Principal's News
Mrs Nicole Black
ADVENT Season
2025 is almost at a close- Thank you!
It is hard to believe that my first year at St Mary’s is already coming to an end. What a ride it has been! Throughout 2025 we have faced challenges and celebrated many successes, and what has stood out to me time and time again is the strength of this community. St Mary’s comes together when it matters most, and I feel so grateful to be part of such a supportive and connected school.
Our students are truly remarkable. They bring joy, enthusiasm and a genuine love for learning to every day. Their kind hearts, curiosity, and care for one another and the world around them make St Mary’s a very special place.
Thank you to our entire St Mary’s community for your support, understanding, patience and positivity throughout my first year as principal. It is a privilege I never take for granted. With our growing enrolments and exciting future ahead, I am confident that together we will continue to build a school that is welcoming, where every person feels they belong, and where academic achievement continues to grow to the heights we know our students can reach.
Beginning of the Year- Assessment Interviews
Please use the link or QR code provided to book a time for your child to meet with their 2026 teacher at the beginning of the school year. Each child only needs one session, and you may book on either Wednesday 28 January or Thursday 29 January. Select your child/ren's 2026 teacher.All students will then attend school for a full day on Friday 30 January.
https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/3qd5r
Families with Prep students will receive a separate booking form.
Students entering Years 1–6 in 2026 are required to book a 30-minute session with their new teacher for assessment. At the start of this meeting, parents will have a brief opportunity to meet the teacher and have a quick conversation before the assessment begins.
If you have more than one child, you are welcome to book their sessions for the same time.
Please let us know if you need any assistance with bookings.
Reminder- Operoo and Seesaw are both going to be inactive from 2026
Just a reminder that we are moving to nForma in 2026. The information to create your accounts have been sent home. If you have any questions or need any support, please reach out to Nicole Fletcher at office@smhastings.catholic.edu.au
Families we are Farewelling as their children end Primary School
At this time of year we need to say goodbye to some families who are finishing their time at St Marys. We say good bye to our Year 6 families: Melicio family, Moore family, Short family, Marchant family, and Dawson family (for a year...then another one starts!).
The St Mary's Eras Tour
Wow! What an amazing concert the students participated in last week. I was amazed by the talent of our students, and our staff! Thank you everyone who was able to attend and join the fun on the night. We will let you know when the video is on youtube and ready to view (thank you to Robyn Benoiton for all your work with this, as well as Jorjah Stanley!).
MACSEYE Holiday bookings close today
Please refer to the MACSEYE tab- booking close today. If there is not enough interest they will not be running the program.
🎄Invitation to join in a family celebration on Christmas Eve 🎄
Fr Shymon has asked us to share the following letter inviting families to a special Christmas Eve celebration to be held at 5:00pm at Immaculate Conception Church.
This will be a shorter Mass, thoughtfully designed to include children and families in a meaningful and joyful way. Fr Shymon warmly welcomes students and families to take part in the celebration through singing, reading, and dressing up in nativity outfits, making it a beautiful opportunity for children to be actively involved in this special Christmas liturgy.
Please note that this is a Parish-run event, which the school is pleased to support. The celebration will be coordinated by Parish Worker Deidre and Parish Secretary Hijacinta.
Families who would like their children to attend or participate are encouraged to express their interest by emailing the school at office@smhastings.catholic.edu.au, and we will pass your details on to the Parish. Alternatively, families may contact the Parish directly via westernport@cam.org.au.
We hope many of our St Mary’s families are able to join in this beautiful Christmas celebration.
Below is the message from Fr Shymon:
Dear Families of St. Mary’s Catholic School,
As we prepare our hearts for the joyful celebration of Christmas and End of Jubilee year in our parish, I warmly invite you and your children to join us for our Christmas Eve Family Mass. This special liturgy is designed with our young ones in mind, giving them the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ before bedtime, surrounded by their families and parish community.
Mass Time for Christmas Eve Family Mass:
Date: Wednesday 24th December 2025
Place: in Immaculate Conception Church, Hastings
Time: 5.00pm
This celebration is part of our mission as parish and school to walk together in forming our children to grow in Christian values and become better persons in faith and life.
In addition, you are most welcome to attend any of our other parish Christmas Masses:
- Christmas Eve Family mass: 6.00pm at Somerville
- Christmas Eve: 8.00pm at Shoreham
- Christmas Day: 10.00am at Hastings
- Christmas Day: 10.00am at Shoreham
May this Christmas be a time of joy, peace, and renewal for your family. I look forward to celebrating with you.
With blessings,
Fr. Shymon Thekkekalathungal
Parish Priest
Western Port Parish