From the Leadership Team

Farewell from Mrs Mattner 

As I get ready to leave St Paul and take up the role of Principal at Waikerie Lutheran Primary School, I do so feeling incredibly thankful. I really appreciate all of your kind words, encouragement and the blessings I’ve been given as I step into this next role. 

After 22 years in this community, I’m so grateful for the support and care that has been part of the journey. Thank you to the Board, to staff past and present, and to the many families who have shared in the life of this school. Along the way, I’ve formed many genuine friendships, learned so much and had the privilege of watching many children grow, learn and flourish. 

St Paul has also been a big part of my own family’s story, as my children grew up here. I’m especially thankful to the teachers who nurtured and supported them, and the staff and parents who also supported me through my parenting journey. It has been such a special place to be part of, and I leave with deep gratitude for the people, the shared experiences, and the lasting impact of this community. 

Thank you, and blessings to the St Paul community as you continue to support your children to thrive in their primary school years. 

Mid-Year Reception class and staffing 

This week we are excited to welcome our 2026 Mid-Year Reception class into our school for their Stay and Play visits. On Thursday and Friday morning, the children from our Mid-Year Reception class will spend time in their classroom getting to know each other and getting to know their new teacher.  

We are delighted to be able to introduce to St Paul, Mrs Edith Ocas, who will be our Mid-Year Reception classroom teacher for 2026. Mrs Ocas brings a wealth of experience to our school having worked in the early years for over 20 years as a teacher assistant, classroom teacher, early learning centre teacher and educator and as a trainer of early years educators. 

Mrs Ocas will be joined in this class each morning by an LSO who will be familiar to many children, Miss Emily Kroon. Miss Kroon has worked in SPLASH for a number of years and will be helping our Mid-Year children get settled in to school and learn about St Paul.  

We can’t wait to have our littlest learners on site with us next term! 

St Paul’s Got Talent 

Yesterday afternoon, our St Paul community gathered in the Church for the final of St Paul’s Got Talent. This event is always a highlight of our school calendar and 2026 performances were no exception. After many auditions and rehearsals, a group of enthusiastic and talented performers gathered on stage in the Church and shared their amazing gifts with us. From dancers to singers from magicians to diablo performers and everything in between, this year’s final showcased the wide array of talents in our school. It was also great to see our whole school show off their dance talents with the Birdie Song while the judges were deliberating. We would like to say a huge thank you to our JVC for emceeing the final; to the judges and the technical crew who helped make this event happen; to all the staff who helped with auditions and rehearsals; to the parents who helped children prepare their acts; and finally, to Miss Burgan, who did a marvellous job of coordinating this year’s event. St Paul most certainly does have talent and it was wonderful to be a part of celebrating these talents with our school community. 

Staffing News 

Our Administration, Marketing and Enrolments officer, Brittany Sillis, has recently resigned her role at St Paul Lutheran School. Whilst only joining us for a short time, Brittany has supported many of our families to transition to school and has made a positive impact on our social media visuals. Unfortunately, Brittany’s recent house move has made the distance to travel a little too far. Brittany will finish at the end of Week 1 next term, after greeting our Mid-Year Reception class in their first week.