Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

It’s hard to believe we are only in Week 3. We have certainly hit the ground running with our Opening School Mass, Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Class Information Sessions all happening last week. We also had the mighty Eastern Suburbs Roosters out to speak to the students and managed pancakes to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. 

Monday of this week, Danni McClure and I attended an Archdiocesan Principal’s meeting with a focus on teaching reading. The keynote speaker was Rauno Parrila, the director of the Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy, at the Australian Catholic University. In his address, Rauno cited recent research on how we can best teach students to read. We were very encouraged to find STMM is on track with our classroom practice and intervention programs in this area. Later in the afternoon, we were asked to review our school’s NAPLAN reading results and once again STMM was well positioned when compared to other similar schools.

In addition to participating in network professional development on reading K-2, writing 3-4 and mathematics 5-6, our teachers will be taking a closer look at differentiation. One of our main improvement goals for 2024 is to develop teachers' ability to extend our more capable learners. We have taken the first steps in working towards this goal with our new STEM centre and the way we have structured our Science lesson for this term.

St Margaret Mary’s Open Days 

Wednesday 6th March 

    Session 1 9.00 - 11.00 am

    Session 2 4.00 - 6.00 pm

Saturday 9th March 9.30 - 12.00 

Our School Open Days provide an excellent opportunity for new students and families to explore classrooms and facilities, meet staff and get a glimpse into what makes our school so unique. 

Open Classrooms

As our Open Days fall in Sydney Catholic Schools Week all existing parents and carers are also warmly invited Wednesday 6 March from 9.00 - 11.00am to see classrooms and view the children participating in different learning areas. Once again the school has launched an extensive marketing campaign but nothing beats ‘word of mouth’ personal recommendations. Thank you to everyone who speaks highly of the school in the wider community, we are always striving for excellence. I also remind you if you have any concerns with aspects pertaining to the school, it's always best to raise them with staff or myself.

Student Acceptable Use Technology Agreement

For parents of children 3-6, please ensure you have read through the acceptable use of technology agreement sent home with your child. It is important that both you and your child are aware of the school’s expectations with regard to technology. Remember if your child is 10 or younger you must sign on their behalf. If teachers have not received a signed agreement from your child they will not be permitted to use their technology at school until it is returned. If you require another agreement please see your child’s class teacher.