Dear families,

We are entering Week 6 of Term 2 and we are certainly feeling the difference in the weather! As it gets colder, I have noticed there have been some questions about uniform and what is the right thing to wear! The uniform shop sells a rugby style jumper as well as a soft shell jacket and either of these are okay for everyday wear- whether it is sports day or normal uniform day. The other winter item is a windcheater that I believe is no longer stocked. I have asked Beleza to create a polar fleece zip up jacket with the school logo as a warmer option for Winter. This is something that may not be available quickly as it will need to be created. Jess Bloor, a parent in Prep, has shared that at Best and Less there is a polar fleece zip up available in a very close colour to our school uniform (it is called Royal Blue). Please feel free to purchase this in the interim if you feel your child needs something warmer! They are $16.

National Reconciliation Week 2025 – Bridging the Gap

This week, we come together as a school community to recognise National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3), a time to reflect on our shared history and to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and perspectives.

The theme for 2025, “Bridging the Gap,” invites us to think about the steps we can take—big or small—to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It reminds us that reconciliation is not just about words, but about meaningful actions that help close the gap in health, education, and opportunity.

At St Mary’s, we honour the voices and stories of First Nations peoples and strive to build a community that listens, learns, and walks together in respect and unity. Throughout the week, our students are engaging in thoughtful activities, prayer, and learning experiences that promote empathy, understanding, and hope for a more just and inclusive future.

Reconciliation is everyone’s business, and together we are planting the seeds of change—led by compassion, truth, and the belief that every child has a right to be seen, heard, and valued.

Leadership Team at St Mary's in 2025

Even though it is nearly June, I wanted to clarify with the community the School Leadership Team as it is in place for 2025- hopefully to ease any confusion. Please see the diagram with names and contact details. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any queries you may have. We are all available via our emails or by calling the office on 5979 1959.

Communication Chart

Please see the attached chart that outlines the different forms of communication we currently use at St Mary's. The different platforms can be confusing and overwhelming, as there is not a one stop shop for everything at this stage. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, there will be one platform for all information as rolled out and supported by the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools.

Honouring the Sacred Dignity of All

At St Mary’s, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. This means that each child and every family in our community holds a sacred dignity—something deeply valuable, given by God, and worthy of honour and respect.

As a Catholic school, this belief shapes how we treat one another every day. It’s in the way we greet students by name at the gate, how we make time to listen, and how we celebrate the unique gifts that each child brings into our learning spaces. It’s also in the way we embrace families in all their beautiful diversity, recognising that every home is the first and most important place where love and faith are learned.

We know that when children feel safe, seen, and truly valued, they are able to thrive—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s why we work to create a school culture where kindness is shown in our actions, fairness in our decisions, and compassion in our words.

Respecting the sacred dignity of others also means standing up for what is right, including looking out for those who may be feeling left out or unheard. Our students are learning that little acts of love—like including someone in a game, offering encouragement, or lending a hand—are powerful ways of living out Jesus’ message.

Together, as staff, families, and students, we share the responsibility to foster a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Have a wonderful week!

Nicole Black

Principal

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