82 Fairfield Road,
Elizabeth Grove SA 5112

Newsletter, Week 9, Term 4

Well, here we are at the finish line of what has been a wonderful school year.

As referenced at our final Assembly on Monday, 2025 has been a year of change for our school. However, in amongst all the change one thing has remained constant. That consistency around the care for our community is something that never once waivered this year. Creating an environment where you and your children feel supported is something we strive for and are very proud of.

We are incredibly proud of all our children, their growth, achievements, and the resilience they have shown throughout the year. Watching them flourish both academically and personally has been a true highlight, and we celebrate each and every milestone they have reached.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated and committed staff. Their passion, energy, and tireless efforts ensure that our children receive the very best education they deserve. We are deeply grateful for the way they give their all, day in and day out, to nurture and inspire our students.

A special thank you also goes to Kerryn for the outstanding work she has done in the Community Hub during 2025. Her support has extended beyond the classroom, strengthening our wider school community and providing a welcoming space where families feel connected and valued.

Together, these efforts remind us that while change may come, the heart of our school. Our care, pride, and commitment to community remains steadfast.

The Advent Season

We are now well and truly in the season of Advent and perhaps the greatest of all Advent themes is love. It is the love of God made visible in the gift of Jesus, and it is the love we are called to show one another. At St Mary Magdalene’s School, love is expressed through service, compassion, and the commitment to walk together as one community. As we journey through the season of Advent, may we be reminded that our school is more than a place of learning. It is a place of faith, hope, and belonging.

We encourage all our families to take time during this season to reflect on these themes, to pray together, and to prepare for the joy of Christmas. On behalf of the staff, we wish you a blessed Advent and a joyful Christmas. May this season bring peace to your homes, hope to your hearts, and love to our community.

Class Structure 2026

Yesterday all our students spent the morning getting to know their new classmates and teacher within their 2026 classroom. It was a morning of nervous energy that quickly turned to excitement as new relationships were formed and a new chapter started. We formally welcome Ms Jacinta Nye to our year 1/2 Team for 2026.

We are proud to announce our 2026 teaching structure below:

  • Reception: Laura Drewett
  • Year 1/2: Rebecca Hill
  • Year 1/2: Jade Shapcott
  • Year 1/2: Jacinta Nye
  • Year 3: Heather Petersen
  • Year 4: Sarah Storrie
  • Year 5/6: Amiee Tullio (Mon – Wed) and Eldi Yzel (Thurs and Fri)
  • Year 5/6: Natalia Oosthuizen
  • Auslan: Richard Symons
  • Physical Education: Cristian Morgado
  • Performing Arts: Rosemarie Villano

Farewell Year 6s

It has been a busy and exciting time for our Year 6s as they walked out the gates for the final time on Monday. Last week they enjoyed each other’s company at the Midway Tavern for a special meal together. Last night we formally farewelled this special group as they graduated from St Mary Magdalene’s School. It was a beautiful celebration that was prepared by our Year 5/6 team which provided a special tribute to each student and allowed them a chance to reflect on their primary school journey. We wish this group of young people all the best for the future.

2026

  • Our Front Office formally opens for 2026 on Monday 19 January. It will remain open until close of business on Wednesday 21 January.
  • Our uniform is available for purchase from Lowe’s in Elizabeth City Centre. They will be open throughout the holiday period.
  • Term 1 officially starts on Tuesday 27 January.

See you all soon

We wish to thank our staff, student and parent community for their ongoing support and commitment to the school and the students’ development. We wish you all the best for a safe and prosperous holiday period and look forward to what 2026 will bring our school community.

As you head into the break, may you enjoy precious time with family and friends, take the opportunity to rest and recharge, and return refreshed for another full year of learning, laughter, and working together in 2026.

Shaping our future together,
Belinda and Gareth

From the APRIM

What a Year of Faith and Community! This year has been truly remarkable, filled with beautiful celebrations, Masses, and Liturgies. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many families and friends who joined us throughout the year. Your presence made these moment even more meaningful for our students. We look forward to welcoming you again in the coming year as we continue to celebrate together.

Highlights from this week

Last week, we concluded our school year with a joyful End of Year Mass, celebrated by Fr Santosh. It was a wonderful occasion to give thanks for a year of learning, growth, and community spirit.

Celebrating our Year 6 Graduates On Tuesday evening, we gathered to celebrate the educational journey of our Year 6 students as they reached this important milestone. This occasion also marked a time to farewell many families who have been part of our school community for many years—we thank you for your support and partnership.

To our graduating Year 6 students, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. As you begin your next chapter in high school, know that you go with our blessings and prayers for continued growth, success, and joy.

End of Year and Christmas Blessing

Loving God, as we come to the close of this school year, we pause to give thanks for the many blessings we have received—the gift of learning, the joy of friendships, and the support of our families and community.
We thank You for guiding us through challenges and for the moments of growth and grace along the way.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son, Jesus, fill our hearts with hope, peace, joy, and love.
May this Christmas be a time of joy and renewal for all families.
Bless our students, staff, and families as they enjoy the holidays.
Keep them safe and close to You and may the light of Christ shine brightly in their lives now and always.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Last School Assembly for 2025

Yesterday we came together as a whole school for the final time this year. A big highlight of the morning was announcing the winner of our Mercy Cup.

The Mercy Cup is awarded to the House team that is recognised for the most acts of positive behaviour, respect, kindness, and empathy throughout the school year. As a school in the Mercy tradition, we encourage our students to focus on the Mercy values of respect, responsibility, and empathy, and acknowledge their positive actions in the hopes that they will inspire others to follow their example.

Congratulations to McAuley House, for demonstrating the most acts of positive behaviour throughout the year. Thank you to our House Captains, Jamie and Mason, for collecting the Cup on their House team’s behalf.

We also thank our staff for their kind donations towards our End of Year Raffle prizes! Congratulations to the families who won the raffle!