Cross Country

Last week, the students made the journey into Marong, where we saw the Grade 3 - 6 students complete their cross-country run and the Foundation - Grade 2 students joining in with the junior fun day.

The Foundation - Grade 2 students participated in various games including a three-legged race, egg and spoon race and tunnel ball just to name a few. There were many laughs from the juniors as they completed these games, especially in the three-legged race.

The Grade 3/4 students ran a distance of 2 kilometres, and the Grade 5 - 6 students ran 3 kilometres. It was wonderful to see all the students cheering our awesome runners across the finish line and providing high-fives along the way.

Congratulations to Nakodah and Lucy for making it to the Sandhurst Division Cross Country in Bendigo, where they will compete against other students from around the Bendigo area.

Staff Professional Learning – Term 2 Update for Families

At the beginning of Term 2, our staff engaged in a days of rich professional learning through Catholic Education Sandhurst's (CESL) initiative Ambitiously Sandhurst Learning and Teaching Seminar. A whole‑of‑system professional learning day focused on strengthening instruction, equity, and student learning outcomes. The day brought together research, practice, and mission, reinforcing our shared commitment to ambitious learning for every student.

Staff engaged with leading educational researchers, including Dr Jared Cooney Horvath and Dr Nathaniel Swain, who explored the science behind student motivation, mindset, and effective whole‑class instruction. Sessions challenged common assumptions and deepened understanding of how precise, evidence‑based teaching practices support inclusion and equity for all learners.

The day concluded with practical classroom strategies led by Teach Well, supporting staff to translate ambition into action through clear routines, full participation, and effective checking for understanding. Dedicated school‑based reflection time ensured learning was contextualised and translated into meaningful next steps for our classrooms.

This professional learning experience reaffirmed our commitment to being Ambitiously Sandhurst—grounding our teaching in evidence, acting with purpose, and working together so every student can flourish.

Dental Van Visit

The Martin Vale Dentistry's Mobile Van will be onsite at St Mary's on Tuesday 12th May. The treatment can be BULK BILLED through Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) for eligible students. Consent forms were sent home last week. If you would like your child to participate, please complete the consent form as soon as possible or via this JOTFORM;

https://form.jotform.com/220327988392062

Invitation to Afternoon Tea - Meet & Greet

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We warmly invite you to join us each Wednesday before pick-up time for a relaxed Afternoon Tea and Meet & Greet at school.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families and staff and enjoy a friendly chat over tea and light refreshments. Whether you can stay for five minutes or a little longer, we would love to see you there.

When: Every Wednesday

Time: At school pick-up

Where: St Mary's School

Building strong connections between home and school helps create a supportive and welcoming environment for our children. We hope you can join us!

Change to pick up & supervision - end of day - Wednesdays

To support our parent engagement initiatives for Wednesday Afternoon Teas, there will be a change in pick-up routines. Students will need to be picked up from the front office gates on Wednesdays from 3:20pm. Whilst you're there, enjoy a cuppa or Tim Tam.

Students who catch the bus will still be supervised.

Loddon Healthy Mind Network 2026 Art Competition Entry Forms

The students have been working hard on their art projects for the Loddon Healthy Mind Network Art Competition.

Could parents please sign and return their child's Art Competition Entry Form as soon as possible please.

If you require another form, please email Bree at bgleisner@sminglewood.catholic.edu.au or alternatively contact the school via phone.

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