Principal's News
Mrs Nicole Black
Term 4, Week 7
Colour Fun Run
Thank you to everyone who has been able to support and fundraise for our colour fun run! All the money raised in this event will be going to purchase updated chrome books for our students. Donations close this Friday, 21st November so don't forget to raise all you can!
Please see Nicole Fletcher if you have any questions about the event! It will be running from 2:30-3:30pm on Friday 28th November. We will need parent volunteers to support on the day, so if you are able to help out please let Nicole F know.
"We are hosting a Monty’s Colour Fun Run on Friday 28 November!
Our Monty’s Colour Fun Run Fundraiser has kicked off!
Students have received their sponsorship booklet and can now create their profile at
There are big prizes up for grabs! Simply raise $10 to unlock your first incentive prize."
Mini Marys
We have been loving having our amazing Mini Mary’s visiting us at school as part of their transition program. Over the past few weeks, they’ve been busy exploring different areas of our school, from discovering new learning spaces to getting a sneak peek at the subjects they will soon be diving into.
They have especially enjoyed spending time in our school garden, where they explored, asked questions, and observed all the wonderful things growing there. The children also had great fun playing games with our students and staff, building confidence and forming new friendships along the way.
It has been a joy to see their curiosity, enthusiasm, and readiness to learn. We look forward to welcoming them back soon!
Westernport Parish Family Mass – Feast Day Celebration
All families are warmly invited to join our Westernport Parish Family Mass as we celebrate the upcoming Feast Day on Sunday 7 December at 10:00am. The Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, Hastings.
This special celebration is a wonderful opportunity for our parish and school community to come together in faith. Families who would like to be involved in the Mass—by completing a reading or taking part in the offertory procession—are most welcome.
If your family will be attending and would like to volunteer for a role, please contact principal@smhastings.catholic.edu.au.
We look forward to celebrating this joyful occasion as a community.
Staff for 2026
Introducing Our 2026 St Mary’s Primary School Staff Team
As we prepare for the 2026 school year, we are delighted to introduce the wonderful staff who will be teaching, supporting, and guiding our students. Our teams bring a wealth of experience, care, and commitment to ensuring every child at St Mary’s thrives. We know it has been a time of uncertainty with so many changes over the past year for St Mary's, but the team for 2026 are all excited to be part of this beautiful community and ready. We look forward to 2026 being a year of growth in both learning and community.
Classroom Teachers
We are excited to share our classroom teaching team for 2026. Each teacher brings deep expertise and a passion for creating engaging, supportive learning environments for our students:
- Prep: Mikayla Leyonjhelm
- Year 1: Emma Geary
- Year 2: Kayla Burden
- Year 3/4: Lisa Galvin
- Year 3/4: Khris May (4 days). Year 3/4: Ange Aldag (1 day)
- Year 5: Daniella Polites
- Year 5/6: James Gibson
Our teachers are committed to delivering high-quality learning, explicit instruction, and strong relationships with students and families.
Specialist Teachers
In 2026, our specialist programs will continue to offer rich, hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity, physical development, cultural awareness, and environmental understanding. Our specialist team includes:
- Sport and Drama: Andrea Kirkpatrick
- Permaculture and Sustainability: Natalie Dullard
- LOTE – AUSLAN: Jessica Harvey
- Visual Arts: Katie Neidhart
These programs are an important part of our whole-school approach to nurturing the diverse talents of our students.
Wellbeing and Child Safety Team
St Mary’s remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment for every child. Our dedicated Wellbeing and Child Safety Team will continue to lead this vital work in 2026:
- Naomi Corfield: Deputy Principal – Wellbeing and Diversity
- Marina Sloper: Wellbeing Officer and Counsellor
- Angela Aldag: Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) & NCCD Partner
This team works closely with students, staff, and families to ensure that wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
We look forward to another wonderful year of learning, growth, and community in 2026. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we continue to provide the very best for our students here at St Mary’s.
School Concert
Our school concert is fast approaching!! A huge thank you to both Amanda Strickland and Andrea Kirkpatrick for all the work they are putting in to prepare our students for this special event (and staff!).
Tickets will be $5 per person, or $20 for a family of up to 6. Children under 2 who can sit on a lap will be free. As we are using Padua Tyabb's Gym for the concert the cost is minimal.
Students will be asked to be dropped off on Wednesday 10th December at 5:30PM, having already had dinner and in full makeup and costumes. More information will be shared as we get closer to the date.