Principal's Report

Stephen O'Shannessy

The Grand Opening of the Nano Nagle Centre was a momentous occasion for the entire St. Mary’s community. We were honoured to welcome many guests, including former and current members of our school, who have contributed so much over the years including our past principals, Kim Carter, Marg Brohm and John O'Connor. 

 

We were especially privileged to have Bishop Shane Mackinlay officially bless the new centre. Additionally, Ms. Kate Fogarty had the honour of unveiling the commemorative plaque, marking this important milestone in our school's history. 

As the principal, I was extremely proud of our students, who represented our school with such pride and grace. Their warm welcome to our guests and their heartfelt singing were a testament to the values we hold dear. It was truly a day to remember and a proud moment for our school community. 

History of the Nano Nagle Centre (convent): 

In 1907, the first Presentation Sisters came to  Inglewood, under the guidance of Mother M. Ignatius.  The foundation stone of the convent was commenced on February 26, 1907  and  was opened in September of the same year. The current school building was later opened in 1927. 

 

Under the leadership and guidance of the Presentation Sisters, St. Mary’s flourished. The Sisters’ dedication to their students was evident in every aspect of the school’s life. They not only provided a rigorous academic education but also instilled in their students the values of compassion, service, and a deep commitment to their faith. The Presentation Sisters were in charge of St Mary’s School until they withdrew in 1974. 

 

Today St. Mary’s is more than just a school; it is a cornerstone of the Inglewood community. Generations of families have passed through these doors, each generation leaving with a strong foundation in both their academic and spiritual lives. The school has always been a place where faith and learning go hand in hand, guided by the ethos of the Presentation Sisters.

 

St. Mary’s Primary continues to honour the legacy of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters. While the school has grown and evolved over the years, the core values that were instilled by the Sisters remain at the heart of the school’s mission. St. Mary’s remains committed to providing a high-quality education rooted in Catholic values, ensuring that each student is equipped to make a positive difference in the world.

 

Leave

As you may  be aware, I will be taking a leave to welcome the arrival of my second child. I will be on leave for the first six weeks of Term 4, from October 7 to November 15. During my leave, Mr. Ben Fitzpatrick will step into the role of Acting Principal for St Mary's. Ben is a highly experienced Senior Educator, having served in leadership roles at five different schools throughout his career. He is currently the Deputy Principal at St. Liborius Eaglehawk. Ben will collaborate closely with me in the coming weeks of this term to ensure a smooth transition and thorough preparation for Term 4.

 

School Holiday Program:  In 2 Learning is offering a great school holiday program for students of Inglewood and surrounding areas. Based at Inglewood Primary School, this independent company is fully supervised by trained staff. For concession holders, daily rates are significantly reduced. To access this program or attend Before or After-School Care, you will first need to enrol HERE. More information on school holiday activities can be found in the Community News section of this newsletter. You can also contact 

0411 821 530 or juliana@in2learning.com.au

 

Kind Regards,