A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all! What an amazing start to Term 2! As we commence the second term we celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ! Last week we prayed as a school community to celebrate the risen Jesus. We know that Jesus' death and resurrection creates the opportunity for us to reach Heaven. Jesus died on the cross and rose again on the third day, so save us. We give thanks and are inspired by Jesus' great love for us. The Easter Season continues until Pentecost Sunday.

"Dear God, we thank you for the gift of Easter, for the resurrection of your Son, Jesus. We celebrate the new life and hope that Easter brings. We pray for blessings on our family, that we may always be guided by your love and strengthened to live in your light. Amen."

Staffing News

We wish to congratulate Mrs Catherine Wood for her new role as Music Teacher at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School Mortlake. Mrs Wood has been a wonderful part of the St Martha's school community for ten years and we thanks her for her commitment to Music and Drama education at our school. We wish her all the best in her new teaching position. We will have an opportunity to farewell Mrs Wood properly a little later this year. We will all miss her very much.

Art Show

Congratulations to our individual winners. Anne-Maree Wells, Education Officer- Visual Arts, from Sydney Catholic Schools Creative Arts team assisted us and provided our criteria for judging our artworks. She spent time looking at all the individual art works. She then worked with me as together we selected the winning art works. It was wonderful to see so much interest in the Art Show and so many parents have commented on what a wonderful experience it was for their children and themselves. Huge thanks to Mrs Jackie Earl, who helped the students and teachers to create their artworks, both individual and collaborative. Huge thanks to all who have purchased their artworks and to those who placed bids for the collaborative works.

The criteria for juding art is included here for your reference:

Primary School Art Prize – Judging Criteria

1. Ideas and Meaning

• The artwork shows a clear idea or message.
• The student has thought about what they want to express.
• The artwork may have an interesting story, feeling, or deeper meaning.

2. Creativity and Originality

• The artwork shows the student’s own thinking and imagination.
• It is different or unique in some way.
• The student has made creative choices to make their work stand out.

3. Skill and Technique

• The student has used their materials with care and control.
• The artwork is well-made and shows attention to detail.
• The student has shown some skill in using their chosen tools or media.

4. Use of Materials

• The materials suit the artwork and idea.
• The student has used them thoughtfully and respectfully.
• The work follows any guidelines or instructions given.

5. Effort and Presentation

• The student has put care and effort into their work.
• The artwork is complete and neatly presented.
• The work shows pride and personal investment.

Happy Mothers' Day

Our Mothers' Day celebration yesterday morning was a beautiful faith and community experience. Our Parents and Friends parents set up a beautiful breakfast and our Year 1 students led a wonderful prayer service with Fr John, who spoke about our Mothers and blessed all the Mothers and Grandmothers who were present. It was a lovely community gathering and the Stage 3 students distributed gifts to the Mothers. We thank God for the generous parents who gave their time and efforts to ensure our famous St Martha's hospitality was on display.

Parking and Consideration of Neighbours

It is imperative that we show consideration to our neighbours, particularly in Churchill Avenue, and avoid parking in driveways. This week we received a complaint from a neighbour who needs to take her husband for regular medical treatment, who was unable to leave her house as someone had parked across the driveway while attending a school function. None of us would wish to stop someone receiving important medical treatment. Please park your car legally and with thoughtful consideration of the needs of our neighbours.

Enrolments for 2026

If you know anyone who has a child wanting to enrol for 2026, please let them know that the process is well underway and they need to get their applications in as soon as possible. 

Peace and best wishes,

Carolyn Parsell