A Message from the Principal

Learning and Thriving in 25

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move toward the end of the school year, there is much to look forward to and celebrate. Over the next two weeks, our students will participate in several special events that recognise their learnings, growth and achievements throughout 2025.

This morning, we had the opportunity to celebrate you — our parents and carers. Your support is deeply appreciated. Many of you go above and beyond to assist with excursions, swimming programs, fundraising, morning teas and various events across the year. Your time, effort and willingness to be part of school life enrich the experience of all students and for that, we offer our sincere thanks.

Next week, we will gather as a community for our Carols by Twilight. This is a beautiful evening filled with joy, music and the true spirit of Christmas. We invite our families to join us, bring picnic blankets and enjoy this special time together. The night commences at 5:30 pm and all gates will be locked at this time for the safety of all children and peace of mind. Please ensure that you park legally and do not block driveways or park in a way that cars cannot exit in the carpark.

Our school Christmas raffle is now underway and we thank all families who have supported it already. There are wonderful prizes to be won and funds raised will go directly toward student learning resources and ongoing school improvements.

On Tuesday, 9 and Wednesday, 10 December, we will be acknowledging our students’ academic, sporting, creative and personal achievements. We are extremely proud of their effort and perseverance throughout the year.

We will also gather as a school community for our Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday, 15 December and Mass of Graduation for our Year 6 students. Moving On Day will take place on Tuesday, 16 December, giving students the opportunity to meet their new teacher and classmates for 2026. Class placements are currently being finalised and a great deal of thought and professional reflection go into arranging classes that support balanced learning, friendships and student wellbeing. Information regarding the 2026 class teachers will be shared with families on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.

As we approach the busiest time of the year, I ask for your partnership in supporting a calm and respectful atmosphere for students and staff. Our teachers are working incredibly hard—often long before the morning bell and well after students go home—preparing transitions, assessments, reports and learning experiences. It is important that respect and thoughtfulness is shown towards all staff.

It is also important to remember that when children share stories from school, they are sharing their perspective, which may not include the full picture. Teachers ensure that all situations are handled with procedural fairness, respect and care, listening to all parties involved.

I must also remind families that, under no circumstances, are parents or carers to approach other students on school grounds. This is a requirement under child protection guidelines. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in such incidents this term. If these behaviours continue, we may need to revert to gate drop-off and pickup procedures, which we would prefer to avoid.

Children watch how we respond and interact and our behaviour models expectations more powerfully than our words. Recently, some of the language used by students has been concerning and I ask parents to continue reinforcing positive, respectful communication and family values at home.

A gentle reminder that the only communication that is officially from the school is on Compass, any information on the WhatsApp group is NOT generated by the school. Also, please remember to be respectful and discussing teachers on this group is defamatory. This is not in line with our Catholic values and is not in line with the partnership between school and home.

If you wish to discuss a concern or seek clarification about a situation involving your child, please make contact through the school office. Conversations with teachers on the playground do not provide privacy, clarity or support for resolution.

Thank you for your ongoing support, trust and cooperation. It is through our partnership that St Margaret Mary’s continues to be a community where every child is known, valued and able to thrive. I look forward to seeing you all at our various events over the coming weeks.

Kind regards,

Grace

Grace Carlo-Stella

Principal

Community News

St Margaret Mary's Carols by Twilight