Principal's Message

What a truly special community event! Our recent Art Show, The Great Southern Land, was an incredible celebration of creativity, talent and togetherness. It was so heart-warming to see so many members of our community come along, grandparents, aunts, uncles, carers, and friends, all gathering to admire and support the amazing work of our students and teachers.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying it was the best primary school art show they have ever seen! From the beautiful choir performances to the energy of the band and dancers, and of course the stunning art itself, the evening was a true spectacle, both visually and aurally. The hall was alive with colour, sound, and excitement, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that showcased the passion and talent of our students and staff alike.
Walking through the exhibition felt like journeying across our great country, from the shimmering waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the rich, earthy tones of Uluru. Every piece of art told a story of discovery, connection and appreciation for the land we call home.
I am so proud and grateful to all those who led and supported this event. A heartfelt thank you to Jan-Maree for her incredible hard work, dedication and guidance, her vision, creativity, and leadership brought The Great Southern Land to life and made it the memorable night it was. Thank you also to Jane, whose work with the band, choir, dance troupe, and ukulele group ensured the evening began with such energy and joy, our talented musicians and dancers truly set the tone for the night and added so much to the atmosphere. A big thank you as well to Kathryn, whose creative flair and assistance to Jan-Maree helped weave all the elements together so beautifully.
To our parents and carers who volunteered their time, gluing, stapling, cutting and helping prepare artwork at school and at home, your contribution made a real difference. To our classroom teachers, who enthusiastically inspired creativity in their students and helped with both setup and pack down, thank you for your tireless support. And of course, to our students, who gave their very best (and a little bit more), your creativity, pride, and effort shone through in every piece.
What a wonderful, collaborative event this was, a true reflection of the spirit of our school community. I am both proud and deeply grateful to be part of such a passionate, talented, and supportive group of people. The Great Southern Land was more than an art show, it was a celebration of creativity, connection, and community.
Colour Fun Run
On St Martin de Porres Feast Day, Friday, 31st October, we will be holding our Colour Fun Run from 1pm -3pm. A reminder this is a fundraising event for our school. To register your child for this event please follow the link here: https://app.schoolfundraising.com.au or scan the QR Code.
Announcement to the School Community
It's with immense excitement and a sense of gratitude that I confirm the news you may have seen yesterday in the letter from the MACS head office. I have been announced as the ongoing Principal for SMDP. I am absolutely thrilled to be leading this wonderful community, our dedicated staff, caring students and supportive parents and carers, into the future. Having already been a part of this community, I have personally experienced the vibrant spirit, strong values and profound commitment to learning that defines SMDP. I am incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead for us to grow and achieve great things together! I look forward to working collaboratively with all of you to ensure SMDP continues to be a truly exceptional place where every child thrives.
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.
2025 - School Closure Days
Listed below are our school closure days for 2025. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures.
DATE | FOCUS |
|---|---|
Monday, 3rd November | Report Preparation and Writing Day |
Friday, 5th December | Planning day for 2026 |
NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.


















