St Mary’s Primary School - Moruya
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Queen Street
Moruya NSW 2537
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Email: stmpsmoruya@schoolzineplus.com
Phone: 02 4474 2817

Assistant Principal News

High Impact Teaching in Practice
Next week we welcome our Catalyst coach from CogLearn, Dean Katsiris, who will be working alongside our teachers to strengthen our focus on high-impact teaching practices. These visits are a valuable part of our learning journey as a school, providing teachers with feedback, encouragement, and strategies that help make learning more effective for every student.

The coaching visits will centre on our Daily Reviews - a powerful way to build student confidence by revisiting key knowledge, practising skills, and making connections to new learning. It is always inspiring to see our teachers engage in professional dialogue, reflect on their practice and trial new approaches with enthusiasm. 

At the heart of our teaching and learning at St Mary’s is the belief that every child can learn and grow when teaching is explicit, structured, and responsive to their needs. The work we are doing with our CogLearn coach ensures that our classrooms are places where learning is clear, purposeful, and accessible for all students.

Indigenous Literacy Day
The 4 September is Indigenous Literacy Day, a special day that highlights the importance of reading, storytelling, and learning from the rich cultures of Australia’s First Nations peoples.

Indigenous Literacy Day reminds us that stories connect us - to our history, to our community, and to each other. Across Australia, Aboriginal and Torrs Strait Islander peoples have passed on knowledge through stories, song, and language for tens of thousands of years. These stories are not only a gift but also a reminder of the deep wisdom and culture that shape our nation.

As a community, we are committed to valuing and learning from the voices of Australia’s First Peoples. By celebrating Indigenous Literacy Day, we encourage our students to grow as respectful learners who listen, wonder, and appreciate the diversity of stories that shape our world.


Bus Behaviour 
There are a number of important travel expectations to keep students safe and to ensure an enjoyable and stress free trip to and from school. This term, there has been an increase in reports from the bus companies of unsafe behaviour of students when travelling to and from school on buses. As a matter of urgency, please revise the following expectations about safe bus travel with your child/children.

Students are expected to follow these rules for the safety and comfort of all passengers, including themselves. If the rules are not followed, it may lead to the suspension of students or banning students from travelling on buses.

It is every student’s responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes: 

Behaviour on buses: 

  • Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language 
  • Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted 
  • Do not push or shove other people
  • Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver 
  • Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency 
  • Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers

Safety on and near buses:

  • Obey reasonable directions from the driver (e.g. where to sit or to remain in the bus) 
  • Remain in your seat – do not move around the bus unnecessarily
  • Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle 
  • Do not allow any part of your body to protrude out of the bus at any time 
  • Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner – including at bus interchanges 
  • Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop 
  • Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line 
  • Wait until the bus stops before moving to get off the bus at your designated stop 
  • Wait until the bus leaves the stop and you have clear vision before crossing the road 
  • Cross the road where and when it’s safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available

Legal considerations on buses: 

  • Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available
  • Ensure that buses are not vandalised – report any damage, e.g. graffiti and window etching, to the driver 
  • Do not interfere with bus property, equipment and signage 
  • Do not leave rubbish on the bus, or at bus stops or interchanges

It is important that students catching the bus report any unsafe behaviour to the driver and their parents.

God bless and take care, 

Sue Heffernan
Assistant Principal