From the Principal 

Dear Families,

We hope that everyone was able to manage some relaxation over the long weekend and enjoy the beautiful sunshine before the rain set in. This week is a short week, but action packed as always. 

Our Year 5 and Year 6 students are at Camp Rumbug, having loads of fun, challenges and experiences out of their comfort zone. At St Mary's we are passionate about our students experiencing camp beginning with our Year 2 sleepover in a few weeks. Children learn so much on camp with guidance and support and many memories are formed. A huge thank you to our dedicated staff; Mr Buttigieg, Ms Kat,  Mrs Le Hunt, Mrs Mason and Mr Millane. 

This morning we had our second Prep 2026 Orientation morning and it went really well. Everyone is settling and Mrs Borgese is weaving her Prep magic. 

Please note that next Tuesday 11th November we will be having a Remembrance Day Liturgy at 10:00am upstairs in the Flexispace. Everyone is most welcome. 

We congratulate those students who made their first Sacrament of Reconciliation last week. They were so well prepared by Miss Tovey, supported by Mr Millane and Father Jerome.  

Most importantly I would like to celebrate and acknowledge the P&F and each of you. Thank you to the funds raised this year through our events and cake stalls. We have purchased some new books for our library. We will also be able to contribute funds to interactive panels that will be installed in our classrooms as part of our teaching and learning plan. 

Exciting New Books for Our School Library!

We’re delighted to share that our fundraising efforts will be used to purchase a Primary School Standing Order subscription from Scholastic. This wonderful program provides a monthly delivery of picture books, fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels and Christmas books, with over 300 new titles added to our library throughout the year!

We look forward to both teachers and students enjoying these fresh, engaging reads and continuing to nurture a love of literature across our school community.

Raising funds for these panels will be our St Mary’s Family Fun Day in two Saturdays time! Please join us for the day, enjoy the activities and stalls on offer and munch on some delicious food at the same time. The children have been preparing for St Mary’s got Talent and the art pieces being auctioned look amazing!  Please see the Parents and Friends page for the full run down. 

Again thank you to the P&F for spoiling all our staff on World Teachers’ Day. From lolly jars in our pigeon holes to a delicious morning tea/brunch and lunch. To culminate our great day, assembly was loads of fun. Thank you to those staff members and parents who shared a school memento. A big shout out to Maryna, Emma, Jacqui and Ryan. Watching our Preps present at assembly was amazing. To see their confidence speaking on the microphone and reading skills, as they shared their story of their favourite bug from the backyard was enjoyed by  us all.    

This afternoon we congratulate Austin and Pearl for hosting our assembly. Our Year 4s have been leaders of the school this week and are doing a superb job. We also loved seeing the pumpkins they have been creating in art with Mrs Perri. I would love to showcase them all in the foyer. 

We look forward to working closely with Joyce in her role as the St Kilda East Conference leader. Joyce will meet with the Year 6 Social Justice Leaders next week to outline the 2025 Christmas Hamper appeal.  In the meanwhile if you would like to donate please see the information below. These can be brought to the office. 

The St Vincent de Paul Conference of St Mary's Parish invites families to donate a small festive gift (e.g. Christmas pudding, cake, chocolates, special biscuits etc ) for our 2025 Christmas Hamper Appeal. Like the Wise Men in the Christmas story SVDP members distribute hampers to many families in our local community. In providing a festive item you are sharing directly in our outreach to your local community. Items need to be donated by 23rd Nov.

Thank you. Joyce

Finally, it is with sadness that we offer our prayers to Father Barry Moran's family and friends. Father Barry Moran was the St Mary’s Parish Priest for well over fifteen years. He was quite the character and loved by staff and families alike. 

Father Barry's funeral will be next Tuesday 11th November, at 10:30am and many of the staff will attend. He dedicated his life to supporting families through education and will be very missed.  

Take care and wishing God's blessings and peace upon each of you. 

Mrs Cathy Ferrari