Newsletter, Week 4, Term 1 2026
Dear Families,
Term 1 is now in full swing and hopefully the hot weather has now passed us by (for now). It is pleasing to see all our students engaging positively with each other in the classrooms and in our school yard. Our school is once again buzzing with activity, and our students are busy in their classrooms.
Parent Information Evening
Thank you to all our families who braved the evening heat and attended our Parent Information Evening last week. This event was crucial in forming a whole team approach and setting the year up for success. Our staff were excited to share their learning space with you and provide you with an insight into your child’s learning. As the term rolls on there will be further opportunities to meet with our staff. In the meantime, you are always welcome to meet with your child’s teacher. The best way to do this is via a scheduled meeting to ensure our teachers can be completely present.
Celebrating Lent
Breakfast Club was full of energy this Shrove Tuesday as children gathered to enjoy pancakes in the fresh morning air. Shrove Tuesday is a time traditionally linked with reflection, community, and sharing food together, and the children certainly embraced that spirit, tucking into their pancakes with big smiles and plenty of enthusiasm. A huge thank-you to all the staff who helped make this possible, your support and teamwork ensured the morning ran smoothly and created a memorable start to the day for our students. Shrove Tuesday marks our preparation for Lent, which lasts for forty days beginning on Ash Wednesday (yesterday) and finishing on Holy Thursday.
Thank you to those families who attended our Ash Wednesday Liturgy that was so beautifully led Mrs Tullio and our students. The rich symbolism contained in the ashes being present at our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, reminds us to turn back to God who is full of tenderness and compassion. As we begin our Lenten journey, we are called to reflect on our thoughts and actions. The acts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are at the heart of our Lenten experience. The ashes we receive on our foreheads are a powerful symbol of humility and repentance, reminding us of the call to turn our hearts toward Jesus. At St Mary Magdalene’s our students journey together in faith, seeking to grow in love, kindness, and compassion throughout Lent.
Our Student Leaders
We were excited and proud to induct our student leaders at our first assembly of the year last week. We know that these young leaders will strive to lead our school with integrity and kindness. We have emphasised the message that leadership comes in many different styles with each leader bringing their own unique style and character trait to this role. We look forward to seeing their exciting ideas and putting kindness into action within our school community.
Class Leaders
Reception Drewett | Aria and Shukulu
1/2 Hill | Lucy and Lucas
1/2 Shapcott | Daisy and Kosi
1/2 Nye | Gabriella and Vadhanak
3 Petersen | Hazel and Caleb
4 Storrie | Islah and Xavier
5/6 Oosthuizen | Sofiah and Sebastine
5/6 Tullio/Yzel | Amiah and Johnnie
Student Ambassadors
Grace and Charlotte
House Captains
Fitzpatrick | Poppy and John
Coolock | Hunter and Savannah
McAuley | Arpan and Emelia
Pupil Free Day
An early reminder that Tuesday 10th March is a Pupil Free Day as our staff undergo professional development. It will be a 4 day weekend as Monday is also the Adelaide Cup Public Holiday. Please pop this date on your calendar. If you require our OSHC service please contact the Front Office or drop into the OSHC building to make arrangements.
Uniforms
You may notice our senior students wearing their commemorative ‘Seniors 2026’ polo top. They all look very smart and are great role models for the rest of our school. We continue to work with our students to remind them of uniform standards at our school. This week’s reminder: Fancy hair accessories, makeup and caps should be saved for weekends or after school. Note the following:
- Makeup – excessive make up including lashes is not permitted
- Nails – false or stick on nails as well as nail polish is not permitted
- Hair – hair longer than collar length must always be tied up or tied back. All hair accessories should be in the school colours
- Hats – the only acceptable hat is a SMM school hat, unless negotiated for a short period of time
Communication between School and Families
Hopefully by now you are receiving EdSmart ‘Broadcast’ emails about important information and dates that are occurring in our school. Moving forward, this is generally how whole school information will be communicated. The class teacher will still use Seesaw to celebrate students work and correspond about classroom specific information. If you are not receiving Edsmart ‘Broadcast’ emails, your email address may not be up to date. Please pop into the Front Office to make any necessary changes.
As we conclude Week 4, it has been inspiring to see our Be You theme reflected in the way students are approaching their learning, their friendships, and their daily interactions. This focus reminds us that every child brings their own strengths, stories, and gifts to our community, and that each one is valued for who they are. As we continue through the term, we look forward to nurturing a school environment where every student feels confident to grow, contribute, and truly be themselves.
Wishing you all the best as we move towards the season of Autumn.
Shaping our future together,
Gareth and Belinda
