Principal's News
Dear SMCM Community, Wominjeka!
Last week we were delighted to welcome the families of our 2026 Prep children at our Parent Information Evening. Thank you to our families and staff for engaging so warmly and helping to create such a welcoming atmosphere.
Today we launched the first of our Prep Playdates as part of the ‘Pathway to Prep’ program. Our newest learners explored our spaces, playing in the learning spaces, visiting the chickens and creating pizza with playdough in the amphitheatre. We look forward to welcoming the rest of our 2026 Preps tomorrow.
A small number of Prep 2026 places are still available. Please encourage any friends or family interested in joining our community to submit an enrolment application online.
MACSSIS Data
Last term staff, families and students in Years 4–6 were invited to complete the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools School Improvement Survey (MACSSIS). This provided valuable feedback on our school environment and experiences, helping guide our ongoing strategic direction and improvement.
I am very pleased to share the following highlights from the 2025 results:
- Overall endorsement from students, staff and families increased from 2024 to 2025 and sits above the MACS average across all three groups.
- Student survey: Results were at or above the MACS average in all domains with the greatest growth in Enabling Safety which reflects students’ sense of connection, safety and support.
- Staff survey: We scored 10% or more above the MACS average in the areas of School Leadership, Staff Safety, Psychological Safety, Professional Learning, Collaboration around an Improvement Strategy, Team Collaboration, Team Support and Leadership Relationships.
Family survey: The greatest growth was in Student Safety with perceptions of student wellbeing and safety improving by 11% from 2024 to 2025.
Thank you to all families who contributed. Your voice directly shapes the future of SMCM.
2026 Planning
As we prepare for the year ahead I kindly ask any families not returning in 2026 (other than our Year 6 students) to notify us by email as soon as possible. This will allow us to offer enrolment opportunities to families currently on our waiting list.
In the coming weeks staff will begin drafting the 2026 class lists. If you have a request regarding your child’s placement for wellbeing or academic reasons please email me by Friday 31st October. Requests will be carefully considered alongside staff recommendations though they cannot be guaranteed.
World Teachers’ Day
Next Friday 31st October, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day in Australia. On behalf of our community I extend my heartfelt thanks to our teachers and staff for their passion, dedication and commitment to our students.
Teachers inspire, motivate and shape the lives of young people. At SMCM our teachers nurture an environment where students flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
Thank you to our teachers for the love of learning you foster and for empowering our students each day to reach their full potential.
Claire
Principal
claire.pitcher@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
