Senior Years
Student leadership is a cornerstone of the senior experience at St Mary’s. Our students are encouraged to see themselves as leaders of their own learning and are provided with meaningful opportunities to lead within the school community.
The senior years are intentionally designed to prepare students for a successful transition to secondary school, with a strong focus on leadership, increased academic challenge and growing personal responsibility. A highlight of Year 6 is the PALS Program, where senior students mentor Foundation children through our cross-age buddy program, fostering connection, confidence and a deep sense of responsibility.
A major focus in Year 6 is supporting students as they prepare for the move to secondary education, most commonly to St Mary MacKillop College. Through targeted transition activities and conversations, we ensure students feel confident and ready for this next step.
Senior students also participate in school camps, designed to build independence, teamwork and resilience, while strengthening peer relationships and broadening life experiences.
By the time our students complete their senior years at St Mary’s, they leave as confident, resilient and self-directed learners who are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of secondary school and beyond.
Senior Highlights
-
Overnight School camps
-
Excursions and Incursions
-
Grandparents And Special Friends Day
-
Athletics and Cross Country
-
Swimming Program
-
GRIP leadership
-
Open Water Swimming Program
-
Transition to Secondary Years program
-
Student Leadership Opportunities
-
PALS program
-
Year 6 Market Day
-
Comprehensive Student Leadership Opportunities
PAL Programs
Our senior students take great pride in becoming pals to our Foundation children, playing an important leadership role in helping them settle confidently into school life. The children first meet their PALS during Transition sessions in Term 4, beginning a connection that continues into the new school year.
Throughout the first weeks of Term 1, our senior students provide gentle guidance and reassurance, helping their pals find friends, learn routines and feel safe and supported in the playground and classroom. The partnership continues across the year, with regular PAL activities that strengthen friendships and build confidence, belonging and leadership.
The PALS Program is a special part of our school culture, fostering connection, responsibility and care across year levels.
Transition to High School
St Mary MacKillop College
Swan Hill Secondary College
"Our children love school at St Mary's. From the moment they walk in the school gate there is a sense of connectedness and belonging. The entire staff go above and beyond, the facilities are fantastic and we feel our children are supported to learn and thrive - both academically and socially."
- Nalder Family