Community Wellness

Attendance has started strongly this term, with our school reaching 93% in Week 1. Wednesday of Week 2 has seen 95% of our learners at school, an outstanding achievement! This is a positive foundation for learning and reflects the commitment of our learners and families to being present. If you have any challenges getting your child to school, please email me directly at lchapman@smechuca.catholic.edu.au and we can put together an attendance plan, and supports.  

It has also been a smooth return, with learners demonstrating positive behaviours across all learning spaces. In Weeks Two and Three, our behaviour focus has been drawn from the SME Behaviour Matrix, with a particular emphasis on Be Respectful in the classroom context. We encourage families to have conversations with their children about what this looks and sounds like in our school setting. Let us continue to work together to maintain this positive trend.  

At St. Mary’s, we offer care meals to families facing challenges or celebrating significant life events. These meals are designed to foster a sense of community by providing nourishment, support, and solace. As a modern Catholic school, we strive to emulate the service of Jesus, tailored to the needs of our community. 

Liz Chapman 

Deputy Principal: Community Wellness 

Care Meals

At St. Mary's, we believe that one of the most powerful ways we can live out our Catholic identity is by showing up for one another — not just in words, but in action.

We are again inviting families to be part of our Care Meals initiative — a simple but deeply meaningful way to support members of our school community during some of life's most significant moments.

Care meals are home-cooked meals prepared by our generous school families and distributed to those in our community who could use a little extra love and nourishment. Meals are shared with families navigating grief and loss, welcoming a new baby, moving through a stressful or overwhelming season, managing the demands of an incredibly busy life, or simply going through a time when a warm meal from a caring neighbour makes all the difference.

Families who would like to contribute will receive foil trays to make it as easy as possible. Simply prepare a home-cooked meal, list the ingredients, and we will take care of getting it to the family who needs it most.

If your family would like to donate a meal — or if you'd like more information — please email Tegan at treid@smechuca.catholic.edu.au