Principal's Message

As we settle into the new school year, our theme, Dream Big, continues to guide the way we teach, support, and challenge every learner at SMDP. In our first newsletter, we shared how Dream Big shapes our culture of courage, curiosity and growth. This week, I want to take you a little deeper into what this looks like in our teaching and learning programs, particularly in our academic expectations, curriculum, assessment, and reporting.

At SMDP, high expectations are not just a belief; they are a commitment. Every child is capable of growth and every child deserves access to excellent teaching, a rich curriculum and the right support at the right time. This aligns with the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) principles that place students at the centre of all learning and the MACS 2030 Vision "forming lives to enrich the world."

What families can expect from teaching and learning at SMDP

A safe, supportive and enabling learning environment

Children learn best when they feel known, valued and safe. Our classrooms are built on strong relationships, predictable routines and a partnership between students, teachers and families. This foundation allows students to take risks, try new strategies and persist through challenges.

A coherent, knowledge-rich curriculum

Our curriculum is carefully planned, structured and aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and the Religious Education Curriculum. Teachers work collaboratively to design learning that is evidence-based, engaging and sequenced so that every student can build deep understanding over time.

Excellence and equity for every learner

We believe every child can achieve success. This means:

• providing high-quality instruction for all students
• using assessment to identify learning needs early
• offering targeted support through our multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)
• ensuring every student has access to the learning they need to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Assessment that supports growth

Assessment at SMDP is ongoing, purposeful and transparent. Teachers use a range of tools to monitor student progress, track growth and plan next steps. Students are given opportunities to talk about their learning, respond to feedback and set goals  building ownership and confidence.

Assessment data is regularly reviewed by teachers and leaders to ensure we are meeting the needs of all learners and continuously improving our practice.

Clear, meaningful reporting

Our reporting processes are designed to give families a clear picture of how their child is progressing against curriculum standards, as well as their effort, engagement and growth. Reporting is not a one‑off event it is part of an ongoing dialogue between school and home. Formal reports are sent home in Term 2 and Term 4, our seesaw learning journal is another informal way we share student learning and progress with you. 

Learning that shapes responsible, compassionate citizens

Our curriculum and teaching practices are grounded in the Catholic tradition, encouraging students to act with integrity, seek knowledge and contribute positively to their community. We want our learners not only to achieve academically, but to grow as thoughtful, socially responsible young people.

As the year unfolds, you will continue to see our commitment to high expectations in every classroom, every program and every conversation about learning. We are proud of the strong start our students have made and we look forward to partnering with you as they continue to grow, stretch themselves and most importantly dream big.

Warm regards, 

Elise Coghlan

Principal

St Martin de Porres Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, well-being, and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

 2026 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2026. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.