Principal's News

There has been lots happening at St Mary’s, as there always is at this busy time of the term! It has been wonderful to see students so engaged in their learning, enjoying time with their friends, and making the most of the many opportunities on offer across our school.

Line Marking — Bright New Spaces

Our two downball courts in the courtyard will be repainted- we had this scheduled for Tuesday but due to the forecast rain it has had to be postponed! A hughe thank you to our community for raising the funds  at our student led Market in 2025.  We are very excited about the bright colours that have been chosen, and we know the students will love seeing their fundraising efforts come to life in our playground.

Chromebooks - Enhancing Learning Opportunities

Thanks to the success of the Colour Fun Run and the ongoing fundraising efforts of our Parents and Friends, we have purchased and rolled out 20 new Chromebooks for students in Years 3–6. While we are still working towards a 1:1 device ratio, this is a significant step forward in ensuring students have access to high-quality technology to support their learning.

Our junior students continue to have access to a bank of iPads, which are used to enhance learning experiences in developmentally appropriate ways.

Positive Behaviour for Learning at St Mary's

This year, St Mary’s will begin a three-year journey as we roll out Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) across our school.

PBL is a Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools approach that supports schools to establish clear behaviour expectations and consistent school-wide routines that help students to be their best selves — academically, socially and emotionally.

Over the coming weeks, students will be involved in helping to shape our school expectations. Families can keep an eye out for a shortlist coming home soon, as we invite our community to be part of this important process.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is an evidence-based framework that promotes positive behaviour and creates a safe, predictable and supportive learning environment. It focuses on proactively teaching and reinforcing co-constructed expectations, while reducing challenging behaviours through consistent practices across the school.

Our decision to begin this journey has been informed by both student and staff feedback regarding school safety and student behaviour. Like many schools, we have noticed an increase in escalated behaviours and physical interactions, and we are committed to responding proactively and thoughtfully.

Implementing PBL will strengthen a shared and consistent approach across St Mary’s, ensuring that our school continues to be a safe place where every child feels known, supported and able to thrive. This work aligns strongly with our 2026 theme, Everyone Matters,  as we continue to build a culture of respect, belonging and high expectations for all.

Swimming Carnival - Team Spirit on Display

Last week, our Years 3–6 students participated in the St Mary’s Swimming Carnival. It was a fantastic day filled with fun, encouragement, sportsmanship and house spirit.

Congratulations to Yellow House (Williams) on their overall win, a wonderful effort by all involved! We wish all the swimmers participating in the District event this Thursday the best of luck, and no matter what happens- we are proud of you!

Year 5 Visit to Padua - Tuesday 3rd March

On Tuesday 3rd March, our Year 5 students will be visiting Padua College for a transition and learning experience.

Parents are asked to drop students directly at Padua in the morning, at 8:45am. There will be an information session for parents.

 Padua College will provide a bus to return students to St Mary’s at the conclusion of the visit.

We look forward to this wonderful opportunity for our students to experience secondary school learning and build confidence as they begin to think about their future pathways. Please look out for an nForma announcement with further information. 

Schedule

• 8:45 -  Arrival with parents – move to library
• 9:00–9:10 Welcome and briefing  
• 9:00 – 9:30 Parent session including site tour and question timewith Director of Campus (parents leave at 9:30am)
• 9:10–9:55 – Student Rotation 1
• 9:55–10:00 – Break and transition
• 10:00–10:45 – Student Rotation 2
• 10:45–11:00 – Return to Library, certificates, goodie bags, dismissal
• 11:00 – Padua will bus students back to  school

Parents and Friends — Invitation to Get Involved

Our amazing St Mary’s Parents and Friends (P&F) is currently welcoming new members. As many of you know, Christa Howard, our longstanding President, will be stepping down from the role in 2026. I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank Christa for her remarkable contribution to St Mary’s. Alongside the dedicated efforts of Kim Muddiman and Allison Souter, their work has supported significant fundraising achievements — including the purchase of our new Chromebooks — and countless initiatives that enrich our school community.

We warmly invite anyone who may be interested to become involved. Your contribution can be as big or as small as suits you — whether helping at a single event or taking on a leadership role within this wonderful group.

Please join us for an informal chat about what involvement could look like on Thursday 5th March at 2:45pm in the staff room. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to contact me and I would be very happy to speak with you at another time.

School Advisory Council (SAC) : Supporting Our Future Direction

The School Advisory Council is another vital group that supports the strategic direction, decision-making and governance of the school. Members act as representatives of the broader school community, helping to consider the long-term future of St Mary’s.

This role requires a commitment to confidentiality and a willingness to consider the bigger picture for the benefit of the whole community. If you are interested, please read the attached information and email me at principal@smhastings.catholic.edu.au.