Principal's Report

Kylie O'Donnell

Wishing You a Restful Mid-Year Break

Dear St Margaret Mary’s Community,

As we come to the end of Term 2, I want to thank you all students, families, and staff, for your ongoing support and contributions to our school. It’s been a busy and rewarding term, and I hope the upcoming break provides time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together.

Before we head off, I’d like to invite you to our final school assembly for the term, which will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at 2:20pm (note the earlier time). This change is due to staff being off-site on Friday for our Spirituality Day.

Following the assembly, the P&F will be holding a Bake Sale. All treats will be available for purchase, with proceeds going toward school fundraising initiatives. Please bring along a few coins and enjoy a sweet treat while supporting our community.

A reminder that our Athletics Carnival will take place on Tuesday of Week 1, Term 3. This will be a great way to kick off the new term with energy and enthusiasm.

I have included below some good reads and links you might find helpful over the upcoming holiday period....

Balancing Screen Time and Offline Fun These Holidays

As we head into the two-week school break, it’s a great time to reflect on screen time habits and explore ways to keep children engaged both online and offline.

The eSafety Commissioner encourages families to focus not just on how much time children spend on screens, but also on the quality of content, family involvement, and balance with other activities. Their top tips include:

Establishing device-free zones (e.g. bedrooms, dinner table)
Creating a family media plan with agreed limits
Encouraging shared screen experiences
Promoting offline play, creativity, and movement

👉 Download the 7 Tips for Managing Screen Time (PDF)

Offline Activities in Randwick These Holidays

There are plenty of fantastic local options to help families reconnect over the July holiday period:

🌳 Outdoor Adventures

Centennial Parklands: Bike and scooter tracks, swan spotting, bush skills workshops, and the Wild Play playground.

Inglis Park Playground: A hidden gem with climbing nets, spiral slides, and shady picnic spots.

🎨 Creative Workshops

Randwick City Library: Offers storytime, sensory play, and creative activities for all ages.

Artisan at Home (Maroubra): Craft workshops for Years 1–6, perfect for hands-on fun

⚽ Sports & Movement

Easts FC Soccer Camps: Held at Queens Park for kids aged 3+, with a focus on fun and skill-building

Motiv8 Sports Camps: Multi-sport programs that promote teamwork and confidence.

🎬 Entertainment & Treats

Ritz Cinemas: A local favourite with school holiday specials and international children’s films.

Sweet Treats: Try Gaia Gelato, Gelato Messina, or Four Frogs Creperie all located in Randwick for a family outing.

Let’s encourage our students to enjoy a balanced, fun filled break full of creativity, movement, and meaningful connection.

Wishing you a safe and refreshing holiday!

Warm regards,

Kylie O'Donnell

Principal