Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to be Catholic to attend St Margaret Mary’s?
No, your child does not need to be Catholic to attend the school. We accept children from an array of faiths however, baptised Catholics are given preference in the enrolment process.
When do I need to enrol my child?
We accept enrolments the year prior to your child starting school. You are not required to put your child’s name on a waiting list.
What are the fees?
An outline of current fees and levies can be found in the prospectus. Fees are inclusive of all equipment and excursions and SMM families benefit from flexible payment options available through our partnership with Edstart, at no cost to families.
How can I help prepare my child for school?
It's common to feel a bit anxious about your child starting primary school. As a parent, you want to be absolutely certain your little one is fully prepared to adapt to a classroom environment, make new friends and be able to clearly communicate their needs to their teachers whenever they need help. Download our guide for some simple things you can do at home with your child to make the transition to school seamless.
Does the school have before and after school care?
Yes, Camp Australia provide before and after school care on site from 7am - 8:30am and 3:15pm - 6:30pm. Due to low demand, Camp Australia do not offer a holiday program at the school, however holiday care is offered at surrounding schools which many of our children attend.
What does the uniform look like?
The uniform is in the school colours of navy, gold and white and includes both summer and winter options as well as a sports uniform for all year levels. For more information on the uniform, please go to the Uniform page or download our Prospectus.
Do you have lunch orders?
Yes, we have lunch orders on Mondays and Fridays every week of term. Lunch orders can be selected and paid for via the Qkr app up to 8am on the day required and KingWill Catering deliver orders just before eating time.
Are the children taught another language other than English?
Yes, children in all year levels participate in weekly AUSLAN lessons.
What specialist subjects do the children learn?
Children learn a range of specialist subjects including Physical Education, Art, LOTE (AUSLAN), S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Specialist Teachers. You can see more under Learning.
Can the children learn a musical instrument through the school?
Private ‘Keyboard’ lessons, a piano music program, is offered during school hours for those who wish to participate. Lessons are one-on-one with an experienced teacher, at an additional cost for each child.
In what years do the children make their Sacraments?
The Sacraments are parish based and school supported. Children will make their sacraments as follows: Reconciliation - Grade 3; Eucharist - Grade 4; Confirmation - Grade 5.
What technology is used at the school?
Technology is an important part of learning in the 21st century and is interwoven as a teaching tool at St Margaret Mary’s. We have a Chrome book, lease to buy program for Grades 3 - 6. Families can buy outright or pay about $100 per year for 4 years to buy apersonal Chromebook that is equipped with all of the safety requirements upon receipt. Children charge their Chromebooks at home and bring them to school with them each day. As this is beginning in 2024. Students in Grades 4 - 6 will have access to Chromebooks. Children in Prep – Grade 2 have 2:1 access to school iPads and use these in their investigations and learning. Our children also enjoy a variety of school supplied technical learning tools such as spiro balls, microbees to teach coding. Please ask about our engaging learning experiences, Victorian Curriculum linked when you come for a tour.
What secondary schools do our students attend?
St Margaret Mary’s students attend many different secondary schools after graduating from our school. These schools include Emmanuel College - St Paul’s Campus, (boys only), Mount St Joseph’s Girls College (girls only), The Academy (girls only) and St. Mary’s College (formerly PCW & CBC - co-educational). Please contact your preferred school for further information about their program. For more information, please see Life After SMM.
How do I contact the school if I have a question or query?
Simply call us on 9391 3118 to chat to the Principal or Office staff. The most effective and efficient form of enquiry is through our website link to enquiry tracker. This will be launched in 2024.
You can also contact us via email at office@smmspotswood.catholic.edu.au