Principal's Message

World Teachers’ Day 2026 - Shine a Light on Our Educators

On Friday 30 October, Australia celebrates World Teachers’ Day 2026, an opportunity to recognise and thank the teachers and educators who make a difference in the lives of children every day. At SMDP we celebrated this important day today. 

This year’s theme, “Shine a Light”, invites us to stop and acknowledge the many ways teachers inspire, support and empower young people. From helping students master a new skill, building confidence, offering encouragement during challenging times, or creating those wonderful "lightbulb moments" in learning, teachers have a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom.

Today, we are proud to shine a light on the wonderful educators of St Martin de Porres. Every day, our staff bring dedication, compassion, expertise and energy to their work. They create safe and engaging learning environments where students feel known, valued and supported to achieve their best. Their influence can be seen not only in academic growth, but also in the confidence, resilience and character they help nurture in every child.

Teaching is a profession built on relationships, service and hope. Our staff work tirelessly behind the scenes planning learning experiences, providing feedback, supporting student wellbeing and partnering with families to ensure every student can flourish. We are incredibly fortunate to have a team that continually goes above and beyond for the children in their care.

As a community, we encourage families and students to join us in celebrating World Teachers’ Day by taking a moment to thank a teacher who has made a difference in your life. A kind word, a note of appreciation or sharing a special memory can help shine a light on the positive impact teachers have each day.

To all of our teachers and educators at St Martin de Porres, thank you for the difference you make. Your commitment to our students, families and community is deeply valued and greatly appreciated.

Today, we shine a light on the teachers and educators of St Martin de Porres and thank them for the care, dedication and expertise they bring to our students each day. We are grateful for the lasting difference they make in the lives of our children and our community.

St Martin de Porres Feast Day

Tomorrow, we gather as a school to celebrate the Feast Day of St Martin de Porres, the saint after whom our school is named. This special day invites us to reflect on his legacy of love, service and compassion, values that continue to guide our community.

Born in Lima, Peru, in 1579, St Martin dedicated his life to caring for the sick, the poor and those in need. Despite facing poverty and discrimination, he treated everyone with dignity and kindness and became known as the "Father of the Poor." His example reminds us of the power of compassion and service to others.

At St Martin de Porres School, we honour his legacy through our motto, "Love and Service to All." These words shape our daily actions and our commitment to building a welcoming, inclusive and faith-filled community.

Tomorrow's celebration will include a whole-school Mass, reflective activities and Kaboom sports leading us in fun sporting activities.

Together, today and tomorrow remind us that St Martin de Porres is more than just a school. It is a community built on love, learning and service, where every child is known, every educator is valued and every day is an opportunity to grow in faith and kindness.

We hope all students enjoy the feast day celebrations tomorrow and the extra-long weekend with school closed on Monday and Tuesday. 

Warm regards, 

Elise Coghlan

Principal

St Martin de Porres Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, well-being, and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

 2026 - School Closure Days

Listed below are our school closure days for 2026. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures. 

NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.