Parents in Partnership

SCIENCE OF LEARNING 

Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd is pleased to announce an exciting partnership with world-renowned educational neuroscientist, Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, who conducted our diocesan wide three days of professional learning at the beginning of term 2. Jared is a global leader in the Science of Learning, and his work offers powerful insights into how students learn and how we can best support them to thrive at school and beyond. 

As part of this partnership, Dr Horvath has developed a special series of presentations specifically for parents and carers, focusing on how to understand and support children on their learning journey. 

We are delighted to be able to share these three informative recordings with our school community as we continue our shared mission of helping every student reach their full potential. 

Please see below for the presentation topics. Further details and links on how to access each session will be shared closer to the date. 

We are excited to bring Jared’s expertise into our school community and thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. 

School Advisory Council Meeting #4 Update 

At our recent SAC meeting the members discussed Child Safe standards and how that is evident to our parent and family groups. The members shared that our child safe practices and evident and known through examples of; 

• The newsletter 
• School rules & expectations  
• Interview processes of new staff  
• Volunteer training & induction process 
• Language of Staff  
• Compass communications  
• Parent Code of Conduct  

We discussed how our community acknoweldges, celebrates and include ATSI and learners with diverse needs. The SAC shared that St Mary’s inclusive practices and evident and known through examples of; 

• Harmony Day  
• The newsletter 
• Fire Carriers: work & formation  
• Welcome / Acknowledgement of Country  
• Year 6 shirts 
• Sensory Room  
• Guest speakers; for Learners & Families  
• Spirituality Day  
• Auslan  

• Assembly – adjustment & inclusion practices  

   

Expression of Interest – School Advisory Council 

St Mary’s is seeking expressions of interest from community members who would like to join our School Advisory Council. 

The council is a small group that gathers approximately every six weeks (around 6 – 8 times per year) to share ideas, hear updates about school life, and provide feedback that helps shape the future of our community. Acting as an advisory sounding board, members contribute their perspectives, insights, and experiences to ensure decisions reflect the voice of our community. 

We welcome nominations from parents, carers, parishioners, and community members who are willing to: 

• Attend council meetings regularly. 
• Stay informed by reading school communications. 
• Engage in conversations within the school community to gather thoughts, feedback, and ideas. 
• Represent our diverse school community with openness and respect. 
•  

Everyone has something valuable to offer, and we are looking to build a council that truly reflects the spirit of St Mary’s. 

If you are interested—or wish to nominate someone else—please complete the nomination form by the end of Term 3. Shortlisted nominees will then be invited to a Meet and Greet session before commencing their School Advisory tenure. 

Thank you for your interest and willingness to work together to make St Mary’s the best it can be. 

Nomination Form

St Mary’s School Advisory Council  

St. Mary’s School Advisory Council is composed of active and committed members of our school community who are eager to learn and support the school as a system. Our SAC consists of 11 members, all participating in dialogue to problem-solve and advocate positively for St. Mary’s. The SAC meets approximately every six weeks to discuss priorities and challenges experienced in our community. Please feel free to chat with our SAC members if you see them! 

2025 School Advisory Council Members  

Inece Bray  

Fth Novie Lim  

Jacki Madgwick  

Bridget Curran  

Jemma Beer  

Rick Sellars  

Kimmie Cashin  

Tom Hunt  

Jasmine Ryan  

Brent Anstee 

CESL: Ben Fitzpatrick  

Meeting Summary 

St Mary’s SAC recently met and discussed;  

• Gratitude and appreciation of SAC members from CESL  
• Child Safeguarding; policies, education, legislation and procedure  
• Enrolment & Marketing for St Mary’s 
• Capital Works progress: exploring partnerships with Campaspe Council for future works to serve the community  

St Mary’s advisory council will next meet on 20th August 2025