Wellbeing & Engagement – Everyone Matters
At St Mary’s, Everyone Matters. This belief sits at the heart of our approach to wellbeing, engagement, and learning. Guided by the Vision for Engagement from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), we are committed to providing a contemporary learning environment where every child is known, valued, and respected as a unique individual created in God’s image.
We believe students thrive when they feel safe, connected, and a strong sense of belonging. Through nurturing relationships, strong partnerships with families, and meaningful connections to our wider community, students are supported to understand themselves, others, and the world around them. Our school is a place where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every child feels they belong.
We recognise that we are all lifelong learners on a journey of growth and self-improvement. Students are encouraged to strive for excellence by making the best possible use of their gifts and abilities. We support learners to develop persistence, resilience, grit, and collaboration, and to become reflective knowledge-critics who approach learning with curiosity and confidence.
Our teachers highly value ongoing professional learning to ensure they are skilled, motivated, and responsive educators. Staff work collaboratively to provide a consistent, high-quality approach to wellbeing, curriculum, and teaching practice, creating learning environments where students feel supported to take risks, make mistakes, and experience success.
Student engagement is strongest when learning connects to what matters to them. We honour the diversity of student interests, their deep questions about life, and the many ways they learn and grow (Horizons of Hope, 2015). Teachers play a vital role in igniting curiosity, fostering agency, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.
Student voice and choice are central to our philosophy. By empowering students to be active participants in their learning and wellbeing, we ensure they are not only learners, but shapers of their future — confident, compassionate, and capable young people who know that at St Mary’s, Everyone Matters.
Dogs Connect- our special friend, Bexley!
We are very proud to be a Dogs Connect School. As part of our commitment to student wellbeing and engagement, we are fortunate to have our very own wellbeing dog, Bexley.
Bexley plays a special role in supporting students and staff across our school. He helps create calm, welcoming learning environments and supports students with emotional regulation, confidence, connection, and engagement in learning. Whether spending time in classrooms, supporting students one-on-one, or simply offering a reassuring presence, Bexley helps students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Bexley’s work reflects our belief that Everyone Matters. His gentle presence strengthens relationships, supports wellbeing, and contributes to a positive and inclusive school culture where every child feels known and valued.
