Principal News
Thank you for a great term! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the school community in my first term as principal. Your support and kindness have meant a lot, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this week's newsletter, there is certainly a lot happening around our school community!
Wishing you all a fantastic break!
Neurodiversity / Hoodie Day
Last Wednesday, our school came together to celebrate Neurodiversity Day - a special day where we learned that our brains all work in different ways, and that’s what makes each of us unique! Neurodiversity means that some people may learn, think, or experience the world a little differently, and that’s something to be celebrated.
To show our support and understanding, students and staff wore hoodies for the day. Why hoodies? Because for some people, wearing a hoodie can feel like a cozy hug - it can help them feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. This simple act reminded us that small things can make a big difference in making everyone feel included.
At our school, we are proud to be a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone belongs. We celebrate each other’s differences because that’s what makes us special!
A big thank you to Annie Walker for organising this wonderful day.
Athletics Trials
Our Athletics trials last week were a huge success. Thank you to Sam Sullivan for organising and to Ed Simpson for running the day so smoothly.
Report from Noah B - Sports Leader
Last Friday 28th March, the Year 3-6s had a go in the Athletics Carnival. Students were given the opportunity to participate in multiple events, including discus, Shot put, and running events. Overall, I look back on the day with a smile. On behalf of Awburn I thoroughly enjoyed our competitive spirit and sportsmanship. It was great to see everyone representing St Mary’s in the best possible way. Thank you to all parents who made this day what it was. I’d like to give a special shout out to the Melbourne United SEDA students who came to help out. O’Brien won!
Easter Festivities
What a wonderful day for our community! Today, we came together for our Annual Easter Liturgy and Parade.
Easter is the most significant celebration in the Christian calendar - a time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His journey from the cross to the empty tomb is a powerful reminder of hope, renewal, and the promise of new life.
Just as Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection unite believers around the world, today’s liturgy and parade unite us as a community, reinforcing the values of love, compassion, and togetherness.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and helped make this event such a special occasion. Special shout out to Veronica del Castillo for preparing the students and the many staff, in particular Ev Whatmore, for coordinating throughout the week. May the message of Easter continue to inspire us all in the days ahead.
Easter Raffle
Our Easter Raffle was a huge success. There was a great vibe at assembly as we announced the winners of the hampers!
Thank you to our amazing Year 4 Parent Reps for their hard work. So many hours went into preparing these hampers and organising the hot cross buns! The way our parents assist in the school is extraordinary. It is special.
Easter Lead / Coordinators - Karen James and Rachel Imbesi Artwork design - Marissa Heighway Hampers - Lisa Vlahos Raffle ticket stall - Marisa Vincent, Marissa Heighway, Bianca Fernando, Lisa Vlahos, TJ Bourke, Katie Slade, Karen James and Rachel Imbesi Hot cross buns - Marissa Heighway, Karen Janes and Rachel Imbesi
Furthermore, thank you to the following local community businesses who assisted with donations - Coles Hampton, Woolworths Hampton. Woolworths Mentone, Bottle House Hampton.
Congrats to our winners!
Hamish M, Daisy O, Lucy A, Isabelle B, Elliot D, Holly M, Aida C, Elise G, Harper L, Charlotte R, Darcy S, Leo S, Sofia K, Henry W, Abigail H
Talent Show
How amazing are talent shows! the students at St Mary's are not short on talent. Here is a report from Isla E - Art Leader
Over the past two weeks, the art leaders and I have been so grateful for the help and support of students and teachers. It was so joyful to experience all different types of talent and acts for our first talent show this year. We’re so proud of all the students who auditioned. You showed bravery, and commitment to their performances. It was a learning curve for us and with the help of others we have grown along the way. We’re so excited to expand our talent show in the future to greater things for all students to enjoy. Next Talent show will be in Term 2.
Reports & Parent Teacher Interviews
We would like to inform you of some updates regarding the Reporting process and Parent-Teacher Interviews moving forward.
- Semester 1 Reports Sent Home – Friday, 20th June
- Parent-Teacher Interviews – Tuesday, 24th June (1:30 pm – 6:30 pm)
A key change this year is that students will remain at school until 3:15 pm as usual on Parent-Teacher Interview days. During this time, they will participate in a whole-school activity in the hall.
We hope this adjustment will support families, particularly working parents. If your interview is scheduled before 3:15 pm, you are welcome to collect your child from the hall.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Maths Olympiad/Explorer 2025
St Mary’s is taking part in the highly regarded Maths Olympiads for 2025. This is an annual contest that has been offered by Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads Inc (APSMO) since 1987 and is designed specifically to further challenge those who excel in maths.
The Olympiads consist of four separate contests held approximately six weeks apart between May and September. The Olympiads are designed to be challenging, however the overall aim is to encourage students to develop important mathematical problem solving skills in an enjoyable environment.
Even though the students will be competing against teams from other schools, they are primarily competing against themselves and trying to improve their skills over the course of the year.
Students who will be participating in this contest will be working with Mrs Ally Mullany throughout the Term to undertake Maths Explorer (Years 3 and 4) and Maths Olympiad (Years 5 and 6).
Open Days & School Tours - Term 2
Following the success of this term’s Open Days, we’re excited to offer additional dates for prospective families to tour our school and meet with me!
Help us spread the word by sharing this with the community."
Have a great holiday!
Steele