From the Principal 

Dear Families 

Last week our focus on Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day permeated through the entire community, culminating in a reflective Paraliturgy.  Please read Mr Millane’s Education in Faith page of the newsletter. You can also learn about our Year 6 Social Justice Leader’s Winter Coat and Blanket Appeal. 

Our Year 4 students are beginning their preparation for First Eucharist and we thank Father Jerome, Mr Millane, Mrs McDonald and Mrs Perri for leading this. Again more information on the Education in Faith. 

Broome 

A fortnight ago I had the privilege of attending the South Central Catholic Principal's Network Conference in the Kimberley, Western Australia. My time away included visiting remote primary schools in Derby and Beagle Bay and we immersed ourselves in learning about faith, culture and community from an Indigenous perspective and within Indigenous communities. We enjoyed beautiful weather and spent the time deepening our understanding and connection to Aboriginal spirituality, cultures, languages and traditions.

We had time to be enriched and consider how we are culturally responsive in our own lives and in our own school communities. It became obvious through beautiful experiences and meeting great people that once we know better we do better.  Integrating our cultures together in our communities is up to each one of us. 

Grappling with reconciliation is so important when acknowledging the diverse ancient culture of Aboriginal people. There is much to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through their knowledge, cultures and traditions. Not only did we learn about how the Catholic Church supported Indigenous communities up North, but we also heard from elders who were among the stolen generation and how being taken from their family impacted and still impacts their lives today and how decisions of the government of the time and of today impacts lives in Australia.

We came together in prayer and for Mass and learned about the relationships of the Aboriginal people, their spirituality and connectedness to the environment. An excellent way to culminate a week of learning and immersion.

Networking with great Principals who brought their positive attitudes and enthusiasm was also a highlight. Such a great support network who are willing to listen and share their experiences and knowledge. 

Our week had an emphasis on relationships, respect and opportunities to foster connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. All our experiences had a meaningful impact toward us playing our part in Australia’s reconciliation journey. 

The timing of this Principal Conference was perfect with all of this taking place as we acknowledge National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. It certainly affirmed in each of us a respect for the languages, cultures and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Thank you to James Millane, for steering the St Mary’s ship in his role as Acting Principal, to our Leadership Team: Angela Mason, Catherine Le Hunt, Daniela Borgese, our beautiful  Erica and to all the staff for ensuring all continued on seamlessly. Thank you also to Father Jerome for checking in throughout the week. 

School Review 2025 

Every four years schools undertake a rigorous review both at an organisational and pedagogical level, and at a compliance level. For the last six months our staff have reflected, reviewed and compiled evidence to showcase our school against the school improvement frame rubric. This has been a time of celebration of what has been achieved and to focus on the next four years. Dr Judith Gurvich is our Reviewer and has an extensive background in principalship and academia. We enjoyed sharing our school with her last Wednesday for her initial visit. 

Next Wednesday and Thursday she will be onsite meeting with each member of staff, various student groups from Prep to Year 6,  Father Jerome and some parents. Thank you to those families who were randomly selected for speaking with Judith next week. From these days and the School Improvement Framework document, she will draft a report which will then be shared with the Leadership Team. In partnership this is collated and will then be shared with staff and the community through our overarching planning documentation  for 2026- 2030!  

I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the work James Millane, our Deputy Principal has done in gathering this data and leading this process. He should be incredibly proud of his work, as are we. 

I am often focussed on what needs to be done at St Mary’s and where to next. The review has allowed me some time to process all that we have achieved in the last four years and looking at photos from 2021 to now it is hard to recognise the school. Each of you have played a part in this journey and I feel really excited about the next four years and what we will achieve! 

Imaginarium 

On Monday, Drew Lane continued to work with us, for our school production. The leads participated in a four hour workshop consisting of singing, dancing and the 'blocking' of both. I was impressed with their energy, ability to learn the routines and their singing. Each of them is embracing leaving their comfort zones behind and we are very proud of them. Drew will next be in on Monday 16th June to work with the whole school. Drew will also share with us the sets required and how each student will design their own outfit in art classes. We will share this information in the next few weeks. 

School Trivia Night 

Last Friday night was enjoyed by all that attended and a huge shout out to Jeremy, Holly, Mel and many others for making this such a great night. Please read more about it on the P & F page in the newsletter. There are some great photos! 

We congratulate Everleigh and her family on their citizenship. Everleigh has been very proud sharing this with Mrs Borgese and her friends in Prep B. 

Finally reminding everyone that tomorrow is a Student Free Day. Their Care is available if required. As a whole staff we are continuing our work with Vision for Instruction, focussing on Spelling. This work will build upon professional learning undertaken at the beginning of the year and our PD days before the Labor Day weekend.  We look forward to a highly informative day led by our Literacy Leaders Mrs Borgese and Mrs Mason, supported by Mr Millane, our Teaching and Learning Leader.  Our amazing LSO team will attend the professional development and support Ms Kat in the final move into the library space. 

A few people have been asking me about our warm and cosy St Mary's Beanies. These can be purchased through the office for $20.00 on Fridays.

Wishing everyone a warm and relaxing long weekend. 

Take care and wishing God's blessings and peace upon each of you. 

Mrs Cathy Ferrari