It may have been awhile since you were at school and things have changed a bit. Join us for an evening to discover how modern schools operate and what you can expect when your child starts school in the coming years.
This is an obligation-free event to provide all new parents with important schooling information. The evening will include a tour of the school and a Question/Answer Session with our Leadership Team.
Hear from educators on what to expect from school from Reception to Year 6. We offer Term 1 and Term 3 intakes, allowing for families to decided when their child is ready to begin formal schooling.
Register HERE
Taking the step into ‘big school’ is a momentous event for families. One question we are always asked is “how do I know my child is ready for school?”.
When you hear the term school readiness, what we are really talking about is a child’s social, emotional, physical, communication and cognitive skills. We want to ensure children are in the right environment for their development stage and are nurtured to become confident, capable learners. Children all develop at their own pace and have their own strengths and weaknesses, so when to start school will depend on each individual child, and there is no better judge of readiness than the child’s family.
Our schools offer two Reception intakes per year, which allows families to have more control over when their child starts school. If your child starts in Term 3, they will do 6 terms of Reception (a half year followed by a full year).
Starting Age:
If your child’s birthday falls between 1 November and 30 April, they can start in Term 1.
If your child’s birthday falls between 1 May and 31 October, they can start in Term 3.
We will work with families to help you decided on when your child is ready for school. Give one of our schools a call for more information.
St Mary Magdalene’s School recently welcomed a new leadership team following the retirement of long-time Principal Mrs Trish Jones.
Mr Chris Platten, a former student of the school, was named the new Principal of St Mary Magdalene’s School. He is joined by the new Head of Campus, Mrs Ciara James, and supported by Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission, Mrs Melissa Musolino and Inclusive Education and Well-Being Coordinator, Mrs Leah Williams.
With one term under their belt, the new team have been busy getting to know the community and preparing Term 3 Reception students for their commencement.
St Mary Magdalene’s School is a Mercy school, which means its core values include the Mercy Values of Respect, Courage, Compassion, Justice, Service, and Hospitality.
Mr Platten said the new leadership team were putting a renewed focus on these values to help drive positive change within the school.
“We have very strong core values and beliefs, and these inform everything we do at St Mary Magdalene’s School and St Mary Magdalene’s School Community Hub,” Mr Platten said.
“I am delighted to be back in the place where I completed my primary education and supporting students and families through their own educational journeys.”
St Mary Magdalene's School is more than a place for young families, we have been a part of the Elizabeth Grove community since 1957 and have played an important role in the lives of Playford and Salisbury families for generations.
In 2020, St Mary Magdalene's School became even more affordable and accessible for more people in our community thanks to the establishment of the St Mary Magdalene's School Community Hub. The Hub has become a focal point for community groups and activities and provides a full range of activities for all ages to connect, make friends and learn new skills.
The Hub runs our highly successful Little Maggie's Playgroup on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings and will start special Sing and Grow sessions in Term 3. Along with under 5 activities, The Hub is an important connection point for adults and new migrants. We provide coffee mornings, English classes and craft activities that brings people together to learn, grow and share.
St Mary Magdalene’s School, Elizabeth Grove, has this week farewelled a stalwart of the school community, Principal Trish Jones.
Ms Jones announced her retirement late last year following 12 years as Principal of Elizabeth’s first Catholic school. St Mary Magdalene’s School opened in 1957, with Ms Jones among one of the early students to be educated at the school. Completing her education at St Mary Magdalene’s School, Trish went onto gain her teacher registration and return to the school in 2009 to take up the position of Principal.
During her time at the school she has introduced a strong element of inclusion for the diverse multicultural community surrounding the school.
CESA Schools Performance Leader for Northern Adelaide Mr Jamie Blowes said Ms Jones’ ties to the St Mary Magdalene’s School community would be enduring.
“She has a wonderful connection with the community through her work as an educator and she is known for being very caring and understanding of the needs of the community,” Mr Blowes said.
“Trish’s understanding for families and the community is a demonstration of what Catholic education can offer to a diverse, multicultural community like Elizabeth Grove.
“Her work in ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are involved and connected with the school has been outstanding. She was an early promoter and adopter for creating a more inclusive, responsive, and culturally aware Catholic education system for our First Australian families. This influence has been not just limited to St Mary Magdalene’s School, but throughout Catholic Schools in South Australia.”
Incoming Principal for St Mary Magdalene’s School, Mr Chris Platten, said during her time at St Mary Magdalene’s School, Ms Jones dedicated her efforts to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children thrive in their learning and social development.
“Her strong connection to the community and empathy for others has made her an outstanding educator throughout her career,” Mr Platten said.
“While she is saying farewell to us as a staff member, Trish will always remain a much-loved member of the St Mary Magdalene’s School community. We wish her every happiness and many blessings on her retirement.”
Mr Blowes said given Ms Jones’ deep affinity for the north and for education, she would no doubt continue to follow her passion for helping children reach their potential.
“We offer her our best wishes for good health and happiness as she steps into retirement and with many thanks for her years of dedicated service to the students, staff, families and community of Elizabeth Grove,” Mr Blowes said.
A farewell morning tea was hosted by staff for Ms Jones recently.
St Mary Magdalene’s School Board and the Finance Committee have been working with the Catholic Education Office to develop a school fee structure that recognises the financial burdens faced by families in our local community.
We want to ensure all families can access our high-quality, caring school and are pleased to offer the following fee structure:
Tuition Fee:
$0
Resource Fee:
$250 per student per year (for students commencing in Term 1)
$195 per student per year (for students commencing in Terms 3 or 4).
Uniforms, excursion fees and extra-curricular activities are not included in this fee.
