Principal News
Farewell Year 6 Students
Tonight, our Year 6 students graduate from St Mary’s. This is a special moment for them, their families and for us as a school community. We’ve watched them grow from nervous preps into confident leaders of our school.
Our motto Together We Grow has been clear in their journey, learning, laughing, trying again, and becoming young people ready for the next step. It has been pleasing to see them complete Orientation sessions at their secondary schools this week.
Yesterday they shared one last adventure together at Gumbaya World — a full day of rides, slides and memories. They returned and walked through a Guard of Honour, cheered on by our students and staff. A simple but powerful way to recognise their time here and wish them well.
We are very proud of our Year 6s. We thank them for their leadership, their care for our younger students and the joy they brought to St Mary’s. We look forward to celebrating them tonight.
Swimming Lessons & Carnival
This week our students took part in the Intensive Swimming Program at St Leonard’s College. It has been a big success, and we thank St Leonard’s for partnering with us and making it possible. We were blessed with great weather, and we’re grateful to the many parents who helped with walking groups and supervision at the pool.
Today we wrapped it all up with a whole-school Swim Carnival — a fun way to finish the week. A big thank you to Ms Sam Sullivan for her excellent organisation, supported by all staff who pitched in to make it run smoothly.
School Podcast
We are excited to launch our school podcast — a great way to share the exciting things happening around our school. It’s a simple and engaging way for families to stay connected.
- Tips for New Prep Families
- Teaching and Learning at St Mary’s
- An interview with our new Year 5 teacher, Mr Douglas
Our Podcasts can be found via this link and will be available shortly on the website - https://stmarys.transistor.fm/
2026 House Teams
In 2026 we will be re-launching and revamping our house teams. We will keep our traditional house names, but we have updated the house colours to make them simpler.
Early next year we’ll hold a fun event to launch the new colours and bring back the house team point system for our carnivals.
Please see the new colours below:
Awburn - Green
Coakley - Blue
Nagle - Red
O'Brien - Gold
Staff Appreciation Lunch
A big thank you to our amazing P&F, and in particular Natalia Sikiric and Karina O'Brien, for the fantastic staff appreciation lunch. All our staff were very grateful — it was a wonderful way to finish the year. Your support and thoughtfulness mean a lot to everyone here.
Thanks again for everything you do.
Vinnies Christmas Appeal
A warm and sincere thank you to all the families who have already contributed to our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. It has been truly heart-warming to see the spirit of giving shine so brightly across St Mary’s.
The generosity of our community reflects the compassion, kindness and commitment that define our school. Your contributions are helping to bring comfort, dignity and hope to families in need during this special season.
There is still time to donate for those who wish to contribute. Every item, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.
Thank you for embodying the true spirit of Christmas and strengthening the wonderful sense of community we share at St Mary’s.
Thank you to the School Advisory Council
A big thank you to our School Advisory Council members for 2025. This group has put in a significant amount of time and energy into planning for the future of our school. Their support and forward thinking is helping position St Mary’s for enrolment growth next year and beyond. We are grateful for their commitment and partnership.
Paula Cunniffe (Chair)
Karina O’Brien (Secretary)
Anna Marinelli
Rachel Imbesi
Katie Slade
Hamish Mogan
Evelyn Whatmore
Thank you to the P&F
We also thank our Parents & Friends representatives for 2025. This group plays a key role in building community, supporting school events and creating opportunities for families to connect. We have some great things planned for next year and look forward to working closely together.
A special thank you to Sarah Kavanagh for her outstanding work as President — her energy and commitment has made a real difference.
President - Sarah Kavanagh
Secretary - Karina O’Brien
Wellbeing - Julie Smith & Vicki White
Dads Social & Footy - Peter Fourtzis, Gerard Cleary & Alex McGowan
Uniform Shop - Anastasia Stavrou & Kelly Miller
Prep: Manal Seaman
Prep: Di Peters
Year 1: Laine Kilpatrick
Year 1: Elisabet Wesiberg
Year 1: Sebastian Failla
Year 2: Marisa Wood
Year 2: Roxy Ogier
Year 2: Johanna Canizales
Year 3: Nat Jones
Year 3: Trish Volkert
Year 4: Karen James
Year 4: Rachel Imbesi
Year 5: Mel Cornish
Year 5: Jaimie Zammit
Year 6: Mel Cornish
Year 6: Bri Wringe
Expressions of interest for roles in 2026 can be made - https://forms.gle/remniR6kwcBhR1fe6
Thanks to the Prep 2026 & Year 4 2026 parents who have nominated their volunteers already!
Thank you, Paula Cunniffe
As we finish the year, we acknowledge and thank Paula Cuniffe for her remarkable service to St Mary’s Hampton. This year marks Paula’s final year in an official capacity, closing an incredible chapter of commitment that began in 2005.
Paula first joined our school community as a parent and immediately stepped into action, joining the P&F and supporting the school in every way she could. Even after her children graduated in 2021, Paula continued to give her time, energy and steady guidance.
Since 2011, Paula has also been a valued member of the School Advisory Council, including many years as President. Her leadership, insight and calm presence have shaped and strengthened our school in lasting ways.
We thank Paula for her extraordinary 21 years of service to St Mary’s. Her contribution has been generous, consistent and deeply appreciated.
End of Term Assembly
A friendly reminder that school finishes at 1pm on Tuesday 16th December.
We will hold a final assembly on the running track at 12:45pm before students are dismissed.
We will farewell students who will be leaving us at this assembly:
- Mila & Mollie White
- Noah Lee
- Eva Rosentreter
- Reece Murphy
- Harriet Kroussoratis
- Chloe Vaz
Past Student Success
We are proud to share some wonderful news about former St Mary’s student, Piero Palleschi.
Piero has been named Dux of St Bede’s College with an outstanding ATAR of 99.85.
Along with this incredible result, Piero achieved perfect scores in Biology and Maths Methods, highlighting his hard work, determination and love of learning.
We are always proud of our past students, and Piero’s achievements are a great reminder of the strong foundations built here at St Mary’s. We congratulate Piero and wish him every success as he begins the next chapter of his journey.
MACSEYE Holiday Program
Get ready for fun times, creativity and adventure!
From water safety sessions with a qualified lifeguard, to hands-on crafts like sea creatures and tie-dye bucket hats, to big days out - there’s something exciting planned every single day.
Book your spot today!
Learn more and book today:
https://macseye.vic.edu.au/oshc/holiday-program/
Thanks
Steele