From the Principal 

Dear Families 

This week is Catholic Education Week and is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their life, faith and education, as well as the pivotal role our schools play within our local communities and the strength of the sector. The theme for 2025 is ‘Arise, shine; for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you’ (Isa 60: 1). We celebrated the start of Catholic Week with our Junior Mass. It was great sharing the Eucharist with so many of our families and parishioners. 

During this time of Lent we try and support Caritas Australia https://www.caritas.org.au. On Monday we all wore a touch of green for St Patrick’s Day and a gold coin donation for Caritas. Tomorrow students are invited to wear a touch of orange for Harmony Day, again with a gold coin donation going towards Caritas. Harmony Day highlights cultural diversity, inclusivity and mutual respect.  

The Creative Arts Exhibition is a showcase of our student artists’ talent, reflecting an education that forms lives of faith, hope and love in the light of Jesus Christ. The exhibition is open to the public. Admission is free and families are encouraged to visit. We congratulate Arabella (Kata Tjuta) and Joshua (Dragon), whose art work has been  selected for the exhibition. We thank Mrs Perri for sharing her considerable talents  with our students in the Visual Arts.  

The Mass of St Patrick for Schools provides the religious center piece for this week’s events. Student representatives from all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne are invited to join Archbishop Peter for a celebration of the Eucharist.  Commencing with Celtic pipers and a procession of school banners. The Mass recognises the charism of the Catholic education community in a ceremony that honours the commitment to our shared tradition. Mr Millane and myself look forward to accompanying the Community Leaders and Social Justice Leaders tomorrow. 

Inter House Athletics Carnival 

Wednesday was the most fabulous day.  Whilst the sun shone and it was warm, the children ran, jumped, threw and cheered to the best of their abilities.  A huge thank you to Mrs Mason and Mr Millane for their work organising and preparing the students for the events. A highlight of mine, was watching the Year 3 students shaking each other's hands at the end of the relay, congratulating each other.  

Of course in our St Mary’s way so many parents and carers helped with set up, pack up and running activities in between. We could not do this day without each of you and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Donna your kind and generous contribution was enjoyed by everyone, thank you!  We would also like to congratulate the eight St Mary’s College students for their tireless work. The manner in which they supported the students and encouraged them was felt by all in our community.  For our Year 6 students it is always a day of celebration with a little sadness as they realise it is their last St Mary’s Athletics carnival. For our Prep students it was a day with many new experiences, including a big bus ride!

Everyone is most welcome to our assembly tomorrow afternoon as we announce the winners of the House points, the House Spirit and some other exciting awards.  

Cake Stalls 2025  

This afternoon sees our first Cake Stall for this year, starting with our Year 6 students and families leading the way.  All proceeds from the Cake Stalls this year will go towards books and resources for the library.  Ms Kat has many ideas from discussions with the students and we look forward to sharing with you what is decided upon. 

Clubs 

Today Mr Millane started working with our 2025 choir.  We are fortunate to have his skills and talents leading this.  There will be many opportunities for our choir to perform for our school and the wider local community. 

Ms Kat has kindly offered a Library Club on Wednesdays at lunch time. This will be an opportunity to read or hang out in the library at lunch time. Ms Kat is always searching for new books and titles to engage our students. 

Next door on  Wednesdays I will be working with the Crochet Club, as we start working on a blanket to keep some babies and children warm this winter.  If you are able to help, on Wednesday or crochet a square please email me and I will give you the dimensions. We would also be grateful for some wool and crochet hook donations if you or the ‘older people’ in your lives have any lying around. I frequently peruse Op Shops for wool! 

Visiting Papilio Kindergarten 

Last week Mrs Mc Donald and our Year 4 students visited the kindergarten at the end of Westbury Street. This is a partnership that we have had for several years. Our students love being leaders visiting and playing with the kinder students and the staff and children at Papilio love our visit. Smiles all around! 

Celebrating learning 

I had some special visits last week proudly sharing their learning achievements with me. This always makes my day. 

Clean Up Australia Day/ Alma Park 

On Monday the 17th, we went to the basketball courts and oval to clean up for Clean Up Australia Day. We had a very successful day,  as we picked up so much we couldn’t count it all.  After we had finished, we went around looking for more but we couldn’t.  Proving we should do this every year to save earth.  If your child has participated please congratulate them from us.  Written By Sebastian, one of the Sustainability Leaders 

HOLT Division Swimming 

On Friday the 7th March Mia, Samuel, Christopher and I  went to the swimming trials.  We were all really nervous but had a fun day of swimming and hanging out together. It was really fun watching my teammates try their hardest in their strokes. It was definitely one of the best primary school swims. Written By Anna 

2026 Enrolments 

This week I have started interviewing families for our Prep 2026 class. It is always delightful meeting our new children and their families and welcoming them to St Mary’s. If you are a current family with a child in Prep next year, please let Erica know or fill out an application on our website as soon as possible. 

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

Mrs Cathy Ferrari