Principals Message

Dear families,

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the term! The past few weeks have been wonderfully busy at St Mary’s, filled with opportunities for our students to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and energy in classrooms and across the school as students continue to challenge themselves, share their ideas, and grow together in their learning.

Magnify 100 Days

At St Mary’s, we are proud to be part of Magnify Sandhurst, an exciting learning initiative introduced by Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CES Ltd). This approach brings together the very best in research-based teaching, ensuring that, every day, every child, every teacher, is supported in their learning and growth.

Across our school, you will notice a consistent and purposeful way of teaching that is giving our students the strongest possible foundations for success.

InitialLit in Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 is giving our youngest learners the building blocks of reading and writing. Through carefully sequenced lessons, students are developing strong phonics knowledge and confidence in literacy from the very beginning of their school journey.

Ochre Math's is used across the school, providing all students with clear, structured lessons that build deep mathematical understanding step by step. This consistency helps students feel confident as they grow in their ability to problem-solve and apply their knowledge.

MiniLit Sage and MacqLit are programs that support students who may need a little extra help along the way. These small-group interventions give children additional time and support to practice their skills, ensuring that no student is left behind.

Classroom Mastery means that teachers are using strategies grounded in neuroscience to help children stay engaged, learn effectively, and feel successful in the classroom.

CES Ltd have truly left no stone unturned in supporting schools with Magnify Sandhurst. Already, we are seeing the benefits in classrooms — children are engaged, teachers are supported, and learning is flourishing.

All students have embraced these changes with an open mind, and while staff recognise that the shift is significant, there is much to celebrate. Each day brings moments of pride as we see the impact of evidence-based teaching in action.

We are excited to continue this journey together, as a school and as part of the wider Sandhurst community, confident that these structures are helping every child to grow and thrive.

ORIMA Survey

Last week, families received information and login codes for the CES School Engagement Surveys 2025, delivered through ORIMA. We warmly invite all families to take part in the Family Survey. While participation is voluntary, your feedback is incredibly valuable, it helps us understand what’s working well, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the best possible learning experience for every student in our school community.

Classroom Mastery Visits

Classroom Mastery Visit – This Thursday, 28th August

This Thursday, our Classroom Mastery Coach, Charlene Stewart, will be visiting St Mary’s to support teachers with strengthening our key classroom routines – Cue to Start, Classroom Entry and Classroom Exit. These routines help create calm, consistent and positive learning environments for all students. Charlene will spend time in classrooms, offering feedback and guidance to teachers as part of our ongoing commitment to building strong learning foundations across the school.

Foundation 2026 Interviews

This Friday, Mrs. Fiske-Kealy will be meeting with our new Foundation 2026 students as part of their enrolment interviews. We are excited to welcome these young learners and their families to St Mary’s and look forward to supporting them as they begin their first steps in our school community.

Father’s Day Stall

A big thank you to our wonderful Parents and Friends team for supporting this initiative. The Father’s Day Stall will be set up in the Performing Arts Room on Wednesday, 3rd September and Thursday, 4th September from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (depending on need). We are so grateful for the continued support that makes these events possible for our students and families.

Father’s Day Breaky & Mass

Father’s Day Breaky - On Friday, 5th September 2025, our staff will be serving bacon and egg rolls, toast, and juice to our early bird dads, children, and families. We look forward to sharing this special morning together as we celebrate our wonderful dads and father figures.

Father’s Day Mass - Our Father’s Day Mass will be held on Thursday 4th September at 12:30 pm. The Mass will be run by our Year 3/4 students and led by Father Boniface. Families are warmly invited to join us in celebrating and giving thanks for our dads and special father figures.

Enrolments Now Open for 2026

St Mary’s is now taking enrolments for 2026! We encourage families to return enrolment forms as soon as possible so that we can begin planning for the exciting years ahead.

Enrolment packs are available from our office, please see Pete or Georgia if you need one.
Families new to St Mary’s are warmly welcomed. Our school offers high-quality education, strong values, genuine care, and a supportive, inclusive community.
If you know of other families looking for a school, please encourage them to contact us, we would love to share what makes St Mary’s such a special place to learn and grow.

📞 Contact us today to begin your enrolment journey!

Winter bugs and illness

As we now move into Winter, we are beginning to witness greater instances of common illnesses. To ensure that we keep our community healthy, we ask that if you notice any symptoms including; fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, please keep them at home until they have fully recovered. Please see the recommended exclusion period for common illnesses.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and commitment to our school. We truly value the partnership we share with families in supporting our students’ learning and wellbeing. Should you have any questions, suggestions, or matters you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact us either in person or via email.

Katherine Jamieson & Ange Fiske Kealy

Kjamieson@smrushworth.catholic.edu.au

afiskekealy@smrushworth.catholic.edu.au