age-appropriate and easy to understand.

For example:

The Guard Dog (Derik) might represent the part of the brain that helps us stay safe and reacts quickly when we’re scared or upset.

The Wise Old Owl helps us think, plan, and make good decisions.

The Elephant (Elsa) might help us remember things.

The Ape (Anthony) can teach us to slow down and take a deep breath when we feel overwhelmed.

Through stories, role-play, art, and discussion, children will learn how to recognize their emotions, understand their reactions, and develop tools for calming down and thinking things through.

We encourage you to ask your child about the animals they’re meeting in class and what each one does. It’s a wonderful way to open up conversations at home about feelings and how we handle them.

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Our Year 3–6 students have been learning the game of badminton during their PE lessons. They’ve been developing fundamental skills such as serving, overhead and drop shots, as well as building coordination and teamwork. Students have enjoyed a mix of skill-based drills and fun mini-games, giving them the chance to practise their techniques while experiencing the excitement of match play.

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On the last Tuesday of Term 3, all classes hit the MMCG for the Footy Parade. The Sherrin was raised in the air, the siren went, and the parade began. We started with alphabetical order and mixed in the other codes of sport to include them into our parade. Numbers were again very low for some of our interstate teams and most of our Melbourne based teams had plenty of supporters taking to the oval but still made for an enjoyable and exciting parade.

At this point the smell of the footy hot dog lunch came across the oval and as our stomachs started to cheer, we closed our Footy Day for 2025.

Thank you to Mr Turner, Mr Antoniou & Mr Gaiser for assisting with the parade and also some of the sports leaders for assisting with packing up. Thanks also to the parents who helped to prepare the footy day lunch.

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Junior students have been learning all about colours (IRO). They have worked hard to remember the names of colours through a variety of hands on activities including Sensei Says, which has been a favourite among students. They have listen to instructions on what colour to use in a guided colouring session, and the preps learnt a game played in Japan called Ohajiki (the images of students flicking coloured tokens in hula hoops). It has been a busy time in the Japanese learning space this term and we are looking forward to so much more fun and learning in Term 4!

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As we know, students learn at different rates. Some complete their tasks in shorter timeframes than others, so in the Japanese room we have task tables set up with activities for students to engage with. These activities provide hands on experiences that further support student learning of different aspects of the Japanese culture. The task tables for the past few weeks have included Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), Origami (paper folding) and Kaomoji design. In the short video, you can see some of our students participating in these tasks.

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The senior students explored the world of anime this week. They looked into features and characteristics of anime, the history and influence of anime on Japanese culture and worldwide recognition of particular mascots and characters. Students then used their knowledge and

research skills to create their own anime character.

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Year 2 enjoyed a noisy Japanese session recently when they took on Japanese tongue twisters! We had a lot of fun and laughs as we attempted them. Most importantly though, we learned a valuable lesson: if we slowed down and focused on the words, we were more successful. Just like in our reading, as well. Students then illustrated some of the tongue twisters in pairs and small groups.

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Our school athletics team compete at the Mornington District Athletics Carnival at the Mornington Civic Track against other schools in Mornington at the end of last term. Our extremely strong and determined team of 41 athletes performed exceptionally well. We had pleasing results in all areas of the event on both track and field with our students representing Mt Martha in a high standard and perfect sportsmanship. They all braved the rain, wind and freezing cold air throughout the day which is also a remarkable effort.

Congratulations to the following students who placed 1st and 2nd and are now competing at the Southern Peninsula Division Athletics:

Zoe F, Sienna W, Harvey C, Joel H, Zahli McG, Jessica C, Lincoln F, Scarlett F, Brooke P

Our Reay Teams:

·       9/10 Relay Girls                           Zoe F, Bella H, Billie LVB, Luika H

·       9/10 Relay Boys/Mixed            Zac A, Lincoln F, Jack R, Harvey C

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Mt Martha Primary School had a terrific opportunity to be involved in the 2025 Melbourne Stars Super Stars Roadshow. The Super Stars Roadshow (& our local Mt Martha Cricket Club) came to our school on Wednesday which involved having 2 Melbourne Stars Players, Tom Rogers and Campbell Kellaway, talk to the Year 3 students and answer questions, as well as taking on Big Bash Challenges in the gym. The Melbourne Stars handed out information regarding the upcoming season as well as small give aways.

This was a very special event for not only Mt Martha Primary but also for the Melbourne Stars who have never been down to the peninsula with this roadshow.

Flyers for Mt Martha Cricket Club can be found at the front office in notice board area if you are keen to join or have a trial session. I’m sure they would love to see more student playing.

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On Friday 29th August, our Year 3 and 4 students took part in the Athletics and Sports Day. Despite the freezing cold weather, they showed outstanding persistence and determination in every event. Their efforts were matched by a fantastic display of respect – cheering each other on, celebrating successes, and encouraging their peers to keep going. It was a wonderful day of teamwork, spirit and resilience.

Unfortunately, the Year 5 and 6 Athletics and Sports Day was cancelled due to the poor weather conditions. While it was disappointing for students, their safety and health was important, with a lot of students involved in Grand Finals over the weekend. We look forward to rescheduling the event and giving our students the opportunity to showcase their skills, teamwork, and school spirit late term 4.

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Wednesday 23rd July saw our Year 5/6 sporting teams played at the Mornington District Lightning Premiership. The weather was definitely ‘Winter like’ with a freezing cold breeze but no rain allowed the students to have a great day out competing against other schools in our local area. All our teams represented our school with pride, respect, and a positive "have a go" attitude. Whether on the field or court, our students show true sportsmanship, encourage one another, and always give their best.

Mt Martha Primary are super proud of 2 teams that won and will now progress onto the Division Championships: Boys/Mixed Soccer & Boys/Mixed Loaded Softball.

A huge THANK YOU goes to those parents and teachers that assisted on the day with our teams. These events can’t happen without support and the teams really appreciate your time helping with coaching, umpiring, setting up or just an extra adult on the bus….

Thursday 31st July also saw our Boys Soccer compete at Casey Fields in the Division Competition. They showed their skill against some tough opposition and as the grand final finished up, they were drawn with Mt Eliza North Primary. Meaning the boys had to enter a penalty shootout. I heard that it was a nervous few minutes, but the boys managed to score and save some amazing goals to become Division Champions. They will now be training hard to move onto the Regional Championship in a few weeks.

We wish the boys and the coaching staff all the best moving forward.

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The video above is a snapshot of all the fantastic learning in the Japanese room this term so far.

You will see lots of counting to 10 and 20, surveying classmates on what pet they have at home, designing Yukata for Gion Matsuri, and translating sentences with nouns and adjectives from Japanese to English.

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Students in years 2 & 3 explored the Japanese festival of Gion Matsuri at the beginning of the term. It is a celebration held every July in Kyoto and is very popular. We watched a snippet of the parade from 2024 where students could see floats, people in their Yukata (summer kimono) and dancing to music. We compared the festival to celebrations and traditions in our families and culture. Students then used wagara (Japanese patterns), as well as their own likes, to design their own Yukata that they would like to wear to the festival. There were some incredible designs as you can see! Some are also on display outside the Japanese room (near the ramp).

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Over the past two weeks, the year 3&4 students have been focusing on counting and writing numbers to 20 in Japanese. We used mnemonic devices and funny stories to match the numbers to help us remember how they looked. Students made the numbers using pop sticks and played a number matching game on the iPads. There was an abundance of positive conversations and collaboration as students worked together to complete tasks.

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Upcoming Respectful Relationships Curriculum: Topics 7 & 8

We are pleased to let families know that this term in SEL Class our students will continue with learning from previous years of Topics 7 and 8 of the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program. These topics, Gender and Identity and Positive Gender Relations, continue to build on the foundational learning students have already completed in areas such as Protective Behaviours and Help-Seeking this year and are a core component of the Victorian Curriculum.

In Topic 7, students explore the concept of gender identity, reflect on how gender roles and stereotypes influence individuals and society, and consider how we can all contribute to inclusive and respectful communities, appropriate to their developmental age. Topic 8 focuses on understanding the importance of positive and respectful relationships, and helps students build the confidence and skills to respond to disrespect, unfair treatment and violence. Students also learn the importance of privacy, their bodies and consent. These topics are designed to be age-appropriate, strengths-based, and aligned with the Victorian Curriculum.

At our school, we are committed to supporting every student to feel safe, included, and proud of who they are. Our school expectations of  — Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Proud, Be a Learner — are at the heart of these lessons and every respectful relationship.

If you have any questions or would like more information about these topics, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your child’s teacher, Jerry Gaiser or Nick Orchard.

Mel Moorhouse (Year 1 and 2 SEL Teacher)

Jerry Gaiser (SEL Specialist)

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In the final week of Term 2, the Prep and Year 1 students further cemented their knowledge of counting to 5 using Japanese Kanji. We used fly swatters to find the correct number in both English and Japanese, and practised writing numbers on whiteboards and using mnemonic devices to help us remember how they look (eg. 4 shi 四 reminded us of a window and curtains, or a persons neck). Students also using blocks to recreate the Japanese numbers in pairs or individually.

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In the final week of Term 2, the senior students explored some games played in Japan and compared them to those played in Australia. We played a version of Rock Paper Scissors, Chopsticks and Isse No Se. All these games can be done with no resources needed! Ask your child to show you how to play, as you can see, we had a lot of fun!

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This semester the Year 6 students have been learning about simple circuits. They have made series and parallel circuits incorporating lights, motors, buzzers and switches. To show their understanding they have made models and artwork using simple circuits. The attached slideshow shows some of the work the students have completed.

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Southern Peninsula Division Cross Country

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Southern Peninsula Division Cross Country

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On Wednesday June 4 the Southern Peninsula Division Cross Country was held at the Hastings foreshore. In the Southern Peninsula Division there are 40 competitors on the starting line including 10 each from the Mornington, Phillip, Mt. Eliza and Crib Point Districts. From this event, the top 10 progress through to the Southern Metro Region Carnival which is held on the 18 of June at the same venue. Well done to all of our students that competed at this level.

The following students have qualified for this event, and we wish them the best of luck:

9/10 Girls: Luika H and Zoe F

12/13 Girls: Sienna W

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Our school cross country team (8yr old – 12/13yr old’s) competed last week at the Mornington District Competition. Mt Martha Primary School had over 80 students from years 2-6 competing in a number of races over the day. The top 10 place getters in age groups (9/10, 11 & 12/13) progressed onto the Peninsula Division Cross Country held at Hasting Foreshore.

We had so many talented runners at Mt Martha and with some outstanding efforts finishing in the top 10, gave our school points but not enough to take our the District Champions title this year. We finished equal 2nd overall which just shows how competitive we were on the day.

PODIUM FINISHERS

1st Place – Sienna W (12/13)

3rd Place – Zoe F (9/10yr old)

3rd Place – Mitchell H (8yr old) – Doesn’t progress onto next level

The children that also progressed to the Peninsula Division level were:

Sienna W, Brooke P, Levi C, Zoe F, Hunter M, Koa Jean R, Jessica C, Zavier RH, Luika H, PJ F & Harvey C

It was also great to see so many parents that turned up not only to support their own children but assist staff on the day and cheer on our students. It was very much appreciated by myself and the staff that attended.

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The Year 5 and 6 students have been looking into the Hiragana recently. They have learnt the five vowel sounds in Japanese, and then applied this knowledge to assist them in reading the Hiragana characters.

Students have participated in activities which focused on the use of mnemonic devices to help commit the characters to memory.

In the video, you will see students making Hiragana with playdough, writing Hiragana on whiteboards, reading the Hiragana characters with vowel knowledge and creating their own mnemonic drawings.

The drawings are on display in the Japanese corridor for anyone who would like to have a look at the fantastic creativity and knowledge that students have demonstrated.

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With the track marked out and the weather on our side; this was going to make for an exciting day. What a way to bring our whole school community together.

We started with our Prep students running 1km and some very fast and excited students running past parents, officials and teachers. The whole day saw some very memorable moments and some very exhausted competitors crossing the finish line. Students showed persistence and were able to complete the required km for their race.

A HUGE Thank you to my sports leaders who not only ran in their 3km race but also ran as ‘hares’ for every other race. It was a huge ask of them all. They all did it with enthusiasm, enjoyment and pride.

Every race saw points awarded to their house with the final result as followed:

4th Place – CURRY

3rd Place – FLINTOFF

2nd Place – GARDNER

2025 CHAMPIONS – BORDER

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Helping children manage intense emotions—what we often refer to as the “Red Zone” in the Zones of Regulation framework—can be challenging, but with the right tools, parents can guide their children toward calm and control. One effective strategy is incorporating breathing cards into your child’s emotional regulation toolkit. These cards offer simple, visual prompts for breathing exercises, such as the “kettle breath,” which helps children understand when, why, and how to use their breath to calm their mad feelings. By connecting specific breathing patterns to emotions like anger, children are empowered with strategies they can use to create a sense of space and calm in their mind and body, reducing their mad feelings .

Integrating breathing cards into daily routines not only aids in de-escalating intense emotions but also teaches children proactive self-regulation skills. By practicing these techniques regularly, children become more aware of their emotional states and learn to manage them effectively. This approach fosters resilience and emotional intelligence, equipping children with the tools they need to navigate challenging situations with confidence.

We have attached one above for your toolkits at home, but you can also fill your toolkit with things such as fidget toys, youtube clips, apps and soft toys.

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The Year 3 and 4 students have been focusing on saying a range of animal names in Japanese in Languages. They have played memory by matching the Japanese name to the correct animal, made domino chains (some legends even managed 60-70 in a row in just 5 minutes), and Kawaii (cute) step by step drawing on whiteboards and writing the corresponding animal name in Japanese. The SlideShow has some fantastic work examples that students wanted to share with the MMPS community! Happy viewing.

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This week, the early finisher table has been changed for our junior students.

We have added chopsticks (箸, hashi)! Chopsticks are used to eat most kinds of traditional Japanese dishes, with some exceptions. Not only does this double as some bonus learning about Japanese culture, it gives students some insight into the complexity of using chopsticks correctly and the opportunity to strengthen important muscles used for fine motor activities and pencil grip!

On our middle/senior table, our Kawaii puzzle edge pieces continue to be our focus. This puzzle is proving an exciting challenge for students and it’s been fantastic to watch their collaboration not only in person but across the classes as they work to complete it!

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In Japanese this term, students have learnt about the celebration of Kodomo No Hi (Children’s Day).

On the 5th of May each year, families display Koinobori (carp streamers) and Kabuto (samurai helmets) in the hopes of promoting children’s health, happiness and protection.

Junior students watched a song about Koinobori and joined in the actions. Click the picture above to play the video.

The lyrics translate to:

Higher than the roof-tops are the carp

streamers,

The large carp is the father,

The smaller carp are the children,

They seem to be having fun swimming.

Middle and senior students watched a video on three siblings as they toured around their local area, showing displays of Koinobori and Kabuto. It was interesting to hear about the food that is eaten during the festival and this sparked conversation among students on Japanese food that they have also tried.

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♬CARP STREAMERS (🇯🇵Koinobori)【In Japanese ... - VideoLink

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#japanesesong #japaneseculture #englishsub #traditionalsong #japanesetraditionalmusic
Song & dance by Icchy & Naru
Produced by Bom-Bom Academy ( https://www.youtube.com/@Bom-Bom-Academy/ ) ─ Lyrics ─────────────────
They are higher than the roof, The carp Streamers
The biggest carp is the father
The little carps are children
They appear to be having fun swimming in the sky
───────────────────── T

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Over the next few weeks, students will be working on developing positive coping skills by learning about their emotions and how their emotions feel in their bodies.

Teaching positive coping, as part of a program like RRRR (Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships), involves equipping students with skills to manage emotions and navigate challenging situations in a healthy way. This can include identifying emotions, practicing relaxation techniques, and developing positive coping mechanisms.

Here's a more detailed look at how we teach positive coping:

1. Understanding Coping Strategies:

Positive Coping:

Involves acknowledging and feeling emotions, rather than suppressing them, and using healthy strategies to manage them.

Examples of Positive Coping:

Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, body scans.

Physical Activity: Exercise, sports, outdoor activities.

Creative Expression: Writing, art, music.

Social Connection: Talking with friends, family, or trusted adults.

Goal Setting: Creating to-do lists, setting small, achievable goals.

Boundary Setting: Establishing and maintaining personal boundaries

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The last 3 weeks, Year 1 & Prep students have had AFL clinics during PE lessons with a AFL SEDA class from Frankston. They have participated in skills, drills and general fun games on the oval with plenty of smiles and memories.

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Our focus for Smiling Mind lessons this fortnight is ‘Managing Emotions’. Emotional regulation starts with the recognition and understanding of different emotions. We continue to support students in identifying and observing their emotions by exploring pleasant and unpleasant emotions and ways to regulate them. Identifying emotions and being able to self-regulate develops students’ resilience.

Check out the 'take-home sheet' this fortnight with your child. It is labelled as year one, however this lesson topic shall be covered across the school and it’s a great chance to discuss the tools they are learning to handle strong emotions.

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An emotion is a feeling or sensation that gives us information about what is happening inside us and what we are experiencing.

We show emotions with our faces, body language, tone of voice, and behaviour.

We feel emotions in our bodies. For example, when we feel excited or nervous, we might feel butterflies in our belly.

Our emotions can be likened to the weather. There are many different types of weather, and they change constantly. We all feel many different emotions, and they also constantly change.

We can even say that our emotions are like the internal weather as they can change just like the real weather outside.

Did you know that no matter what your internal weather is right now, it will change? It changes just like the weather outside.

Some emotions feel good or pleasant, such as happiness. Other emotions can feel less pleasant, such as sadness or disappointment.

Recognising our emotions helps us to live mindfully, which is part of practising mental fitness.

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On Tuesday 11th March, our school swimming team competed in the Mornington District Swimming Carnival at YAWA leisure centre in Rosebud

All students represented our school as they took to the strong competition with some pleasing results. Some students have succeeded to progress onto the Division Championships. Best of luck to Poppy S & Oliver T in their individual events and our 9/10 yr old Relay team, Billie, Isabella, Ariella and Poppy. Congratulations to Rylie B who made the team but unfortunately won’t compete as she will be on our Yr 6 City Camp.

Thank you very much to Miss Hoyle, Mrs Oconnor and Liv for assisting with our school team. Also, a huge thank you to the parents that not only came to support their own children but the school.

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On Wednesday last week some of our students competed in the Southern Peninsula Division Championships at YAWA leisure centre in Rosebud. This field was stronger than our district with schools from Mt Eliza to Portsea competing. With determination all students did an awesome job in both relays’ events and some individual events.

Poppy S finished 3rd in her individual race which was an amazing effort. Unfortunately, our relay team with Oliver and Poppy didn't progress onto Regional Championships, but we are super proud of their effort.

Thank you again to those parents and family members that were able to attend and transport students down to Rosebud.

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This week in years 5 &6 we challenged our senses by completing some optical illusions and card tower building challenges.

Optical illusions arise because the brain interprets visual information in a way that differs from reality, often by relying on shortcuts, assumptions, and learned experiences to process images.

However, there are occasions when the brain is unsure of what it sees. Optical illusions occur when your eyes are presented with colors, lights, patterns, borders or areas of contrast that mislead the brain. It tries to piece together images using optical clues, learned assumptions and past visual experiences.

Why are senses important when teaching SEL?

Senses are crucial for social and emotional learning (SEL) as they provide the foundation for understanding and responding to the world, including our own bodies and emotions, and the emotions and behaviors of others. Sensory experiences help develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills.

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This term the students have been working hard during their STEM lessons. In this video you will see the Year 1, 2 and 4 students, along with the preps. Please have a look at what the students have learnt this term.

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Year 1 students have investigated sound and discovered they could feel the vibrations from a drum and see how the sound wave could move rice. They tested different drums to see which one was the loudest using a decibel meter and made simple cup phones to experience how sound can travel along a string. Recently they have been experimenting with light and shadows.

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The preps have been learning about movement and have experimented with objects that roll, bounce and spin.They had a great deal of fun with the hoppers bouncing around the gym or gaga pit. In the next couple of weeks we hope to make spinning tops using the bottle tops that have come in. Thank you to all the prep parents who have sent some in with their children. The preps also found the helicopter activity interesting and enjoyed dropping them off the Year 2 deck.

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This week in SEL we looked at the 24 strengths that we have and worked out which one we were best at. We then drew a picture on a shield and came up with a strength goal that we want to work towards over the year.

It was fantastic to see how in tune the students were with understanding strengths and their own personal qualities.

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We are starting to look at the next phase in Smiling Minds, 'Attention' across the school.

This lesson is designed to teach students to focus on one thing at a time. The meditation is a breath practice, which is a foundational mindfulness skill. Mindfully paying attention to the breath cultivates self-awareness and the ability to sustain focus.

You can continue this at home by completing the following with your child.

Find a quiet space and sit down ready to practise your bumblebee breathing. You might like to ask someone in your family to join you and you can teach them bumblebee breathing. Gently close or rest your eyes down. Breathe in through your nose and then hum quietly as you slowly breathe out. See how long you can keep your hum going before you need to take your next breath. You might notice that you sound like a bumblebee buzzing. You can practise this going home from school, in the car, before dinner, in the bath or before you go to sleep. With the help of an adult, write down the sensations you felt when you did this, and describe your bumblebee sounds.

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What an amazing 2 days we had at Mornington Secondary College. We had over 300 students compete in the school swimming sports. From 50m Freestyle events to 25m Butterfly events, everyone had a wonderful morning at the pool. Cheering was heard from pool side and with that in mind; our students took to the water. Everyone showed great courage in their chosen events.

Huge thanks to all the parents, grandparents and friends that came to support everyone. All the teachers did a wonderful job to make sure the events ran smoothly and assisting on the day. The 2025 sport leaders have to be congratulated on their support and attitude throughout the 2 days of competition.

We also have to thank Mornington Secondary College for their help pool side.

Our results of the House Swimming Sports will be announced at our Whole School Assembly on Thursday March 20th.

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This week in SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) we have been identifying our strengths. We completed a mindfulness activity where we imagined ourselves as a Superhero using our strength. We will now spend time creating an image of this Superhero and put together a list of our strengths and create a goal of an area of weakness we would like to improve on.

The students are forming routines in SEL and are enjoying the time exercising and challenging our brains!

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It has been an exciting start to the year in SEL Specialist Class this year. Melanie Moorhouse and myself (Jerry Gaiser) are sharing the teaching this year. With Mrs Moorhouse teaching Grade 1 and 2 and Mr Gaiser teacher Grades 3-6 and Prep.

The topic and focus each week will remain the same across all year levels as the whole school cummunity learns all about ourselves, the world around us and how we can apporpriatly interact with eachother and the world around us.

We have focussed on Awareness and Attention so far this year. And will continue to focus on The Senses, Movement and Savouring for the remainder of the term. (See the Smiling Mind information below.)

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Over the last two weeks we have introduced students to awareness as a mindfulness concept. The meditation practice is a body scan, which helps each student become aware of their body. Learning mindfulness typically begins with body awareness. Mindfully paying attention to the body cultivates self-awareness.

The importance of awareness it to listen into your body and what is going on around you.

The worksheet above is one that teachers will be focusing on with students. Can you think of anything else to add?

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BEACH PROGRAM

What an amazing start to the year for all the Year 3 - 6 students participated in the Water Safety program at Mt Martha Beach. Students had a positive attitude during the Beach Program and of course the weather was absolutely magnificent too! It is always nice to see students enjoying the activities, having the confidence to ‘give it a go’, showing resilience if they do fall off a board and creating memories with new class mates and friends.

The Beach Program cannot be conducted successfully without the support of parents who assisted with the walk down from school and running beach activities and of course walking back to school. Thank you.

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This week we have been looking at 'Awareness'.

Learning mindfulness typically begins with body awareness. Mindfully paying attention to the body cultivates self-awareness.

Use your time when brushing your teeth to practice mindfulness. This is a great way to pay attention to all the feelings and sensations and to train your brain to focus. It might be a good start to have an adult brush their teeth with your child and when you have finished talk about what you both noticed.

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As you know, our school is excited to be participating in the Smiling Mind Primary School Program! This program helps teach mindfulness and emotional wellbeing strategies, empowering students to navigate challenges and thrive in and out of the classroom. But it doesn’t stop there – Smiling Mind also offers loads of free resources for families to explore together! From guided meditations to tools for fostering resilience, these resources are perfect for supporting wellbeing at home. Check them out here:

Let’s work together to nurture happy, healthy minds!

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Smiling Mind is a non-for-profit web and app-based meditation program developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into your life.

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Welcome to SEL!

This year, we are excited to run a new specialist program Called SEL, which stands for Social and Emotional Learning.

In these sessions we cover areas of the curriculum that have a 'Wellbeing' link.

As part of the program we will be using 'Smiling Minds School Program'.

Attached is a letter to caregivers on the program.

These sessions will be fun and we cannot wait to work with the students!

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This year we have a fantastic new Specialist topic for the students at MMPS, SEL!

This stands for 'Social and Emotional Learning' and covers a variety of learning topics aligned to the curriculum. We will be using the Smiling Mind program along with Department Modules to ensure the students cover all aspects of the capabilities.

Attached is an information sheet that runs through the Smiling Mind program and what your child will learn.

We are excited to do some great activities with the students!