Deputy Principal of Operations

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome all new and returning students, staff and families to our community for 2024. A special acknowledgment and welcome to our new Foundation and Year 7 students who commence different but milestone stages of their journey through formal education. This year we have 580 students, 92 staff members and we look forward to the strengths, talents, knowledge and contributions they will bring to St Mary’s this year. 

Across the College our students have quickly settled into classroom routines and learning. We are extremely proud of them, especially our Year 11 students who have commenced their VCE studies with maturity and diligence. A new casual relief teacher, who himself was a former principal, finished his first teaching day at St Mary’s with the following comment to our Daily Organiser, ‘your students were a delight, and I am looking forward to returning’. The high expectations of behaviour and learning at our College, encourages our students to be the best version of themselves. 

At present, in the sphere of education, staffing and timetabling are major challenges for all schools. We are working hard to fill two positions and continue to advertise widely for secondary Humanities and Faith Education teachers. 

College Photos

College photos will take place this Monday 12th February. All students should be in full summer uniform, not PE uniform. Students who have PE on Monday (Year 6, 9 & 11) should bring their PE gear with them to change into. 

Before & After School Supervision 

Teachers commence yard duty supervision at 8:20am, prior to this time there is no supervising teacher on duty.  Students should not be dropped off prior to 8.20am.

After school, teachers remain on duty at the McIntyre St bus stop until 3.40pm or until all students have boarded a bus. If after 3.40pm a student travelling by private transport is still awaiting collection from the bus stop area, the student will be asked to return to the college office and wait to be picked up from there. 

Staff Meetings 

Our teaching staff attend meetings on Monday morning (8.25am-8.40am), Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.20pm. At these times, teachers will not be available to meet with parents before school or at dismissal. If a teacher is approached for a discussion regarding a non-urgent matter, they will respectfully ask you to make contact at another time or through another method. We welcome and encourage parents to email the teacher with the information or to request a follow up phone call. The teacher will then respond and make contact at their earliest convenience. Thank you for your support of our staff and understanding in relation to this matter. 

Due to staffing pressures, our House Leaders (Mrs McKeown and Mrs Kamp), Director of Wellbeing (Mrs Moore) and myself have morning responsibilities as House Mentor teachers from 8.45am. This limits our availability to meet with parents on an impromptu basis and we may not be as readily reachable as we may have previously been. Please contact the office requesting a prompt phone call or to make a meeting time if you need to speak or meet with a member of the wellbeing team prior to school.  

Best wishes for the year ahead.

Regards, 

Genevieve Gordon

Deputy Principal Operations

genevieve.gordon@smseymour.catholic.edu.au