Principals Message
Dear families,
Yesterday, we moved into the first day of Summer though it did not feel at all like it. We only have two weeks left for the 2025 year, though we are not slowing down. Your children will continue to be taught right up until we go on holidays.
I take a moment to reflect upon the year and my time at St Mary’s. The amount of change that our staff, students and families have witnessed over the past two years (this year in particular) has been unprecedented. Looking through student data and proof-reading student reports, it is evident that the trajectory of learning for St Mary’s is rapidly increasing – this is a testament to our improved practices in learning and teaching, through Magnify, our dedicated staff and the children and families. We are so proud.
New Principal
As I write this, I also am aware that an announcement has been made today whereby staff, and the community have been informed that Mrs Angela Fiske-Kealy has, following a thorough process, accepted the position of principal of our school commencing 2026. As you are aware, Angela has been senior leader here this year in the role of leading learning and teaching. Angela is committed to continuing the improvement journey of our school and her and I will have detailed discussions and handover.
I currently have an advert for our new F/1/2 teacher for 2026, and I am very confident that we will attract a quality teacher. Angela will be exceptionally hands-on in the F/1/2 room to ensure the continued success of this cohort (as well as the rest of the school).
Congratulations Ange.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
We celebrate our students who will make their first Reconciliation this Thursday in the Church at 3:45pm. We are extremely proud and happy for each and every one of you. Sienna, Thomas, Eleanor and Indi – Congratulations.
Graduation Mass and Ceremony
On Friday, we welcome Fr Adi and our families in for our 2025 Graduation Mass, where we celebrate our graduating Year 6 students. Congratulations Tannah, Vince, Sophie, Mia, Taya and Olivia on all that you have achieved and accomplished during your primary schooling. We wish you all the very best for your future education.
Staffing, State-Wide transition and End Year Christmas Concert
Next Tuesday is the state-wide transition day where our students (including 2026 Foundation students) will work in their new classrooms until 1:35pm. At 2:30pm, we have our Christmas concert in the Hall with families welcome to attend. Thanks, Ms Parry, for organising.
We welcome Miss Annie Byrne into our 3/4 space. Annie has worked at St Liborius during 2025, bringing warmth, professionalism and energy into the role.
We welcome Mrs Steph Sefton into the role of Mental Health in Primary Schools for 2026. Steph has worked here, in the 5/6 classroom, during 2025 and brings experience, positivity and calm.
As 2025 draws to an end, we thank and farewell the following staff members: Mrs Morse, Mrs Cummins and Mrs Murray. Thank you for all that you have contributed to the St Mary’s school community.
Fete
A massive thank you to our amazing Parents and Friends and family volunteers for their work in organising and running our Fete. It was, yet again, a tremendous success. Thank you to all of the businesses who donated to our cause. Funds raised are allocated directly to camps and excursions as our school currently heavily subsidises these activities (with fees making up a very small portion). Thank you!
North Melbourne players
Tomorrow, we host 4 North Melbourne players for a Q and A and a kick to kick. They will be here from 10am. Families are welcome to attend.
Whole-school excursion
Next Wednesday, we have our whole-school excursion to Bendigo. The students will begin the day at the Bendigo Cinema’s to watch ‘The Star’. The Star is an animated film about the story of Christmas – fitting in wonderfully with our Catholic Identity curriculum. Following this, we will go to the Sacred Heart Cathedral for a tour and explore. The day promises to be a wonderful experience. Please head to PAM to grant consent and update medical (if needed)
Swimming
Next Friday, we head to Stanhope for our 2025 swimming carnival. This will be a great day and I hope that the weather feels a bit more like Summer than we are currently experiencing. We welcome any families to attend and I thank Mrs Cummins for planning and delivering the day.
Bushfire At Risk Register/Closure days
As you are aware, our school is on the Bushfire At Risk Register - Category 3. This means that on days forecast as ‘Catastrophic’ by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), our school must close. From time to time, you may witness the Rushworth P-12 closing whereby we remain open. This is due to their category rating having a lower threshold for closing. On these days, our busses remain operating.
Further to this, our school has, and practices, detailed policies and procedures to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We have regular emergency management drills to ensure that staff and students are prepared in the unlikely event and have scheduled maintenance to ensure that, in and around, our school is free of ignitable debris and vegetation.
Our principal has the Vic Emergency app and monitors all weather conditions and hazards. Our Shelter-in-place location is our Amphitheatre, and our off-site assembly point is the main street or, in very rare cases, Sacred Heart Tatura.
Social Media age restrictions
We hosted Leading Senior Constable Shane Roberts (Proactive Policing) into our school last Thursday to talk to families, staff and the students about the impending age-restrictions for social media that will take effect December 10. For more information, please visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub
Once again, I thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school.
Please do not hesitate to come and see me or email if you have any questions or concerns.
Vin Ryan
Principal
