Our Diocese, and particularly the Bendigo community, were deeply saddened last week by the passing of Mons. Frank Marriott. He is remembered as a man of profound faith, a remarkable character, and a loyal friend—tributes expressed with deep affection by all who knew him.

He was a man who accompanied families through life’s most sacred milestones—baptisms, weddings, funerals, and many other treasured moments. Although he retired from active priestly ministry some time ago, he continued to be held in the highest regard, and his enduring presence and remarkable ability to connect with people will long be remembered. He often presided over Mass at Holy Rosary supporting all Parish Priests and our community.

As we pause to remember his legacy, we wish his family friends and our Diocesan priests' condolences and prayer.

ORIENTATION DAY

Next Tuesday we will participate in Orientation Day alongside most schools in the area. Our senior students, the Grade 6’s will take another step into the world of secondary school for the whole day whilst other grades will be in their 2026 class groupings between 11.45am and 12.45pm. A huge amount of time and effort has gone into setting these groupings and we are unable to make changes after the day.

STAFFING 2026

As we prepare for the new year, we have some changes to our staff. Firstly, Mrs Baber and Mrs Teed will be taking 12 months leave expecting to return in 2027. We wish them all the best for the year ahead and all that 2026 will bring. Mrs Rosaia will also be taking 6 months leave and will return to teach music in term 3&4. Ms McKenzie will remain at school for part of term 1 and be on Family leave for the remainder of the year. We wish Meg all the very best as she begins her family.

As such we have also appointed Ms Danielle Crane as a classroom teacher. Danielle brings 7 years’ experience in a number of settings that I am sure will enhance our school. Mrs Kris Fellows will take on the music program for the first half of the year. She has a wealth of experience and joins Holy Rosary from St Joseph’s Rochester. I am sure they will be made to feel very welcome.

CLASSROOM TEACHERS
Foundation	Miss Gabby Smith
Foundation	Miss Jessica Moloney
Grade 1	Mr Conor Van Der Staay
Grade 1	Ms Danielle Crane
Grade 2	Miss Catherine Walsh
Grade 2	Mrs Shelley DeAraugo / Mrs Liz Williams
Grade 3	Miss Samantha Doyle
Grade 3	Miss Jasmin O’Sullivan
Grade 4	Miss Bronte Deary
Grade 4	Mr Dylan Lovell
Grade 5	Mrs Juanita Howlett
Grade 5	Mr Ollie Geary
Grade 6	Mr Dan Walker
Grade 6	Miss Lauren Spence

SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Visual Arts	Mrs Bianca Schmidt Mrs Bethany Kerlin Mrs Jo Thurley
Performing Arts	Mrs Kris Fellows (Grade P – 6 Term 1) Mrs Sophie Taylor (Grade 5&6 term 2 – 4) Mrs Eva Rosaia (Monday and Tuesday term 3&4) Mrs Megan Matheson (Wednesday Term 2-4)
Health & PE	Mr Troy Coates
STEM/Sustainability	Mrs Tracey Angove (Grade 3 - 6) Mrs Bethany Kerlin (Grade P – 2)

INTERVENTION SUPPORT ROLES

Miss Meg McKenzie (term 1) Mrs Megan Matheson (Thursday term 2-4)

CONGRATULATIONS

We are extremely proud of Miley Ellerton who has won Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria’s 2025 Christmas Card Competition! We had a huge participation rate with a large number of entrants just from our school, but also from across the region which make the achievement even more exciting!

The theme for the Christmas Card was, “Christmas in the Great Outdoors.” This was captured beautifully in the amazing detail, colour and essence of the artwork!

The artwork will be used on Jacinta Allan’s Christmas Cards delivered to homes in her Bendigo East Electorate. In fact, I think some of you have them already!

SWIMMING

Our junior swimming program was a great success, and I’d like to thank the staff who supported the children in many different ways over the week of swimming at Gurri Wanyara. I was also incredibly proud to receive an email full of praise for the way all children behaved and engaged with the program. Like any skill one week is not lifelong learning and I recommend parents enter into consistent formal lessons to continue to develop this vital skill.

Unfortunately, the swimming Carnival was cancelled due to the unseasonal cold weather, the trials and our ‘sports’ will be held early in term 1. We pray for fine weather and a fun day for all.

GRADUATION

Our grade 6 class will celebrate 7 years of primary school with our special Mass at 5.30pm 10th December with a celebration for parent and the grade 6 student in the Parish centre. It will be an opportunity for reflection and acknowledgment. The following Monday the teachers and students will have a day out swimming and going to the movies before they leave the school. We are extremely proud of all our graduates and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

BUSH DANCE

What a huge end to the school year! The Billy Tea Bush Band and the Bush Dance held on Thursday created a wonderful day and evening of fun for our children and their families. A big thank you to our fantastic BBQ cooks whose efforts made the event even more enjoyable for everyone. We also extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Teed and the staff for their hard work throughout the day and for coordinating such a successful community event.

SCHOOL FEES

Please find below the school Fees for 2026. Those families on Direct Debits should have already received their Fee calculation letters by email last week. If you are interested in starting Direct Debits for 2026, please contact the office.

Paul Wilkinson

Principal

Class News

BILLY TEA BUSH DANCE BAND