Community Wellness

ATTENDANCE:  

St. Mary’s continues to maintain strong attendance, with our data reflecting 93% attendance in Week 5 and currently sitting just above 95% attendance in Week 6. This is especially pleasing given that a few of our weary Year 6 learners needed a well-earned rest day following camp.  

Attendance across the school is closely monitored, as we know that regular attendance plays an important role in student learning, wellbeing, and connection to school life. Your child’s classroom teacher is always the first point of contact for any attendance-related matters, although at times other members of the leadership team may also support these conversations. 

At SME, we are not here to judge, we are here to work alongside families to support every child to attend school as regularly as possible. 

BEHAVIOUR: 

Again, this past fortnight we have seen positive behaviour trends across the school. By mid Week 6, we have recorded 179 major and minor behaviour incidents, compared to 371 incidents across the full 10 weeks of the same term last year. Based on current trends, this reflects a projected improvement of almost 20% fewer incidents this term. This positive growth is a credit to our educators who are consistent in their approach, using Classroom Mastery and professional rehearsals to support their behaviour management, as well as the strong partnerships between staff, learners and families in supporting respectful and safe environment for all.  

CONNECTION WITH COMMUNITY:  

Some of our learners are excited to begin building connections with our neighbouring kindergarten, Brigids Light Kindergarten. On the 3rd and 8th of June, SME will spend time with the kinder children, supporting activities and creating positive relationships. 

This opportunity allows our learners to further develop their leadership skills, confidence and communication, while also helping younger children feel connected and supported as they transition into our school community, ready to begin in 2027 comfortably. 

We look forward to growing this wonderful partnership! 

COLOURING INS:  

Alkina Edwards, a proud Yorta Yorta woman from Echuca, has created a series of beautiful Indigenous-inspired colouring-ins that our learners will be able to enjoy. Through her business, Alkina’s Creations, Alkina shares culture, storytelling and creativity through her artwork. Alkina is also the designer behind the Australian Diamonds netball dresses titled “Ganurra” meaning blaze in Yorta Yorta language, proudly showcasing Indigenous culture on the national sporting stage. 

We are excited for our learners to connect with Alkina’s artwork and thank Alkina for gifting this to us. 

Liz Chapman 

Deputy Principal: Community Wellness