Dear Parents and Carers 

Welcome back to the final term of the school year! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful break and is feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting weeks ahead. Term 4 is always a special time in the school year as we reflect on all that has been achieved and look forward to celebrating our students’ learning and growth. It was lovely to welcome 2 new families to St Mary's this week, Anika (K), Ilaria (Yr 1), Louis (Yr 4) and Layla (Yr 5). We are delighted to have you join our school community!

This year, I was fortunate to participate in the 6R Program for Experienced Principals, a professional learning series designed to challenge and extend school leaders. The program, led by Dr Stephen Brown, brought together internationally recognised educational leaders who shared insights on leadership, wellbeing, and school improvement.

Our final session, presented by Dr Peta Sigley, focused on the vital area of wellbeing. Dr Sigley shared both a framework and practical strategies to support the wellbeing of students, staff, and families. A key message was the importance of embedding wellbeing in everything we do, not as an add-on, but as part of the very fabric of our teaching, leading, and caring for one another as a community.

One of the strategies explored was the TIPP approach, which offers simple yet powerful ways to regulate emotions and promote calm:

• Temperature – using cold water or an ice pack to help regulate the body
• Intense exercise – short bursts of physical activity to reset the nervous system
• Paced breathing – slowing and regulating the breath
• Paired muscle relaxation – tensing and releasing muscle groups to create calm

These are strategies that we can use ourselves, as well as with our children, to help build regulation, resilience, and wellbeing in our daily lives. 

St Mary’s Behaviour Policy
At St Mary’s, we believe that every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. We take pride in helping our students develop healthy and positive relationships with others.

Our staff regularly discuss behaviour expectations with students and encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried or concerned about an incident. We continue to focus as a whole school on explicitly teaching what respectful behaviour looks like, in the classroom, on the playground, and in all interactions with others.

At St Mary’s, we take a restorative approach to behaviour. This means that when an incident occurs, we focus on helping students understand the impact of their actions and supporting them to repair relationships. Depending on the nature and frequency of the behaviour, there may also be consequences, including a discussion with parents to ensure consistency between home and school.

Copies of our Pastoral Care and Welfare Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy are available on our school website for families who wish to learn more about our approach to student wellbeing and behaviour.

We encourage parents to contact their child’s classroom teacher as the first point of contact if an incident occurs. Our door is always open, we are here to support all students and families in any way we can.

This focus on respectful and restorative relationships aligns with our whole-school commitment to wellbeing. As we teach students strategies to regulate their emotions, build resilience, and care for others, we are nurturing a culture where every child feels a sense of belonging, safety, and connection.

Safeguarding Our Students

The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. Safeguarding means protecting children and young people, especially those who may be more vulnerable because of their age, background, or life experiences. It includes ensuring that all students are safe from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn is committed to meeting the Child Safe Standards, and we continue to work together to strengthen a culture where every child feels safe, supported, and valued at school.

Dance Program

We are delighted to share that we have secured the services of professional dance teacher Erika Hazleton, who will be running a series of dance sessions with each grade this term. Erika will be teaching the students a dance that they will perform at our Awards Night. These sessions form part of our Physical Education and Performing Arts curriculum, while also supporting student fitness, coordination, and confidence.

Dance sessions will be held each Thursday for five weeks, beginning Week 3 – Thursday, 30 October.

Students should wear their sports uniform every Thursday.

We look forward to seeing the joy and energy that these sessions will bring to our school each week!

Semester 2 Student Reports
Catholic Education has advised that Semester 2, 2025 Student Reports will include a general comment for all children. This comment will provide an overview of your child’s year, including areas of achievement and focus for future growth. A–E grading and attendance information will remain as normal.

Parents always have the option to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss the report and clarify any questions about the grades or comments. These meetings can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Please feel free to contact your child's teacher. 

Teachers will also meet with families of students who are performing below benchmark to discuss progress and next steps. These conversations ensure that there are no surprises in the report and that families remain well informed about their child’s learning.

Catholic Leaders' Day
Next Tuesday 21 October (Week 2), I will be travelling to Canberra to attend Catholic Leaders Day and Principal Meetings. This gathering brings together leaders from across the Archdiocese and provides an important opportunity for reflection and collaboration.

We are fortunate to have both Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Executive Director David de Carvalho speaking at the conference, sharing insights about faith, leadership, and the future of Catholic education.

During my absence, Mrs Heffernan will be Acting Principal from Wednesday to Friday. I thank her for stepping into this role and supporting the school community in my absence.

As we begin Term 4, I look forward to a term filled with learning, community events, and celebration. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership in your child’s education. We wish Year 4 all the very best on their overnight excursion to Canberra next week. 

Kind regards
Jo

Johanna Wain
Principal