Principals Report

Principal's Report

As we step into Week 8, it’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of Term 1 and that Easter is just around the corner. It was wonderful to see a sea of green across the school yesterday as we celebrated St Patrick’s Day. Thank you to everyone who contributed a gold coin donation—we raised over $500, which will be sent to support the bushfire‑affected communities of St Michael’s Tallangatta and Sacred Heart Corryong.

At Mass on Sunday we had the beautiful responsorial psalm “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”

This beautiful line from Psalm 23 reminds us that God cares for us the same way a good shepherd cares for his sheep. A shepherd guides, protects, and watches over every member of the flock. In the same way, God walks with us through every part of our day—at school, at home, at play, and even in the moments when we feel unsure or worried.

For our us adults and our children/students, this psalm is a gentle reminder that:

· We are never alone. Just as sheep trust their shepherd, we can trust that God is with us.

· We are cared for. God wants what we truly need—peace, love, friendships, safety, and joy.

· We are guided. When we try our best to make good choices, to be kind, and to look after one another, we are following God’s path.

Psalm 23 encourages us to slow down, breathe, and remember that God’s love surrounds us every day. As we move through the busyness of school life, may we take comfort in knowing that we have a Shepherd who leads us gently and lovingly.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 students who have completed their NAPLAN assessments in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and Numeracy over the past two weeks. We look forward to receiving their results next term and using this data to continue enhancing our teaching and learning practices.

Upcoming Events – Term 1

Ride2School Day & World Down Syndrome Day – Friday 20 March

This Friday, we begin the day with Ride2School Day. Students and parents are welcome to join staff at one of the following starting points:

· United Servo at 8:00am

· Shire Hall at 8:00am

· Mulwala Car Wash at 7:45am

Mr O’Dwyer will also be Running Club at school from 8am.

We will also celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with a crazy/odd socks day to raise awareness and promote inclusion.

Purple Day 4 Epilepsy – Thursday 26 March

We have families within our community who are directly impacted by epilepsy. Purple Day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness and show our support. Students and staff are invited to wear a touch of purple, and classes will take part in learning activities to deepen understanding.

Hot Dog & Zooper Dooper Day – Monday 30 March

On the Monday of the final week of term, students will have the option to purchase hot dogs and Zooper Doopers to celebrate the end of term.

The Big Water Walk – Thursday 2 April (Last Day of Term 1)

As part of our Lenten fundraising, we will hold The Big Water Walk (formerly Caritas Ks). This meaningful day helps students develop awareness of the challenges faced by others while raising funds for important causes.

Schedule:

· 9:45am – Liturgy

· 11:15am – Laps begin

· 12:45pm – Whole‑school lunch

· 2:15pm – Early dismissal

Farewell to Kirby

Friday the 27th will be Kirby Hillier’s final day before she commences Family Leave. We sincerely thank Kirby for the care, energy, and dedication she has brought to our school community, and for the wonderful work she has done with our students. We wish her all the very best as she prepares for the exciting arrival of her baby.

Important Dates – Term 1

· Tues 17 & Wed 18 Mar – Learning Conversations

· Fri 20 Mar – Ride2School Day

· Fri 20 Mar – World Down Syndrome Day (Crazy/Odd Socks)

· Thurs 26 Mar – Purple Up 4 Epilepsy Day

· Mon 30 Mar – Hot Dog Day

· Wed 1 Apr – Backflips Against Bullying (Yr 5/6)

· Thurs 2 Apr – Big Walk Day

· Thurs 2 Apr – Last Day of Term 1

Traffic & Safety Reminders

· Morning spaces outside the front office are Kiss and Go only. Please park nearby if you wish to walk your child in.

· Please avoid arriving at the Orr Street pick‑up area before 3:10pm to reduce congestion for local residents.

· Students not collected by 3:30pm will be followed up according to our Child Safeguarding procedures.

· Local Police will be actively enforcing No Standing zones around the school to ensure student safety.

 Term Dates for the Year: 

TERM 1: January 27 to April 2 

TERM 2: April 20 to June 26 

TERM 3: July 13 to September 19 

TERM 4: October 5 to December 18