Principals Message
Marriage – a matter of full life.
What wonderful persons parents are! How varied their talents, how boundless their energies how inexhaustible their patience. Called upon at any hour of the day, confronted by new problems each growing year of their child’s life, harassed by increased demands by new childcare and health initiatives. Each parent should take time out to give themselves a personal pat on the back, for, besides attending to the demands of their children, parents have to manage the personal problems in their own lives. Well done, parents you deserve lots of praise.
Church documents contain statements which can make us think a little more about ourselves. The document on Human Life has the following paragraph:
“Married love is a matter also of full love, a special form of personal friendship in which husband and wife generously share everything with each other. They do not allow unfair exceptions nor are they anxious solely for their own comforts.
Whoever truly loves a spouse not so much because of what the other is, and loves willingly so that the other may be enriched by the gift of one’s self.”
In light of those words, it would be rather easy to view the arrival of children to a married couple as their wish to express to the world human proof of their love for one another. Because children are an extension of the love parents have for one another, it’s not so difficult to see why parents are so self-giving to their children. Of Course, to keep children feeling greatly loved the trick is for parents to be able to keep administering Christian Marriage to one another as the years go by.
So parents, you are to be commended for the self-sacrifice that’s involved in raising your children. Take a bow and if you are a sole parent – take two bows.
LEAVE
I will be on leave from Wednesday November 8 until Friday November 24. I am very excited to be travelling to New Zealand with my husband Simon for our son Simon and daughter-in-law Georgina’s wedding on Friday November 17th. After postponing their wedding twice because of COVID lockdowns our large extended family are all descending on the sleepy little village of Wanaka in the South Island for the celebrations. Nanny Kitty will be chief babysitter of Simon and Georgia’s son Oliver, so I will enjoy the time to get to know our little kiwi grandson.
Mrs Thea Parry will be acting principal in my absence. Thea will be in the office each Friday and Ms Smith will teach F/1/2TP.
PLACEMENT
We welcome Josephine Horton who will commence her placement for her Certificate IV in Education Support on Thursday November 9th. Josephine is from Melbourne and has relocated to Wanalta while her partner Riley Cusack works in the area with his family.
DATES FOR TERM 4
Monday November 6: Pupil Free day: report writing
Tuesday November 7: Public Holiday: Melbourne Cup
Monday November 27: Pupil Free day: Planning day 2024
Friday December 1: Specialist Showcase and Mini concert:
Wednesday December 6 @ 11.30am: Blessing and Opening of building
Friday December 8: Pupil Free Day: Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027
Tuesday December 12: Statewide Transition Day
Friday December 15 @ 1.00pm – 3.20pm: End of year and Graduation Mass & Mrs Fraser retirement celebration
Friday December 15: Retirement celebration invited guests
Tuesday December 19 at 3.30pm: Last day for students
Wednesday December 20: Last day for staff
SAFETY in CARPARK
The school hall carpark is a busy place from 8.30am – 8.50am and at the end of the school day from 3.10pm – 3.25pm. It is for this reason that we ask you to show extreme care as you enter and exit the car park. Whilst children are escorted by an adult in the carpark there is always the possibility of a child not listening or walking in the right direction and therefore being in a compromised situation. PLEASE DRIVE WITH CAUTION AT ALL TIMES.
ATTENDING ST MARY’S IN 2024
Staff are in the process of organising classes for 2024. If your child is not returning to St Mary’s in 2024, could you please advise me as soon as possible. This request does not involve parents of 2023 grade 6 students.
SPECIALIST SHOWCASE AND MINI CHRISTMAS CONCERT
On Friday December 1st from 11.00am – 12.30pm, our specialist teachers are organising a showcase of the wonderful work that your children complete in the specialist classes. We look forward to showcasing work completed in Art, Auslan, Respectful Relationships and Science. Following the showcase of work we encourage you to stay from 1.30pm – 3.00pm and join our teachers and students for a mini Christmas concert. Each class will sing a Christmas carol and a song. The whole school will perform a song together. We will be having an earlier first and second break on this day.
HOW CAN YOU HELP
St Mary’s Primary School has a vibrant parent community, and your involvement is welcomed and encouraged. As a school, we are proud of our supportive and enthusiastic parent community. There are many ways for parents to become involved in the school community, and ultimately your involvement enriches school programs and enhances your child’s growth and learning. Some of the opportunities for parent involvement include:
- Supporting and engaging in learning programs
- Becoming a member to our School Advisory Council Covering
- Shelving books in the Library
- Assisting with food preparation, BBQ at special school events when required
- Becoming a member of our ‘Parents and Friends’ committee or assisting with their activities.
For the safety of our community, all parent helpers at St Mary’s Primary School are required to have a Working with Children check.
WALKING /RIDING TO SCHOOL WITHOUT SUPERVISION
I have had several requests from parents for their child to walk or ride to school unsupervised. While Rushworth is a small country town with minimal traffic, I would encourage you to be mindful of the Vic Roads regulations. The school would prefer that children under 9 do not walk or ride to and from school alone.
FROM VIC ROADS WEBSITE
Keeping our kids safe as they get to and from school is everyone’s responsibility.
As kids come to and from school it’s important for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to be aware and take extra care during these busy times. Even a small reduction in speed could save a child’s life.
Children & pedestrian safety
Research shows that young children do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic on their own. Parents and carers need to take special care and supervise young children in traffic.
Children up to 5 years
Parents and carers must always hold children’s hands when near traffic or the road. Once a child is mobile, especially walking, they must never be left unsupervised around roads or vehicles. Young children lack the skills, knowledge and judgement to be able to cope with traffic and so need to be constantly supervised.
Children 5 years up to 12 years
Parents and carers can help children by providing plenty of practical supervised experience in using the road safely, as a part of the journeys taken every day. Research shows that children under age 12 do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic. Teach them safe traffic behaviour and set a good example.
Children 11 or 12 years and over
Children may become more independent in their travel, however in complex traffic situations they may still require supervision. Check regularly to ensure that children remember and follow safety procedures. Work with them to plan safe walking and cycling routes.
Victoria Police have a list of precautions to help kids stay safe when walking to school. Some of their suggestions include:
- Walk confidently.
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you.
- Don’t wear headphones, as they may stop you from hearing danger approaching.
- Find an easy way to get to school and home again with good crossings and as little traffic as possible.
Some other helpful tips include:
- Parents should help their children plan a safe route.
- Avoid taking shortcuts — stick to the planned route.
- Watch out for cars at every driveway and intersection.
- Don’t accept rides from strangers
Have a great fortnight,
Regards
Catherine Fraser
Principal
