Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to the 2025 school year. I am excited to start the new school year with you all. On behalf of the staff, I extend a very warm welcome to both returning families and those who are new to our St Mary’s community.

As we embark on this new year, please know that you have my full support. Our K-12 theme for 2025, “The Holy Spirit reminds us first and foremost that we are children loved by God—everyone equal in God’s love, and everyone different” (Pope Francis), will serve as a beacon to guide us throughout this year. It is a reminder that each of us, with our unique gifts and talents, is equal in God’s love. This message will inspire us to be a guiding light for each other, fostering a sense of community, compassion, and understanding. Let us embrace this theme as we continue to build a school environment that reflects God’s love and care. I am looking forward to a wonderful year together!

We will mark the beginning of the school year with a Staff Commissioning Mass for K-12 Pathway schools at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, 15 February, at 5:00 pm. This is a beautiful way to start the year, embraced by our school and parish community. All families are invited to join us.

TEACHING AND LEARNING
Last Friday, our staff engaged in a valuable day of professional learning focused on teaching and learning. We had the privilege of hearing from key educational leaders, including Natalie Wexler and Professor Daniel Willingham, who shared insights to deepen our understanding and practice.

Our day concluded with an inspiring address from Pam Betts, Interim Executive Director of Catholic Education. She reminded us of the role we play as Catholic educators—helping to shape our students into the people God calls them to be.

Teaching and learning is at the heart of our mission, and we remain committed to growing in our practice to best serve our students.

PASTORAL CARE AND BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
At St Mary’s Primary School, we believe that Pastoral Care and Welfare are essential in creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all. Together, we strive to protect personal and community safety, heal destructive behaviours, restore relationships, encourage reconciliation, enhance wellbeing, foster responsibility, enable personal growth, and promote the common good.

If an incident occurs at school involving your child, a teacher—either the one on duty or the one supporting the situation—will make a phone call home. This ensures that all parents of students involved, including those of the victim, are informed. Please note that this may not necessarily be your child’s classroom teacher.

We always welcome open communication and encourage parents to reach out to their child’s classroom teacher to discuss any social, academic, or behavioural concerns. Please know that our doors are always open—we value working together to support the wellbeing and success of every child.

WELCOME BARBEQUE AND DISCO
We would like to invite all our St Mary's families to a Welcome Barbeque and Disco on Thursday 27 Feb from 5.00pm – 6.30pm. This will be held in the Performing Arts Hall and on the grass outside the Administration Building. There is no cost for the sausages and some of our Community Council members will be selling sweet treats. 

STAFFING UPDATE
I would like to extend a special welcome to our new staff members, including Mr Riley Nolan, our Aboriginal Education Worker, Miss Afton Haultain, Mrs Alyssa Ziegler, Mrs Rebecca Brady, and Mrs Ellen Shannon. Mrs Ziegler will be teaching Year 3 Thursday and Friday for Executive Release for Mrs Durnan and Year 1 on Wednesdays for Mrs Rebecca Brady who will be Aboriginal Contact Teacher. Mrs Ellen Shannon will be teaching Performing Arts Thursday and Friday. Miss Afton Haultain has joined our Classroom Support Team and will be assisting students in the classroom and on the playground.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Communication between home and school is both valued and encouraged. We believe it is one of the most vital elements in creating an effective and welcoming community. Emails and messages through Compass are being pushed out regularly with updates and important information to remind you of events and changes that may be occurring for your children. All classroom teachers have group emails created for their parent group. If your email changes, please advise our front office staff. Parent emails are kept private. Staff will always use Bcc when sending group emails.

I encourage all families to visit our school calendar for key dates such as parent-teacher conferences, school assemblies, and special events. Stay tuned for detailed calendars and reminders throughout the school year. Parent Introductory Meetings are planned for Week 3. Information regarding these meetings was sent out to families at the beginning of the week.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR
Ms Faith Costigan, our School Counsellor, will work Thursdays and alternate Fridays. Referrals can be made to the School Counsellor through myself. If you have any concerns or questions around counselling, please do not hesitate to come and see me.

We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our students throughout the year. From academic milestones to extra-curricular successes, we'll keep you informed about the fantastic accomplishments of our St Mary’s community. We are thrilled to have each of you as part of our St Mary’s family. Together, let's make this school year a memorable and successful one!

Please know we are here to support you in every way we can. My door is always open Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education, and we eagerly anticipate a fantastic school year ahead! 

Kind regards
Jo

Mrs Johanna Wain
Principal