From the Principal 

Dear Families 

The words of the character Mind, in our upcoming Imaginarium, encapsulates all that is happening in St Mary’s at the moment,  “ Like Clockwork, Muse. Clockwork I say, But there is so much to do, so much to see, so much to take in …. I’m loving it!” 

We always love a celebration at St Mary’s and Prep 100 Day was a roaring success. Mrs Borgese and Mrs Perri, supported by the staff and Prep families, gave each of our students a day to remember. It was great watching their parade and hearing them speak on the microphone of what they want to be when they grow up. Each year level joined in the festivities as activities were shared across the school. The day culminated in a special afternoon tea, of which Rocky’s mum Emma helped organise and we thank her for this. It was lovely having their siblings join the delicious afternoon tea and share the moment. We had many tired people the next day, testament to the great day! Please see Around the School for more photos. A big congratulations to the families for 100 Days of school preparation, lunches, uniform organisation and being across school communication. I wonder how many more to go until the end of Year 12…..

We also congratulate Mr Millane for his 100 Days of Deputy Principalship. We are blessed to have him in our community and look forward to what he will achieve in his time at St Mary’s. He always has a smile on his face and is eager to learn and get to know everyone within our community. On a personal note I thank him for his support of me and embracing many of my hopes and dreams for our community. When I say to him, “ Just thinking aloud…..," "I was thinking,  what if we……” “ I know this sounds crazy but ....” Even my crazier ideas have been met with a let’s do it response!  

Book Week has been celebrated each day, with so much wonderful and creative literature being read, enjoyed  and shared. This afternoon culminated in a performance featuring Afloat by Freya, Blackwood, text by Kirli Saunders, The Garden of Broken Things by Freya Blackwood and These Long-Loved Things by Ronojoy Ghosh, text by Josh Pyle. It was fantastic! The staff have enjoyed swapping classes and reading to year levels across the school at eating time. I have enjoyed sharing “Don’t Call Me Bear” by Aaron Blabey, which is a favourite. Our Curriculum Leaders; Allegra, Grace, Sienna, Samuel and Amy have led lunch time activities and spoke so well this morning at our parade as they interviewed students about their book choice, character and costume. We thank you for supporting the Book Fair, which helps update the resources in our library. Ms Kat does a great job organising this, involving the community and giving us loads of fun. Remember to give her your creatively designed book marks for the competition. We thank Ms Kat very much for her energy, passion and sense of fun. We also congratulate Mrs Angela Mason and Mrs Daniela Borgese for their Literacy Leadership in their respective Senior and Junior portfolios and for their work in giving each of us such a great week. 

The attendances at both our Vision For Instructions sessions have been outstanding. I am so proud to be working in partnership with the Leadership Team; Mrs Angela Mason, Mrs Catherine Le Hunt, Mrs Daniela Borgese and Mr James Millane, together with the staff as they presented  a highly engaging and informative night. The feedback we got was so positive and appreciative.  We look forward to sharing our learning in the classrooms next Term, so that you can see VFI in action. James, as Teaching and Learning Leader will outline more of this. 

The Imaginarium leads are working so hard. Mia, Siena, Zelie, Nicholas, Anna, Bela, Alex, Zoe and Olivia are to be congratulated on their work ethic as they fine tune their performances as they prepare to wow you all in a few weeks. At recess and lunch times they develop their characters and lines and it is a pleasure to work with them. Please read the Imaginarium page for details outlining the performances, costumes and arrival times.

Yesterday two of our students participated in a Chess Tournament by Chess Ideas. There were many students present and they played seven rounds, with each game being thirty minutes. They had a great day and really love their chess. We are very proud of Samuel in Year 5/6 M and Michael-Angelo in Year 1R, well done boys!

Another event that we are preparing for is the interschool HOLT athletics, on Friday 29th August at Duncan McKinnon Athletics Track, North Rd, Murrumbeena.  Each Tuesday recess training is held at Alma Park for the track events. We thank Angela Mason for organising the team and Miss Jacquie for helping train our athletes. We are currently working on our relay baton change overs. 

On Friday 5th September we celebrate Father’s Day and Special Friends Day. This will commence with our legendary P & F breakfast, with some fun activities followed by Mass. The Year 6 Community leaders have some great activities planned, so lock in the date and bring along a good sense of fun. May I suggest that our Dads and Special Friends dust off their Dad jokes and practice their sock tossing and paper plane flying in preparation! After this we bump into Logue Hall, at St Mary’s College in preparation for Imaginarium.  If you were able to assist with this, please email myself or Mr Millane and we will be in touch. 

Another great event on our horizon is Saturday 15th November our inaugural St Mary’s Family Day 10am - 2:00pm. The P & F are working hard on this and at the centre of our major fundraiser for 2025 is the children. Lots of fun activities, our big art auction and stalls are planned. Further information will be shared through this term and early Term 4. At this stage please keep the date free. It promises to be a great fun filled family day. 

Reminding everyone and thanking them for supporting our school closure day for tomorrow, Friday 22nd August. This is for time in lieu, in accordance with our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. Events outside of ‘normal’ school hours accrue time in lieu and tomorrow is one day where we are aquiting this time. I am sure you will agree, that each of our staff members go above and beyond with the many celebrations, activities and events that we have at St Mary’s Primary School. 

Take care and wishing God's blessings and peace upon each of you. 

Mrs Cathy Ferrari