Principals Message

Dear families, 

Book Week

This week, we have Book Week with the theme of ‘Reading is Magic’. Throughout the week, our students will take part in learning experiences that celebrate and promote the joy of reading. Today we held our Book Week parade and also visited the Rushworth Library. What a joyous time.

Learning Conversations

Thank you all for engaging with our school during Learning Conversations last week. These 10 minute blocks are a great opportunity for our students, your child/ren, to express their voice in their learning. I have advised teachers to follow up with any families who were unable to attend last week as these catch ups  are so important.

Bullying: No-Way

Last week, we celebrated and explored Bullying: No-way at St Mary’s. Our students unpacked what bullying is (Ongoing, targeted and deliberate) and appropriate strategies that they can employ when faced with this challenge. 

Attendance

As you know, our school strives for 95% attendance for all of our students. If a child misses just 10 minutes of school per day, that equates to nearly 6 days per year. Through SIMON Everywhere, we have set up monthly reminder percentages to be generated and sent to families to enable you to monitor your child's attendance. In my experience, families often do not realise how much their children have missed unless it is continually monitored.

School software migration

Over the next few weeks, our school is migrating from the Google suite to the Microsoft 365 platform as part of a Catholic Education Sandhurst directive to ensure greater security and monitoring. We have really great support from the office but understand that there may be some teething issues as we move over. Families and students should not be affected by this change. 

Swimming program

Our 2024 swimming program commences in two weeks time during Week 8. We are really looking forward to the week and the experience that it provides our students. Please do not forget to ensure that your child/ren are well equipped with all that they require.

Sporting achievements

Over the past few weeks, we have had many sporting events to celebrate (This does not include the Bombers unfortunately). As we come into finals locally, I extend best wishes to those competing. Some of our Year 6’s and last year’s Year 6’s are playing in their first final  (Under 13’s netball) - We are barracking for you!!

Music Lessons

To those families who have indicated interest in music lessons here at the school, please do not think that you have been missed. I have been working with a couple of companies on how we can facilitate this. I am hopeful that we may have one on board for term 4 but it also might look more like next year. This has not been as easy a process as first imagined. We will keep you updated.

Thank you everyone for your ongoing support of our beautiful little school, God Bless and please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Vin Ryan

Principal