From the Principal

Over the past few weeks our staff have undertaken some really important Professional Learning. Last Tuesday night, we engaged with Fiona from Our First Aid Team to work with our staff to update our CPR and basic first aid skills. On the Wednesday night, we worked with Absolute Emergency Management and undertook professional training in the area of Emergency Management and Critical Incident Control. 

Parent Communication:

I have always prided myself on my communication and I feel that staff at this school do a wonderful job at identifying and responding to incidents as they occur, and in most cases we are very proactive. I would appreciate if there are incidents that arise (which there will be), that parents please contact the school and allow us to follow our processes. Please do not feel the need to contact other parents and inform them of what you believe has happened. It is important to please allow the school to follow our processes. Any parents can always contact me directly (principal@smbelgrave.catholic.edu.au) and if I do not have an answer for you, I will work to find one. 

School Closures:

The school will be closed on Friday, 6th of March for a Professional Learning Day for staff. We will also be closed on Monday 9th of March for the Labour Day Public Holiday. 

Last Day of Term 1 will be on Tuesday 31st of March for those families looking to get their Easter Holiday plans underway. 

District Swimmers:

A huge congratulations to the team of swimmers that represented our school at the District Swimming last week. The students were beautifully behaved (no surprises there) and they represented our school with pride. We have a small group who will head to the Divisional Carnival at Croydon Pool next Tuesday. We wish them all the best!!!

Thanks to Mrs Wicks and all of our parent helpers on the day. 

Rough Play during Recess and Lunch times:

Staff have noticed that there has been an increase in some rough play during recess and lunch times to start 2026. This behaviour has been mainly in game type play (Soccer and Basketball) and has lead to some students a) being injuredand b) not wanting to play the game. Any student who is seen to be tackling, hitting or being overly rough will be asked to leave the game. They will not be invited back into the game until staff are satisfied they can rejoin the game and follow the rules. Repeat offenders will be unable to rejoin the game and will be asked to find another activity. The students will be briefed on this and we ask parents to have a discussion with your child about this and support the school. 

School Advisory Council Meeting - Tuesday 10th of March, 6:30pm:

We are holding our first School Advisory Council Meeting of 2026 on Tuesday 10th of March at 6:30pm in the school staffroom. I am seeking one or two more members to join the group. If you are interested in joining the SAC, please send me an email (principal@smbelgrave.catholic.edu.au).

Preps to attend school on Wednesday:

Our wonderful Prep students will start attending school on Wednesday as of  Week 7 (Wednesday 11th of March). 

School Photo Day:

I have had a few questions about school photo day. Our school photo day this year is Thursday, April 30th. On this day all students are expected to wear their STM Sports uniform. I would also ask that students wear the fleece zip up, rather than the red jumper. Just a reminder that the sports uniform requires white socks. 

Looking Through Their Eyes:

Raising Kids in a Digital World - Webinar organised by the school:

STM Emergency Numbers on Relocation Days:

STM Emergency #1: 0455 058 797

STM Emergency #2: 0476 501 485

Declan McDermott

Principal