Principal's Message

What a focused and engaged start to the year it's been! As I've visited classrooms and spoken with teachers and students, I've been truly impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm I've seen.
We're building vibrant learning spaces with engaging lessons, and attentive learners, with everyone trying to do their best and a little bit more. This term, we've been particularly focused on our behaviour curriculum, understanding that a safe and orderly environment is key to a thriving school.
We're working together to establish clear classroom procedures and routines, creating predictable structures that help free up students' minds for learning. We're dedicated to ensuring every student can learn and thrive in a supportive and structured environment. Here's to a fantastic start to 2025!
Harmony Week
Today, March 20th, we proudly celebrated Harmony Day at SMDP, a day dedicated to embracing the rich tapestry of cultures that make our school so vibrant. As a community where over 60% of our students are from multicultural backgrounds, we understand the importance of celebrating our diversity. From New Zealand and Samoa to the Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, China, Japan, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Scotland, Iran, Vietnam, Cambodia, Germany, Italy, Greece, and beyond, our classrooms hum with the echoes of different languages, traditions, and customs.
The sea of orange we saw today, the official colour of Harmony Day, symbolised the warmth and unity we strive for. However, the true spirit of Harmony Day lies far deeper than a colour. It's about fostering kindness, respect, and belonging within our community. These three words are paramount to our school motto "love and service to all" which embodies the core values that guide our community. It reflects our deep commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
We are fortunate to have such diversity in our community, each person enriching our school with their unique heritage. By celebrating these differences, we create a more inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.
Here at SMDP, we believe that:
Diversity is a strength. Our varied backgrounds bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences that can benefit us all.
Respect is key. We encourage students to learn about and appreciate different cultures, fostering empathy and understanding.
Harmony leads to success. By working together and celebrating our differences, we can create a stronger, more vibrant school community.
Together, let's continue to nurture this spirit of Harmony Day throughout the year. This means actively listening to each other, celebrating cultural events, and intervening if we see or hear any form of disrespect. By working together, we can create a school community where everyone feels valued and respected.
Reunion BBQ for 2023 and 2024 students
It was a joy to welcome back our 2023 and 2024 Year 6 graduates for a fantastic reunion BBQ! Seeing so many familiar faces, now a little taller and wiser, filled us with warmth. The afternoon was alive with the sound of laughter and shared stories as students reconnected, reminiscing about their time at SMDP and catching up on their new adventures. We also enjoyed taking them on a tour to see how the school has changed.
Thank you to all the students who took the time to visit. It was wonderful to see you all again.
Elise Coghlan
Acting Principal | Learning and Teaching Leader
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.
2025 - School Closure Days
Listed below are our school closure days for 2025. These are student-free days. Staff use these days to develop their learning further and keep informed with current practices and procedures.
DATE | FOCUS |
---|---|
Friday 21st March | Staff Professional Learning Day |
Thursday 5th June | Staff Professional Learning Day in RE |
Friday 6th June | Staff completing First Aid Course |
Friday 4th July | Learning Conversation |
Monday 3rd November | Report Preparation and Writing Day |
Friday 5th December | Planning day for 2026 |
NOTE: These dates may be subject to change that may be outside of our control.