Deputy Principal

Student Voice Leaders

Our Year 5 students are busy applying for a Student Voice Leadership position. This is a new initiative that we are rolling out to improve student agency across our school. Speeches will be delivered to peers, teachers and leaders in week 8. Stay tuned for the announcement of the successful applicants.

Take a Break Space

We are so fortunate at St Mary's to have a fully furnished and specially equipped Take a Break Space for students who are feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated or over-stimulated. The Take a Break has been carefully designed to maximise students' potential to self-regulate. In the early years (Prep-2) students are supported by an adult to utilise the space for co-regulation. As the students grow older and develop regulation skills and strategies, they are able to utilise this space independently.

The benefits of the Take a Break space include:

- Helps Students Regulate Emotions

They can use the space to:

• take deep breaths
• reflect on their feelings
• use calming tools (stress balls, breathing cards, sensory items)

This builds emotional self-regulation skills, which are important for learning and social development.

- Reduces Classroom Disruptions

When students have a designated place to calm themselves, it can prevent situations from escalating. Instead of acting out or arguing, students can step away, calm down, and return ready to learn. This helps maintain a more positive and productive classroom environment.

- Teaches Self-Management and Independence

A calm down space encourages students to recognise when they need a break and take responsibility for managing their emotions. Over time, they learn to:

• identify triggers
• choose strategies to cope
• return to learning when ready

This supports the development of independent coping strategies.

Students are encouraged to follow the guidelines of the Take a Break space.

Mighty Mary's

St Mary's Mighty Mary positive behaviour acknowledgement system is in full swing! So many students across the school have earned 10+ tokens on their chart which has awarded them a certificate. These 10 points equate to 10 House Points. At the end of the term, the winning house will celebrate their achievement with a group award. 

As we come close to the end of term, house points are adding up! It's going to be a close call!