Principal's News

Dear Parents,

I take this opportunity to thank our wonderful Vice Principal, Naomi Corfield, for leading our school in my absence and our leaders, Lisa Galvin, Amanda Strickland and Natalie Dullard, for supporting Naomi along with all of our St Mary’s team.

I have had a wonderful time celebrating the wedding of my daughter, Tahlia, and her partner Jeremy. It was such a joyous, positive and connected time for all of the family and I am so grateful to have had long service leave to be fully present for the special occasion.

Following on from the wedding, I was fortunate to attend the Victorian Association of Catholic Principals Bi-annual conference. The theme of the conference was focused on leading with strength. It was a wonderful experience where we listened to speakers who have led with strength in their lives including: Saroo Brierley from the story behind the film Lion; Jelena Dokic, former tennis champion with a career-high ranking of number 4; Mitch Tambo, Indigenous musician and advocate; and Craig Foster, former Socceroo and social activist. All these speakers were simply inspiring and it was a privilege to be able to participate.

Enrolments

Enrolments are now open for 2025. If you know of anyone who would like to enrol their child at our wonderful school, please let them know to ring the office for a tour. Please let any prospective families know they can just ring the office to book a tour. Our biggest marketing tool is word of mouth so please spread the word in our community of how special our school is.

Uniform

We are so proud of who we are as a community at St Mary’s and wearing our uniform is one way we demonstrate our high standards and connection to our school. It is an expectation that all students wear the correct St Mary's uniform. This includes the correct shoes, bags, coats. The school advisory board is on a continuous inquiry into our uniform and will be looking at upgrading some options. Students who do not wear the correct uniform will receive a uniform slip and we ask parents to address this concern. If you are suffering financial hardship, please do not hesitate to contact me as we have an extensive second hand uniform shop along with vouchers and donations from wonderful Parishioners to ensure our students all have access to the correct uniform.

This includes the leather shoes which must be worn with the formal uniform. Black runners of any type are not permitted unless it is sport uniform day. We have vouchers from Bata, money from Parishioners and some uniform vouchers so please email me on principal@smhastings.catholic.edu.au and I can assist you with the purchase of the proper shoes.

Upcoming Events

End of term assembly 

We invite all our community to our end of term assembly including the Holy Week service, Spirit of St Mary’s awards and farewells and celebrations. This will be held at 12pm on Tuesday 26th March. This will be followed by end of term awards and assembly. 

3/4 Camp

Our year 3/4 community will travel to Phillip Island on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th March. I take this opportunity to thank our wonderful Deputy of Organisation, Lisa Galvin for leading the 3/4 team and for all the staff who have contributed in any way to ensure the success of the camp. Just a reminder, students have to be picked up from Stony Point on Thursday. All other students finish for the end of term at 1pm on Thursday.

Students return for the commencement of Term 2 on Monday 15th April.

We have a working bee and open garden day on Wednesday 19th April and would like to see as many families as possible at this event.

School Photo Day

Our school photo day is on Tuesday 16th April. Please read the information on photo day in this newsletter and on Operoo.

Anzac Day Parade

Thursday 25th April. Meet at Hastings RSL to march to the Hastings Cenotaph. All are welcome. This is a significant day for our school with our connection of many Defence Force families attending our school. Friday 26th April is a pupil free day.

Canteen Closed

A reminder that the canteen will not be open on Tuesday 30th April.

Mother's Day Celebrations

All invited to our Mother's Day celebrations on Friday 12th May, including a  wonderful Mother's Day morning tea and Mass. Save the date and invite friends and family. More information to come.

I wish everyone a holy and safe Easter holidays and I look forward to continuing on our journey of striving for excellence and the full flourishing of every student  in all that we do at St Mary’s.

Yours in Partnership,

Gab