A message from Denis

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move through the middle of Term 3, it has been wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm that continues to fill our St Mary’s classrooms and playgrounds. Term 3 has traditionally always had a great rhythm about it. Students are settled into their learning and classroom routines, there is a strong sense of purpose across the school and there are many opportunities for students to challenge themselves, support one another and continue to grow.  I feel now that Term 3 is one of our busiest but still a productive term nonetheless.

One of the things I enjoy most about this time of the year is seeing students show considerable growth. Whether it is on school camp, representing St Mary's in sport, preparing for a Sacrament or simply having the courage to try something new in the classroom, these experiences often become the moments that shape confidence and character far beyond a classroom literacy or mathematics lesson.

This semester, after their move to St Margaret’s at the beginning of the year, both Hendrix and Zadie were selected to be their class’s SRC.  This was a very proud moment for Jess and our family, not for the “position” they secured but that our children were able to make a transition to a new school and be respected by their classmates and teachers.  Parenting is a hard gig and one in which we are regularly second guessing our decision making.  You’ll be amused to know that my children also think that their dad knows "nothing about anything" and that I would "have no clue about what being SRC is."  This, despite me being a school principal and in school Leadership for many  more years than they have been alive!  The joys of parenting….

Year 5 Camp – Lady Northcote Discovery Camp

This week our Year 5 students headed off to Lady Northcote Discovery Camp, where they embraced every opportunity presented to them; and there were plenty.

As Principal, camps are always one of my favourite parts of the year because they allow you to see students in a completely different environment. You witness leadership emerging, friendships strengthening and students discovering strengths they may not have known they possessed.

Our Year 5 students are next year's senior students and future leaders of St Mary's. Experiences such as camp play an important role in preparing them for these responsibilities. They learn to work together, solve problems, support one another and become more independent.  I relish the opportunity to head up to camp or even just spend a day with our students in these environments. You often get to see a different side of them than we normally do in the St Mary’s school environment.

One phrase you hear on camps such as these is "Challenge by Choice." I love this philosophy because it encourages students to step beyond what feels comfortable while recognising that everyone's challenge looks different. If you have listened to one of my graduation speeches, the imperative of our students stepping our of their comfort zone is one that I return to year after year.  Within comfort, there is little room for growth.  For one student it might be going higher on the giant swing than they have before, while for another it might simply nailing a shot at the archery range and feeling a sense of success that is new to them.

I have no doubt our Year 5 students have returned with greater confidence, resilience and memories that will last a lifetime and will be better prepared to take on school Leadership roles for St Mary’s in 2026.

A sincere thank you to our staff; Viv, Shannon, Brigid, Olivia, Kylie and Joel who generously give up time away from their own families to make these experiences for our students possible.

SSV and All Schools Netball Competition

This week, a number of our senior students proudly represented St Mary's in both the SSV and All Schools Netball Competitions.  As you know, netball is a prominent feature of the St Mary’s school community.  While we always celebrate success on the scoreboard, what impressed me most was the way our students represented themselves, their teammates and St Mary’s.

There were moments when calls and games didn't go our way. There were also a number of students who were playing competitive netball for the very first time. Yet regardless of the result, our students continued to encourage one another, compete fairly, congratulate their opponents and give their absolute best until the final whistle.

That, to me, is what school sport is all about and I couldn’t be prouder of their collective efforts.  Getting to head out and support the students is one of the great joys of principalship.

The courage shown by students who stepped onto the court despite being new to the game was particularly pleasing to see. It takes real bravery to try something unfamiliar, especially in a competitive environment.  A huge thank you to Natalie Midri, Yvette Dugina, Lucianne Midiri and our own Eamonn Murphy for your tremendous coaching and support of our students.

Our students truly embodied our school motto, Respice Stellam – Look and Reach for the Stars, demonstrating respect, resilience, teamwork, courage and pride in representing St Mary's. They should all be incredibly proud of the example they set for our community.  Bravo.

First Eucharist

Tomorrow is a very special day for our Grade 4 students as they receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist.  The Eucharist is one of the most significant milestones in the faith journey of a young Catholic person, inviting our students into a deeper relationship with Christ and strengthening their connection with our parish community.

Our students have approached their preparation with enthusiasm and reverence, and I know they are looking forward to celebrating this special occasion with their families.

I would like to sincerely thank our Grade 4 teachers Swaye and Scott for the care and dedication they have shown in preparing our students over recent weeks. A special thank you also to Gen, whose leadership and organisation of our sacramental program continues to ensure these celebrations are meaningful experiences for both students and families.  Thank you too to Father Desmond for his spiritual guidance and leadership.

We keep all of our Grade 4 students and their families in our prayers as they celebrate this important milestone.

Never See a Need Without Trying to Do Something About It

This fortnight's example of living our 2026 theme comes from one of our wonderful grandparents, Lyndon Taylor.  Just today, Lyndon generously gave up his time to bring his trailer to St Mary's and help us remove over half a tonne of scrap metal from around the school grounds.

It would have been easy to say no or assume someone else would organise it. Instead, Lyndon saw a need and simply took up the offer to help.  Special thank you to Steph Taylor for roping your dad in to help!

His generosity not only saved the school considerable time and expense, but also demonstrated exactly what makes our St Mary's community so special. Time and again, our parents, grandparents and community  quietly step forward to lend a hand, without seeking recognition or thanks.

Saint Mary MacKillop reminds us to "Never see a need without trying to do something about it." Lyndon's actions are a wonderful example of these words being lived out in our everyday community.

On behalf of everyone at St Mary's, thank you, Lyndon, for your generosity, your practical support and for modelling to our students what service to others looks like in action.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of St Mary's. It is through working together with our great community that we continue to provide  rich opportunities for our students to learn, grow and flourish.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay connected,

Denis Johnstone

Principal