Principal's Message

I can hardly believe this is the final newsletter I write for 2025. As I sit and reflect on the year that has been, I am filled with gratitude and pride, it is almost impossible to capture in words just how much we have achieved together.

This year has been rich with moments of joy, growth and connection. We welcomed our new Prep students and families, settled into our new portable classrooms and celebrated the special people in our lives on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day. We shared in the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation and delighted in the creativity at our Art Show. Our students explored the community through excursions to the zoo and the farm, challenged themselves in interschool sports and came together for our school Fun Run. And of course, we ended the year on a high with our Christmas Carols last week, a true celebration of community spirit.

I feel privileged to be principal of such a vibrant, caring and faith‑filled school community. The warmth, generosity and commitment of our families, staff and students make St Martin de Porres a truly special place.

We give heartfelt thanks to our Year 6 students as they prepare to embark on their next chapter. For those families who have no siblings following them, we send our very best wishes for the future. May St Martin de Porres always hold a special place in your hearts.

It has been a joy to get to know each of our Year 6 students. In my first year at SMDP they were Prep students. They are an extraordinary group of young people, resilient, compassionate and full of promise. I am confident they will make a positive impact wherever life takes them and I look forward to hearing of their achievements in the years ahead.

To those students who are not in Year 6 but are moving schools, we also send our warmest good wishes. May your new communities welcome you as warmly as ours has.

Finally, a genuine thank you to all our students. You are the heart of our school, the reason we are here. Thank you for making St Martin de Porres such a special place. We ask God to bless you and keep you safe over these holidays and we look forward to seeing you refreshed, re‑energised and ready for another exciting year in 2026.

Next year brings new opportunities and new faces. We are delighted to welcome Aisling McCluskey who will be joining our community. Aisling has moved to Australia from Ireland and we are so excited that she is joining our school community next year. 

We say farewell to Tessa Scott as she begins her maternity leave and Olivia Allan who is moving to New York although their time at SMDP has been short, they have made a truly positive and lasting impact on the lives of our staff and students. We wish them both all the best in 2026.

As we close the year, I extend my deepest thanks to you, our parents and families, for your partnership, encouragement and trust. Your support makes all the difference and it is through our shared commitment that our children flourish.

Teachers and Grades for 2026

 Our 2026 Specialist Programs

Next year our leadership positions will be made up of:

Have a safe and peaceful Christmas. Once again thank you for your generosity, I hope time with friends and families brings joy and your homes are full of love and laughter.

Warm regards, 

Elise Coghlan

Principal

St Martin de Porres Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, well-being, and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

2026 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2026. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.