Principal's Panorama

Dear Families of SMOTA, 

THANK YOU P&F

Thank you to our team of volunteers for all of their preparation, planning and cooking for the Guyra Show Pavillion Catering. It is a VITAL fundraiser on our school's Parents and Friends Calendar. Every small act of support means the world to our school and our young people.

Carlo Acutis Exhibition

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we were deeply blessed to host the Carlo Acutis Exhibition, a truly inspiring experience for our students. 

This initiative reflects the vision of Bishop Peter Murphy, who is passionate about making the witness of the millennial saint Carlo Acutis accessible to young people across our Diocese. 

The young people were immersed in the travelling exhibition which included resources that explored Carlo’s life and works, as well as an actual relic, offering a powerful and tangible connection to his faith journey.

The Immaculata Community were involved in transporting, setting up and presenting the exhibition, and we are most grateful for their generosity and dedication.

But most importantly, our students absolutely loved the experience! Their engagement, curiosity and reflections showed just how strongly Carlo’s story resonates with young people today, inspiring them to deepen their faith and to turn their gaze toward God in their everyday lives.

Principals Meeting

Last week, I attended the Term One Principals' Meeting, which provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Diocese.

Hear from system leaders, to share best practice and reflect on priorities for the year ahead. These gatherings strengthen our collective commitment to quality Catholic education and to the care of the young people entrusted to us.

School Advisory Council

I would like to thank the parents/carers and staff who attended the School Advisory Council Annual General Meeting. 

It was wonderful to see such strong engagement and interest in the work of the School and the School Advisory Council. 

I am pleased to welcome both returning and newly elected members, and we look forward to working together in partnership at St Mary of the Angels.

We welcome:

Mitchell Hope: School Advisory Council Chairperson

Penny Furphy: School Advisory Council Vice Chairperson

Jeanice McCosker: School Advisory Council Secretary

Mrs Rita Williams: School Advisory Council General Member

Mrs Jo Cruickshank: School Advisory Council General Member

Miss Eleisha Outridge: School Advisory Council Staff Member

NAPLAN Years 3 and 5

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It is a nationwide measure made up of tests in the 4 areas:

• writing
• reading 
• conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
• numeracy.

NAPLAN will next take place from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March 2026, and students in Years 3, and Year 5 who are enrolled at St Mary of the Angels are expected to participate in all 4 NAPLAN tests.

Our Skilled Helpful Adults will ensure students are familiar with the format of the tests before the NAPLAN test window.

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.

It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing. 

It is about assessing learning progress. The best approach for preparing your child for NAPLAN is to encourage your child to do the best they can on the day.  

We do not define our young people by their results in one test... 

If you wish to practice with your child about what the test may look like, you can access the Public Demonstration Site HERE.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school and its mission.

Blessings until next time!

Zoe Nugent

Principal