Principal's Panorama

Dear Families of SMOTA, 

I can not believe that it is Week 10!

We have had an extremely busy Term 3 and I would love to celebrate with you the results of our recent Year 1 phonics screener. Data shows that our St Mary of the Angels young people are 'on track' for the phonics screener and their results show that they are 7% higher than the Diocesan average. Well done!! 

✨ Thank You – Stage 3 Canberra Excursion ✨

Our Stage 3 students had a wonderful time on their recent excursion to Canberra. From visiting Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and Questacon, to exploring other key landmarks, the trip was both fun and educational.

We would like to sincerely thank our amazing staff (Ange Hayes, Libby Lockwood and Eleisha Outridge) who gave their time and energy to make this experience possible, and our parent community for your support. A special thank you also to our students, who represented our school with pride, respect, and enthusiasm throughout the trip.

This excursion has given our Stage 3 students memories and learning experiences they will carry with them for years to come.

Social Media Ban

As I am sure you will all now be aware, the Australian Parliament has voted for restrictions for all Australians under 16 to social media platforms. From 10th December 2025, age restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account. 

Under the new law, age-restricted platforms will be expected to take steps to:

• find existing accounts held by under-16s, and deactivate those accounts
• prevent under-16s from opening new accounts
• prevent workarounds that may allow under-16s to bypass the restrictions

FAQ from eSafety commission HERE

Is your family ready? For advice and suggestions please see  HERE from the Council of Catholic School Parents ACT/NSW

Water Familiarisation 2025

Water familiarisation (three sessions per Stage) will occur in Week 6 of Term 4 2025 from the 17th November to 19th November 2025. 

Please note: This is water familiarisation and NOT swim school or swimming lessons. We have included the program this year as an addition to our curriculum.

SAC AGM

Our  School Advisory Council AGM will be held on the 25th November 2025. At this meeting we will fill any vacancy that may exist on our School Advisory Council from within the school community.

All nominations will be subject to a prayerful discernment process that will involve the SAC and those considering nomination to the SAC. The process will acknowledge potential, perceived or real conflicts of interest. This in itself is not an impediment. The process will have regard for confidentiality and be respectful towards all nominees. 

Before Nomination Time:

When nominations are called before a November AGM, a compulsory information session on the role of the SAC, and what is not the role of the SAC and of the discernment process will be advertised and must be attended byall  Intending/Potential SAC nominees. In order to make good discernment, we need to have a clear and shared understanding of the mission of the group.  To have an understanding of what is our shared purpose.

Personal prayer and reflection will assist us in becoming more self-aware as we enter the discernment process.  Ask yourself "Am I acting in my interest or am I seeking the greater good?" Potential nominees should consider if this is right for them and if it is right for them now.

Pointers that can help you discern God’s will:

• Talk to someone you respect: God often speaks to us through the wisdom of others. Seek out the wisdom of at least one and perhaps a few people who you feel have the gift of wisdom and ask for their advice.

• Find some solitude: It is good to talk to other people when making important decisions, but at some point, it is crucial to make some time to be alone with your thoughts and with God. Invite God into your decision making process.

• Start with what you know: Lay out all of the facts in front of yourself so that you can deal with the known before you delve into the unknown.

• Tell God what it is you desire and what you fear: Be honest and tell God what your deepest desires and fears are in this situation. Before you can say the words “Thy will be done”, be sure you are truly in touch with your own will.

• Let God speak to you: Most of us don’t actually hear a voice when God speaks to us. However, pay attention closely to the ways that God is speaking to you. What kinds of thoughts, feelings, (especially love, joy and peace, or a lack thereof), and memories that God might be stirring within you to help you make your decision?

• Know God has a plan for you: Remind yourself that you are not on your own and that you don’t have to yell and scream to get God’s attention to help you in this matter. On the contrary, remind yourself that God has a plan for you and that His plan is driven purely by love.

• Pray to do God’s will: As difficult as it may be, pray the words “Thy will be done”, asking God to give you the strength you need to continue to discern His will and to follow it.

• Wait: If circumstances allow, wait before making your decision. Continue to pay attention to your feelings to see which direction you are being drawn to.

• Prayerfully commit: At some point, you need to act. Knowing that you have sought God’s will, set forth to do the loving thing.

Some of our choices in life require deep thought, prayer and consideration, lest we find ourselves facing the consequences of a poor decision.

That’s where discernment comes in.

Election of new members

Calls for final nomination will be publicised to the school community two (2) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting in November according to Section 9.0 of the Constitution. Nomination forms accompany this call for nomination and can be accessed from school administration or from the COMPASS post.

Following the process of discernment and completion of the compulsory information session, any candidate seeking election as a school community member shall be nominated by a member of the school community or by self-nomination. 

Election of members to replace retiring members shall be held at the Annual General Meeting. The members of the current SAC shall elect the new member(s). If there are a greater number of candidates than required, an election will be held by secret ballot, decided by a simple majority. The Returning Officer should be one of the two ex-officio members of the SAC, the Parish Priest or the Principal, and shall conduct the election and declare the result.

Long Service Leave 

As you will all know, I will be taking Long Service Leave from Monday 22nd September 2025 (Term 3, Week 10) and will return on Monday 27th October 2025 (Term 4, Week 3). I am grateful for your continued commitment and support during this time and know that our school will continue to thrive under the care of Libby Lockwood.  Libby will be Acting Principal throughout my leave. She can be contacted via the front office or via email (lmchugh@arm.catholic.edu.au). 

Until next term, stay safe, have a blessed and gentle holiday period.

We will see all students return on Tuesday 14th October 2025!

Zoe Nugent

Principal