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College Leadership Team

Principal’s News

Living the St Mary's Way

At St Mary’s, we talk about the St Mary’s Way – a way of being marked by dignity, empathy, dialogue, community, and perseverance. These are not just words on a poster; they are the behaviours we expect from each other in classrooms, on the oval, in the staffroom, and online.

This year, we will be even more explicit in teaching and celebrating these values. You will see them referenced in assemblies, Pastoral Group, subject classes, awards, and in conversations with students. When families use the same language at home, it helps our young people feel a strong sense of identity and belonging. Thank you for partnering with us in forming young people who are people of action and hope in the world.

Living the St Mary’s Way is part of our improvement agenda, anchored in who we are. We use the National School Improvement Tool to guide our strategic directions and plans. This research-based framework helps us to look honestly at how we are progressing in areas such as our improvement agenda, use of data, culture of learning, teaching quality, and community partnerships.

Each year, the leadership team reviews our practice against these domains, asking: Where are we strong? Where do we need to lift? What evidence do we have? This review doesn’t sit on a shelf – it directly shapes our Annual Improvement Plan, staff professional learning, and resource decisions. Sharing this with you is part of our commitment to transparency. When families understand the “why” behind our priorities, we are all rowing in the same direction. This year, our Annual Improvement Plan again focuses on enhancing learning – because every lesson counts.

Of our seven priorities listed below, I have underlined three components which will form our sharply focused improvement agenda for this year. This doesn’t mean other priorities stop, but these remain top of mind for everyone.

Strategic Directions

Enhance Learning – Every Lesson Counts

A focus on:

Consistent Instructional Routines – based on the St Mary’s Way
- Evidence-based high-impact teaching strategies
Standardised planning processes, documentation, and communication
- Valid, reliable, and accessible assessment and practices
Student individuality
Responsive staff professional learning
- Professional Growth in Action Plans
Student engagement through pastoral connection
Timetable development and implementation
Family and community partnerships

2026 Annual Improvement Plan Goal

Staff professional learning and engagement with goal setting, action, reflection, and sharing of evidence related to:

1. Evidence-based high-impact teaching strategies

2. Valid, reliable, and accessible assessment and practices

I look forward to working with staff and families as we focus on enhancing learning for all students and providing successful pathways for all.