A Message from the Acting Assistant Principal

Sydney Writers Festival

Twenty students from Years 4-6 attended the Sydney Writers Festival at Sydney Town Hall last week. This annual event aims to inspire a love of books by connecting students with celebrated authors. The Primary School program featured interactive sessions, including a major highlight: an appearance by the incredibly popular Dav Pilkey, creator of the Captain Underpants and Dogman series. Our students were fully engaged throughout the day, listening, laughing, taking notes, illustrating, and eagerly participating in book signings.

As part of our Newman Gifted Education Program, students were nominated by their teachers to attend the Sydney Writers' Festival Primary School Day.

Public Speaking Competition

Preparations have commenced for our annual Ashfield-Olympic Park Public Speaking Competition, in which every student from Years 1 to 6 will participate. This is a fantastic chance for your child to build confidence, practice expressing their thoughts clearly, and improve their listening skills.

What are the benefits of public speaking?

In today's world, clear and confident public speaking is a must-have skill that gives students a huge advantage. It's more than just giving a talk; it develops critical thinking, emotional intelligence and leadership skills beneficial in many areas.

Public speaking builds vital life skills that help your child excel:

• Boosts Confidence
• Enhances Clear Communication
• Sharpens Critical Thinking
• Expands Vocabulary and Language Skills
• Improves Problem-Solving
• Develops Emotional Intelligence
• Lifts Memory and Recall
• Increases Body Language Awareness

• Fosters Time Management Skills

   

These skills are not only beneficial for school presentations but also become powerful tools for everyday life, from speaking up in class to navigating social interactions.

School Photos

Just a reminder that school photos will be next Thursday, 4th June 2026. All students must wear their full Winter school uniform, including ties (boys and girls) and have their hair neatly done on the day. As stated in St Martha's uniform policy girls are to wear navy stockings or knee high socks. No short socks please.

This year we have opted for online ordering and payment for school photos. Instead of filling out an envelope and sending payment, you can complete your order and make payment by using the QR code or visiting the School Photographer website. 

The website www.theschoolphotographer.com.au has details of available packages and prices. The school code for St Martha’s Catholic Primary School is TR7U6KZJ

All orders must be lodged online by Wednesday 3rd June 2026.

PBL

Our PBL focus for the next coming fortnight is: After School

Chelsea McKeown

Acting Assistant Principal