Principals Message

Dear families,  

A massive welcome to our last newsletter of 2024. The year has flown but it has been an immense privilege and enjoyable first year as principal of this amazing school and community. I cannot thank the community, families, staff and students for their support, dedication and friendship throughout the year.  

I take the opportunity to thank any families who end their association (in terms of enrolments) with St Mary’s but hope to continue this strong bond throughout community events and in passing.  

I also thank our exiting staff members for their service and care for the students and families of Rushworth and surrounding communities. Mrs. Angela Brockett has been a classroom teacher for the past 3 years and has shared her passion and experience with the children in her classes. Miss Mardi Ryan has been a F/1/2, intervention and replacement teacher this year. She has brought positivity and enthusiasm to the school. We wish them both the very best in their future teaching.  

We also say, “See you later” to Mrs. Prue Barlow as she will finish up at the end of the year to begin Maternity Leave. We cannot wait to meet the newest member of the Barlow family when that time comes. All the best. 

End of Year Mass and Graduation 

Last Friday, we held our Year 6 Graduation Mass in the Church. It was a sensational celebration for our graduating class of Year 6 students, and we are so proud of what you have all achieved and how you have grown throughout your time at our school. We wish you all the best for your future education and look forward to stopping and chatting with you throughout the community.  

As a celebration of their time at St Mary’s, Mrs. Brockett has talked me into allowing them to have a ‘Big Day Out’ next Wednesday. This will be a day of celebration and fun for the kids. Mrs. Brockett will share more information. 

Statewide transition 

Today was the statewide transition day for our school. We welcomed new enrolments and staff for 2025 for the first 4 hours of the day. I was extremely impressed by the way that the children worked with their 2025 cohorts and how the new ‘Buddys’ collaborated. A really successful day.

Pupil Free Day - Magnify 

Last week, all Catholic Education Sandhurst schools received correspondence from our Executive Director regarding important training for all staff next year in our behaviour curriculum. The Knowledge Society teacher mastery professional learning will take place on Tuesday 17th June as a pupil free day. This is in addition to the dates previously sent out. 

Swimming Carnival 

Last Monday, we had our 2024 Swimming Carnival in Stanhope. The day was filled with lots of fun and smiles. Thanks, Mrs. Morse, for organising the event. 

School Saver Bonus and fees 

Last fortnight, I shared a great deal of information regarding school fees for 2025 (Please go back and read this if you missed it). This week, I can happily confirm that next year, those eligible will have access to the $400 School Saver Bonus that can be put toward a number of school-related expenses. This was a controversial payment that was offered to all state schools and an inequality that our Diocesan office (and other Catholic organisations lobbied for).  

Early next year, we will receive more information from the VCEA and the DET regarding the roll out of this initiative. Stay tuned.  

Building works 

Last week and this, you may have seen some construction on the East end of the admin building. This was to brick in our server room window in a bid to cool the room to ensure the longevity of our IT hardware.  

Over the summer break, we also have the upgrade of our Basketball Court. The students in 3-6 have been designing the space and I will soon be incorporating their elements into the final design. 

We also have some pool fencing and restoration work of our retaining wall occurring during the break in preparation for 2025.  

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.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact or come and see me if you have any questions or queries.  

God bless you all, 

Vin Ryan