Principal's Panorama

Principal's Panorama

Dear Families of SMOTA, 

Please hold in your prayers, Mrs Sharon Wittig (former Principal) and her family, for the passing of her mother on Saturday evening.  Losing a loved one is always sad and is harder to bare at Christmas. Sharon, as a school community, we pray that in this time of loss that you will feel God's loving embrace.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.

And let perpetual light shine upon her. 

May she, through the mercy of God, 

rest in peace.

Amen

2025 Wrap

It is hard to believe how fast the 2025 school year has gone, one more week and it is complete. I would like to sincerely thank you for the support, partnership and trust you have shown our school community throughout the year. Your continued involvement, encouragement and commitment to your child/ren’s learning plays such an important role in all that we achieve together.

Uniform Update

Thank you for all of your patience. From 2022 when the Australian Bishops Council first indicated the need for a gender neutral option for school uniforms, we temporarily provided the option of wearing the white shirt for female students.  Through all of the student and community consultations the School Advisory Council has been there for it all. Finally at the end of 2025, Alinta has completed and approved all of its custom products for St Mary of the Angels, ready for production.  It has been a roller coaster but it has been worth it.  I cannot thank the School Advisory Council enough.

I have been assured that the Alinta Online Uniform Shop will be up and running in January.

Thank you to the Parents and Friends for their support by purchasing one free formal shirt for all of our 2026 students, this will certainly help when we have school photos Week One of Term 2!

2025 Transition

Our Transition young people finished their Transition to school program last Friday afternoon. Thirteen weeks of familiarisation with our school, their peers and their educators will see all twelve of our young people have a wonderful start to Early Stage One in the 2026 school year.  Our 2026 Transition to School Program will run on Fridays for Term 4. Thank you to Theresa Grills and Cassandra Gaddes for your boundless energy and patience, you truly are super stars.

Thank you to our volunteers!

2025 has been a huge year for registered volunteers at St Mary of the Angels.  

From our regular classroom helpers and readers;  Chris Hietbrink and Rita Williams, to our School Advisory Council: Anthony Rosser, Gayle Moses, Wendy Warner, Penny Furphy, Eleisha Outridge. From our Parents and Friends Association: Leisa Jones, Bec Cochrane, Jo Cruickshank, Marni Turner, Anne Lane, Sarah Campbell, Nikki Robinson, Sally Newberry to all other parents and carers who have joined us throughout the year to lend a hand on the BBQ, to throw water or chalk, to be a Cross Country Guide post, to be a timer on the swimming carnival, or to be a voice at our parent/carer feedback night.... Thank you! As the first educators of your child/ren,  you know it takes a village to raise a child, thank you for being a part of our community. 

To our dedicated staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. Your professionalism, care for our students and commitment to strong classroom practice has been clearly evident throughout the year. The learning taking place in our classrooms, along with the many opportunities provided through parent walks and talks, parent/carer feedback nights, liturgies, and school Masses, has made this a truly special year of learning and faith.

To our wonderful students, congratulations on a fantastic year. You should be very proud of your efforts, growth and achievements. It has been a joy to watch you develop not only as learners, but as young people living our school values each day, 2026 will see you continue to Strive Ever Higher!

To our graduating Year 6 students (Charlotte, Chase, Darcie, Ted, Grace, Hugo, Jack, Kobi, Lachlan C, Lachlan R, Lexi, Oskar, Peter and Ricky) we wish you every blessing as you take this next important step in your educational journey. 

You will always remain a valued part of our school family. We wish you every success as you move on to high school.

2026 Staffing

Early Stage One: Mrs Theresa Grills

Stage One: Miss Outridge 

Stage Two: Mrs Ahumada (Monday - Thursday) and Ms Holmes (Friday)

Stage Three: Mrs Hayes

IST: Mrs Phelps

Assistant Principal/ Leader of Pedagogy/ MaST: Ms Lockwood

Library: Ms Holmes

Administration: Naomi Davidson and Amber Ogilvie

Education Assistants: Karen Faint, Cassandra Gaddes, Molly Burton, Nioka Levy

Religious Education Co-Ordinator: Mrs Nugent

Principal: Mrs Nugent

I look forward to celebrating our final three days with you in Week 10. We have our Year 6 Leavers Dinner on Monday evening, the Year 6 Fun Day and St Mary of the Angels Presentation Evening on Tuesday and finally our Graduation Mass and Farewell BBQ on Wednesday.  It will be a fitting end for a full school year.

As the Christmas season approaches, I wish all families a safe, restful and joyous holiday. May this time be filled with peace, love and the blessings of the birth of Christ.

Thank you once again for being part of our faith-filled and supportive school community. We look forward to all that 2026 will bring.

May you all have a safe and joy filled holiday!

Zoe

Principal