Principal's Message

Welcome to the 2026 School Year

We are delighted to welcome all families back to SMDP for another year of learning, growth and community. As we begin 2026, we are pleased to introduce our school theme for the year: Dream Big.

Dream Big is more than a phrase. It reflects the mindset we want every child to carry with them, a belief in their potential, a willingness to embrace challenges and an understanding that who they are today is only the beginning of who they can become. It encourages students to recognise that effort matters, that learning takes courage and that mistakes are not setbacks but stepping stones.

Throughout the year, Dream Big will guide our teaching, our support for students and the way we work in partnership with families. This includes:

• Holding high expectations for every learner

• Creating safe, predictable environments where children feel secure and ready to take risks

• Supporting wellbeing so students can grow academically, socially, mentally and spiritually

• Encouraging curiosity, resilience and confidence

• Modelling a growth mindset so students see adults learning, trying and reflecting too

Every child arrives at school with their own strengths, stories and dreams. Some dream loudly, some quietly and some are still discovering what’s possible. Together, families and school, we help them imagine futures they may not yet have considered. We help them stretch themselves, try new things and believe in their own potential.

Welcome to Our New Families

This past week we also welcomed the newest members of our community. A warm welcome to our Prep students and to all families joining SMDP for the first time.

Although our Preps have been with us for only five days, they have already impressed us with their confidence and enthusiasm. They are learning routines, listening beautifully to stories, playing and sharing with one another and showing us what young learners can achieve when they feel safe and supported.

To our Prep parents, thank you. Your calmness, trust and partnership have helped your children settle so smoothly into school life. We appreciate the way you have prepared them, encouraged them and walked alongside them during these important first days.

As we step into the year ahead, we invite all families to Dream Big with us, to dream big about what your children can achieve, what we can achieve together and the kind of school community we continue to build. One where every child feels known, supported and inspired to grow.

Farewell to Kerrie

At the end of this term, we will farewell Kerrie, who is retiring after five years of dedicated service as a Learning Support Officer at SMDP. Since joining our school in 2021, Kerrie has brought calm, care and reliability to every day. She has supported students and staff with a steady presence and a willingness to help wherever it was needed.

Her warm manner, approachable nature and genuine commitment to our community have made a lasting impact. Kerrie is now looking forward to travelling around Australia with her husband and is excited to welcome her first grandchild. We thank her sincerely for her contribution to SMDP and wish her every happiness in the years ahead.

We are excited for the year ahead.

Warm regards, 

Elise Coghlan

Principal

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. 

 Teachers and Grades for 2026

 Our 2026 Specialist Programs

Leadership Team

2026 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2026. 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.