Assistant Principal

As we reach the halfway point of Term 3, I thought it timely to take stock and reflect upon the happenings over the past 5 weeks. Our students have represented us proudly at a number of events - the Conference 1 Athletics Trials, the inter schools debating competition, the St MM’s Running for Premature Babies Team in the City 2 Surf and just recently, the whole school coming together in Green and Gold to support the Matilda’s (with the exception of Mr Simpson bringing the rivalry in support of his homeland).  

There are two students who I would like to bring to the attention of our community -  Oscar Sheffield in Year 6 and Maxim McDonald in Year 4. Both of these students through their own accord and initiative raised money for their chosen charities in their participation in this year's City 2 Surf. Oscar raised $4015 for the Running for Premature Babies charity and Maxim raised $4600 for Giant Steps. I caught up with the boys after the race - 

Q1: What made you want to raise money for your chosen charity? 

Oscar - Two of my sisters were born prematurely so I wanted to help raise money. 

Maxim - My sister has autism and I think her school deserves the money to look after children like her. 

Q2: How did you raise so much money? 

Oscar - I contacted all of my family. My Dad sent my fundraising link to his contacts and I also donated some of my own money. 

Maxim - Both my parents sent it out to their family members, colleagues and friends. My mum also sent it to my soccer team. I got some very generous donations from friends and family. 

Q3: How did you feel running on the day? 

Oscar - I felt excited and a bit nervous. Once I got started I loved it there was a great atmosphere with all the dancers, singers and just the whole vibe. 

Maxim - I was excited and nervous. There were a few things I was worried about like Heartbreak Hill but that was fine. The hardest bit was actually at Bondi when you thought you were finished but you had to keep running. 

Q4: What was the best thing about the whole experience? 

Oscar - Getting to raise the money for the charity and helping the premature babies and also running the City 2 Surf with my dad and making memories with him. 

Maxim - When you get to the end and you feel a sense of accomplishment and also knowing that you have been able to help out a charity. 

For a little school, there really is nothing little about us. Of course at the forefront of our day to day business is teaching and learning, but what makes us exceptional as a community is our school spirit. The St MM’s school spirit is like a magic potion that brings us all closer together. It is the feeling of belonging, being part of a big family and of supporting one another through the good and the bad - I think everyone’s heart was a little broken after the Matilda’s loss. But just like a team of superheroes, we all contribute to the strength and energy that we bring when we come together as a community.  

To Maxim and Oscar, you are both truly inspirational and I thank you both for your generosity of heart and spirit.  

This is what makes us special. This is St Margaret Mary’s. 

Your proud Assistant Principal, 

Miss Frost