Principals Message

Spring Awakenings

Spring awakens and enlivens us in a way no other season can. We remember what new life looks like, we remember what possibilities are just around the corner, and we remember that beauty comes in small packages.

It’s a great time for meditation as we grow ourselves – and with spring in mind, here are five reflections on how our minds, hearts, and spirits are healed during the flowery months.

New life and new beginnings are all around us. Each waking flower is a symbol for something new taking shape within us.                                                

Everything blooms in its own time. In our lives, just as in nature, patience forms the most beautiful things we experience.                                   

Colour and light are vital to life. Spring feels good because it reminds us how deeply we need variety and vividness in our surroundings.                                          

Great things are waiting beneath the surface. Only when the flowers bloom do we realize the potential that existed beneath our feet all this time.                                              

The important things are the simple things. Grass, rainfall, sunlight, a single flower – the smallest things matter still, because no one else can experience them for us.                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                     Online article from ‘Mind Fuel Daily’

GOOD TO BE ALIVE

                                      “God, our Father in Christ, it is good to be alive,                                                      to share life with each other in your wonderful creation.

You have given us the opportunity to see the spring flowers,

To watch trees in the wind, to inhale the fragrance of the season,

And to feel the warmth of the air.

God, it is good to rest in the evening, and to rise in the morning,

To walk upon this good earth, to hear your whisper in many places,

And to sing your praise with many friends.

We want to sing, dance and pray in gratitude for every good thing in your creation!

Bruce Prewer

Welcome back to term 4.  This is a 12 week term with our students’ final day being Tuesday December 19th.  This final term is very busy with camps, Halloween disco, school fete, transition and end of year activities.  We look forward to working together to ensure that you child/ren enjoy this term and work hard towards meeting the graduate outcomes.

CAMPS

Our grade 3/4 students headed off yesterday for their 3 day 2 night camp at Billabong Ranch in Echuca. There was great excitement as they boarded the bus and farewelled their mums and dads to go on their school camp. For some it was their first time school camp.  They will be well looked after by Mrs Bianca Brook, Mrs Kerry Morse, Miss Laura Martin and Mr Cameron Salmon.  They have joined with the students and staff from St Joseph’s Nagambie for the 3 days. I visited Billabong Camp this morning and all students are thoroughly enjoying the activities in this fabulous weather.  They are cooperating with each other, their camp leaders and their teachers. 

Next week our grade 5/6 will travel to Anglesea for their camp which will also be with St Joseph’s students and staff.  Mrs Angela Brockett, Mrs Thea Parry and Mr Cameron Salmon will accompany our students on this camp.  This will be exciting for some of our student who are looking forward to the beach atmosphere.  While there won’t be any swimming in the ocean there will be plenty of beach activities.

I thank Mrs Brook and Mrs Brockett for preparing the students for the camp and also for organising the sessions for parents to listen to the information and to ask questions. 

ICE CREAM SUNDAE:

This Friday our lovely P & F ladies will prepare delicious Ice cream sundaes for those who have ordered them.  Orders were due today (Tuesday) but if you have forgotten the office staff will take them tomorrow morning. 

TRANSITION FOUNDATION:

This Friday October 13th is the 3rd transition morning session.  We love to see our future transition students coming to school to become familiar with the school routine and to meet some new friends and teachers.  The session is from 8.50 until 11.30am which includes first break in the playground. Please provide a piece of fruit, a sandwich and water bottle. 

The dates for future Transition days are: 

Friday October 13th

Friday October 27th

Friday November 10th 

Friday November 24th 

Tuesday December 12th -State wide Transition

Rushworth P-12 College YR 7 TRANSITION

This Friday October 13th is transition day at Rushworth P-12 College for 2024 Year 7 students.  This is a full day.

THREE SITE GARAGE SALE:

This Saturday October 14th there will be a garage sale of items in the hall.  We are selling off the rectangular grey desks and books.  There are also items for sale at the convent and the presbytery.  If anyone is able to give some time on Saturday morning at the hall for the sale it would be appreciated. 

CATHOLIC MISSIONS WEEK -Socktober

October 23 – 27 is Catholic Missions Week.  Catholic Missions shares in God’s mission to reach out, give life by sharing our personal and financial resources to: - proclaim the Gospel, - serve people in need, - act for peace, justice and creation; in partnership with local churches, so that all may have life in Christ.  Caritas and Catholic Missions are our two main motives for fundraising.  We will have a crazy sock day on Thursday October 26th for a gold coin donation to Catholic Missions. 

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

On Monday October 24th we will have our final SAC meeting for 2023.  An email was sent to all members today regarding school fees. Please read and respond before Friday October 13th. 

PUPIL FREE DAYS

As advised in the letter posted on SIMON Everywhere there has been another Pupil Free day granted this term.  The Pupil free days for Term 4 are:

Monday November 6 – Report Writing

Monday November 27 – Planning Day 2024

Friday December 8 – Strategic /School Improvement Plan writing day

School finishes for students on Tuesday December 19th and for staff on Wednesday December 20th. 

WE ARE PRAYING FOR

Our school community is a strong and supportive group.  We currently have two families who are in need of our love and prayers as they face huge challenges.  Please give your positive thoughts and prayers to Deanne, Tim, Emily and Oliver Walker, while Dee is in hospital preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Our prayers are also needed for Jessica Rogers, Nathan, Taya, Ebony and Madeline Cleary as Jess has started chemotherapy for non Hodgkins Lymphoma. 

Their extended families also need our support at this time as they care for the children at home.  Now would be a good time to make an extra casserole or cake to take to these families.  We send our love to you Dee and Jess.

Take care and enjoy the wonderful spring weather.

Catherine Fraser

Principal