Principal's Message

What a term we have had so far. From the Colour Run, St Martin de Porres Feast Day and Year 3 Reconciliation to District Basketball, Green Week and the Art Show, our students have been involved in many significant events. Next week, our Year 3/4 students will head to Sovereign Hill for their long day camp, followed by camp-style activities at school. Soon we will gather for our Carols evening and farewell our Year 6 students. Please check the calendar for upcoming important dates.

Teachers are preparing reports while students complete end-of-year assessments. All students from Prep to Year 6 have completed their Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) in Mathematics. This assessment is conducted twice a year at SMDP. I am pleased to share that our Maths results show strong improvement compared to last year, with all year levels performing above the average benchmark. This growth reflects the confidence and skills our students are building, greater accuracy in calculations, stronger reasoning, and persistence with challenging tasks. Strategies such as explicit teaching, daily reviews and open-ended tasks have supported all learners, helping them consolidate core skills while stretching their thinking.

At this time of year, it is important to remember that every child learns differently. Some grasp new concepts quickly, while others need more time and practice. Growth can come in sudden bursts or require fresh challenges. At St Martin de Porres, we believe every child is capable of success. Students thrive when teachers and families believe in them, encourage them, and remind them that mistakes are part of learning.

The process of learning, with all its ups and downs, is just as valuable as the final outcome. Feedback, whether it highlights strengths, identifies areas for growth, or sets future goals, is an essential part of this cycle. Collaboration between parents and teachers is critical to student success. When families and staff share open communication and consistent messages, students feel supported and confident. Together, we create the safe and nurturing environment that allows them to flourish. Please continue to check Seesaw and remember you are always welcome to speak with your child’s teacher about their progress.

In the coming weeks, staff will begin the process of allocating students into their 2026 class groups. Our focus is on maximising learning and developing resilience, collaboration and motivation. Each class will be balanced, with students placed alongside familiar friends as well as new peers who may become wonderful co-learners.

I ask parents to trust in this process, as our teachers are best placed to determine the learning needs of each child. If you have any legitimate regrouping concerns, please contact me via email: principal@smdplaverton.catholic.edu.au no later than Wednesday, 19th November. If you have made any requests in previous years that are still relevant could you also please email me. This is not an opportunity to request specific teachers or classmates. Groupings are carefully considered and we are confident in the rigour of our process and decisions.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we continue to build a strong, joyful and thriving school community.

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. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.