Wow, it is hard to believe that we are already in Week 7 and nearing the middle of the year. What a busy few weeks we have had here at St Mary Magdalene’s School. One of the key features of the last few weeks has been our community engagement. It has been so wonderful to enjoy special moments here at school with all the important people in our lives. Our Be You Day and Special Person’s Morning were true reflections of the close bond between our school and our community.

Staffing Announcement…

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs Leah Dickson and Ms Tara Haylock will return to St Mary Magdalene’s School in Semester 2. Tara and Leah will co-teach our new Mid Year Reception class in a part time arrangement. Both Tara and Leah are well known to our community and I know our students will be very excited to have them back at school.

Mid Year Receptions…

What a delightful morning we had yesterday as we welcomed our newest students into the SMM family. There is something special about welcoming new families into our community and we look forward to seeing you flourish and thrive. Our Mid Year Reception class will learn out of our Auslan Room in Semester 2, with Mr Richard teaching Auslan within the classrooms.

Semester 1 Reports…

Our teachers are in the process of preparing Semester 1 reports to go home in Week 10. This is a great opportunity to reflect on Term 1 and 2 and receive some formal feedback on your child’s learning. An opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss the report will also be made available in Term 3 when Parent teacher Interviews bookings are open.

Classroom Pulse Check In…

Over the past two weeks at school, all students in Reception to Year 6 participated in the Classroom Pulse Check In. The purpose of the Classroom Pulse Check In is to find out how students are feeling about their experience of school. Students are asked some simple questions about:

• Identity
• Learning
• Relationships
• Belonging

Our aim is simply to check in with our students and measure how they are feeling. Your child’s responses will help us to identify any potential social, emotional or learning needs they may have.

Community Hub Update

Our Community participating in “The Discovery Project” which is centred around culturally diverse women and their birthing experiences.

In this session we unpacked a lot as we shared stories about birthing our children, explored what birth trauma is, and discussed the lasting emotional and physical impacts birth trauma can have on women and families — even many years later.

These conversations were powerful, honest, and deeply meaningful, and we are so grateful to everyone who participated and shared their experiences.

If you would like to join us for our next session, or would like to share your birth story with Cathy and be part of the amazing work she is doing in this space, please let Kerryn know.”

School Photos

By now you should have received the paperwork for our 2026 school photos. School Photos are scheduled for Thursday, Week 1, Term 3. The preferred method for payment is online. Your paperwork explains how to follow this simple process. Unfortunately, we are unable to take electronic payment at school so if you are wanting to pay at the Front Office you will need to provide the correct amount.

Attendance at School

Regular school attendance plays a crucial role in supporting each student’s learning and overall development. Every day in the classroom provides valuable opportunities to build knowledge, develop skills, and engage with teachers and peers. When students attend consistently, they are better able to follow the sequence of learning, deepen their understanding, and maintain confidence in their ability to succeed. Missing school can lead to gaps in knowledge that are often difficult to bridge.

Beyond academic achievement, strong attendance habits also support students’ wellbeing and sense of belonging. Being present at school allows students to build friendships, develop positive routines, and feel connected to their learning community. It also helps foster responsibility, resilience, and a positive attitude towards learning—skills that will benefit them well beyond their school years. At St Mary Magdalene’s School, we value the partnership between school and families in supporting regular attendance, knowing that when students are present, they are best placed to grow, flourish, and reach their full potential.

Pupil Free Day…

For forward planning, please be aware that our staff will be engaged in professional development on Friday 26^th June (Week 9). This is a school closure day, and students do not come to school. Our OSHC service is available but will occur out of St Thomas More School. Spaces are limited so please consider contacting Jenn Firth (OSHC Director) as soon as possible if you require a booking.

Be Kind….Always…

At St Mary Magdalene’s School, we believe that everyone has the right to work and learn in a safe, enjoyable environment. Bullying and/or harassment and/or discriminatory behaviours destroy this safe environment. We are committed to preserving the dignity of each person and providing an environment in which all students feel safe and are safe. By working together, we can help children make conscious change and positive choices.

Take care and stay warm…

As we move further through the term, thank you for your continued support of our school community and the many opportunities we provide together for our students to live, learn and love in all things.

Shaping our future together,

Belinda Bennett and Gareth Molyneux