Principals Message

Celebrating Creativity, Courage and Student Voice 

What a wonderful and busy couple of weeks we have had at St Mary's! There have been so many moments that have reminded us just how remarkable our students are, particularly in their willingness to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new challenges and have a go at something different. 

I had the wonderful privilege of joining our Year 3/4 students at Upper Plenty Camp on Thursday and Friday. What an incredible experience it was to witness our students stepping outside their comfort zones, embracing new challenges and showing the courage to try unfamiliar activities alongside new friends. 

Throughout the camp, our students demonstrated resilience, independence and a willingness to face their fears. It was particularly rewarding to see the pride and excitement on their faces as they achieved things they may not have thought possible. These experiences are such an important part of learning and growing, helping our children develop confidence, build relationships and discover their own capabilities. 

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Miss Byrne and Hailey for their dedication, care and attention to detail. Your commitment to ensuring our students felt safe, supported and encouraged throughout the experience was greatly appreciated. 

I could not be prouder of our students and the way they represented St Mary's. Their kindness, enthusiasm and willingness to embrace every opportunity were a wonderful reflection of our school community. 

As we approach our much-anticipated presentation, In Here, Out There, next week, it has been an absolute privilege to watch our students grow in confidence, creativity and independence. Every student has been working hard to learn their lines, practise their movements and contribute to what promises to be a truly special celebration of their stories, experiences, dreams and imaginations. 

What makes this presentation so extraordinary is that every element has been created with, and increasingly owned by, our students. From the original soundscapes, songs and scripts to the costume designs, backdrops, props and choreographed movements, our students have been at the heart of the creative process. Their ideas, their voices and their experiences have shaped this production from beginning to end. 

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of this project is the lasting legacy it will leave. Our talented artists will be handing over the copyright to the students of St Mary's for the songs, sounds and visual creations developed through this collaboration. Alongside the rights associated with our beautiful school mural, this represents something incredibly powerful: our students are not simply participants in these creative experiences; they are recognised as creators, contributors and owners of their work. 

This is student voice and agency in its most authentic form. It is about showing our children that their ideas matter, their stories deserve to be heard and their creativity has genuine value. 

I could not be prouder of the courage, enthusiasm and commitment our students have demonstrated throughout this journey. It has been wonderful to see students discover talents they may not have known they possessed and develop the confidence to share them with others. 

I sincerely hope that every family can join us on Friday 30 October at 12:45 pm to celebrate this remarkable achievement. This is so much more than a performance; it is a celebration of our children, their identities, their learning and the wonderful things that happen when we give young people the opportunity to create something truly their own. 

Thank you to our dedicated staff, talented artists and supportive families for making these opportunities possible.