Mrs Ryan's Fortnightly Reflections

Welcome to the final countdown, everyone! I trust that everyone had a restful and fulfilling break! It has been wonderful to see our learners return this week and seamlessly transition back into school life, routines, and learning. Our learning environment is truly impressive. We have 45 days of schooling to finish what has been a fabulous year. 

Next week, St Mary’s has a full school review. This is a mandated process that will explore our level of practice, processes, and compliance with Child Safe Standards and our school registration. We are constantly assessing and ensuring we are meeting these standards; however, a review is always an opportunity to refine and improve. 

Term 4 is a fabulous term in a school. We enjoy spending the last term with our classes and learners, ensuring we have given them all we have as educators before they move on into the next year. We all enjoy the longer days, warm weather, and easier days. This term has a busy calendar as always, with much to celebrate. Please be sure to read your ‘Fortnights in Focus’ and check the newsletter and Compass for dates of our many events. 

The biannual St Mary’s fete will be one of our major events this term, and tickets, timetables, and requests for support will be shared from today via our newsletter and Compass. We are very hopeful that many of our parents will support the success of the fete by donating some items and time. Our children love this event, and it truly celebrates our community commitment. We hope this year will be no different! 

Recently, Mr. Brent Anstee announced his resignation from St Mary’s. Brent has done an exceptional job fulfilling the Deputy Principal: Community Wellness role and has supported the staff, families, and learners in this area. Brent has been commuting from Bendigo for two years and has been successful in being appointed to a deputy principal role closer to home at St Therese’s in Kennington. I know you will join me in wishing Brent every success in his new appointment. St Mary’s has already started recruitment for this role. 

Term 4 also begins to explore future planning, staffing, and new goals and directions for the school for the coming year. There are and will be changes; however, our planning will continue to prioritise our learners’ success and happiness. Please know I will keep you as well informed as possible throughout the term. 

I look forward to seeing many of you at the numerous events and celebrations that we will have this term.  

Take care, stay well and God Bless. 

Jasmine Ryan  

Principal