Mrs Ryan's Fortnightly Reflections
“Action is the foundational key to all success.” — Pablo Picasso
So much happens in a term, and what another successful one it has been at St Mary's!
Term 3 is always an incredible term for learning. We are safe and comfortable with our teachers, we know what is expected of us, and our routines and programs are well established. Term 3 is always well enjoyed by teachers for this reason too!
Over the term, we have achieved immense success in sport, with outstanding participation and accomplishments in football, athletics, and interschool competitions. We celebrated 100 Days of Foundation and welcomed visitors for Classroom Mastery and MultiLit, receiving excellent feedback and positive observations. Our production, One World, Many Stories, was one of our best yet! The collaboration, commitment, and support demonstrated by our staff enabled our learners to shine and contributed to a hugely positive term.
The term continued to focus on learning with maths competitions, our famous Book Week Parade, visits from our 2027 Foundation students to explore literacy and numeracy learning, and opportunities for community connection through our Trivia Night and Father's Day celebrations. And we fit all of that into one term! Suffice to say, we are all well and truly ready for a rest.
As a staff, we are continuing to observe safety concerns at the Senior Gate, with learners meeting families at the nearby retail facility. Staff are brainstorming interventions and supports to ensure our learners use the designated crossings to reach pick-up points in the adjacent retail area. Next term, learners will be expected to cross only at marked and supervised crossings to ensure their ongoing safety.
Thank you all for your community support in wearing a touch of red today to support our neighbours in need in Nepal. Such devastation has impacted so many people, and it is heartening to know that, as a community, we can make a small gesture to help. As a school, we raised approximately $265.
This term, we were consistently challenged by the weather and our ability to successfully host our whole-school Athletics Day. After much consideration and deliberation regarding the pros and cons of the event, we have decided that we will now host only our Foundation to Year 2 Athletics Day here at school. All of our Year 3 to 6 learners attended the Campaspe athletics event and participated in all the activities that we would have facilitated at school. The data and results from this event are sufficient for categorising students into events next year, if required.
At this stage, we still believe it is important for our Foundation to Year 2 learners to have a similar athletics experience. We will continue planning and preparing for a whole-school St Mary's Athletics Day in 2027. Thank you for your understanding.
Term 4 is not far away, and it is always an exciting and enjoyable time of year. The days are longer and brighter, and we are out and about more. Next term brings 11 weeks of learning and the opportunity to conclude what has already been an amazing year.
A few reminders as we enter Term 4: hats will be required for all outdoor activities and playtimes. We are proactively reviewing our SunSmart policy to ensure that, as a community, we are informed and following practical processes to remain sun safe while outdoors.
Term 4 will also see many school events and initiatives. We will launch our first Shine Girls Groups. This is St Mary's own social and emotional wellbeing program designed to support the development and confidence of strong, resilient, and supported young girls.
The leadership team, in collaboration with CESL, will also be planning for the 2027 school year, exploring staffing, curriculum, and class structures to ensure a continued and prosperous learning journey for all students.
We look forward to seeing many members of our community at our wonderful events, including Grandparents Day, St Mary's Carols, Graduation, Learning Expos, and Foundation and secondary school transition activities for 2027. Please familiarise yourselves with all upcoming dates and events on the Compass Calendar.
A busy and exciting term lies ahead!
As the sun begins to shine and spring fills the air, I wish everyone a well-deserved break. Please enjoy the opportunity to connect with family, cheer on the footy and netball finals, and spend time doing whatever brings you joy.
I look forward to seeing you all next term from Monday, 5 October 2026.
In faith, trust and love.
Jasmine Ryan
Principal