Principal's Update

Dear Families,

As this is our final newsletter for the year, it is a special moment to pause, reflect and celebrate all that we have achieved together in 2025. It has been a year filled with growth, community spirit and many proud achievements across our school. I am grateful to every student, staff member and family for the part you have played in making St Margaret’s such a vibrant and faith-filled community.

Highlights from a great year - 2025: Coming to the end of the year, it is important to reflect on the achievements and successes of the year. There are so many that stand out.

Our highly affirming and successful School Review outlined St Margaret’s as a high performing school. Meeting all compliance requirements was also a significant achievement. This process has created the opportunity for a meaningful and comprehensive School Improvement Plan which will guide us for the next four years.

We were able to keep the building project on track despite significant financial challenges. Early in the year there was real concern about the viability of the project, so seeing it progress has been a major accomplishment.

Our NAPLAN and student learning outcomes were outstanding. The MySchool website published national results last week and St Margaret’s ranked in the top 14 percent of all Victorian schools. Our results compare very favourably with other local schools.

Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with St Mary’s School at St Patrick’s Cathedral was another highlight. In a jubilee year this was a meaningful way for our parish schools to connect.

Our sporting achievements have been remarkable. Historically this has not been a strength of our school. To see Mr Hogan and Mr Mammone coach our football and soccer teams to the final 16 primary schools in Victoria was an incredible achievement.

Our community events have also been memorable. The success of the school athletics day showed how our community can come together with so many families present to cheer on our students.

School Advisory Council: I would like to thank the School Advisory Council for their support across the year. Council members Tom Hartelt, Katharine Shanahan, Joe Falvo, Sophie Wang, Ramsin Khoshbakht, Thomas Liew and our Council Chair Melissa Wallace have been a wonderful support to me and to our leadership team. I thank Melissa for her leadership of the Council and extend special thanks to Tom and Thomas whose time on the Council has come to an end.

Parents and Friends Association: Thank you to the Parents and Friends for their hard work and commitment in 2025. Particular thanks to Lisa Morley, Rachael Barresi and Tamara Warton who are stepping down from their roles. I am especially grateful to Lisa for her outstanding leadership as President over the past three years. Lisa and her husband Rob have been tremendous supporters of our school and I thank them sincerely.

Congratulations to our Year 6 students. Goodbye and good luck: I wish our departing Year 6 students every blessing as their time at St Margaret’s comes to an end. They have been an exceptional group and we are proud of all they have achieved over their seven years with us. They have grown as learners, leaders and friends and have contributed so much to the positive culture of our school. We thank them for their kindness, resilience and sense of community. We look forward to formally farewelling them at the graduation Mass at St Mary’s Church on Thursday evening.

Congratulations to our new student leaders for 2026: As we farewell our current Year 6 students we also look forward to welcoming our new student leaders for 2026. After a rigorous selection process, we have appointed an impressive group of leaders. A highlight for me was being present as our school captains and vice captains phoned their parents to share the news. Congratulations to all students who will take on formal leadership roles next year.

Building project update: It has been exciting to see the building project progress so strongly in recent weeks. Raysett Constructions is confident that the building will be at lock up stage before the Christmas break. Glaziers and bricklayers are working to prepare for the next phase. We expect the building to be handed over in early March which will allow us to move in before the end of Term 1. Fencing across the school will also be removed at this time.

Meeting our new teachers. Step up day: A reminder that next Monday 15 December is our Step Up Day for 2026. Students will meet their new teachers and some of their new classmates. This is a valuable opportunity for students to become familiar with aspects of the year ahead.

Over the past two weeks we have been fortunate to experience some amazing highlights at St Margaret’s. It has been a super exciting time of celebration, community and joy as we come together to mark the end of the year.

Colour Run: We were blessed with perfect weather for our annual Colour Run. It was a fantastic event filled with fun, laughter and community spirit, as well as an opportunity to raise funds for our school. The photos capture the colour, energy and excitement of the day.

Christmas Picnic: Following the Colour Run, it was wonderful to see our community gather for the Christmas Picnic. Families enjoyed a relaxed and festive evening together. Thank you to the Parents and Friends, especially Lisa Morley, for organising such a lovely event.

Art Show: Our biannual Art Show was a standout celebration of creativity. The multipurpose room was transformed into an artistic wonderland that showcased the impressive talents of our students. Thank you to Ms Iannello and her team for their incredible work in bringing this event to life.

Mini fete: Congratulations to our Year 6 students who raised almost five thousand dollars for charity through the mini fete. This proud tradition of giving back reflects the generosity and spirit of our school community.

Celebrating the gifts and talents of our students: I have been overwhelmed with joy as many students have shared their successes with me over the past few weeks. Highlights include Leonardo Basilone winning the overall drivers championship in his go kart division, Chloe Morley being awarded the Maribyrnong Park under 11 best and fairest in netball, Willow who recently came 2nd in her first Judo competition and a range of academic and creative achievements from students across the school. It is a privilege to celebrate these accomplishments with our children.

As we prepare for the Christmas break I would like to wish all families a joyful and restful holiday. We are part of an amazing school community and I thank every student, family and staff member for your support and commitment throughout 2025.

We are currently in the season of Advent, a time of waiting, hope and preparation. As we look forward to Christmas may we remember the true meaning of this season. The birth of Jesus calls us to hope, peace and generosity of spirit. May this Christmas bring warmth to your homes and a reminder of God’s love present in our lives.

Merry Christmas and God bless,

John