Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

The College year is underway and we are blessed to have our new teaching colleagues at St Mary’s. Our students will benefit from their knowledge and experience. A new colleague mentioned to me during their first week, “the students at St Mary’s are so welcoming, caring and friendly, it is so good to teach them and the staff have been so generous in their support".

An experienced semi-retired relief teacher has been at St Mary’s for a few days and is looking forward to returning because we have, "such good students".

The College has standards in and out of the classroom. Students understand the right of the teacher to teach and the right of students to learn. The word respect consists of 7 letters and its meaning spreads far and wide at St Mary’s. When parents support the College standards then the outcomes are obvious. Thankyou for respecting the responsibility of our staff when students are not willing to accept College standards and behavior expectations.

I have mentioned over the past few years we are taking St Mary’s back to where it belongs… Year 11 and 12. How exciting it will be when Year 12 Class Graduates in 2025! This year the College has implemented the Inspire Program , which will benefit students suited to a more practical learning model for their needs. The model includes a 360 degree approach, cementing importance numeracy and literacy skills and careers education. The students are guided by a team of staff who have tremendous experience in this educational program so that each student is prepared for their future beyond St Mary’s.

A school that does not value academic learning as a priority is a school in trouble. Australia needs more teachers, more nurses and definitely more people graduating into trades. These careers and many more will always require academics and specialisation.

The Teacher Shortage

All schools are affected by the teacher crisis. St Mary’s is fortunate to not be as short staffed as other schools. The workloads of teachers and the Executive has increased as we search far and wide for two secondary Humanities teachers. The extra workload is not sustainable for the long term but will continue until these positions are filled. Our priority is to keep students learning consistently and where possible with the same teacher.

Wednesday 28th February there will be a Student Free Day for Years F-10. Year 11 will have classes onsite. Due to the teacher shortage there are important programs, including Personal Learning Plans requiring teacher to teacher consultation and important input from Learning Assistants so that previous goals are reviewed and updated for 2024 student learning.

Initial planning has begun by ROAM architects for the VCE and Senior Learning Centre. When the designs are complete, families will be able to view the plans on the College website. There will be visits to other schools VCE Centres to look and consider their ideas for the College’s new building.

May 2024 be a great one for families and for St Mary’s College. May we all have good health and show kindness. Showing kindness can change a person’s/student's day. 

Kindness can change a life.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

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