St Mary's Primary School Newsletter

Wellbeing & Inclusion

Bullying No Way Week 

is Australia’s national initiative to promote safe, respectful, and inclusive school communities. Held from August 11 to 15, this week encourages students, staff, and families to take a united stand against bullying.

 

This year’s theme, “Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.”, reminds us that it takes courage to spark change. Whether it’s supporting someone who’s being bullied, speaking up when something’s not right, or simply choosing kindness, every action counts.

During the week, we’ll be:

  • Hosting a whole-school assembly to launch the initiative
  • Engaging students in classroom discussions and activities
  • Sharing resources to help students understand what bullying is and how to respond
  • Encouraging everyone to reflect on how we can build a culture of inclusion and respect

FB – Learning About Kindness

This week, Foundation Blue watched Allen the Alien and had a wonderful discussion about all the ways we can show kindness to others. 

 

They explored how kind words and actions help everyone feel safe and happy at school.

Students practised using the phrase “Stop, I don’t like that” when someone is being unkind, and learned the importance of telling a teacher if the behaviour continues. It was a great opportunity to build confidence in speaking up and looking after one another.

 

I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Bullying No Way Week Ambassadors, Pippa, Ivy, Wally, Leo, Miller, Sebastian, and Jessica from Year 6. 

 

Thank you for sharing such a powerful message with our school community at assembly and for being such a visible and positive presence throughout the week. Your leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion have made a real impact.

 

We’re very proud of the way they’ve championed this important initiative. Well done!

Let’s work together to make our school a place where everyone belongs and bullying is never accepted.

 

For more information, visit the Bullying No Way official site. 

Embracing Diverse Ways of Learning 

Understanding Diverse Learners - ADHD

 

At St Mary’s, we believe every child learns in their own unique way—and that’s something to celebrate. This term, we’re sharing insights into common neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD, Autism, and Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs). Our goal is to build understanding, reduce stigma, and offer practical strategies that support learning both at school and at home.

 

This week, we’re shining a light on ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and energy levels. ADHD isn’t about bad behaviour or lack of effort, it’s about how the brain processes and regulates focus.

For more detailed strategies, check out Kids Health Info – ADHD Support and NSW Education ADHD Strategies.

Helpful Videos & Podcasts for Parents

These resources offer practical advice, real-life examples, and encouragement for families navigating ADHD.