Principal's Message

It was a real joy to welcome you all to our Mother’s Day Breakfast here at SMDP last week. Thank you so much for being with us. We know mornings can be busy, lunches to pack, uniforms to find, washing to hang out, so we truly appreciate you making the time to join us.

This year’s Mother’s Day Breakfast was the biggest turnout we’ve seen in my time here at SMDP. The atmosphere was absolutely beautiful, there was a lovely buzz in the room, with laughter, conversation and people reconnecting with one another. It was a genuine celebration of community, warmth and gratitude.

Following the breakfast, we moved into the church for a special liturgy, standing room only! A heartfelt thank you to 2M for their beautiful preparation and leadership of the liturgy. Their song moved many to tears, reminding us all of the deep love, strength, and presence that mothers and carers bring into our lives. The message of their song captured so perfectly what Mother’s Day is all about, love that is constant, gentle, and strong.

On Friday and on Mother’s Day itself, we celebrated all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, foster carers, and special people who nurture and care for our children. And we also acknowledged those who couldn’t be with us for a variety of reasons, who are always held in our hearts.

On behalf of all the staff and students at SMDP, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you do, for the early mornings, the packed lunches, the school drop-offs, the helping with homework, the comforting words, the hugs and the endless acts of love and care. You are your child’s first teacher, their greatest role model and their biggest champion. The impact you have is immeasurable. 

Your influence goes beyond your own child. You help shape the heart of our school community. Through your values, your involvement, and your kindness, you help create an environment at SMDP where all children feel loved, seen, and supported. That sense of belonging is a gift and it starts with you.

To our students, thank you for being part of Friday’s celebration. And I hope you remembered to say a big “thank you” on Sunday to the person in your life who makes you feel safe, special, and loved. Whether it was a hug, a handmade card, or breakfast in bed, I know it would have meant the world.

I also want to take a moment to recognise the mothers and carers on our own staff. Your generosity, love, and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to you all. A very special mention to Caoimhe, who celebrated her first Mother’s Day this year, what a beautiful and precious milestone.

Our morning together was a heartfelt reminder of how powerful it is to pause, reflect and celebrate the people who lift us up. Thank you again, for sharing your morning with us, for all the ways you support your children, and for helping to make SMDP the warm, vibrant community it is.

Elise Coghlan

Acting Principal | Learning and Teaching Leader

St Martin de Porres Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, well-being, and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

 2025 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2025. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.