Principal's Report

School Newsletter Term 3, Week 10

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this term.  

We are grateful for the challenges we faced, the successes we celebrated, and the lessons we learned from our mistakes.

As we spend time with family and friends during the holidays, be with us and guide our hearts.

Grant us the strength and courage to always do what is right, and help us to be shining examples of our faith.  

Teach us to be practical Christians by appreciating what others do for us and by giving our time and energy to help those in need.  May we be peacemakers in our families and communities.

Keep us safe in all our activities,and let us enjoy good rest and fun.  Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.

We are thankful for our classmates, teachers, parents,and the caring community that surrounds us.

Amen.

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of the school term, I want to address a serious matter in light of the recent tragic reports of a 12-year-old girl who took her life due to bullying at school. Following this heartbreaking news, I feel it is important to share information regarding St. Margaret Mary's Behaviour Policy and our school and system’s Prevention and Management of Bullying Policy. Our Behaviour Policy is regularly updated and can be found linked here.

During my time at St. Margaret Mary's, I have seen our students consistently embody the Brigidine Values that our school is founded upon. They demonstrate inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and daily examples of love, peace, and justice.

However, like in any community, there are times when students may struggle to get along. If these situations are left unaddressed, they can escalate into intentional actions or words that cause distress to others, which is recognised as bullying.

When a parent or student reports an allegation of bullying, the school takes it very seriously. The Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) policy outlines clear steps for how the Principal, teachers, and parents should respond, and I encourage you to review this policy on the SCS website, linked here.

One of my key responsibilities as Principal is to ensure that all allegations are investigated promptly. Parents of all students involved are informed about any incidents, and while we uphold the dignity and privacy of the students, relevant staff, such as class teachers, are kept informed.

Additionally, if a bullying situation involves violence, significant threats, harm, or criminal conduct, I am required to notify the SCS Child Safety team. Most importantly, I am committed to ensuring the well-being of all students involved, coordinating support with the school counsellor and the SCS Student Wellbeing Team as needed.

If you are looking for further information on how to support your child, I refer to The Australian Parenting Website where you will find information ranging from movie reviews to resources on mental health.

As we sign off for the term I wish everyone a safe and restful break and thank you for your ongoing support in creating a safe and nurturing environment for our students.

Reminder - School Photos  29/10/24

Reminder our school photos will be taken Tuesday 29th October (Term 4, Week 3).  All students are to wear full school summer uniform on the day.   Envelopes will be sent home with students, however the easiest and most efficient way to order is online.