Dear Parents and Carers

This week, we begin the season of Lent, a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation leading up to Easter. Lent invites us to pause, refocus, and draw closer to God through acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is a season of renewal, where we strive to strengthen our faith and show kindness to others. As we journey through Lent, let us encourage our students to think about ways they can be kind, generous, and thoughtful in their daily lives. Small acts of service, gratitude, and patience can make a meaningful difference in our school and wider community.

As a Catholic community, we keep Pope Francis in our thoughts and prayers as he faces illness. The Pope plays a vital role in guiding the Church and inspiring us to live with faith, compassion, and service. We invite you to join us in praying for his health and strength, asking God to grant him comfort and healing. May our prayers bring him peace, just as his words and actions have brought hope and inspiration to millions around the world.

School Improvement
Each year, we reflect on areas for growth and set goals based on data and feedback to enhance teaching and learning across our school. This year, the leadership team and teaching staff have identified three key areas for improvement: 

1. To improve student achievement in Reading and Mathematics through the implementation of explicit teaching using evidence-based practices.
   We are implementing explicit teaching strategies grounded in evidence-based practices. Staff will refine instructional routines to ensure consistency across the school and embed high-impact teaching strategies to improve student outcomes. A strong focus will be placed on checking for understanding to ensure students master key content and skills.
2. To equip teachers with the knowledge, tools, and support to foster safe, engaging, and productive classrooms through explicitly teaching an engaging behaviour curriculum.
   Teachers will continue to explicitly teach our behaviour curriculum to promote active engagement in learning and minimise distractions, ensuring a supportive and focused classroom environment.
3. To improve student achievement through the implementation of a new Scope and Sequence for Religious Education.
   This year, staff will engage with the new Religious Education Scope and Sequence, developed by Catholic Education, with the support of our Religious Education Coordinator. This will guide the teaching of RE and deepen students' understanding of their faith.

At St Mary’s Primary School, we are committed to providing the highest quality education for our students. A key part of this commitment is ensuring that our teachers have the tools and strategies to deliver effective, engaging lessons. I sincerely thank our staff for their dedication and efforts in making this possible.

To reinforce classroom learning, we encourage all students to engage in daily reading, either independently or with a family member. Additionally, those who are able should practice their times tables and fundamental mathematical processes. Regular and consistent practice is key to mastering these essential skills.

Appointment of new Executive Director

On 14 February 2025 the Board of Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited appointed Mr David de Carvalho as the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

Please refer to the Media Release below for full details.

Parent-Teacher Interviews
Thank you to all families who attended our Parent-Teacher Introductory Meetings. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to connect, set learning goals, and support student progress. We appreciate the extra time our staff have dedicated to these discussions. Please remember that you are always welcome to contact your child’s teacher throughout the year to discuss their progress or any concerns. Each week, you will receive an email with important information for the week ahead. Please feel free to reply with any questions. 

School Community Council
Last week our School Community Council Executive met for the first time this year. The School Council provides the opportunity for members of the school, parish and Archdiocesan community to support the mission of Catholic education in a particular school. Working with the Parish Priest, Principal and staff the School Community Council members provide leadership to the school community.

Our School Community Council Executive members are:

• Chair: Mrs Mary Dullard (Parent)
• Deputy Chair: Mrs Mel Price (Parent)
• Secretary: Mrs Anna Baran-Tangata (Parent)
• Treasurer: Mrs Annette Hazell (Finance Officer)
• Parent Representatives: Mrs Annalise Thompson, Mrs Leah Bourne and Mrs Jessica Tong
• Staff Representatives: Mrs Genevieve Schofield, Mrs Brooke Connaughton, Mrs Sue Heffernan
• Principal: Mrs Johanna Wain (ex officio member)
• Parish Priest: Father George Azhakath (ex officio member)
• Pre-loved Uniform Contact: Mrs Anna Baran-Tangata
• Canteen Contact: Mrs Leah Bourn

This term, we will be forming a Working Party to help organise our Easter Egg Raffle and prepare for the Mother’s Day Stall. In the coming weeks, we will invite families to donate chocolate eggs, bunnies, or other Easter treats. These will be bundled into gift bags and raffled on the last day of Term 1. Stay tuned for more details! 

We are also excited to be hosting a Parent Engagement Workshop this year, facilitated by the Family Engagement Officer from Catholic Education. Once the date is confirmed, we will share more information.

If you have any ideas, feedback, or questions, please feel free to reach out to a member of the School Community Council Executive. We value your involvement and look forward to working together to support our school community!

Save the Date – 2026 Enrolments
Our official enrolment period for 2026 begins in Term 2 (5 May – 30 May). If you know families with children starting Kindergarten next year, please encourage them to attend our Open Day on Tuesday, 6 May (Week 2, Term 2). This is a wonderful opportunity to experience life at St Mary’s and see our school in action.

Kind regards

Jo

Mrs Johanna Wain
Principal