From the Principal

This week our hearts go out to the Riddles Creek community as the tragic events at the Kindergarten have rocked the town. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of teacher Eleanor Bryant who died in the crash. Eleanor's last acts were pushing children out of the way of the crash and saving their lives. We pray her family finds strength in her courage and we hope God is with them always as they journey on. 

As expected the GAGA pit has been a massive hit for our students. The students have been enjoying the games and mostly following the rules really well. Please see the video below, which shares the rules.

It is a very busy time of year with lots going on, last week I added additional dates to the Important Dates and Upcoming Events tab. Please make sure you keep up to date with all of our comings and goings. 

Please note the school will be closed on Monday 2nd of December and Tuesday 3rd of December as the staff engage in planning and undertake some professional learning. 

We Will Remember Them (My Grandfather's Hat):

Advent Explained:

It is only a few weeks until the Liturgical season of Advent begins. Please see this video below, it gives families a nice simple understanding of the season of Advent. 

Mrs Jackie Glen:

Last week the wonderful Mrs Jackie Glen announced to staff that 2024 will be her final year at STM. Jackie is moving on to Upwey Primary School for a fresh start. Jackie has been a wonderful staff member at our school for over a decade and has passionately fostered a love of learning and gardening for our students. We will have the next few weeks to celebrate Mrs Glen and the wonderful contribution she has made to our school. 

Parents and Friends AGM:

Our wonderful Parents and Friends Committee are holding their Annual General Meeting on Monday 18th of November at 7:00pm in the school staffroom. We hope to see lots of new faces there. 

St Vincent de Paul Fundraiser:

On Friday, December 6th, after lunch, we will be hosting a fun food fight at school. This will include water fight-style activities using foam food. To take part in this event, we would appreciate it if you could contribute food items from the attachment below. These items will be donated to St Vincent de Paul, a Catholic organisation that provides support to families in our local community. You can start sending in your donations anytime leading up to the event. We hope you will help make a difference and bring joy to families this Christmas.

Thank you for your support

Archie, Fraser, and Olivia

Social Justice Leaders

STM Community Picnic:

We will be holding our annual STM Picnic on Thursday 21st of November. The event will run from 5:30pm-8:00pm. This has been a really well attended event over previous years and it would be great to see lots of families there again. I will send an Operoo out for families early next week. 

Passing on Ceremony:

The Passing on Ceremony is a very important tradition at our school. It is where our current 2024 school leaders "Pass on" the responsibility of school leadership to our 2025 school leaders. Families of our Year 5 families are encouraged to join the school staff and students on Wednesday, December 11th at 2pm in the Parish Church. 

2025 Student Leadership roles will also be announced at this ceremony. 

A message from Mrs Norris in the Library:

All library books must  be returned by December 1st  ( particularly grade 6's).

Week 8 is the last week of borrowing. 

Thank you and God bless

Declan McDermott

Principal