Principal Announcements

Dealing With Change

Change is a natural part of life, and throughout their school years children will experience many changes—new classrooms, new friendships, new learning challenges, and new opportunities. While change can sometimes feel uncomfortable, it also helps children grow, learn, and develop important life skills.

One of the most valuable skills we can help our children build is resilience. Resilience is the ability to cope with challenges, adapt to change, and keep trying when things don't go as planned. Children develop resilience when they are encouraged to face difficulties, solve problems, learn from mistakes, and seek support when needed.

As a school community, we support students to approach change with a positive mindset, to embrace new experiences, and to understand that setbacks are a normal part of learning. By working together—home and school—we can help our children develop the confidence, perseverance, and resilience they need to thrive both now and in the future.

Remember, growth often happens just outside our comfort zone, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and become stronger.

Celebrating Student Achievement

We are delighted to recognise several of our students who have recently received prestigious awards for their outstanding character, perseverance, and academic achievement. Congratulations to all recipients on these wonderful accomplishments.

Kiwanis Terrific Kids Awards

The Terrific Kids Awards recognise students who consistently demonstrate positive attitudes, responsibility, respect, and a commitment to doing their best.

Congratulations to:

• Prep: Murray Tregillis 
• Grade 3/4: Nevaeh Owers 
• Grade 6: Juane Swart 

We are very proud of the positive example these students set for others in our school community.

Rotary Quiet Achiever Award

The Rotary Quiet Achiever Award recognises students who consistently make a positive contribution to school life through their perseverance, kindness, determination, and quiet leadership.

Congratulations to:

• Noah Koum Grade 3/4 

Noah's efforts and positive approach are greatly valued and deserving of this recognition.

International Mathematics Competition – Elite Mathematician Awards (photo)

We are incredibly proud to celebrate three students who have achieved the prestigious Elite Mathematician Award through the International Mathematics Competition.

This award places students within the 80th to 90th percentile worldwide, an exceptional achievement that reflects outstanding mathematical ability, dedication, and problem-solving skills.

Congratulations to:

• Alexander Nioa 
• Gursaanjh Singh
• Rosemary Dow

This is a remarkable accomplishment on the world stage, and we congratulate these students on their outstanding success.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Throughout Term 2, our staff have been actively engaged in moderation processes and Parent Support Group (PSG) meetings as part of our preparation for the annual Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) submission, which occurs in early August.

The NCCD is a nationwide process that assists schools in identifying and supporting students with disability by recognising the adjustments and support provided to enable them to access education on the same basis as their peers. The moderation process ensures that our staff consistently apply the NCCD guidelines and accurately document the adjustments being provided for students across the school.

Parent Support Group meetings play an important role in this process, providing families and school staff with an opportunity to discuss student progress, review existing supports, and collaboratively plan for future needs. These partnerships help ensure that every student receives the support necessary to achieve success at school.

Families wishing to learn more about the NCCD can access the parent information fact sheet here: https://www.nccd.edu.au/sites/default/files/nccd_parent_fact_sheet_english_0.pdf

We would like to sincerely thank Cherie Malnati and her team for the significant time, effort, and dedication they have invested in coordinating this important work. Their commitment ensures that our students receive the support they need to flourish both academically and socially.

Staffing update

We wish to advise our school community that Mrs Kym Cox will be finishing at St. Mary's on Thursday 25 June.

We sincerely thank Kym for her dedication and the many contributions she has made to our students, staff and families during her time at St. Mary's. We wish her every success and happiness in her future endeavours.

The process of recruiting a new teacher will commence immediately, and we will keep families informed as arrangements are finalised.

Parent Code of Conduct and Social Media

Strong partnerships between home and school are essential in supporting the success and wellbeing of our students. By working together, building trust and maintaining open communication, we create the best possible environment for children to learn, grow and flourish.

In promoting & upholding this culture, we expect that Parents/Guardians will:

• Treat staff, students and other parents with respect and courtesy
• Support the school in its efforts to maintain a positive teaching and learning environment
• In raising concerns on behalf of your child, or making a complaint about the school’s practices or treatment of your child, we expect that you will:
• Observe the school’s stated procedures for raising and resolving a grievance/complaint
•  Follow specified protocol for communication with staff members.
• The school places high value and priority on maintain a safe and respectful working environment.  We regard certain behaviours as harmful and unacceptable if they compromise the safety and wellbeing of a member of our school community.  These behaviours include, but are not limited to: 
• - verbal intimidation,
• -  Writing rude, defamatory, aggressive or abusive comments to/about a member of the school community or about the school.

 At St. Mary’s, we expect that all members of our community abide by the Parent-School Relationships Code of Conduct for the benefit of our students and the whole St. Mary’s community.

Thank You and Happy Holidays

As we come to the end of Term 2, I would like to sincerely thank our students, staff, families, and parish community for your ongoing support, partnership, and commitment to St Mary's. Together, we have celebrated many achievements, learning opportunities, and special events throughout the term.

I wish all members of our school community a happy, safe, and restful holiday break. May this time provide an opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting and productive Term 3.

God bless and enjoy the holidays.

Catholic School Parents Victoria – Supporting Families in Catholic Education

Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV) has been re-established to strengthen the voice of parents and carers in Catholic education across Victoria, recognising parents as the first educators and key partners in their child’s learning, wellbeing and faith journey.

CSPV is guided by a Council of parent representatives from across the state, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of families in Catholic schools are reflected in its work and advocacy.

We invite you to explore the CSPV website at www.cspv.catholic.edu.au where you will find a wealth of information and resources to support your parenting journey within Catholic education, including guidance on wellbeing, faith, learning and key issues impacting families. You can also subscribe via the website to join the CSPV community, receive the quarterly newsletter and be invited to upcoming events.

You can also connect with CSPV on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook to access valuable insights, updates and practical resources.

Together, we can continue to strengthen the partnership between families, schools and the wider Catholic community.

2027 Prep Enrolments

📢 Enrolments for 2027 closed 31st May – please contact the office for further assistance.

Parking and Road Safety Reminder

We kindly remind all members of our school community to observe all parking restrictions during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.

In particular, please do not park in the designated No Parking zones, including the area alongside the church. These restrictions are in place to ensure clear visibility for drivers, safe access for pedestrians, and the safety of all students, families and staff entering and exiting the school grounds.

While we understand that pick-up and drop-off times can be busy, adhering to parking regulations helps maintain a safe and orderly environment for everyone. We ask all families to allow a little extra time if needed and to use the designated parking areas available.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our school community safe.

St. Mary’s Bingo

We are currently seeking support for St. Mary's Bingo, which would generally involve your attendance on a Saturday evening once a term. With numbers being quite short again at the moment, your help would be invaluable! Bingo is a fantastic way to engage with our school community while raising funds for various programs. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Maree Williams on 0438 084 364.

Thank you for your consideration, your support makes a big difference!

St. Mary’s 90 Years Production – From Humble Beginnings – Let Your Light Shine

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE

This year we are having a School Production on Wednesday 25th November. 

Seat bookings are now open and can be made at no cost via the link below. Families can book up to 3 tickets at one timeslot, any unallocated seats will be opened to all families 2 weeks prior to the production. 

https://www.trybooking.com/DLWKO

Gold coin is encouraged upon entry at the event.

Please read the parent/guardian letter sent at the end of term 1 for all the exciting details to celebrate our 90 years. 

St. Mary’s Alumni

As part of our celebrations for this year, we would love to hear from St. Mary’s Alumni – past staff, community members and students. We would love to hear about your past experiences of St. Mary’s. If you are willing to be involved, please contact the school office on 5825 2858 or email at office@smmooroopna.catholic.edu.au

Before School Supervision

Please note that all students that arrive at school prior to 8:30am must fill out an application via the link below. 

Before School Supervision

For new and casual before school arrivals, please complete prior to 4:00pm each day to enable student lists to be updated for the following morning. Before school supervision is for early bus travellers and parents/guardians who must attend work earlier than 8:30am. 

A reminder that students are not to arrive or be at school before 8:00am as they are not actively supervised. 

I appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation regarding this.

Principal’s Awards

15th June – Mason May

This week's Principal's Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding engagement and commitment to school events and activities. Through his leadership, service as a Fire Carrier, and the way he consistently lets his light shine, he has been a wonderful role model for others. Congratulations Mason!

22nd June – Indie Papoulis

Indie is a kind, caring and respectful student who consistently demonstrates beautiful manners and genuine care for others. She approaches all learning with enthusiasm and determination, making her a valued and positive member of our classroom community. 

Well done Indi!

Attendance matters!

Every minute matters. This is a simple statement, but a true one. For every minute a child is at school they learn. For every minute they are absent they not only miss out on learning, but they also lose some previous learning.

Ms V’s Inspirations

The measure of intelligence is the ability to change."— Albert Einstein

"Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient."— Steve Maraboli

“Let your light shine before others.” – Matthew 5:16