Principal's Update

Dear Families,

The school goats have returned! Always a favourite amongst our students, these friendly four-legged helpers are once again hard at work keeping our grass short and tidy. Their presence brings great excitement and joy to the school. The last few weeks have seen the mornings turn noticeably fresher, signalling the beginning of the colder months with the appearance of jackets and St Margaret’s beanies. Whilst it is getting colder outside, things at school have certainly heated up with a range of exciting learning opportunities and events over the past fortnight.

Faith and Sacramental Life: Our Year 6 students continue their faith journey as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Last Tuesday, they took part in a meaningful Confirmation Immersion Day – a dedicated time to reflect, explore and deepen their understanding of this important step in their spiritual development. The day was a great success thanks to the efforts of the Year 6 teaching team and Ms Alison, whose leadership and care have supported students every step of the way.

A special moment from this day was the visit from Western Bulldogs footballer, Matthew Kennedy. Matthew spoke to the students about his Catholic faith, the role his family plays in his life, and how his beliefs have shaped his football career and personal journey. He shared his story with great humility and honesty, offering a powerful example of living one's faith with integrity. It was a beautiful session, and we are incredibly grateful to Ms Alison and the school team for creating such a meaningful and inspiring experience.

Learning Comes to Life: One of the things I have quickly come to admire about St Margaret’s is the way learning is brought to life in such practical and engaging ways. Having worked in several schools over the years, I can honestly say that I have not seen any school do this better than St Margaret’s.

Recently, our Year 1 students ventured out on an excursion to the Melbourne Aquarium, where they explored a range of marine life and environments, bringing their classroom learning into the real world in an exciting and memorable way. Meanwhile, our Prep students enjoyed a Wildlife Incursion, with an incredible array of native animals brought directly into the school. The joy and curiosity on the children’s faces as they engaged with the animals was a clear reminder of how powerful hands-on learning can be. These experiences spark wonder, make learning real, and deepen understanding in ways that traditional lessons alone cannot always achieve. They are an important part of how we nurture a love of learning in our students.

Looking Ahead: Prep 2026 and Beyond: It has been a great pleasure to begin meeting with families whose children will be starting Prep at St Margaret’s in 2026. These early connections are a significant and exciting moment in a child’s education journey, and it is a privilege to share in the anticipation and hopes of these new families.

We continue to experience very strong enrolment interest for next year’s Prep intake. If you have not yet submitted an application for a child due to start in 2026, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible to ensure a place.

Behind the Scenes: While much of the activity at school is visible through learning and events, there is also a great deal happening behind the scenes. The school is currently preparing for our 4 year external review – a valuable opportunity for reflection, growth and forward planning. We are carefully reviewing our priorities for improvement and ensuring we meet all required policy and compliance standards.

Teachers are also working hard to finalise assessments and track student progress as part of the reporting process. This is a significant body of work and reflects the deep commitment of our staff to ensuring each child is seen, supported and celebrated in their learning.

In Closing: Please continue to keep our Year 6 students in your thoughts and prayers as they enter the final stages of their Confirmation preparation. It is a special and sacred time, and your support means so much.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust – we look forward to another fortnight filled with growth, discovery and hope.

God bless,

John