GETTING TO KNOW OUR STAFF

Name: Ruby McLean

Position at School: Learning Support Officer

Hobbies: I have been a competitive cyclist for over 10 years! I have competed at nationals before and I am now training to represent the state again next year.

What do you like about St Mary’s?: Although I have only been here a short time, I like the sense of community among everyone. I also like how I am able to get to know all the students on not just an academic level but also personal, such as learning about their hobbies and interests outside of school.

Favourite Book/Music: Currently, my favourite song is ‘Love Story’ by Taylor Swift.

What are you looking forward to in 2024: I am looking forward to all the swimming and gym sessions ahead with the students. They have been so much fun!

Something interesting about me: Ibu Cath was my P.E. teacher at St Monica’s Primary School from Prep to Grade 6.

School Uniform

Our school uniform is one of the many highlights of our school. The majority of our students are in school uniform all the time, and it is very much appreciated; that being said, there are a couple of items I would like to bring to your attention.

Shoes - they must be all black; when purchasing school shoes, please refrain from buying shoes with other colours on them, e.g. white logos.
Hair – please encourage students to wear a hair tie if their hair reaches to their shoulders or beyond. Hair ties will provided by the school while families adjust.

St Mary's Sport

On the 22nd of March, we have our Junior Fun Day and Cross Country, which will have permission forms going out soon. However, we need parent helpers. If you are available at any time, we need parents to help out with being on point duty. Point duty is where you will be given a spot along the cross-country track, and you are a point of need if any of the students within the Loddon Calder District

need assistance throughout their run.

If you feel as though you can assist, that would be greatly appreciated. Please ring the school on 54383 075 or send me an email to tfenwick@sminglewood.catholic.edu.au. Volunteers will need to have a current working with children's check.

Loddon Dance Troupe - St Mary's

We are thrilled to see the addition of Loddon Dance Troupe classes to our after-school program every Monday, and the positive energy is contagious! The joy and enthusiasm radiate from Inglewood children as they immerse themselves in Gabbi's classes.

Physical Well-being: Dance is a fantastic way to keep students active and healthy. Gabbi provides a dynamic and enjoyable workout, promoting flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular health.

Creativity Unleashed: Beyond the physical benefits, dance is a creative outlet that encourages self-expression. Students are discovering the joy of movement and building confidence as they express themselves through the art of dance.

Team Spirit and Social Bonds: Loddon Dance Troupe supports one another and builds lasting friendships through shared experiences on the dance floor.

Stress Relief: Mondays can be tough, but with Loddon Dance Troupe, they've become a highlight of the week! Dancing is a fantastic stress reliever, helping students unwind, refocus, and start the week with a positive mindset. Don't forget teenagers and parents are welcome too!

Inclusive and Supportive Environment: Loddon Dance classes at St Mary's promote inclusivity, ensuring that every student feels welcome and encouraged. Our dance community is a space where diversity is celebrated.

CATASTROPHIC FIRE DAY PROCEDURES:

Fire danger ratings and warnings are used Australia-wide to provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life.

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System uses four easy-to-recognise rating levels, each with a message to encourage you to take action to protect yourself and others in the face of bushfire risk.

Schools and children’s services listed on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) will be closed when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is determined in their Bureau of Meteorology district. Our school has been identified as being one of those at high bushfire risk and is listed on the BARR.

Where possible, we will provide parents with up to four days' notice of a potential Catastrophic day closure by letter and SMS message. A Catastrophic day will be determined by the Emergency Management Commissioner no later than 1.00 pm the day before the potential closure. Once we are advised of the confirmation of the Catastrophic day, we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.

Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child. It is also important to note that:

No staff will be on-site on days when the school is closed due to a forecasted Catastrophic fire rating day.
School camps will be cancelled if a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is determined for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located.

On these Catastrophic days, families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan – on such days children should never be left at home or in the care of older children.

For those of us living in a bushfire-prone area, the CFA advise that when Catastrophic days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Catastrophic day.

As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan.

What can parents do?

Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is closed.
Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, by talking to your child’s teacher or any other member of the teaching staff about our emergency management plan.
Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.
If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan.
You can access more information about children’s services closures on the Department of Education and Training website – see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx

For up-to-date information on this year’s fire season, visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the 24- hour Victorian Bushfires Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Community News