Principals Message
Dear families,
Welcome back to Term 4 and what appears to finally be some nice weather. I trust that you all had a lovely time with the kids at home of the school break and that they are all rested up and ready for another big term or learning.
Staffing
At the end of last term, we interviewed for a classroom teacher to step in while Mrs Brook is away for the year on parental leave and welcoming hers and Peter’s first child. We know that this leaves big shoes to fill and I am confident that we have appointed a really good fit for St. Mary’s. Miss Annie Byrne was offered the full-time fixed-term position for 2026 to which she accepted. Annie currently works at St Liborius School in Eaglehawk as a Year 3 teacher. Having read her application, spoken with her referees and interviewed her, she is a very warm early-career teacher who has a passion for learning and teaching, attention to detail and excellent communication with parents, students and staff. My highlight was how excited and how her face lit up when I offered her the opportunity to join the crew here at Rushy.
As you are aware, Mrs Brook is also has the role of Mental Health in Primary Schools. Yesterday, I advertised her, 2-day per week, replacement for 2026 and hope to get a good field of applicants. Please feel free to share this information far and wide. https://careers.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/jobs/mental-health-in-primary-school-teacher-fixed-term-part-time-st-mary-s-school-rushworth-vic-australia
Child safety and Volunteers
As part of our commitment to child safety, in the coming weeks all parents/grandparents who volunteer at our school will be asked to complete a short form and module for child safety. Once again, this is to ensure the safety of the children in our care at all times. More information to come.
Building Foundations Transition Program
At the end of last term, we held our ‘Come and try’ transition. This session is part of our Building Foundations transition program. We have more of these to come for our 2026 enrolled Foundation students. The next session is Friday 24 October from 8:40am – 11:30am. This is a great opportunity next year’s student to learn the rigours of schooling and routines.
Hats
Please don’t forget that, as the weather warms up and the UV index climbs, it is important to remember our sun safety. As such, during Term 4, all students and staff will be required to wear their wide-brimmed hats. I ask that no trucker caps or non-school hats come in please.
Bushfire safety
As we come into the hotter weather, we are more vigilant and prepared for the unlikely event of a bushfire. As you know, as part of our Emergency Management Plan, we practice drills termly and review response processes and documents regularly. St Mary’s is on the BARR (Bushfire At Risk Register), meaning that on Code Red days, no-one is to be on site.
Our school also monitors a 25km watch zone on the Vic Emergency app to get early warnings if there are fires in our area. In the unlikely event of a Bushfire, we have processes to evacuate the school or shelter-in-place.
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
