Principals Message
Welcome back to Term 4! We trust that all our families enjoyed a wonderful break from the routines and busyness of school life and are feeling refreshed and ready for the final ten weeks of 2026. Where has the time gone?
As we enter this final term, there is so much to celebrate and reflect upon. Our students have achieved remarkable things, our school community has shared countless memorable experiences, and together we have continued to grow in so many ways.
Amongst all this busyness, I am reminded of just how important it is to slow down when we can and appreciate the little moments before they pass us by.
One of the greatest blessings of being Principal at St Mary's Primary School, Rushworth, is the privilege of witnessing both the big achievements and the seemingly small, everyday moments that make our school so special. I never take this for granted.
Spending time on the playground, sharing conversations with students, or being invited to sample a delicious bowl of sandpit soup is, to me, just as meaningful as celebrating our students' outstanding NAPLAN results. While these moments may be very different, each tells an important story about a child's growth, confidence, sense of belonging and experience of school.
Every one of these moments deserves our time, respect and authentic engagement. After all, education is about so much more than academic achievement alone. It is about nurturing the whole child, celebrating their individuality and ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, valued and connected.
In Here, Out There – A Celebration of Student Voice
We are incredibly excited about a very special event coming up this term, one that I believe will be a truly memorable experience for our entire school community.
On Friday 30 October at 1:00 pm, our students will present In Here, Out There, a creative performance that brings their lived experiences, stories and voices to life.
This remarkable piece has been developed by four incredibly talented artists who have worked collaboratively to transform our students' voices and experiences into a powerful expression of storytelling through script, movement, visual artistry and sound.
What makes this performance particularly special is its authenticity. The stories being shared are not simply stories written for children to perform. They are reflections of the thoughts, feelings, experiences and perspectives of our very own students.
As scripts begin making their way home, we encourage families to support their children with practising their lines, but also to take the time to listen, reflect and appreciate the meaning behind the words. These are the voices of your child, your child's friends and the young people who make up our beautiful St Mary's community.
This is so much more than a performance. It is an opportunity to honour student voice, celebrate creativity and recognise the importance of giving children a platform to share their experiences with the world around them.
We invite the entire family to join us on Friday 30 October at 1:00 pm. Bring your grandparents, special people and loved ones. This is an occasion to share together, and one that I am confident will leave a lasting impression.
As we look ahead to the final term of 2026, there is certainly much to anticipate, with learning, celebrations, milestones and special events still to come.
My hope is that amongst the excitement and busyness, we all find opportunities to slow down, be present, and appreciate the little things that make these years so precious.
Thank you, as always, for the trust you place in us and for the wonderful contribution you make to our school community.
Here's to a beautiful final term of learning, connection, celebration, and making memories together!
Angela Fiske-Kealy