Dear Parents and Carers, 

Term 4 always seems to be extremely busy and goes by very quickly. Over the last fortnight students have participated in a range of school, community and sporting events including the St Marys Remembrance Day Commemoration Ceremony, voting for the 2025 Student Leadership Board, Country Goal Cricket Carnival,  ‘Dance for Fun’ Performance for primary students, Year 8 students enjoyed the Live 4 Life end of year celebration organised and hosted by the Live 4 Life crew, the Inter-high Athletics Carnival, our SMDS Primary Swimming Carnival, Grade 10 students have been busy with  Exams and Bendigo Bank Bursary interviews and Year 11/12 students celebrated the end of their school year with a celebration lunch with their teachers. Along with these events, Pre-kinder sessions and teaching and learning across the school continues, transition and celebration events are commencing and planning is underway for 2025.  

While many of our Year 10 students have recently enrolled at Newstead,Launceston or one of the Hobart Colleges, which is an important step in their education journey, sometimes college does not meet the needs of everyone.   One of the options for students after Year 10 is the 11/12 program at St Marys District School.  We are currently work is to finalise our course offerings to support these students.  If you would like more information, please contact the school.   

Teachers have started the end of year reporting period. The next four weeks at school is a critical time for learning. Teachers will be giving students opportunities to demonstrate their learning through a variety of ways including presentations, essays, reading assessments, class discussions and in-class learning tasks. It is important students stay focused and maximise this learning time right up until the end of the term. We encourage families to talk with their children about this important time for learning. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher anytime if you have any questions about their progress. 

Planning for 2025 is progressing, with staffing, class models and timetables currently coming together well. As we confirm our class structures for next year it is important that we are aware of any students who will be joining or leaving St Marys District School at the end of 2024. We ask that parents please notify the school administrative team of changes for 2024 enrolment as soon as possible.   

At St Marys District School, we work collaboratively to make decisions regarding class placement.  These decisions are informed by students, teachers, parents and guardians.  Classes are formed to provide the best possible learning environment for all students catering for academic needs, to support friendships and increased social connections, to improve work habits and to foster diversity. 

Parents and Carers may provide specific information about their student's learning and/or social needs. Such information would not include a request for students to be in a particular class or with specific students or teachers.  The information should be provided in writing (letter or email to : st.marys.district.school@education.tas.gov.au or provided to Meg Burbury (K-6) or Stephen Smith (7-12). 

Regards 

Carolyn Watson 

Principal