A message from Denis

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are coming to the end of a busy and shorter than usual Term 3.  Our students have had a big term filled with lots of learning, special events and sacramental celebrations.  Thank you to our dedicated staff who have packed quality learning into the shortened timeframe of Term 3.

Hendrix and Zadie have been swimming over the last few weeks of school, so Jess and I have some tired children at home.  We are looking forward to the break from school to get a chance to rest and recharge.  How good is not having to pack school lunches each night?

I hope you and your families get to have a restful break filled with quality family time.  Let’s hope that the Melbourne Spring turns it on for all of us; I have some gardening to do.

MACS Flourishing Learners Conference

At the start of this week, the St Mary’s Leadership Team attended the inaugural MACS Flourish Learners Conference.  It was an amazing experience with international educational experts and speakers presenting throughout the event.  We had the privileged opportunity to hear keynotes from Dylan Wiliam - renown expert in assessment in education, Tom Sherington whose groundbreaking work creating a digital platform for teacher professional learning has been aligned to MACS’ Vision for Instruction, Br David Hall FMS who is leading the revamping of our Religious Education curriculum and Kristen Douglas, Australian leader in the mental health field and head of Headspace and Be You.

We also had the opportunity to attend various workshops, targeting key opportunities and challenges in the current education landscape.  There have been many discussions, reflections and new learnings pondered.  We look forward to exploring this knowledge with St Mary’s staff and leveraging it for our students.

St Mary’s Represented at Basketball and Netball SSV competitions

Over the past 2 weeks, our grade 6s have represented St Mary’s on the Victorian stage admirably in the sports of Basketball and Netball.  The students have put in their own time and practiced out of hours to hone their craft in their teams. 

I had the privilege of attending and cheering on the teams and was instantly impressed by their team spirit, competitive drive and good sportsmanship.  Congratulations to our basketballers: Max Fraser, Malou Davie, Samuel Hayes, Gus Gadsby, Jessica Van’t Wout, Eden Bishop, Bella Barden, Elsie Smyth, Archie Lock, Freddie Kelson, Ivy Matijevic, Eden Ham, Xavier LLoud, Patrick Rainey, Veronica Mann, Pip Dugina, Jude Robinson, Wally Reid, Luca Ambrosini, Kate Telfer and to our netballers: Evie Bryant, Malou Davie, Gus Gadsby, Eden Bishop, Bella Barden, Matilda McInerney, Camilla Velona, Patrick Rainey and Pip Dugina for their admirable representation of St Mary’s.  Thank you also to our wonderful parents for your coaching and support, in particular to Yvette Dugina for her brilliant coaching of our netball squad, taking them to victories over Melbourne Grammar and Toorak primary school.

Grade 5 Camp

It has been a busy week and end to the term, but I carved out the time for one of my favourite tasks as principal; visiting camp.  The grade fives had a brilliant time at Lady Northcote Camp in Glenmore.  The camp is a challenge by choice camp, where students are given the opportunity to try tasks and activities that will stretch their confidence and push them out of their comfort zone.  I watched on as they encouraged each other, supported each other and learnt new skills.  Congratulations to Maddie, Hazel and John for their newfound archery chops.

The students even responded very efficiently and calmly to an early morning false alarm emergency drill and subsequently enjoyed a 5 am morning movie.  A special shout out to our staff who attended camp, we are very grateful for your efforts in making the experience a successful one for our students.  I hope you all have a great rest this weekend.

Colour Run

Our 2025 big ticket fundraiser is underway with lots of great competitions to encourage our students to raise money towards our goal of refurbishing the basketball court, including new rings, poles and backboards.  We encourage you all to get on board and help St Mary’s achieve our fundraising goals for the year.

We have a great goal to raise funds towards and look forward to your support.

Be The Light

My Be The Light example for this week is none other than our own Deputy Principal; Mrs Hodgetts.  Mrs Hodgetts tirelessly works behind and in front of the scenes to make St Mary’s a place of wonder, learning and inspiration for our students.  Most recently, she has put up her hand to teach 6B when our planned CRT had to unexpectedly withdraw.  With her endless energy and drive to help others, Mrs Hodgetts shines the Light on all at St Mary’s whose path she crosses.  She does it all with a smile and hop in her step, despite her dodgy knees.  Thank you Mrs Hodgetts for shining your light for St Mary’s.

Stay safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected,

Denis Johnstone

Principal