Principals Message

Dear families,  

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2026

The year has begun with great excitement as teachers and students become familiar with one another and begin building strong and lasting relationships. It has been wonderful to see the routines established in 2025 continue to support students in understanding the expectations of their day. These consistent routines provide predictability, reduce uncertainty and cognitive load, and allow students to focus their energy on learning.

I have been especially grateful for the work classroom teachers have put into preparing their rooms, lesson plans and resources for the term ahead. 

Our specialist teachers have also made a positive start to the year, with students already enjoying Science, Art, RRRR, STEAM and Performing Arts across the fortnight. In addition to their specialist areas, these teachers support classroom programs and contribute greatly to the breadth of opportunities available to our students.

The school is certainly a buzz with learning, alongside the continued implementation of the Magnify Sandhurst Initiative. I look forward to the wonderful year ahead and extend my sincere thanks to families for the effort you put into preparing your child each day for school. Your support gives them the best opportunity to learn, grow and flourish.

Here’s to a fantastic 2026.

Out of Hours School Care

We are delighted to announce that Out of Hours School Care will commence at St Mary’s in 2026.

We have been working in consultation with Uniting Early Learning Services, who have already begun preparing a welcoming space at St Mary’s, Rushworth to support the program.

Please see the attached information and Expression of Interest form, which can be completed now. Families will be advised of the next steps as further details become available.

We look forward to offering this additional support to our families and community.

                                                                                                                  Angela Fiske-Kealy