Principal Announcements

Newsletter 5 Term 1

Open Day Success – Thank You to Our Grade 6 Leaders!

We were thrilled to welcome so many prospective families during our recent Open Day as we look ahead to welcoming new students in 2026. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the warmth, learning, and spirit of our school community.

A very special congratulations to our amazing Grade 6 student leaders, who did a fantastic job leading informative and welcoming tours. Their confidence, pride, and knowledge truly impressed our visitors and reflected the best of what our school has to offer. Well done!

Celebrating Catholic Education Week – A Week Full of Joy and Meaning

Last week we embraced the joy and spirit of Catholic Education Week with a range of meaningful and fun activities that brought our community together.

On Wednesday, we took part in Sandhurst Switches Off, making a conscious effort to care for our environment by switching off lights and devices—a small act with a big impact. That same day, our students had an energising and joyful African drumming session, filling the school with rhythm and laughter! Meanwhile, our cross-country runners represented us with enthusiasm and determination at the Interschool Cross-Country—we are so proud of you all!

Throughout the week, we’ve reflected on how to be Pilgrims of Hope, asking ourselves: How can we include others and bring joy to those around us? Many of our students made a special effort to show kindness, offer encouragement, and include others in the playground—beautiful examples of living our faith.

On Thursday, there was plenty of excitement as students carefully selected gifts at our Mother’s Day Stall, and on Friday morning, we welcomed many families for our Mother’s Day Breakfast High Tea, and Mass. It was a heartwarming celebration of the amazing women and special caregivers in our lives. Special thanks to Kym Cox, Georgia Gattuso, Ann-Margaret Carroll and all of the special helpers!

We also took part in a Lockdown Emergency Drill on Friday—thank you to all students and staff for your calm and responsible behaviour. Safety is always a priority at our school.

Finally, throughout the week, students spent time on goal setting with their teachers. We’ve encouraged everyone to reflect on what we’ve discussed at assemblies—how we can grow in learning, faith, and friendship.

What a joyful and inspiring week 3!

Welcoming Pope Leo XIV

We joyfully welcome the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, as the 268th successor of St. Peter. As the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV brings with him a renewed sense of hope and guidance for Catholics around the world. His election marks a new chapter in the life of the Church, calling us to deepen our faith, strengthen our communities, and walk together in love and service.

Let us keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he takes on this sacred mission, leading the Church with wisdom, compassion, and courage. May the Holy Spirit guide him in all he does.

“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” – Matthew 16:18

A Special Thank you!

St. Mary’s thanks to Shirley Harrison for donating a freezer for us to be able to store Food Share meals and breakfast club goodies. We really appreciate this support to aid in the delivery of these community initiatives across the school.

New Disability Parking

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new disability parking space at the carpark entry to the Marian Centre. This designated space, along with the existing disability park in front of the church, ensures that students and visitors who require accessible parking can do so safely and conveniently. We kindly remind parents and guardians to use only the other parking bays, leaving these spaces free for those who need them at all times. Your ongoing cooperation helps us support all members of our school community.

Thank you for your understanding and support in making our school an inclusive space for everyone.

St. Mary’s Bingo

We are currently seeking support for St. Mary's Bingo, which would generally involve your attendance on a Saturday evening once a term. With numbers being quite short at the moment, your help would be invaluable! Bingo is a fantastic way to engage with our school community while raising funds for various programs. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Maree Williams on 0438 084 364.

Thank you for your consideration, your support makes a big difference!

End of 2025 School Dates

From Sandhurst Diocese advice, our last school days for 2025 for students and staff will be as follows:

  • Friday 12th December – Last day for students
  • Monday 15th December – Staff Planning/Professional Development Day (Student-Free)
  • Tuesday 16th December – Staff Planning/Professional Development Day (Student-Free)
  • Wednesday 17th December – Friday 19th December – School Closure Days

Before School Supervision

Please note that all students that arrive at school prior to 8:30am must fill out an application via the link below. For new and casual before school arrivals, please complete prior to 4:00pm each day to enable student lists to be updated for the following morning. Before school supervision is for early bus travellers and parents/guardians who must attend work earlier than 8:30am. A reminder that students are not to arrive or be at school before 8:00am as they are not actively supervised. 

I appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation regarding this.

Before School Supervision

Assembly 5th May

Assembly 12th May

 

Principal’s Awards

5th May - 

Charlotte Vanderschoot lives out our Gospel values of love, understanding, and respect through her enthusiastic involvement in extracurricular activities. Her recent achievements in basketball reflect her dedication and positive spirit. 

Well done, Charlotte, for letting your light shine and showing such wonderful resilience!

 

12th May –

Havanna Collins has demonstrated an exceptional ability to live out our Gospel values of love, understanding and respect by being involved with such interest and enthusiasm in the African drumming session last week. 

Well done Havana for letting your light shine and displaying respect and leadership for St. Mary’s!

Attendance matters!

Every minute matters. This is a simple statement, but a true one. For every minute a child is at school they learn. For every minute they are absent they not only miss out on learning, but they also lose some previous learning.

Even a few minutes late can affect a students learning time.

 

Ms V’s Inspirations

"Holiness doesn't mean doing extraordinary things but doing ordinary things with love and faith."

Tweeted by Pope Francis on 5 December 2013

 

“Let your light shine before others.” – Matthew 5:16