School News

Education Support Week

This week, we are celebrating Education Support Staff Appreciation Week and recognising the incredible contribution our Education Support and Administration staff make to daily life at St Mary’s. Our school community is strengthened by the care, dedication, flexibility and support these staff members provide to students, families and staff each and every day.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Ruby, Franceen and Sandra for the countless ways they support our school community.

Throughout the week, we will celebrate these wonderful staff members, including a special morning tea and student activities as a small token of appreciation for everything they do for St Mary’s.

Healthy Schools

Martin Vale Mobile Dentist Visit

On Tuesday, we had a visit from Lisa and Kimberly from Martin Vale Dentistry. The Mobile Dental Van travels around the district visiting schools to conduct primary school dental health checks. Students who participated received an examination, X-ray, fluoride and fissure sealants, scale and cleaning. They even received a dental gift pack after their treatment.

School Nurse

Next Thursday, the school nurse, Sharyn, will be visiting the school. Each year, foundation students participate in the free Primary School Nursing Program offered by the Department of Education. The aim of the program is to promote child health, wellbeing and development.  

Cultural Day

Our students recently participated in a wonderful Cultural Day hosted at Inglewood Primary School alongside students from Bridgewater Primary School. Students spent the day immersed in a range of engaging cultural activities designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

Throughout the day, students enjoyed a variety of hands-on experiences including creating emu feather necklaces, making traditional headbands and designing Indigenous AFL jumpers. They also participated in traditional Indigenous games which encouraged teamwork, movement, cooperation and shared learning experiences across all three schools.

The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with one another, celebrate culture and learn through authentic and engaging activities. Staff commented on how wonderful it was to see students from the three schools interacting so positively together throughout the day.

Teaching and Learning

Last year, alongside the startup of Magnify Sandhurst, Catholic Education Sandhurst produced their own podcast called Magnify Matters.

This is an opportunity for parents, to hear about the Magnify story and listen to educational leaders from their world class partners; organisations like StepLab, Ochre Education, MultiLit, the Knowledge Society and LME Global.

Listeners get a front row seat to hear from respected educators as they work with Catholic Education Sandhurst to create a lasting change and growth in a real school system, with real classroom, real teachers and real students. 

In previous issues there has been conversations with Neuroscientist and educator Dr Jared Cooney Horvath who discussed the usage of classroom technology. In the most recent episode, Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst, Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) is joined by Josh Goodrich, co-founder of Steplab, to examine the role of coaching and professional learning in improving teaching practice. Josh shares the origins of Steplab and the evidence-informed thinking behind its approach, highlighting why instructional coaching is one of the most powerful levers for sustained improvement. 

You can find Magnify Matters on all platforms you listen to podcasts, click here.

NAPLAN Opt-In Assessment next week 

Next week, Year 6 students will be participating in the upcoming NAPLAN Opt-In Assessments. This is a valuable opportunity for us to gain insight into where our students are at in their learning, particularly following the strong results achieved in 2025. As a school, we are now focusing on building consistency and sustained growth, and this assessment will help us reflect on and strengthen our current teaching and learning programs.

The assessments are part of a national initiative led by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), exploring the possible development of future NAPLAN-style assessments in Science and Civics & Citizenship. The Opt-In trial is designed to gather data that will inform how these learning areas may be assessed nationally in the future.

The assessment is purely research-based, and while results will be provided to the school, they will not form part of your child’s academic record. If you have any questions about the upcoming Opt-In assessments, please don’t hesitate to contact the school. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide meaningful learning opportunities and maintain strong academic growth for all students. 

Invitation to Afternoon Tea - Meet & Greet

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We warmly invite you to join us each Wednesday before pick-up time for a relaxed Afternoon Tea and Meet & Greet at school.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families and staff and enjoy a friendly chat over tea and light refreshments. Whether you can stay for five minutes or a little longer, we would love to see you there.

When: Every Wednesday

Time: At school pick-up

Where: St Mary's School

Building strong connections between home and school helps create a supportive and welcoming environment for our children. We hope you can join us!

Change to pick up & supervision - end of day - Wednesdays

To support our parent engagement initiatives for Wednesday Afternoon Teas, there will be a change in pick-up routines. Students will need to be picked up from the front office gates on Wednesdays from 3:20pm. Whilst you're there, enjoy a cuppa or Tim Tam. 

Students who catch the bus will still be supervised. 

Loddon Healthy Mind Network 2026 Art Competition Entry Forms

The students have been working hard on their art projects for the Loddon Healthy Mind Network Art Competition. Could parents please sign and return their child's Art Competition Entry Form as soon as possible please. 

If you require another form, please email Bree at bgleisner@sminglewood.catholic.edu.au or alternatively contact the school via phone. 

Birthdays