Principal's Message

Vision for Engagement at SMDP

Last year MACS introduced the Vision for Engagement, a system wide document that explains how schools create the conditions for students to feel safe, connected, motivated and ready to learn.

It outlines the key practices that help students engage positively in their learning and in the life of the school including the importance of strong and regular attendance. Students can only benefit from high quality teaching routines and relationships when they are present and ready to learn each day.

We have been revisiting this Vision and exploring how the six principles align with the way we teach, support and care for students at SMDP. 

Here is a summary of how we teach at SMDP aligns with the Vision for Engagement.

Teaching respectful behaviour

At SMDP, we believe behaviour is teachable, just like reading or maths. We explicitly teach respectful behaviour through our Behaviour Curriculum, our Ways Of Working program and our daily silent entry routines. Students learn what success looks like through clear expectations, modelling and calm, consistent reminders. Respectful behaviour grows when students feel known, valued and supported and this is central to who we are as a community.

Fostering belonging

Belonging is the experience of being accepted, respected and connected. Our MACSSIS data showed that 89 percent of students and families felt they belonged at SMDP. This reflects the strong relationships our staff build with students and families. We celebrate the diversity of our community’s linguistic, cultural and faith backgrounds and see each one as a strength that enriches our school.

Focusing on attendance

Attendance is a key part of engagement. Students can only benefit from high‑quality teaching, routines and relationships when they are present and ready to learn each day. At SMDP, we take a strong stance on attendance, celebrating students who attend regularly and working closely with families who may be facing challenges. When students miss a day, they miss important learning and growth and we want every child to have the best chance to thrive.

Promoting mental health and wellbeing

SMDP is committed to creating nurturing environments where students feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive. We use proactive wellbeing strategies, a Wellbeing Leader trained in student support and an onsite school psychologist. We also faciltate programs including Peaceful Kids and Seasons. These supports ensure that students and families can access help when they experience mental health concerns, and they strengthen our whole‑school approach to wellbeing.

Enabling motivation

Motivation drives engagement and helps students take ownership of their learning. At SMDP, motivation is one of our learning powers and it is the award most often celebrated at our Monday assemblies. We have built a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn and where students are encouraged to take risks, be curious and persist through challenges. Our explicit teaching programs, Daily Review, Phonics and structured literacy, help students experience success, which builds confidence and motivation. This aligns strongly with our Dream Big theme for the year, which invites every student to believe in their potential, stretch themselves, try new things and see themselves as capable learners who can grow.

Targeting individual needs

Every child is unique and each learner needs different types of support at different stages of their learning. At SMDP, we use data‑informed intervention and extension programs to understand where each student is on their learning journey. Students access Tier 1 high‑quality classroom instruction, Tier 2 maths and literacy intervention. This ensures that academic, social and emotional needs are met so every learner has the opportunity to flourish.

Our Ongoing Goal

This year we are working towards a clear school wide goal.

To establish the core routines that matter most for creating a calm predictable and focused learning environment.

One of the routines you will see every day is silent entry. Students practise entering their classrooms quietly moving straight to their seats and beginning the first task of the day without delay. 

This routine is important because it:

• Creates a calm start, students settle quickly and feel ready to learn

• Protects learning time, more time is available for teaching

• Builds independence, students know exactly what to do and begin without reminders

• Supports wellbeing, predictable routines help children feel safe confident and secure

• Sets a positive tone, a smooth beginning leads to a more focused and productive session

To help strengthen these habits at home, parents can support us by:

Arriving before the bell

• A calm and punctual start helps your child feel settled and ready to learn.

Encouraging a calm end‑of‑day exit  

• Support your child to leave school safely and quietly so they finish the day feeling positive and regulated.

Using a quiet non‑verbal cue and praising your child  

• A small wave or thumbs up reinforces independence, and a simple word of praise helps your child feel confident and proud of their efforts.

These small habits make a big difference and help every child feel confident and ready to Dream Big.

Warm regards, 

Elise Coghlan

Principal

St Martin de Porres Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, well-being, and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

 2026 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2026. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.