Principal Report

 Dear Parents, Friends and Guardians,

                                                                       There are so many things that need to be in order for a school to thrive and be successful. I would think I could speak with a number of you, and you would all have different responses according to what you value most. People will speak broadly of the need for a healthy culture and that in itself has so many elements.

When I started here 11 years ago, I remember speaking with staff and telling them that relationships and connections at many levels are the key to success. In a time where compliance and increased regulatory practices are being expected, we can easily lose sight of this. It is the relationships with your children that I will miss most.

I have been blessed to work with many wonderful and dedicated staff. It is a highlight to witness outstanding teachers working with their class. We should celebrate and acknowledge the quality of teachers and staff here at St. Mary’s.

When I speak to others of this school, I am quick to point out the quality of parents. I have missed the connection with many of you in recent times, but I am so grateful for the support and encouragement you have afforded me over my 11 years here.

The facilities, resources and tools available to us, allow us to provide a curriculum full of opportunity. I have always said that I don’t want a lack of resources to be an excuse for under achievement. With your support, we have amazing facilities on offer here and forward planning will see continued development.

We are a Catholic school and when asked, I say that our faith is the x factor that binds us, connects us and allows us to be one in community. People send their children to this school for all sorts of reasons, but they accept that it is a school of faith that will attend to the spiritual needs of their children. I believe that we must all attend to this need if we are to reach our full potential. I believe this school is able to make a natural connection between life and religious teachings. When promoting our Vison words and statements, we do so with this in mind.

As principal, you have to trust and hope that your best is enough.

Brendan Atley                                                                                 

Principal