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.