Message from the Principal

Dear Community, 

Welcome back to a new term! I hope everyone had a restful and refreshing break, filled with moments to recharge and reconnect. As we begin Term 2, there’s a real sense of excitement in the air and so much to look forward to in the weeks ahead.

This term brings new opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement. Classrooms will be buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration as students dive into engaging topics and continue building on the strong foundations established earlier in the year. It’s always inspiring to see the confidence and enthusiasm that a new term can spark.

We also have a range of activities, events, and experiences planned that will enrich student learning both inside and outside the classroom. From projects and excursions to sports and community events, Term 2 promises to be both dynamic and rewarding.

As always, our focus remains on supporting every student to do their best, embrace challenges, and celebrate progress—big and small. We encourage everyone to approach this term with a positive mindset, a willingness to try new things, and a commitment to working together as a supportive school community.

Playground Installation Update

The new playground was due to be installed this week; however, there was a delay in manufacturing so this is now scheduled to begin on Tuesday 12th of May. It should take 2-3 days for completion. We are very excited about this improvement!

Locks on external gate

You may have noticed that there are some locks on the external gates at the front of the school and at the parish entrance to the school. These gates will be unlocked during drop off and pick up time and locked at all other times (before and after school as well as during the school day). This is to ensure child safety at all times.

Our new website has been launched!

Over the past term, I have been working on revamping our school website. It has now been officially launched and is inclusive of some of the fantastic images that were taken by the MACS media team last term. Check it out for yourself at:

https://www.smcastlemaine.catholic.edu.au/

11 Month, 11 Standards - Child Safety

The Child Safe Standards are a set of 11 requirements that organisations must follow to create a culture and environment that is safe for children. These standards aim to prevent, respond to, and report child abuse by requiring organisations to implement policies, procedures, and practices that put children’s safety and well-being first. They were developed in response to inquiries and recommendations from Royal Commissions and aim to drive cultural change within organisations that provide services or facilities for children.

Each month we will be sharing a newsletter item to highlight one of the standards. The pieces have some information about each standard, what it means and how families can get involved.

Earlier this year I shared the first standard:

Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

The second standard is:

Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Please find more information attached below.

We’re excited for what lies ahead and look forward to sharing many successes along the way. Here’s to a fantastic Term 2!

Kind regards,

Shannon Betham

Acting Principal