Deputy Principal

EVERYONE MATTERS - BUILDING CONNECTIONS

MONDAY MATTERS

What a way to start the week! Monday Matters is an opportunity to gather as a school at 8:45 and talk about all the upcoming matter as well as focus on this year's theme - Everyone Matters.

We will use this opportunity to remind students of expectations and routines, upcoming events and celebrate birthdays.

FUN FRIDAY

Being such a success last year, we have carried Fun Friday over to 2026. Each week, a different staff member will run a fun activity for everyone to join in. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community and simply have fun! We love seeing the smiles on faces, watching team work and encouragement grow and get the heart pumping & wriggles out so that we are ready to learn.

Last week we played Tunnel Ball!

LUNCHTIME CLUBS

Lunchtime clubs don’t just fill time — they support children socially, emotionally, and academically in ways that the classroom and broader playground sometimes can’t.

At St Mary's, we offer structured activities every day which can be accessed by everyone and are fluid; meaning that you don't have to sign up, there is no attendance limit, zero commitment - come and go at any time. Some of the benefits that lunchtime clubs provide include, but are not limited to: 

🌱 Social & Emotional Growth

• Build friendships – Children mix with peers outside their usual class or friendship groups.
• Support inclusion – Particularly helpful for quieter pupils or those who find the playground overwhelming.
• Boost confidence – Children can shine in an area they enjoy or feel good at.

• Improve behaviour – Structured lunchtime activities reduce conflicts and playground incidents.

   

🤝 Wellbeing & Mental Health

• Provide a calm space – Ideal for children who need downtime away from noisy play.
• Reduce anxiety – Predictable, safe routines help students feel secure.

• Increase enjoyment of school – Children often look forward to school days with club activities.

   

🏫 Whole-School Benefits

• Stronger school community – Mixed-age clubs encourage mentoring and positive role modelling.
• Better lunchtime atmosphere – Fewer behaviour issues and happier kids!
• Supports student voice – Clubs can be shaped around children’s interests and ideas.

LEARNING SUPPORT OFFICERS

We are so fortunate at St Mary's to have a team of dedicated and exceptionally skilled LSOs (Learning Support Officers). 

The role of the LSO is to support the learning and behaviour of students by providing additional supports and interventions as directed by the classroom teacher.