Principals Message

Dear families,  

We are rapidly approaching the end of Term 3 and are appearing to be moving into some nicer weather. I wish anyone who is following any netball or football the very best as we are well and truly into finals.  

As you may be aware, I have had a couple of weeks away from school in support of family and illnesses. In saying that, it is great to be back at work this week seeing and catching up with the community. I can not thank the staff enough for their support of each other and the families in our school while I have been away. I especially thank Mrs Jamieson and Mrs Fiske-Kealy for their leadership as acting principal while I was absent. They took any challenges in their stride and celebrated all successes. Thank you. 

Fathers Day Mass and stall 

Again this year, we held a very successful Father’s Day celebration, beginning with Mass led by Fr Boniface, breakfast and our stall. Once again, a huge thank you to our beautiful Parents and Friends group for coordinating the breakfast and the stall. I hope that all dad’s and significant males had a wonderful day and were spoiled. 

Foundation interviews 

It was amazing to meet lots of the Foundation 2026 students and families a couple of Friday’s ago during our Foundation interviews. We spoke about all of the amazing skills and characteristics that families witness and began to plan for learning in 2026. 

Gen Bryant school charism day 

Next Wednesday, we host St Joseph’s Nagambie, St. Mary’s Inglewood and Holy Rosary Heathcote on site for our 2025 Charism Day. We have guest presenter, singer and songwriter Gen Bryant who will lead the celebrations throughout the day. We invite families in for our liturgy from 1pm. 

This will be a wonderful day and we look forward to hosting such a great event. 

Staffing 2026 

I am well into the process of working through 2026 budgets, structures and staffing. Currently, I have a full-time fixed-term position advertised. This position will be to replace Mrs Brook for 2026 as her and Peter welcome their first child later next term and beyond. 

Please feel free to share this advert far and wide if you know of anyone who would be a good fit at St Mary’s. https://careers.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/jobs/classroom-teacher-fixed-term-full-time-st-mary-s-school-rushworth-vic-australia  

Bushfire preparedness 

Last week, I met with Bounce Readiness to work through and revise our Bushfire Management Plan (as we are a school who is on the Bushfire At Risk Register). We discerned our Shelter-in-place location within the school (our auditorium) and revised processes to ensure that we are vigilant and prepared for any and all-weather events and natural disasters. Next week, we will have Bounce on site to train staff as Wardens and we will also hold an Emergency Drill for ‘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