Principal's Message
A Message from the Principal
Together We Learn, Together We Flourish
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you have had a restful break and a blessed Easter with your family and loved ones. As we begin a new term together, we are reminded of the great hope of the Resurrection — that through the Risen Lord, we are continually invited to renewal, growth and new beginnings. May this Easter season guide each of us in our thoughts, words and actions in the weeks ahead.
I was incredibly fortunate to spend Easter in Rome, attending Mass at the Vatican with Pope Leo. Standing among thousands of people from all over the world was a powerful and humbling experience, one filled with reverence and prayerfulness. The Holy Father’s message was clear — a call for peace. Peace in our world, in our communities, and importantly, in our daily interactions with one another. It is a message that remains deeply relevant for all of us.
As a Catholic community, this calls us to reflect honestly on what it means to be a person of faith. It is not enough to simply say we are Christian or to display symbols of our faith. While these are important expressions of who we are, they only have meaning when they are reflected in the way we live.
Our faith is made visible through:
the way we speak to one another
the respect we show in our interactions
the patience and understanding we demonstrate
and the example we set for our children
Every word and action matters.
In our school community, it is essential that all interactions, particularly with staff and one another, are grounded in respect. Language that includes swearing or aggression is never appropriate. We must ask ourselves: What are we modelling for our children? They are always watching, always learning.
Similarly, the messages our children receive beyond the classroom also shape who they become. Many programs across various media platforms do not reflect the dignity, respect and values we seek to instil. They often portray relationships, conflict and identity in ways that are not aligned with our Christian beliefs. As parents and educators, we share the responsibility of guiding our children to understand what is appropriate, respectful and life-giving.
We also need to be mindful of how we teach children to respond to challenges. Encouraging aggression or violence as a solution does not prepare them for life in a respectful and just society. Instead, we are called to guide them towards dialogue, understanding, forgiveness and peace.
At the heart of our mission is this simple but powerful truth: we are called to show the face of God to others.
This means:
respecting every person, regardless of religion, race or appearance
choosing kindness over judgement
responding with calm rather than anger
and always seeking to build, not break, relationships
As we begin this new term, I invite us all to pause and reflect:
Are we living the message of peace?
Are our words and actions aligned with the faith we profess?
Let us work together, as a community, to model for our children what it truly means to live a life of faith.
At St Margaret Mary’s, we continue to hold firmly to our vision: “Together we learn. Together we flourish.” and our guiding truth: “Love the Truth.”
And as Pope Francis said before he left this world:
“It is not enough to say we are Christians. We must live the faith, not only with our words but with our actions.” Pope Francis.
May this term be one where we grow not only in learning, but in faith, compassion and unity.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school community.
Kind regards,
Grace
Grace Carlo-Stella
Principal