Principal's Message

As we come to the end of Term One, I want to share a moment of reflection and gratitude in our achievements. 

Over recent weeks, many families have visited St Martin’s as they prepare to make an important decision about their child’s educational future. This is my second year taking families through our learning and play spaces, and each tour has reminded me just how special our school is.

I felt an immense sense of pride as our students warmly and spontaneously greeted visitors. Their smiles, their calm and respectful presence, their engagement in learning and their determination to do and be their best were noticed by every family who walked through our doors. The quiet, learning‑focused atmosphere and the pleasant, inviting indoor and outdoor spaces were consistently commented on.

As I spoke about the variety of experiences our students have had in just this one term, I was struck again by the breadth and depth of learning we facilitate at SMDP.

This term alone:

• Four classes completed a nine‑day intensive swimming program

• Our Year Six student leaders attended the Young Leaders Conference at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre

• Senior students represented our school in interschool sports

• Year 3–6 students participated in our first ever cross‑country event, with our Prep - Year 2 students proudly completing their own mini cross‑country at school

• Year 5 and 6 students took part in life‑saving lessons at Altona Beach

Dream Big — Reflections from Term One

At the start of the year, I spoke to our community about our 2026 theme: Dream Big, a mindset that invites every child to believe in their potential, take risks in their learning and see themselves as capable of growth.

Across this term, I have seen Dream Big come to life in many ways:

• in students trying something new, even when it felt challenging

• in the way they supported one another during cross country, cheering loudly for every runner

• in the confidence of our student leaders as they represented SMDP at the Young Leaders Conference

• in the determination of our swimmers, many of whom overcame nerves to achieve personal goals

• in the quiet moments in classrooms where students persisted, asked questions and stretched their thinking

Dream Big is not just a theme on a poster, it is becoming part of who our students are and how they approach their learning. Their courage, curiosity and willingness to grow have been a joy to see. 

Celebrating Our Preps

A very special congratulations to our Prep students, who have now completed their very first term of school. We are incredibly proud of them.

They have settled into school routines seamlessly, always the first to line up at the end of recess and lunch, walking into class quietly and confidently and embracing every learning opportunity with enthusiasm. They have even taught me Auslan, having mastered the language with such ease and joy.

Well done, Preps, on a wonderful first term. You have brought so much energy, curiosity and warmth to our school community.

Holy Week and Easter

As we approach Holy Week, the holiest week in our Catholic tradition, our students have reflected on the events of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. 

Students presented prayerful reflections through role play, song and prayer. These experiences offer an authentic integration of faith, life and culture, helping students understand the Easter story in a meaningful and age‑appropriate way.

Thank You to Our Parents and Carers

As we close the term, I want to extend my deepest thanks to you, our parents and carers, for the countless ways you support your children and our school.

Thank you:

• for the love, time and encouragement you give your child every day
• for helping them dream big, try hard and believe in themselves
• for supporting their learning, wellbeing and growth at home and at school
• for the tangible, everyday acts that make such a difference, making lunches, driving to school, reading together at night, practising times tables, and cheering them on through challenges and successes

Your partnership is at the heart of everything we do at SMDP. We are grateful for the trust you place in us and for the shared commitment we hold to helping every child flourish.

We have raised $340.00 for the Royal Children's Hospital, Good Friday Appeal. Thank you for your donations to help such a worthy cause. 

Wishing all families a safe, restful and hope‑filled Easter break.

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.