Values and Community

There was no rest for our student campus leaders as the year kicked off, modelling compassion, citizenship and pride in their community. They shone with confidence as they spoke at our opening assembly, organised awareness of the importance of diverse communities as part of Harmony Day, with some also elected as leaders of our partner school communities for 2026. Our College focus on providing the knowledge, skills and confidence for all our students to live meaningful, fulfilling lives was modelled to students of our Dandenong and Ringwood campus when past student and deaf psychologist Alice Brennan, visited the school and shared her views of travel, Deaf culture, Auslan and life beyond school.

Teaching & Learning

All our students have demonstrated great patience as they work through the many assessments and tasks that typically happen at the start of each year. Prep and year 1 testing, PAT Reading and Numeracy, NAPLAN and many other tasks, all designed to help our teachers and the teachers of our partner schools know exactly where every student’s strengths and challenges are, so that learning can be designed to support success for each individual child over the year. Last year our NAPLAN literacy across Reading, Spelling and Writing from year 7 to year 9, showed higher growth than the average of all Australian schools. I believe this is due to our strategic approach to teaching literacy and vision for our learners.

Child Safety Commitment

Our Child Safety Committee met and are looking at new ways families can participate in decisions affecting their child. Whilst termly PSG meetings are still an appropriate and safe space to raise concerns or ideas about how to improve our environment and keep children safe, you are always very welcome to contact me directly at the Wantirna South administration office for a phone or face-to-face conversation. I am happy to meet you at your child’s campus and would welcome your feedback.

Holy Week

Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a significant time in our Catholic tradition. Students and staff at all campuses have spent the last weeks of term 1 exploring and thinking about Holy Week’s message of hope and being loving and forgiving through liturgies, classroom activities and acts of compassion such as the work of Caritas Australia. These messages are universal and it is wonderful to see all students regardless of their own faith background reflecting on how simple acts can have such a positive impact on the lives of others.

I hope you enjoy learning more of the fabulous events and learnings that have occurred across our college over term 1 and getting to know the staff in new roles for 2026.

I would like to wish everyone a bright and joyous Easter and safe Term 1 holiday.

Amanda Purcell

Principal

Reflecting on a Term of Courage, Community, and Achievement

Sarah Moss-Holland

Deputy Principal
Learning & Engagement

No matter our age, periods of transition - whether beginning at a new school, entering a new class, taking on a new role, or moving to a different campus - bring with them a mix of excitement and opportunity, alongside understandable feelings of uncertainty and nervousness. Our ability to navigate these moments is often shaped by how successfully we form meaningful connections that nurture a sense of safety, trust and belonging.

As we draw the curtain on Term 1, I am grateful for the opportunity to pause and reflect on the many moments I have been privileged to share. While the weeks have passed quickly, the conversations and interactions with the staff, students and families of this remarkable community have left a lasting and meaningful impression.

I continue to be inspired by the resilience and determination demonstrated by our St Mary’s students each day. From our Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 students adapting with maturity during the initial technical challenges of NAPLAN, to our student leaders stepping beyond their comfort zones to present with confidence and professionalism at our Opening Assembly - these moments reflect the strength of our community. I have also been heartened to see our Prep and Year 7 students bravely forming new friendships, and all students approaching WIAT testing with focus and commitment, even when working with unfamiliar staff. The smiles that greet me as I move across our campuses are a constant source of joy.

While we recognise that some days bring greater challenges than others, it is the knowledge that we are not facing them alone that empowers us to persevere. I am sincerely thankful to our staff and families who work in close partnership to support our students, particularly in times of difficulty. Your leadership, care, trust and encouragement are reflected in the growth and wellbeing of our young people.

I wish all members of our community a restful and rejuvenating holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back, safe and well, for Term 2.

Leading with Trust, Committing to Safety

Our Term 1 professional learning day focused on building trust to enable positive conversations.

Weekly professional learning has included a focus on the 11 Child Safe standards and how we might ensure these are active in everything we do as a school.

Personal reflections from the day...

"I learnt that lifelong habits are better instead of short-term boosts of motivation." - Marlan

"Jacqui Bell motivated me within this life, to be resilience, mentality, physical, social and emotional towards my health." - Araz

"It was great to see so many different school come." - Jagan

"It was wonderful to see Jacqui’s videos to share her experiences while running marathons all over the world." - Amy

"It was really nice to see all the st Mary leaders to come all together and have a nice day." - Evie

"I was so excited to meet, Adrian Beck, the author of so many children’s books" - Ms. Lucy

Mental Health in Primary School

Supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing is a key priority for St Mary’s College. We are proud to be part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative, which helps us build a caring, supportive environment where every child can thrive. This work is closely connected to our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) approach, ensuring that students experience clear expectations and consistent support throughout the school day.

Through simple, predictable routines and explicit teaching of positive behaviours, we help students feel safe, calm and ready to learn. We recognise and celebrate students when they demonstrate our school expectations in behaviour, building a positive mindset for learning, self-advocacy and connecting with others. When students receive three acknowledgements, they are presented with an award, celebrating their efforts and inspiring all students to contribute to a respectful, inclusive school community.

Simple Ways to Support Your Child at Home

• Keep routines predictable: Try to keep mornings, homework time and bedtime at similar times each day - it helps children feel calm and organised.

• Catch the good stuff: Notice the little wins! A quick “I love how you kept trying” or “That was really kind” goes a long way.

• Make time for chats to encourage emotional awareness: Check in about their day and feelings. If they’re upset or overwhelmed, try simple strategies together like taking a few deep breaths or having a short break.

• Be the example for respectful relationships and communication: Children learn from us - speaking calmly and showing respect in everyday moments teaches them how to do the same.

• Promote independence and self-advocacy: Let them have a go! Encourage your child to speak up, ask for help and try things on their own (even if it’s not perfect!).

• Stay in the loop: Keep connected with what’s happening at school so you can use the same language and expectations at home.

By working in partnership with the school, parents help reinforce a shared approach that builds confident, respectful and resilient learners.

Building Confident Readers for Life

Reading opens the door to knowledge, confidence, and opportunity. With the right tools and encouragement, you can support your child to fully engage with the language, stories, and information that shape their future.

Supporting reading development is about more than literacy; it’s about equity, inclusion, and empowering every student to thrive. When we invest in accessible reading support, we create opportunities for every child to find their voice, broaden their horizons, and reach their full potential.

During our Extended Literacy sessions, St Mary’s students are explicitly taught how to use these strategies to improve reading comprehension.

Parents can assist with this at home by prompting their child to:

• imagine what is happening in the text, as if it were a movie playing in their head
• link the text to their own experiences or prior knowledge to deepen understanding.
• pay attention to details, keywords, and hints that help explain the meaning.
• think about what the text is mostly about or the key message the author is sharing.
• summarise the text in their own words, focusing on the main points

If you would like a copy of this bookmark, please contact your child’s Teacher of the Deaf.

Physical Education

Physical Education is such an important part of the school curriculum, and Evelyn is always an enthusiastic participant.

PE supports positive health and well-being and builds skills and motor development. At Holy Trinity, the sports program is well balanced, consisting of both games, teamwork, setting personal goals and motor skill learning.

Celebrating World Hearing Day

On Tuesday 3rd of March our Wantirna South campus along with Holy Trinity celebrated World Hearing Day bringing to life this year’s theme: “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children.” The event brought together students, staff, specialist teachers, audiology experts, and past students from both schools to highlight the importance of hearing health in every child’s learning and wellbeing.

We were delighted to welcome representatives from Hearing Loop Australia, and former St Mary's College students who generously shared their experiences.

The morning focused on raising awareness about:

• The importance of early screening, identification, and intervention in schools.

• Everyday strategies to protect hearing.

• The strong partnership between Holy Trinity teachers, SMC specialist staff, and Australian Hearing audiologists.

Students participated in a range of engaging activities, including:

• An immersive Hearing Loop experience with Ian Riddle from Hearing Loop Australia.

• Hearing and ear‑care sessions for Prep–2 students with Amanda Purcell.

• Auslan learning for Years 3–4 and a whole‑school Auslan performance of “The Greatest Showman.”

• A Q&A session with past students Amy and Myisha, who shared their journeys as deaf mentors.

The event reinforced a simple but powerful message: Good hearing helps us learn, connect, and feel included.

It was a vibrant and meaningful morning of learning, celebration, and community connection, one that showcased the value of collaboration and the importance of hearing care for all children.

Newsies Jr. (Auslan Interpreted Show)

When: 9 April 2026. 7:30pm

Players Theatre Company will be performing Newsies Jr. this school holidays at the Christine Strachan Theatre, South Oakleigh College.

The Players Theatre Company has been producing youth theatre shows since 2016. Thanks to Auslan Stage Left, the Auslan interpreted show is available on the 9th of April.

Book Tickets

Mamma Mia at Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley Grammar is warmly inviting the extended school community to attend the senior production of Mamma Mia!.

An AUSLAN interpreted performance will be held on Saturday 16 May at 2:00pm, providing greater accessibility for all audience members. Tickets will be available from Monday 30 March.

Personal Details

• Have you recently moved or planning on moving?
• Do you have a different phone number?
• Is your Email address current?
• Medical Information updates?

You can register any of these changes through via PAM or by contacting Administration (PH: 9800 2733 / SMS 0427 705 363).

Student Absences

A reminder to parents/guardians to please record your child's absences through PAM or by notifying Administration (PH: 9800 2733 / SMS 0427 705 363), including late arrival and early leaving.